What is the best time of year for a river cruise starting from Marseille?

Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) are ideal for river cruises from Marseille. The weather is comfortable then, with temperatures between 68-77°F (20-25°C), and you won't face big crowds. Summer can get pretty hot in Provence, often reaching 85-95°F (29-35°C), and tourist spots get packed. One of our travelers told us, "Early fall provided perfect weather for exploring historic towns like Avignon and Arles, with comfortable temperatures for walking tours and deck viewing." If you're interested in seeing the landscape at its best, spring brings flowers in bloom, while fall offers beautiful autumn colors along the Rhône.

What key landmarks will I see on river cruises starting in Marseille?

Your cruise will take you to some of France's most impressive sites, including the Pope's Palace in Avignon (a UNESCO site), the ancient Roman arena in Arles, a beautiful 16th-century castle in Tournon, and Lyon's hilltop Notre-Dame basilica. You'll also get to visit famous wine regions like Châteauneuf-du-Pape and interesting places like the historic Hospices de Beaune. As one of our travelers put it, "The combination of Roman ruins, medieval castles, and prestigious wine estates made every day a new discovery along the Rhône River."

Where do the cruises go first after leaving Marseille?

When you start your trip, you'll first head to Arles to board your ship. Your first full day is spent exploring Arles, where you can see amazing Roman buildings that are over 2,000 years old, including a huge amphitheater. You'll also see places where Van Gogh painted some of his famous works. Next, your ship takes you to Avignon to visit the incredible Palace of the Popes. One traveler told us, "Beginning in Arles gave us the perfect introduction to Provence's Roman history and artistic heritage."

What should I explore before my river cruise leaves Marseille?

Take time to check out Marseille's Old Port area where the cruises start from, and make sure to visit Notre-Dame de la Garde church for amazing views over the city. The Le Panier neighborhood is great for wandering, with lots of small shops and nice cafes like Cafe de l'Abbaye. If you need a place to stay the night before, many cruise passengers like the InterContinental or Sofitel hotels near the Old Port. One traveler mentioned, "Starting in Marseille gave us time to explore this fascinating port city before embarking on our river journey through Provence."

How active are river cruises starting from Marseille?

These cruises let you be as active or relaxed as you like. Each day includes easy walking tours through historic towns, but you can also choose more active options like bike rides in Lyon, walks through vineyard areas in Tournon, or canoeing near Avignon. Ships like the Emerald Liberté have electric bikes you can use to explore on your own. One traveler said, "You can choose between relaxed sightseeing or more active adventures each day, making it perfect for mixed-ability groups."

What are the typical accommodation options on river cruises from Marseille?

The ships offer really comfortable rooms, similar to nice hotel rooms. Ships like the Emerald Liberté and Scenic Sapphire have cabins with big windows or private balconies, good beds, and modern bathrooms. On the Emerald Dawn, you can book larger rooms like Owner's Suites or Grand Suites if you want extra space. For nights before or after your cruise, there are good hotels in the city centers, like the InterContinental in Marseille or Sofitel in Lyon. Our travelers often tell us they love "hotel-style comfort combined with ever-changing riverside views" from their cabin accommodations.

River Cruises from Marseille

A cruise starting in Marseille is a great way to experience river cruising. We have 19 cruises that range from 8 days up to 22 days in length. The most popular time for river cruises leaving Marseille is July.

