Exclusive for Mail on Sunday readers: Discover the flavours of the glorious Rhone with Michel Roux Jr
If you long for a trip combining relaxation and luxury, there is no finer way to experience it than on a blissful river cruise along the spectacular Rhone valley in southern France.
On this fantastic eight-day holiday you will discover one of the world’s great regions for food-lovers, taste superb Burgundy wines, enjoy delicious Lyonnaise cuisine and unwind in style as you sail through unspoilt countryside, with stops at Arles, Avignon and Lyon.
What’s more, you will be joined on your fabulous trip aboard a deluxe Emerald Waterways Star-Ship by one of the masters of French gastronomy, Michel Roux Jr, the two-Michelin-star chef at London’s famous Le Gavroche restaurant.
The famous bridge at historic Avignon on the Rhone
Star quality: A suite on Emerald Liberte
OUR SPECIAL GUESTS
MasterChef star Michel Roux Jr
Michel Roux Jr is one of the world’s greatest chefs, taking over Le Gavroche in Mayfair from his late father Albert Roux and earning two coveted Michelin stars. A regular BBC personality, he appeared as a judge in five series of BBC2’s MasterChef: The Professionals, as well as presenting Michel Roux’s Service, BBC2’s Food & Drink and the BBC’s Saturday Kitchen.
British food writer Tom Parker Bowles
Tom Parker Bowles is an award-winning food writer and critic and broadcaster. He is an author of seven cookery books, a Mail on Sunday columnist and a regular judge on leading cookery shows.
Michel will join you for exclusive events, including a private cooking demonstration and a book-signing opportunity where you’ll receive a copy of his latest book (one per cabin).
He says: ‘I can’t wait to join you on the Rhone for this wonderful holiday, during which I will help you to discover the secrets of French cuisine in a region famous for its gastronomy.’
REASONS TO BOOK
Meet Michel Roux Jr and Tom Parker Bowles: You will join Michel Roux Jr for an exclusive on-board cooking demonstration, including tasters to sample, while British food writer Tom Parker Bowles will talk about the ingredients used, including his favourite locally sourced ingredients from the region.
That evening, enjoy a delicious menu of culinary delights for your evening meal, selected by Michel Roux Jr himself, followed by a dessert buffet of local delicacies, unique to this cruise.
You’ll also have the opportunity to ask Michel and Tom your burning culinary questions during an exclusive question-and-answer session and find out more about their lives and careers.
French flavours with Michel Roux Jr: As well as hosting a private cooking demonstration on board, Michel will sign copies of his latest book (one complimentary copy per cabin) and Tom will join you for a regional wine-tasting on board. You will discover the wine-making tradition of Chalon-sur-Saône and the splendid Burgundy it produces, taste some of the region’s finest olives and cheese, and enjoy a Provençale dinner hosted by expert local chef Fabien Morreale.
Sail in style: One of the most recent additions to the Emerald Waterways fleet of Star-Ships, Emerald Liberte offers a truly luxurious way to travel. It boasts a fine-dining restaurant, bar areas, spa, an indoor heated pool with retractable roof which transforms into a cinema at night, and a sun deck to take in the stunning scenery.
Discover Burgundy and the Rhone: As well as visiting Lyon, an essential destination for food-lovers, your eight-day itinerary includes time sailing through the pretty vineyards of Beaune and Provence – the ‘land of lavender and rosé’ – a visit to the atmospheric Roman ruins of Viviers, and memorable stops at historic Avignon and the Roman town of Arles.