What are the best months for river cruise tours starting from Lyon?

Plan your Lyon river cruise between April and October when the weather is just right - temperatures range from 65-85°F (18-29°C) and you'll enjoy plenty of sunshine. If you want to avoid peak summer crowds and heat, go in spring (April-May) or fall (September-October). Some travelers love the special wine harvest cruises in November or the festive Christmas market cruises in December. The weather is perfect for sitting on deck and watching France roll by.

What are the most popular stops after departing Lyon on river cruise tours?

Your first stop is usually Chalon-sur-Saône, about 8-10 hours from Lyon. From there, you'll visit places like Avignon, Arles, and Viviers, plus charming spots like Tournon and the wine region of Tain l'Hermitage. As one TourRadar traveler said, "The progression from Lyon through Burgundy and into Provence offered an amazing variety of landscapes and experiences, with Avignon's Papal Palace being a particular highlight."

What's unique about the landscape and scenery when cruising from Lyon?

Your journey takes you through some of France's most beautiful landscapes. You'll float past Burgundy's endless vineyards, the rocky gorges of the Rhône Valley, and Provence's purple lavender fields. Along the way, you'll see historic bridges, medieval villages tucked into hillsides, and several UNESCO sites. One TourRadar traveler put it well: "The journey from Lyon south through the Rhône Valley offers spectacular views of terraced vineyards, ancient castles, and charming riverside villages that you can't experience any other way."

What culinary experiences are included on river cruise tours from Lyon?

Since Lyon is France's food capital, you're in for a treat. Most cruises include wine tastings, visits to local markets like Les Halles de Lyon, and meals featuring regional specialties. You'll often get to join cooking demonstrations, visit vineyards in Beaujolais, and enjoy special dinners paired with local wines. One TourRadar traveler mentioned, "The onboard cuisine was exceptional, particularly the local cheese and wine tastings that highlighted each region we visited."

What are the common embarkation points in Lyon for river cruises?

You'll start your cruise from one of three main spots in Lyon: Quai Claude Bernard in the city center, Port de Lyon Édouard Herriot in the south, or Quai Rambaud on the Saône River. Most ships start boarding around 4:00-5:00 PM on day one. Your cruise line will tell you exactly where to go and can often arrange pickup from Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport or Part-Dieu train station.

What are the best cities to visit during a river cruise starting from Lyon?

You'll get to explore some real gems of southern France. Avignon has its impressive Papal Palace, Arles shows off its Roman amphitheater and Van Gogh history, and Viviers charms visitors with its medieval streets. TourRadar travelers often say they love "the charming cities filled with history, from the Roman ruins in Arles to the stunning architecture of Avignon's Papal Palace." You'll also visit famous wine regions like Beaujolais and Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

River Cruises from Lyon

A cruise starting in Lyon is a great way to experience river cruising. We have 65 cruises that range from 4 days up to 31 days in length. The most popular time for river cruises leaving Lyon is August.

