What are the main landmarks visited on river cruise tours starting from Arles?

From Arles, your river cruise will take you to some really special places in France. In Arles itself, you'll see the ancient Roman Amphitheater and places where Van Gogh painted his famous works. The route continues to Avignon where you can explore the massive Palace of the Popes, and then on to Lyon to see the beautiful Place des Terreaux square. Along the way, you'll stop at Tournon Castle, check out the old cathedral in Viviers, and visit the historic Hospital in Beaune. One of our travelers said it was "a perfect mix of historical sites and cultural experiences" - and I'd have to agree.

What's the best time of year for a river cruise starting in Arles?

Spring and fall are your best bets for an Arles river cruise. In April, May, September and October, you get nice mild weather around 65-75°F (18-24°C) - perfect for walking around and sightseeing. Spring brings flowers in bloom across Provence, while fall shows off with beautiful colors. Summer can get pretty hot, up to 85°F (29°C). Winter cruises are cooler at about 45°F (7°C), but you get to experience the Christmas markets. A traveler told us "the April weather was perfect for exploring Arles' outdoor attractions and vineyards."

What's the typical distance covered on river cruises starting from Arles?

Most river cruises from Arles cover between 190-250 miles as you travel up the Rhône River to Lyon. If you choose a longer trip that combines the Rhône and Rhine Rivers, you might go up to 750 miles. The boat stops at several ports along the way - Avignon is 27 miles from Arles, then Viviers at 106 miles, and finally Lyon at 187 miles. As one of our travelers mentioned, "the distances between ports are perfect for scenic daytime cruising while enjoying the Provençal landscape."

What's the typical duration of river cruise tours starting in Arles?

You'll find river cruises from Arles lasting anywhere from 8 to 18 days, with most people choosing the 15-day trips. If you're short on time, try the 8-day Burgundy & Provence cruise along the Rhône and Saône Rivers. For a longer adventure, the 18-day Grand France trip includes London and takes you through several French cities. One traveler mentioned that "the pace was perfect for really experiencing each destination."

What are the most spectacular sailing routes from Arles on river cruises?

The most popular route takes you through Provence on the Rhône River. You'll pass by Avignon and its famous Papal Palace, cruise through Viviers, and sail past the impressive Ardèche gorges. Boats like the Avalon Poetry II and MS Van Gogh take you through the Lock Bollène before reaching the wine towns of Tournon and Tain l'Hermitage. One of our travelers shared that "The stretch between Arles and Avignon offers the most breathtaking views of medieval villages and vineyards."

What wine regions can I visit on river cruises starting from Arles?

Your cruise will take you through some of France's best wine regions like Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Beaujolais, and Côtes du Rhône. You can visit old wine cellars in the Mâconnais region and stop at the Valrhona Chocolate and Wine Factory in Tain l'Hermitage. Many tours use the Hotel de la Cite in Carcassonne as a base for wine trips. Our travelers especially loved the wine experiences, with one saying "The wine tasting experiences, especially in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, were exceptional and well-curated."

River Cruises from Arles

Have you imagined exploring ancient Arles and its Roman ruins, touring Avignon and the Palace of the Popes, and strolling through historic Viviers village? Grand France from Arles to Paris delivers. Taste fine wines in Tournon and Tain-l'Hermitage, visit Monet's Gardens and Château de La Roche-Guyon, and honestly, cruising France's rivers shows you the countryside at a pace where you actually absorb each region's character.

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10 best River Cruise tour packages from Arles

