FOR CONNOISSEURS
Oenophiles who would like to explore southern France before a day at the seaside in Marseille should try Avalon’s enchanting nine-day river cruise. This Rhône-Saône itinerary is a foodies’ delight, leaving from charming Saint-Jean-de-Losne with a Master of Wine lecturer on board. There’s also a visit to a Chardonnay cellar in Mâcon for wine tasting, two days in France’s gastronomic capital, Lyon, plus a walking tour of medieval Tournon with wine and chocolate tasting at Valrhona, and a trip to the wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape from Avignon. Don’t forget to book an Avalon Your Way one-night stay in Marseille so you can soak up the Mediterranean sun. *The Marseille for Wine Lovers (southbound) river cruise departs 27 October, with prices from £2,897pp, based on two people sharing, including flights and one night in Marseille (0330 058 8243; avalonwaterways.co.uk).