A Daily Mail writer has enthused about the "joys of southern France" following a river cruise along the Rhone.

Caroline Hendrie enjoyed a six-day voyage from the city of Arles in Provence to Lyon in the Rhone-Alpes region.

Sailing on the Avalon Scenery, a 360ft boat that was built specifically for France's waterways in 2008, the writer enjoyed daily guided tours of destinations such as Arles, which is home to a number of Roman monuments.

River cruises in south-east France also provide the opportunity to visit the medieval town of Viviers and see its Gothic cathedral, as well as noteworthy locations such as the former monastery and gardens of St Paul de Mausole.

Avignon is home to the Palais des Papes, an impressive 14th-century building that features on the Unesco World Heritage list.

Ms Hendrie also recommended sampling some of the cuisine on offer in the region, reserving particular praise for Ardeche pate, saucisson sec, mild goats' cheese and pastries.