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River Cruise
Grand France (2027, Arles to Paris)
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Arles, Avignon, Pont du Gard, Viviers, Tournon-sur-Rhone,Tain-l’Hermitage,Lyon,Macon,Beaune,Paris,La Roche-Guyon,Vernon,Giverny,Rouen,Caudebec-en-Caux,Honfleur,Etretat,Normandy Beach,Mantes-la-Jolie,Versailles+15 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Ships
S.S. Catherine S.S Joie de Vivre+1 ship
Operated in
English
Operator
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
From
US$8,849per person
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River Cruise
Discover the Tulips of the Rhine & Rhone River Cruise
Duration
15 days
Destinations
France Germany Netherlands
Age Range
Ages 12+
River
Rhine Rhone Saone
Operated in
English
Operator
Emerald Cruises
From
US$9,350per person
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River Cruise
Discover the Rhine & Rhone rivers 2027 - 15 Days
Duration
15 days
Destinations
France Germany Netherlands
Age Range
Ages 12+
River
Rhine Rhone SaoneMoselle+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Emerald Cruises
18% off
From $10,705
US$8,756per person
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River Cruise
Springtime Sensations of Lyon & Provence 2026/2027 - 8 Days (from Arles to Perouges)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Arles, Les Baux de Provence, Avignon, Pont du Gard,Chateauneuf du Pape,Viviers,Tournon-sur-Rhone,Vienne,Lyon,Perouges+6 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Rhone SaoneSouthern FranceProvence+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Emerald Cruises
9% off
From $4,195
US$3,813per person
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River Cruise
Autumn Sensations of Lyon & Provence 2026/2027 - 8 Days (from Arles to Lyon)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Vienne, Lyon,Perouges+1 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
RhoneSouthern France+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Emerald Cruises
9% off
From $4,195
US$3,813per person
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River Cruise
Spring Sensations of Lyon & Provence (including Les Baux de Provence)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Arles, Les Baux de Provence, Avignon, Pont du Gard, Uzès,Chateauneuf du Pape,Viviers,Tournon-sur-Rhone,Vienne,Lyon,Perouges+6 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
Autumn Sensations of Lyon and Provence & Paris 2026/2027 - 10 Days
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Arles, Les Baux de Provence, Avignon, Pont du Gard,Chateauneuf du Pape,Viviers,Tournon-sur-Rhone,Vienne,Lyon,Perouges,Paris+7 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Seine Rhone SaoneSouthern France+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Emerald Cruises
23% off
From $6,670
US$5,138per person
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River Cruise
Sensations of Lyon and Provence & Paris 2026|2027 - 10 Days
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Arles, Les Baux de Provence, Avignon, Pont du Gard,Chateauneuf du Pape,Viviers,Tournon-sur-Rhone,Macon,Beaujolais,Lyon,Perouges,Paris+8 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Seine Rhone SaoneSouthern France+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Emerald Cruises
11% off
From $5,715
US$5,060per person
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River Cruise
Springtime Sensations of Lyon & Provence with Swiss Wonders
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Arles, Les Baux de Provence, Avignon, Pont du Gard,Chateauneuf du Pape,Viviers,Tournon-sur-Rhone,Vienne,Lyon,Perouges,Lausanne,Lake Geneva,Montreux,Gstaad,Gruyeres+11 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
River
Rhone
Operated in
English
Operator
Emerald Cruises
42% off
From $11,310
US$6,515per person
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River Cruise
Discover the Rhone & Douro rivers 2027/2028
Duration
15 days
Destinations
France Portugal Spain
Age Range
Ages 12+
River
Douro Rhone Saone
Operated in
English
Operator
Emerald Cruises
14% off
From $10,825
US$9,343per person
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River Cruise
Colors of Provence 2026
5.0 (1 review)
"The food, shoreside tours, crew- everything- was superlative. The ship was sparkling clean and cabins were cleaned daily."
Jean-Pierre, traveled in May
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Arles, Les Baux de Provence, Avignon, Pont du Gard,Viviers,Grignan,Tournon-sur-Rhone,Tain-l’Hermitage,Vienne,Lyon,Villefranche-sur-Saone+7 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ship
AmaKristina
Regions
RhoneSouthern FranceProvence+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
AmaWaterways
14% off
From
US$4,398per person
+$250 upfront costs
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- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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River Cruise
Sensations of Lyon and Provence with Swiss Mountains 2027 - 12 Days (from Arles to Lausanne)
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Arles, Les Baux de Provence, Avignon, Uzès,Chateauneuf du Pape,Viviers,Tournon-sur-Rhone,Macon,Lyon,Perouges,Lausanne,Lake Geneva,Montreux,Gruyeres,Broc,Gstaad+12 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Rhone SaoneProvenceLake Geneva+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Emerald Cruises
16% off
From $7,980
US$6,723per person
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River Cruise
Sensations of Lyon & Provence 2024/2025|2026 - 8 Days (from Arles to Lyon)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Arles, Avignon, Pont du Gard, Viviers, Tournon-sur-Rhone,Lyon,Perouges,Chalon sur Saone,Beaune+4 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
River
Rhone Saone
Operated in
English
Operator
Emerald Cruises
16% off
From
US$7,990per person
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River Cruise
Burgundy & Provence (2026, Arles to Lyon)
4.5 (7 reviews)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Arles, Avignon, Pont du Gard, Chateauneuf du Pape, Viviers,Grignan,Tournon-sur-Rhone,Tain-l’Hermitage,Lyon,Beaune,Rully+6 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Ship
S.S. Catherine
Regions
RhoneSouthern FranceProvence+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
16% off
From
US$4,349per person
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River Cruise
Colors of Provence 2026 Start Arles, End Lyon
5.0 (1 review)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Vienne,Beaujolais,Lyon+2 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ship
AmaKristina
Regions
RhoneSouthern FranceProvence+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
AmaWaterways
16% off
From
US$4,099per person
+$245 upfront costs
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Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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