Tournus

Port Tournus, gracefully perched on the Saone in France, offers a distinctly intimate alternative to larger cruise ports, where ships glide into a small stone lined harbor and guests slip easily ashore to a walkable, UNESCO influenced town. What sets it apart is the sense of time slowed to Burgundy rhythm: centuries old abbey on a river bend, pedestrian lanes lined with cafes and market stands, and the surrounding countryside of vineyards and Roman ruins that can be reached by gentle shore excursions. Signature experiences include a private tour of the Abbey of Saint Philibert, a tasting stroll through nearby vineyards, a sunset cruise past sun kissed cliffs, and a hands on tracing of the region culinary identity via a chef led demonstration and cellar visit. Destinations reachable from Tournus on the regional cruise itineraries include Lyon, Macon, Beaujolais wine country, Cluny and Dijon wine routes, with optional extensions to Lyon culinary capital and the Roman towns along the Saone. The port gracefully accommodates boutique river ships designed for intimate communities of guests, with shallow drafts that glide into its calm mooring and decks optimized for long, sunset views. Onboard services emphasize immersive Burgundy experiences, fine regional dining, wine pairing by sommeliers, expert guides, comfortable lounges with panoramic river views, and thoughtful amenities that help guests unwind after enriching shore adventures.