10 best River Cruise tour packages from Marseille

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River Cruise
France, Uncorked: The Rhone, The Seine & Bordeaux 2026
Duration
22 days
Destinations
Marseille, Arles, Avignon, Pont du Gard, Pont-en-Royans,Châteauneuf-de-Bordette,Viviers,Lyon,Tournus,Beaune,Dijon,Vernon,Giverny,La Roche-Guyon,Les Andelys,Honfleur,Normandy Beach,Arromanches-les-Bains,Juno Beach,Bayeux,Rouen,Versailles,Paris,Cadillac,Sauternes,Blaye,Bourg,Arcachon,Bordeaux+24 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Operated in
English
Operator
Avalon Waterways
From
US$14,697per person
+$693 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Sensations of Lyon & Provence with Swiss Wonders 2026 - 12 Days (from Marseille to Lausanne)
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Marseille, Arles, Avignon, Chateauneuf du Pape, Viviers,Lyon,Beaune,Lake Geneva,Geneva,Montreux,Gstaad,Lausanne+7 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
River
Rhone
Operated in
English
Operator
Emerald Cruises
47% Off
From $9,815
US$5,220per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Grand France (Northbound) 2026
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Marseille, Arles, Avignon, Pont-en-Royans,Châteauneuf-de-Bordette,Viviers,Lyon,Tournus,Beaune,Dijon,Paris,Vernon,Giverny,Bizy,Les Andelys,La Roche-Guyon,Honfleur,Omaha Beach,Juno Beach,Bayeux,Beuvron-en-Auge,Rouen,Auvers-sur-Oise,Versailles,Chantilly+21 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
River
Rhone
Operated in
English
Operator
Avalon Waterways
47% Off
From
US$9,498per person
+$462 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Sensations of Lyon & Provence 2024|2025|2026 - 8 Days (from Marseille to Lyon)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Marseille, Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Tournon-sur-Rhone,Beaune,Lyon+2 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Southern FranceProvence+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Emerald Cruises
47% Off
From
US$7,590per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Idyllic Rhône 2026|2027 - 8 Days (from Marseille to Lyon)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Marseille, Arles, Avignon, Alpilles, Lyon,Chateauneuf du Pape,Viviers,Vienne,Grignan,Saint-Romain,Macon,Beaujolais,Cluny,Perouges+9 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ship
Scenic Sapphire
Regions
RhoneSouthern France+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
66% Off
From $12,490
US$4,245per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Springtime Sensations of Lyon & Provence with Swiss Wonders
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Marseille, Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Vienne, Lyon, Lausanne
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Southern France
Operated in
English
Operator
Emerald Cruises
42% Off
From $10,855
US$6,260per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Sensations of Lyon and Provence & Paris 2026|2027 - 10 Days
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Marseille, Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Macon, Lyon, Paris
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Southern France
Operated in
English
Operator
Emerald Cruises
46% Off
From $10,290
US$5,595per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Sensations of Lyon & Provence with Swiss Mountains
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Marseille, Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Tournon-sur-Rhone,Macon,Lyon,Lausanne+3 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Southern France
Operated in
English
Operator
Emerald Cruises
43% Off
From $11,655
US$6,660per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Autumn Sensations of Lyon & Provence with Swiss Mountains (including Vienne)
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Marseille, Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Tournon-sur-Rhone,Vienne,Lyon,Lausanne+3 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Southern France
Operated in
English
Operator
Emerald Cruises
46% Off
From $8,615
US$4,620per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Discover the Rhine & Rhone rivers 2026 - 15 Days
Duration
15 days
Destinations
France Switzerland Germany Netherlands
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ship
Emerald Dawn
Operated in
English
Operator
Emerald Cruises
49% Off
From $23,490
US$11,950per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Grand France with 3 Nights in London (Northbound) 2026
Duration
18 days
Destinations
Marseille, Arles, Avignon, Pont du Gard,Châteauneuf-de-Bordette,Pont-en-Royans,Lyon,Tournus,Paris,Beaune,Dijon,Vernon,Giverny,Bizy,Versailles,Les Andelys,La Roche-Guyon,Honfleur,Normandy Beach,Omaha Beach,Arromanches-les-Bains,Juno Beach,Bayeux,Beuvron-en-Auge,Rouen,Auvers-sur-Oise,Chantilly,Windsor,London+25 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Regions
RhoneNorthern France+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Avalon Waterways
49% Off
From
US$10,661per person
+$462 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Discover the Rhine & Rhone Rivers 2026 - 15 Days (including Macon)
Duration
15 days
Destinations
France Switzerland Germany Netherlands
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ship
Emerald Dawn
Operated in
English
Operator
Emerald Cruises
26% Off
From $16,350
US$12,168per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Springtime Sensations of Lyon & Provence 2026|2027 - 8 Days
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Marseille, Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Tournon-sur-Rhone,Vienne,Lyon+2 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Southern FranceProvence+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Emerald Cruises
68% Off
From $8,790
US$2,795per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Sensations of Lyon & Provence 2026|2027 - 8 Days
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Marseille, Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Macon, Lyon
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
RhoneSouthern FranceProvence+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Emerald Cruises
32% Off
From $3,997
US$2,712per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Discover the Rhine & Rhone Rivers
Duration
15 days
Destinations
France Switzerland Germany Netherlands
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ship
Emerald Dawn
Operated in
English
Operator
Emerald Cruises
9% Off
From $9,139
US$8,332per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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