Lauren and her daughter Anna explored Southern France over the recent winter festive period. We began our adventure in the stunning Côte d’Azur, staying at the charming 1932 Hotel & Spa Cap d’Antibes, a boutique MGallery property in Juan les Pins. Our junior suite came with a delightful balcony, and we loved the breathtaking mountain-to-sea views from the rooftop terrace. We enjoyed our leisurely 30-minute walk to Antibes, where we immersed ourselves in the festive Christmas markets, soaking in the holiday atmosphere.

From Antibes, we traveled by train to Arles, spending a night at the Jules César Arles Hotel & Spa, another MGallery property. We were captivated by the city’s incredible Roman ruins and the rich artistic history of Vincent van Gogh. The narrow, winding streets seemed to tell stories at every turn. Our real adventure began when we boarded the AMA Kristina for a seven-night river cruise along the Rhône, sailing north from Arles to Lyon. We made a smart choice by upgrading to two connecting balcony cabins, which gave us extra space and flexibility.  The ship was totally decked out for the holidays, creating a very festive atmosphere.

The cruise was a winter wonderland of experiences with glorious sunshine for most of the sailing. In Avignon, we explored the Palace of the Popes on our own and wandered through vibrant street markets, food halls, shops and ate some crepes. A particularly memorable cruise excursion took us to the fairytale-like town of Les Baux and the charming village of St. Remy. Each additional stop offered something unique – from exploring the walled town of Viviers to a delightful wine and chocolate tasting in Tournon. On a chilly and cloudy day in Vienne, we stayed on board and enjoyed a cozy day watching movies and taking a fitness class.

Our journey along the Rhone and its many locks reached its pinnacle in Lyon, where we hiked up to the spectacular Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourviere. It was a spectacular site inside and out, and the city views were expansive. We couldn’t resist shopping at the famous French pharmacies, marveling at their incredible selection of natural products. The AMA cruise was excellent – the staff incredibly welcoming, and our final evening at the Chef’s Table was a culinary highlight. We met many friendly fellow travelers, from families to solo adventurers, all enjoying the holiday season in their own special way. AMA offered an varied selection of excursions to fit every passenger’s needs.

Lauren trained up to Paris to fly home while Anna was able to take a short flight from Lyon back to her home in Prague.  Overall, a magical way to spend the holidays!