10 best River Cruise tour packages from Lyon

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River Cruise
Spectacular South of France, Beautiful Bordeaux & Gems of the Seine
Duration
31 days
Destinations
Lyon, Beaune, Tournus, Avignon, Pont du Gard, Gordes,Roussillon,Châteauneuf-de-Bordette,Arles,Viviers,Pont-l'Évêque,Pont-en-Royans,Grignan,Perouges,Bordeaux,Libourne,Cadillac,Sauternes,Toulouse,Arcachon,Bourg,Saintes,Cognac,Blaye,Paris,Les Andelys,Rouen,Somme,Honfleur,Normandy Beach,Omaha Beach,Bayeux,Arromanches-les-Bains,Ranville,Juno Beach,Caudebec-en-Caux,Fecamp,Vernon,La Roche-Guyon,Giverny+34 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Ships
Scenic Sapphire Scenic Diamond Scenic Gem +2 ships
Operated in
English
Operator
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
23% Off
From $29,561
US$22,864per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Active & Discovery on the Rhône (Southbound) 2026
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Lyon, Tain-l’Hermitage, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Viviers,Avignon,Arles,Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhone+3 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Ship
Avalon Poetry II
Regions
RhoneSouthern FranceProvence+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Avalon Waterways
23% Off
No departure dates available
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River Cruise
Sensations of Lyon & Provence with Nice 2026
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Lyon, Macon, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Viviers, Avignon, Arles,Nice+1 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Southern FranceProvence+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Emerald Cruises
44% Off
From $9,170
US$5,175per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Rhône Wine & Gusto 2026
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Lyon, Beaujolais, Tournus, Viviers, Arles, Avignon,Châteauneuf-de-Bordette,Vienna,Vienne+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Ship
A-ROSA LUNA
Operated in
English, German
Operator
A-ROSA
44% Off
From
US$2,267per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Iconic France 2026 - 21 Days (from Lyon to Bordeaux)
Duration
21 days
Destinations
Lyon, Chalon sur Saone, Tournus, Tournon-sur-Rhone,Avignon,Arles,Viviers,Bordeaux,Libourne,Port Médoc,Cadillac,Bourg,Blaye+9 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ships
Scenic Sapphire Scenic Diamond +1 ship
Country Region
Southern France
Operated in
English
Operator
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
50% Off
From $28,765
US$14,475per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Normandy & Gems of the Seine & Spectacular South of France 2026 - 21 Days (from Lyon to Paris)
Duration
21 days
Destinations
Lyon, Chalon sur Saone, Tournus, Avignon, Arles, Viviers,Paris,Les Andelys,Rouen,Honfleur,Caudebec-en-Caux,Vernon,La Roche-Guyon,Conflans-Sainte-Honorine+8 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Ships
Scenic Sapphire Scenic Gem +1 ship
Country Region
Northern France
Operated in
English
Operator
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
50% Off
From $38,445
US$19,305per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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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 traveler reviews)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Lyon, Macon, Vienne, Avignon, Arles, Viviers,Tournon-sur-Rhone+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Ship
MS Rhone Princess
Country Region
Southern France
Operated in
English
Operator
CroisiEurope River Cruises
50% Off
From
US$2,147per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Spectacular South of France 2026
2.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Lyon, Macon, Vienne, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Avignon, Arles,Viviers+1 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Ship
Scenic Sapphire
Country Region
Southern France
Operated in
English
Operator
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
65% Off
From $13,390
US$4,695per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Rhône Route Panorama 2026
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Lyon, Beaujolais, Viviers, Arles, Marseille, Saint Louis,Avignon+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Ship
A-ROSA STELLA
Regions
RhineSouthern France+1 more
Operated in
English, German
Operator
A-ROSA
65% Off
From
US$2,092per person
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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River Cruise
Wondrous Europe 2026 - 25 Days (from Lyon to Amsterdam)
Duration
25 days
Destinations
Lyon, Beaune, Tournus, Avignon, Gordes, Chateauneuf du Pape,Arles,Viviers,Grignan,Colmar,Munster,Strasbourg,Obernai,Arnhem,Veere,Utrecht,Amsterdam+11 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Ships
Scenic Sapphire Scenic Ruby+1 ship
River
Rhine
Operated in
English
Operator
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
65% Off
From
US$14,301per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Rhône Route Provence 2026 - A-ROSA STELLA
3.5 (6 traveler reviews)
"Cabins are very comfortable and food was abundant and of high quality. Premium option is definitely worth it."
Anthony, traveled in October
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Lyon, Beaujolais, Avignon, Arles, Viviers, Vienne
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Ship
A-ROSA STELLA
Country Region
Southern France
Operated in
English, German
Operator
A-ROSA
65% Off
From
US$1,394per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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$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) (including Vienne) Tour$
$All the must-see sites on the Rhône between Lyon, Provence, and the Camargue with a dinner at Paul Bocuse\'s Abbaye de Collonges Restaurant OFFERED (port-to-port cruise) (including Vienne) - 8 destinations$
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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) (including Vienne)
4.6 (11 traveler reviews)
"Meals and food quality exceptional. Wines on offer are excellent. Stop locations are well thought out and the locations are all memorable."
Samuel, traveled in June
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Lyon, Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Tain-l’Hermitage, Vienne,Collonges+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Ships
MS Van Gogh MS Rhone Princess MS Camargue II+2 ships
Regions
RhoneSouthern France+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
CroisiEurope River Cruises
65% Off
From
US$2,134per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Rhône Route Rendez-Vous 2026
5.0 (1 traveler 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 STELLA
Regions
RhoneSouthern FranceProvence+2 more
Operated in
English, German
Operator
A-ROSA
65% Off
From
US$1,045per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Treasures of Burgundy and Provence: Rhône & Saône (Lyon - Lyon)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Lyon, Macon, Chalon sur Saone, Tournus, Avignon, Arles,Châteauneuf-du-Rhône,Le Pouzin+2 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Ship
Amadeus Provence
Operated in
English, German
Operator
Lueftner Cruises
65% Off
From
US$2,186per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
France | Rhône River Biketour | Procence Bike & Boat
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Lyon, Tain-l’Hermitage, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Avignon,Chateauneuf du Pape,Arles,Tarascon,Saint-Rémy-de-Provence,Les Baux de Provence,Camargue Regional Nature Park+6 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Ships
A-ROSA STELLA A-ROSA LUNA+1 ship
Regions
SeineSouthern FranceProvence+2 more
Operated in
English, German
Operator
Terranova Touristik
65% Off
From
US$4,022per person
Price based on Shared Room
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