What is the typical length of river cruises starting in Lyon, France?

River cruises departing from Lyon generally run between 6 to 10 days with most travelers choosing 7 or 8-day journeys along the Rhône and Saône rivers. These waterways connect travelers to historic destinations such as Avignon Arles and Viviers. The Emerald Cruises' "Sensations of Lyon and Provence" spans 10 days beginning at Lyon's riverfront near Place Bellecour while AmaWaterways offers an 8-day "Colors of Provence" route. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The 8-day cruise gave us the perfect amount of time to discover both the cultural and culinary highlights of the region."

What are the most popular departing locations within Lyon for river cruises?

Three main departure points serve Lyon's river cruise operations: Quai Claude Bernard in the city center near Place Bellecour Port de Lyon Édouard Herriot in the southern district and the Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport transfer point. Premium vessels like the S.S. Catherine use Quai Claude Bernard while ships such as MS Van Gogh and MS Rhone Princess operate from Port Herriot. According to a TourRadar traveler review "Boarding at Quai Claude Bernard was very convenient just steps from Hotel Carlton Lyon and the city center."

What are the best times of year to start a river cruise from Lyon?

Lyon river cruises operate best from April through October with the busiest period falling between May and September. Spring departures showcase the Rhône Valley's flowering landscapes while autumn trips offer pleasant temperatures and wine harvest activities. Beaujolais region visits are especially popular during fall grape picking. As one TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The weather was perfect for exploring both on and off the ship in September."

What are the main highlights to explore in Lyon before embarking?

Key pre-cruise attractions in Lyon include the UNESCO-recognized Old Town (Vieux Lyon) with its distinctive traboules passageways the hilltop Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière and the bustling Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse market. Convenient accommodation options near these sites include the Sofitel Lyon Bellecour and InterContinental Lyon Hotel Dieu. One TourRadar traveler shared: "Everyone should see Lyon if they have the opportunity - with its old town narrow alleyways and over 200 illuminated sights."

What kind of culinary experiences are included in tours starting from Lyon?

Lyon's reputation as France's food capital shapes the culinary offerings on these tours. Experiences range from exploring Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse market to wine tastings in Beaujolais and meals at traditional Lyonnaise bouchon restaurants. Programs often feature cooking demonstrations cheese sampling olive tastings and special events like dining with Top Chef finalist Fabien Morreale. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The food experience starting in Lyon was exceptional - from market tours to wine tastings in Beaujolais and the unforgettable dinner at a traditional bouchon where we sampled authentic Lyonnaise specialties."

What are the most popular destinations included in tours starting from Lyon?

Routes from Lyon connect travelers to Provence's notable cities: Avignon's Papal Palace Arles' Roman amphitheater and medieval Viviers. The itineraries include stops in riverside towns like Tournon and Vienne plus visits to wine regions such as Beaujolais and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. As mentioned by a TourRadar traveler: "The Rhône valley offers spectacular landscapes and the cruise stops at fascinating historic towns though some industrial areas are also part of the journey."

How far in advance should I book a river cruise starting in Lyon?

Booking patterns indicate securing a Lyon river cruise 6-12 months ahead works best particularly for peak season (April-October) sailings. Companies like AmaWaterways and Emerald Cruises reward early bookings with discounts. Most travelers book 8-10 months before departure especially for summer trips when preferred cabins fill quickly. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "We booked our July cruise 10 months in advance and were glad we did as the preferred cabin categories were already filling up quickly."

France Tours from Lyon

Imagine exploring Lyon's historic Vieux Lyon district, tasting Beaujolais wines in Villefranche-sur-Saône, and visiting the grand Cluny Abbey in Mâconnais? Enjoy a Michelin-starred meal in Bourg-en-Bresse, discover Dijon's Palais des Ducs and owl trail. French food culture at its finest, alongside culture, history, and friendly locals.

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10 best France tour packages from Lyon

