River Cruises from Nice

What our customers ask about River Cruises from Nice

• What are the main rivers covered on cruises starting from Nice?

  When you start your cruise from Nice, you'll travel along France's Rhône and Saône rivers before connecting to other European waterways. You'll cruise through beautiful Provence on the Rhône, stopping in Arles, Avignon and Lyon. Some trips continue onto the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers, while others connect to Portugal's Douro River. As one TourRadar traveler put it, "The combination of different rivers offers an excellent variety of landscapes and cultural experiences."

• What are the most popular stops after departing Nice?

  Right after Nice, your first stops will likely be Arles with its impressive Roman amphitheater and Van Gogh sites, followed by Avignon where you can see the grand Papal Palace, and the charming medieval town of Viviers. Most cruises then head to Lyon, where you can try some of France's best food. One TourRadar traveler shared that "starting in Nice and cruising through Provence offers the perfect mix of Mediterranean charm and French culture."

• What is the best time of year for river cruises starting from Nice?

  Plan your cruise between April and October when the weather in Southern France is at its best, with temperatures between 68-86°F (20-30°C). If you go in spring (April-May), you'll get mild weather and flowers in bloom. September and October are great too, with warm days and fewer tourists around. Summer (June-August) is popular but can get pretty hot, often reaching 86°F (30°C) in Provence.

• What type of shore excursions are available on river cruises from Nice?

  You'll find all kinds of excursions that fit different interests and energy levels. You can take cultural tours like visiting the Roman amphitheater in Arles, go on guided bike rides along the Rhône, or enjoy food experiences like wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. If you're traveling with Emerald Cruises, you can choose between their EmeraldACTIVE options if you want to be more active, or their EmeraldPLUS experiences that focus on local culture.

• What kind of dining experiences are included on river cruises from Nice?

  Your cruise will include all meals, featuring both local specialties and international dishes. On Emerald Cruises ships, you can eat at up to five different restaurants, while CroisiEurope serves French cuisine with drinks included at meals and the bar. You might get special treats too, like a Provençal dinner cooked by local chef Fabien Morreale in Arles, or wine tastings as you travel through the Rhône Valley.

• What are the most popular destinations visited on river cruises from Nice?

  Your cruise will take you to some of France's most interesting places. You'll see Arles and its Roman amphitheater, Avignon's impressive Papal Palace, the charming medieval streets of Viviers, and Lyon, known for its amazing food. You'll also stop at lovely Provence towns like Tournon and Mâcon, where you can visit famous vineyards. One TourRadar traveler noted "the perfect mix of historic sites and charming villages along the Rhône River route."

• What kind of accommodation can I expect on river cruises from Nice?

  You'll stay in comfortable rooms on modern ships like the Emerald Liberté and Avalon Poetry II. The ships have nice-sized suites with big windows or private balconies, fancy dining rooms, and lounges on the top deck. The Scenic Sapphire, for example, offers different types of rooms from Standard Suites up to Royal Owner's Suites that come with butler service. Before your cruise starts, many TourRadar travelers mention enjoying stays at places like the Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée in Nice.