Rhone River Cruises
Sailing down the River Rhone is a true delight. Explore Lyon and taste local foods at the famous Les Halles market. Visit the peaceful Sénanque Abbey, surrounded by lavender fields, or the Papal Palace. White horses run free in the wild Camargue, and you can see traditional bull and horse culture. Visit Viviers and the beautiful Gorges de l’Ardèche. It’s a different take, and a true delight.
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Norman • traveled in October, 2025
Great food, fair wines, fabulous itinerary, and Great sights. Could have offered the Pont du Gard as a tour, but, the local bus & a taxi back worked out OK for us. ?
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) - J
Josiane • traveled in April
The trip was excellent, even though it was changed due to strikes, we end up doing the Saône instead of the Rhône, the crew, and the whole team did a great job providing us with a memorable trip.
Rhône Route Rendez-Vous 2026 - C
Cheryl • traveled in June
The boat was most comfortable. The staff made it so enjoyable. Perfect
A trip to admire the beautiful scenery of the Rhône valley (port-to-port cruise)
Traveler Photos & Videos from Rhone Cruises
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)
Samuel
DWDenise
A trip to admire the beautiful scenery of the Rhône valley (port-to-port cruise)
The Magic of the Provençal Rhône and the Camargue (port-to-port cruise) (10 destinations)MC
SShelley
Burgundy & Provence (2024) (Lyon to Arles, 2024) (8 destinations)
DMDebbie
Bike & barge tour Provence and Camargue: from Avignon to Aigues-Mortes
Bike & barge tour Provence and Camargue: from Aigues-Mortes to AvignonCarol
Table of contents
- The best Rhone cruises
- Travel Rhone your way
- Best tour companies
- Popular Rhone Cruise Ships
- Best places to start your adventure
- Discover Rhone tours for every budget
- Rhone tours for every type of group
- Top Rhone travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit
- Contact our Rhone travel experts
- What our customers ask about Rhone River Cruises
The best Rhone cruises
Compiled by
MelissaRhone travel expert at TourRadar
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)
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Excursions were very good and I would recommend taking them. If you want a true French experience than this is the crusise for you.”
Lillian, traveled in July
The luxurious MS Van Gogh sails from Lyon to Arles, stopping at Tain L'Hermitage's Valrhona chocolate factory and Viviers' smallest cathedral in France. The route winds through the dramatic Ardèche Gorges, leads to Avignon's Papal Palace, and features exceptional dining including Paul Bocuse's renowned restaurant.
Duration 7 days Destinations Lyon, Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Tain-l’Hermitage, Vienne, Collonges Age Range All Ages Welcome Ships MS Van GoghMS Rhone PrincessMS Camargue II River Rhone Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
- US$2,134
Rhône Route Rendez-Vous 2026
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“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
The A-ROSA STELLA winds from Lyon to Viviers, stopping at historic riverside cities. Highlights include Roman theaters in Vienne, Beaujolais wine region near Lyon, and Avignon's papal heritage. Full-board dining, premium drinks, and spa access enhance the river voyage.
Duration 6 days Destinations Lyon, Viviers, Arles, Avignon, Vienne Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German Ship A-ROSA STELLA River Rhone Operator A-ROSA From $1,452
26% Off- US$1,075You save $378
The 8-day Rhône cruise aboard A-ROSA LUNA takes you through UNESCO-listed Lyon's old town and the vibrant Beaujolais wine region. Provence unfolds with stops in medieval Viviers, Van Gogh's Arles, and papal Avignon's Palais des Papes. Regional wines complement comprehensive dining, with balcony cabin options and e-bikes for shore exploration.
Duration 8 days Destinations Lyon, Beaujolais, Viviers, Arles, Avignon Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German Ship A-ROSA LUNA River Rhone Operator A-ROSA From
26% Off- US$1,405
The Avalon Poetry II features 200 sq. ft. Panorama Suites with Open-Air Balconies and wall-to-wall panoramic windows. Kayaking through the canyons of the Gorges de l'Ardèche and visiting a traditional truffle farm in Viviers are included. Camargue Natural Park offers chances to spot over 400 bird species including pink flamingos. Guided bike rides wind through Lyon's secret Traboules passageways, and painting workshops in Arles draw inspiration from Van Gogh. Tastings at an oyster farm in the Rhône delta round out the culinary activities.
Duration 10 days Destinations Arles, Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhone, Avignon, Viviers, Tain-l’Hermitage, Lyon, Paris Age Range Ages 8+ Ship Avalon Poetry II River Rhone Operator Avalon Waterways From
26% Off- US$5,948+$231 upfront costs
The Avalon Poetry II Suite Ship sails from Arles to Lyon, with 200 sq. ft. Panorama Suites that include Open-Air Balconies and wall-to-wall panoramic windows. Kayak through the Gorges de l'Ardèche and visit the UNESCO-listed Palace of the Popes in Avignon. Wine tastings happen underground in ancient caves near Viviers. A painting workshop in Arles teaches about Vincent van Gogh's artistic legacy. Hikes through Camargue Regional Nature Park offer chances to spot pink flamingos. Rail-bikes along the scenic Gorges du Doux near Tain-l'Hermitage make for a memorable activity.
Duration 8 days Destinations Arles, Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhone, Avignon, Viviers, Tain-l’Hermitage, Lyon Age Range Ages 8+ Ship Avalon Poetry II River Rhone Operator Avalon Waterways From
26% Off- US$4,799+$231 upfront costs
Duration 8 days Destinations Lyon, Macon, Vienne, Avignon, Arles, Viviers, Tournon-sur-Rhone Age Range All Ages Welcome Ships MS Rhone PrincessMS Camargue II River Rhone Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
26% Off- US$2,274
A 7-night adventure aboard Emerald Liberté from Arles to Lyon reveals UNESCO treasures including Arles Amphitheatre and Avignon's Palais des Papes. Special moments include chef Fabien Morreale's Provençal dinner and vineyard hikes in Tournon.
