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.

River Cruises from Nice

Picture exploring ancient Arles and its Roman arena, attending a classical concert in Avignon, before strolling through medieval Viviers on a guided tour? Taste local wines in the Burgundy region, cruise Lake Geneva, and visit Chateau Chillon. Nice river cruising combines culture beautifully, and it will create amazing memories you never forget.

10 best River Cruise tour packages from Nice

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River Cruise
Burgundy & Provence with 2 Nights in French Riviera & 2 Nights in Paris for Jazz Lovers (Northbound) 2026
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Nice, Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Vienne,Lyon,Tournus,Chalon sur Saone,Beaune,Dijon,Paris+6 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Ship
Avalon Poetry II
Operated in
English
Operator
Avalon Waterways
From
US$6,857per person
+$231 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Burgundy & Provence with 2 Nights in French Riviera for Jazz Lovers (Northbound) 2026
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Nice, Aix-En-Provence, Arles, Avignon, Chateauneuf du Pape,Viviers,Tournon-sur-Rhone,Vienne,Lyon,Tournus,Chalon sur Saone+6 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Ship
Avalon Poetry II
Country Region
Southern France
Operated in
English
Operator
Avalon Waterways
From
US$5,658per person
+$231 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Sensations of Lyon & Provence 2024|2025|2026 - 8 Days (from Nice to Lyon)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Nice, Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Lyon, Chalon sur Saone,Beaune+1 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
Emerald Cruises
From
US$7,590per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Idyllic Rhône 2026|2027 - 8 Days (from Nice to Lyon)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Nice, Tarascon, Arles, Alpilles, Avignon,Chateauneuf du Pape,Grignan,Viviers,Vienne,Macon,Beaujolais,Perouges,Lyon+8 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Ship
Scenic Sapphire
Country Region
Southern France
Operated in
English
Operator
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
5% Off
From $6,495
US$6,189per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Idyllic Rhône with French Riviera 2027 - 11 Days (from Nice to Lyon)
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Nice, Tarascon, Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Vienne, Macon, Lyon
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ship
Scenic Sapphire
Country Region
Southern France
Operated in
English
Operator
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
5% Off
From
US$9,875per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Sensations of Lyon & Provence with Nice 2024|2025|2026
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Nice, Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Lyon,Chalon sur Saone,Beaune+2 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
Emerald Cruises
5% Off
From
US$8,770per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Rhine & Rhône Revealed with 2 Nights in French Riviera (Northbound) 2026
Duration
17 days
Destinations
France Switzerland Germany Netherlands
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
Avalon Waterways
5% Off
From
US$10,257per person
+$462 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Nice to Lisbon & Discover the Rivers of France & Portugal 2026 - 21 Days (including Macon)
Duration
21 days
Destinations
France Portugal Spain
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
Emerald Cruises
5% Off
From
US$13,995per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Nice & Sensations of Lyon & Provence
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Nice, Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Macon,Lyon+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
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
26% Off
From $16,350
US$12,168per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Hiking cruise - Corsica reveals its hidden treasures (port-to-port package)
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Excellent crew, great food, interesting tours, superb entertainment and first rate service and hospitality."
Ross, traveled in June
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Nice, Ajaccio, Porto, Bonifacio, Porto-Vecchio, Bastia,Saint-Florent,Erbalunga,Patrimonio,L'Île-Rousse,Calvi+5 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Ship
MV La Belle des Océans
Islands
Corsica
Operated in
English
Operator
CroisiEurope River Cruises
26% Off
From
US$4,697per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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$Côte d\'Azur & Beyond Tour$
$Côte d\'Azur & Beyond - 7 destinations$
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River Cruise
Côte d'Azur & Beyond
Duration
6 days
Destinations
France Italy Monaco
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ship
Emerald Sakara
Operated in
English
Operator
Emerald Cruises
26% Off
From
US$14,470per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Mediterranean Legacies: From the Balearic Islands to Andalusia - Between Enchanting Islands and Moorish Treasures (port-to-port package)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Nice, Mahón, Ciutadella de Menorca, Valldemossa,Palma de Mallorca,Sant Josep,Sant Antoni de Portmany,Ibiza,Malaga,Granada+6 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Ship
MV La Belle des Océans
Islands
Balearic Islands
Operated in
English
Operator
CroisiEurope River Cruises
26% Off
From
US$3,279per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Discover the Rivers of France & Portugal 2026 - 15 Days (including Macon)
Duration
15 days
Destinations
France Portugal Spain
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
Emerald Cruises
49% Off
From $24,750
US$12,560per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Grand France with 2 Nights in French Riviera & 3 Nights in London (Northbound) 2026
Duration
20 days
Destinations
Nice, Toulon, Arles, Avignon, Pont du Gard,Châteauneuf-de-Bordette,Pont-en-Royans,Viviers,Lyon,Tournus,Beaune,Dijon,Vernon,Giverny,Bizy,La Roche-Guyon,Les Andelys,Honfleur,Normandy Beach,Arromanches-les-Bains,Juno Beach,Bayeux,Beuvron-en-Auge,Rouen,Auvers-sur-Oise,Versailles,Paris,Chantilly,Windsor,London+25 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Operated in
English
Operator
Avalon Waterways
49% Off
From
US$15,291per person
+$462 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
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