Viviers, France

Charming Ardèche

Lavender Museum, Gorges and a Cliffside Village Take in the natural beauty and endless charms of France’s picturesque region shaped by the Ardèche River. Enjoy a scenic drive with your guide and learn about one of the region’s most renowned harvests: lavender. Stop at the Lavender Museum and see its distillery, where the essential oil is extracted from the flower. Feel free to peruse the botanical garden, collection room and distillation warehouse. Continue to the Ardèche Gorge, one of France’s most spectacular natural wonders. Stop to admire this deep ravine, known as the “Grand Canyon of Europe,” and see the magnificent Pont d’Arc, a massive natural bridge that spans almost 200 feet across the gorge. Later, during a home-hosted visit while in the picturesque medieval village of Viviers, enjoy a welcome drink and a brioche as you listen to stories from your hosts about local life. Afterward, you will return to your ship. * Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.