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

Dreaming of a French adventure in total comfort? Why not try a river cruise? Head to Lyon and enjoy Rhône cruising, exploring France's gastronomic capital, sailing through Burgundy vineyards, visiting Provence's lavender, discovering Avignon's palace, and sampling French regional cooking. Taste Lyon's bouchons and regional wines, see France beyond Paris, and see how Rhône cruising reveals French culture through its stomach.

10 best River Cruise tour packages from Lyon

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River Cruise
Idyllic Rhône 2026/2027 - 8 Days (from Lyon to Marseille)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Lyon, Macon, Beaujolais, Cluny, Vienne, Viviers, Grignan,Avignon,Chateauneuf du Pape,Arles,Les Baux de Provence,Tarascon,Marseille+6 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Ship
Scenic Sapphire
Regions
RhoneSouthern France+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
19% Off
From $6,995
US$5,664per person
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River Cruise
Burgundy & Provence with 2 Nights in French Riviera for Wine Lovers (Southbound) 2026
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Lyon, Chalon sur Saone, Tournus, Trevoux, Beaujolais,Tournon-sur-Rhone,Viviers,Avignon,Chateauneuf du Pape,Arles,Aix-En-Provence,French Riviera,Nice+8 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Ship
Avalon Poetry II
Regions
Rhone SaoneSouthern France+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Avalon Waterways
19% Off
From
US$4,778per person
+$231 upfront costs
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River Cruise
Burgundy & Provence (2027, Lyon to Arles)
4.5 (7 reviews)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Lyon, Macon, Beaune, Tain-l’Hermitage, Tournon-sur-Rhone,Viviers,Avignon,Pont du Gard,Arles+4 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Ship
S.S. Catherine
Regions
Rhone SaoneSouthern France+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
19% Off
From
US$3,349per 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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Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Autumn Sensations of Lyon & Provence 2026/2027 - 8 Days
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Lyon, Perouges, Vienne, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Viviers, Avignon,Arles,Les Baux de Provence+2 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Rhone SaoneSouthern France+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Emerald Cruises
30% Off
From $4,875
US$3,425per person
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River Cruise
Festival Cruise : Local History and Traditions on the Rhône River
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Lyon, Avignon, Viviers, Grignan
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Ships
MS Van Gogh MS Rhone Princess MS Camargue II+2 ships
Regions
RhoneSouthern FranceProvence+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
CroisiEurope River Cruises
12% Off
From $947
US$834per 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
12% Off
From
US$2,629per person
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River Cruise
Discover the fabulous world of vineyards and wine, exceptional terroirs of the Rhône and Saône (port-to-port cruise)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Lyon, Macon, Beaujolais, Vienne, Avignon, Arles,Saint-Rémy-de-Provence,Viviers,Tournon-sur-Rhone,Tain-l’Hermitage+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Ship
MS Rhone Princess
Regions
Rhone SaoneSouthern France+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
CroisiEurope River Cruises
12% Off
From
US$2,514per 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
12% Off
From
US$1,323per person
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River Cruise
Lavender Sensations of Lyon & Provence
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Lyon, Macon, 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
53% Off
From $9,390
US$4,395per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
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$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, 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 (18 reviews)
"Excellent staff, excellent food, all in all a fantastic holiday."
John, traveled in April
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
53% Off
From
US$1,923per person
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River Cruise
Rhône Route Provence 2027 - A-Rosa Stella
3.4 (7 reviews)
"Overall we had a wonderful time. Thanks Desley."
Desley, traveled in October
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 France+1 more
Operated in
English, German
Operator
A-ROSA
53% Off
From
US$1,275per 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
53% Off
From
US$2,322per 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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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
11% Off
From
US$1,560per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
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