If you fancy watching the French countryside slide by from the comfort of your cabin, then we have just the getaway for you

TALK about a room with a view Im lying in my cabin, balcony doors wide open, watching the French countryside slide by.

The suns dancing off the water, swifts are darting in silhouette and kids are cycling to school along the riverbank.

This is proper lazy travelling, chugging down the Rhone river from Lyon towards the Med.

My TV maps the A-Rosa Stella river cruises progress, highlighting bridges and monuments along the way.

Another channel shows the live view from the bow of the ship.

France is all there for the taking but I only reach for my camera or nip off for an excursion when something really takes my eye.

And this pick n mix, relaxed attitude runs through all the boats facilities and attractions. Buffet meals replace formal stuffy set dinners, the free bar is open whenever you fancy a pina colada and theres even a sauna at water level with river views.

Weather permitting, try the sundeck and swimming pool or on-deck games. Just learn to duck when youre approaching a low bridge.

This vast vessel was built to fit the Rhone. With just inches to spare, it squeezes through the many locks and bridges we navigate as we slowly descend to sea level.

Inside, its easy to forget youre afloat. Theres no stomach-churning rocking, no rescuing sliding drinks from bar tables on the lean, or wobbling with a plate of food in hand.

This ship is incredibly stable as it uses the latest technology to ensure the smoothest ride.

The only rocking youll get is from DJ Robbie, who runs music bingo nights and plays tunes till late(ish) in the bar.

We also danced to local band Les Gitans, relatives of the more famous Gipsy Kings who, incidentally, live in a series of caravans deep in the Camargue, southern Frances glorious flatlands that open out on to the Med.

Take the 44 Jeep Safari excursion into the Camargue and its easy to see why the band fell in love with this area. Wild white horses roam freely, pink flamingos flock in the sunset and fearless humans race fearsome bulls.

Farmhouses are dotted among the salt flats their curved roofs designed to withstand the cold mistral winds that frequently blow down the river valley.

In the pretty coastal town of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer I munch on Camargue bread a local bruschetta with anchovies, olives and tomato for less than 2. Even the wild horses eat like the French, happily nibbling on loaves.

A visit to Avignons broken medieval bridge Pont DAvignon and city wall makes for some cracking photos.

You can also take a lazy bike tour along the river here and through the plum groves.

Or ditch the bike and go on foot through the old cobbled city, spotting the painted trompe loeil windows, overhanging balconies and vast Popes Palace, which housed pontiffs in the 14th Century.

You cant visit the Rhone without sampling some of the great local wine, such as Chateauneuf-du-Pape. It gets its flavour by growing among rocks washed down the river from the Swiss Alps more than 25million years ago.

Another trip took us past the Ardeche regions lavender and rape fields to visit epic limestone gorges and caves.

Also there is the majestic Pont dArc. Catholics and Protestants used to wage war on this a natural limestone bridge, slinging their enemies into the river below. Now, canoeists paddle peacefully beneath.

Back on board, we sample local oysters and champagne, and later try a set menu in their fine dining area for only 12.

Its a real chance to spoil yourself as is the whole trip.

This was my first river cruise. And I hope not my last. Calling all fellow lazy travellers.

GETTING/STAYING THERE: A seven-night Rhone Route Classic River Cruise onboard A-Rosa Stella is from 1,276 per person.

It includes deluxe accommodation, all meals and drinks, a private VIP home pick-up service if you live within 50 miles of your departure airport, return flights from Gatwick and transfers.

Based on two sharing for an April 2018 departure. Call 0800 440 2797 or see cosmos.co.uk. OUT & ABOUT: Excursions can be booked onboard.

They include: Orange, Gateway to Provence, 36; Bike Tour of Avignon, 19; Avignon City Walking Tour (with a visit to the Popes Palace), 30; Jeep Tour Through the Camargue, 74; Southern Ardeche and Lavender Scent, 56.

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Spoil yourself with a relaxing French river cruise down the Rhone river from Lyon towards the Mediterranean - The Sun