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City & Culture
Rhône Valley: Lyon, Annecy, Burgundy, and the French Countryside
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Lyon, Annecy, Perouges, Cluny, Villefranche-sur-Saone
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Worldee
From
US$673per person
+$864 upfront costs
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River Cruise
Sensations of Lyon & Provence 2024/2025|2026 - 8 Days (from Lyon to Nice)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Lyon, Beaune, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Viviers, Avignon, Arles,Nice+1 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Rhone SaoneSouthern FranceProvence+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Emerald Cruises
From
US$7,990per person
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River Cruise
Cruise and Hikes: The Rhône and the Saône Reveal the Richness of Their Terroirs (port-to-port cruise)
3.8 (4 reviews)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Lyon, Macon, Cluny, Vienne, Avignon, Arles,Camargue Regional Nature Park,Fontvieille,Les Baux de Provence,Viviers,Tournon-sur-Rhone+5 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Ship
MS Rhone Princess
Regions
Rhone SaoneSouthern France+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
CroisiEurope River Cruises
From
US$2,739per person
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River Cruise
Idyllic Rhône with French Riviera 2027 - 11 Days (from Lyon to Nice)
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Lyon, Macon, Beaujolais, Cluny, Perouges, Vienne, Viviers,Grignan,Avignon,Pont du Gard,Chateauneuf du Pape,Arles,Les Baux de Provence,Tarascon,Nice,Monte Carlo,Saint-Paul-de-Vence+10 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Ship
Scenic Sapphire
Country Region
French RivieraSouthern France+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
17% off
From $9,875
US$8,213per person
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City & Culture
Rhone Winter Holiday (2028, Lyon to Arles)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Lyon, Valence, Viviers, Avignon, Tarascon,Saint-Rémy-de-Provence,Arles+2 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Ship
S.S. Catherine
Regions
RhoneSouthern FranceProvence+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
17% off
From
US$3,999per person
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River Cruise
France | Burgundy & Provence | Rhône River & Saône River Bike & Boat Tour
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Lyon, Macon, Chalon sur Saone, Tournus, Avignon, Arles,Tarascon,Saint-Rémy-de-Provence,Les Baux de Provence+3 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
Southern France
Operated in
English, German
Operator
Terranova Touristik
17% off
From
US$4,479per person
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River Cruise
A trip to admire the beautiful scenery of the Rhône valley (port-to-port cruise)
4.5 (6 reviews)
"The ship and cabins where clean and efficient, the meals where very nice with the wine selection."
Joelle, traveled in October
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Lyon, Avignon, Arles, Camargue Regional Nature Park,Martigues,Les Baux de Provence,Viviers,La Voulte-sur-Rhone+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Ships
MS Van Gogh MS Mistral MS Rhone Princess MS Camargue II+3 ships
Regions
RhoneSouthern FranceProvence+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
CroisiEurope River Cruises
17% off
From
US$1,759per person
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River Cruise
Rhône Route Méditerranée 2027 - A-Rosa Luna
3.0 (1 review)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Lyon, Viviers, Avignon, Arles, Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhone,Tournon-sur-Rhone,Beaujolais+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Ship
A-ROSA LUNA
Regions
RhoneSouthern FranceProvence+2 more
Operated in
English, German
Operator
A-ROSA
17% off
From
US$1,231per person
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River Cruise
Springtime Sensations of Lyon & Provence 2026/2027 - 8 Days (from Lyon to Nice)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Lyon, Perouges, Vienne, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Viviers, Avignon,Pont du Gard,Chateauneuf du Pape,Arles,Les Baux de Provence,Nice+5 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Rhone SaoneSouthern FranceProvence+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Emerald Cruises
14% off
From $4,545
US$3,920per person
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River Cruise
A Christmas in Provence (port-to-port cruise) - VAN GOGH II
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Lyon, Avignon, Arles, Tain-l’Hermitage
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Ship
MS Van Gogh
Regions
RhoneSouthern FranceProvence+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
CroisiEurope River Cruises
14% off
From
US$1,283per person
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River Cruise
Rhône Route Provence 2027 - A-Rosa Stella
3.7 (9 reviews)
"Great service. great value for money cruises."
Evan, traveled in August
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Lyon, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Avignon, Arles, Viviers, Vienne
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Ships
A-ROSA STELLA A-ROSA LUNA+1 ship
Regions
RhoneSouthern FranceProvence+2 more
Operated in
English, German
Operator
A-ROSA
14% off
From
US$1,231per person
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River Cruise
Rhône Route Rendez-Vous 2026
5.0 (1 review)
"The trip was excellent, even though it was changed due to strikes, we end up doing the Saône instead of the Rhône."
Josiane, traveled in April
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Lyon, Viviers, Arles, Avignon, Vienne
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Ship
A-ROSA LUNA
Regions
RhoneSouthern FranceProvence+2 more
Operated in
English, German
Operator
A-ROSA
14% off
From
US$1,225per person
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$All the must-see sites on the Rhône between Lyon, Provence, and the Camargue with a dinner at Paul Bocuse\'s Abbaye de Collonges Restaurant Offered (port-to-port cruise, 11 destinations) Tour$
$All the must-see sites on the Rhône between Lyon, Provence, and the Camargue with a dinner at Paul Bocuse\'s Abbaye de Collonges Restaurant Offered (port-to-port cruise, 11 destinations) - 11 destinations$
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River Cruise
All the must-see sites on the Rhône between Lyon, Provence, and the Camargue with a dinner at Paul Bocuse's Abbaye de Collonges Restaurant Offered (port-to-port cruise, 11 destinations)
4.7 (19 reviews)
"Service overall on boat was excellent. room is clean and nice with comfy bed"
Goldilocks, traveled in June
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Lyon, Collonges, Tain-l’Hermitage, Avignon, Gordes, Arles,Camargue Regional Nature Park,Viviers,Vallon-Pont-d'Arc,La Voulte-sur-Rhone+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Ships
MS Van Gogh MS Mistral MS Rhone Princess MS Camargue II+3 ships
Regions
RhoneSouthern FranceProvence+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
CroisiEurope River Cruises
14% off
From
US$2,035per person
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River Cruise
Treasures of Burgundy and Provence: Rhône & Saône (Lyon - Lyon)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Lyon, Macon, Beaujolais, Cluny, Chalon sur Saone, Beaune,Tournus,Avignon,Nimes,Uzès,Arles,Camargue Regional Nature Park,Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer,Châteauneuf-du-Rhône,Le Pouzin,Natural Reserve of the Ardèche Gorges,Grignan,Tournon-sur-Rhone+12 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Ship
Amadeus Provence
Regions
Rhone SaoneSouthern France+1 more
Operated in
English, German
Operator
Lueftner Cruises
14% off
From
US$2,241per person
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River Cruise
Sensations of Lyon and Provence & Nice 2026|2027 - 11 Days
5.0 (1 review)
"the more intimate cruising experience was heads-and-shoulders above the average mega-ship cruise."
Gary, traveled in July
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Lyon, Perouges, Macon, Beaujolais, Tournon-sur-Rhone,Viviers,Avignon,Pont du Gard,Chateauneuf du Pape,Arles,Les Baux de Provence,Nice,Monte Carlo,Monaco,Saint-Paul-de-Vence+10 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Rhone SaoneSouthern France+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Emerald Cruises
11% off
From $5,965
US$5,310per person
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