Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

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."

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

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."

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

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."

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

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."

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

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

A cruise starting in Arles is a great way to experience river cruising. We have 7 cruises that range from 7 days up to 15 days in length. The most popular time for river cruises leaving Arles is August.

7 best River Cruise tour packages from Arles

Grand France (2026) (Arles to Paris, 2026)

A Taste of the Mediterranean: A Cruise through the Heart of Provence and the Camargue Region (port-to-port cruise)

Charming Provence : a barge cruise in Southern France (port-to-port cruise)

Burgundy & Provence (2027) (Arles to Lyon, 2027)

Grand France (2027) (Arles to Paris, 2027)

Burgundy & Provence (2026) (Arles to Lyon, 2026)

Colors of Provence 2026 Start Arles, End Lyon