Duration 12 days Destinations Marseille, Arles, Avignon, Chateauneuf du Pape, Viviers, Lyon, Beaune, Lake Geneva, Geneva, MontreuxSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ River Rhone Operator Emerald Cruises From $9,815
47% Off- US$5,220You save $4,595
The Rhône River opens up aboard A-ROSA STELLA, where luxury cruising meets e-bike adventures. Cyclists wind through Lyon, Tain-l'Hermitage, Avignon, and Arles. Riverside vineyards, historic towns, and UNESCO sites dot this iconic waterway.
Duration 8 days Destinations Lyon, Macon, Cluny, Chalon sur Saone, Tournus, Avignon, Tain-l’Hermitage, Chateauneuf du Pape, Arles, TarasconSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Ship Amadeus Provence River RhoneSaone Operator Terranova Touristik From
47% Off- US$4,686
The 5-star Scenic Sapphire cruises the Rhône River, stopping at UNESCO-listed sites like the Pope's Palace in Avignon and the Roman amphitheatre Las Arenas in Arles that seats 20,000. The medieval walled village of Perouges, Pont du Gard aqueduct from the first century, and the Château de Cormatin with its 10 hectares of manicured gardens are all on the route. Wine tastings take place in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Beaujolais regions, while shopping at local markets with onboard chefs happens at Scenic Culinaire cooking school. A private classical concert at the Pope's Palace rounds out the cultural offerings.
Duration 10 days Destinations Paris, Lyon, Macon, Vienne, Viviers, Avignon, Arles, Tarascon, Nice Age Range Ages 12+ Ship Scenic Sapphire River Rhone Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $14,715
44% Off- US$8,270You save $6,445
Navigate the historic Rhône River aboard Scenic Sapphire, featuring butler-serviced suites and gourmet dining. Cruise from Mediterranean Marseille to gastronomic Lyon, exploring Roman ruins, medieval villages, and prestigious wine regions along France's most scenic waterway.
Duration 8 days Destinations Marseille, Arles, Avignon, Alpilles, Lyon, Chateauneuf du Pape, Viviers, Vienne, Grignan, Saint-RomainSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Ship Scenic Sapphire River Rhone Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $12,490
66% Off- US$4,245You save $8,245
Travel Rhone your way
Best tour companies
From what our travelers tell us, each of these river cruise lines has its distinct qualities and quirks. CroisiEurope generally gets good marks from passengers, though we've heard some concerns about meal quality on specific routes. The food isn't bad - it just doesn't always meet expectations for a luxury river cruise.Avalon Waterways does well with their excursion program overall, offering interesting local experiences and guided tours. That said, quite a few of our guests found the Camargue excursion needed more substance - it didn't quite deliver the wild horses and flamingos experience many were hoping for.Scenic maintains beautiful ships with really comfortable cabins, and their crew consistently gets praise for attentive service. The shore excursions are well organized but tend to run on the expensive side compared to other lines - something to factor into your overall budget when booking. Their staff really goes above and beyond though, which helps justify the premium pricing for many guests.Each line has its sweet spot: CroisiEurope works well for value-conscious travelers who don't need elaborate meals, Avalon hits a good middle ground with their excursions program (despite the Camargue feedback), while Scenic caters to those wanting higher-end accommodations and service, provided you're okay with paying extra for excursions.
Popular Rhone Cruise Ships
Best places to start your adventure
Lyon leads the pack with 48 cruise departures, while Arles handles 20 sailings, Nice offers 9 cruises and both Avignon and Marseille provide several options with 5 and 4 departures. Most people book around 18 days ahead, but you'll want more lead time during peak season, particularly for those gorgeous June and July lavender blooms. Spring cruises in April-May offer pleasant weather and flowering landscapes, while autumn trips in September-October let you catch the wine harvest and golden vineyard views. Summer gives you long days for exploring, though August can get hot and busy with tourists. Winter adds its own charm - especially in December when Christmas markets pop up in the old towns, though you might find some outdoor activities limited by the cooler temperatures.
Discover Rhone tours for every budget
Rhone tours for every type of group
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Top Rhone travel itineraries to fit your plans
7 Day Itineraries
10 Day Itineraries
3 Week Itineraries
Demographics
Solo Travelers50 tours- Couples51 tours
- Seniors (50+)44 tours
Best time to visit
- Spring 2026
Spring offers ideal weather for discovering the Rhône Valley - temperatures are just right for being outside and you'll find fewer people at main attractions. The cruises make good use of the season with bike rides through Lyon's old quarters and guided walks up to Mount Pipet near Vienne. There are special spring activities like going truffle hunting with local farmers and their dogs around Grignan, or joining painting sessions in Arles when the light is particularly clear. Our TourRadar customers really enjoy the springtime wine tastings in Beaujolais, where they learn about vineyard work just as the vines start to wake up. The cooking classes are excellent this time of year too, using fresh ingredients from Les Halles de Lyon to create traditional Provençal dishes.
- 15 tours
- popular 17 tours
- Summer 2026
The Rhône river cruises shine brightest in summer, when the long days let you pack in plenty of authentic experiences. Guests join intimate cooking workshops at Les Halles de Lyon, and savor exclusive tastings at historic wine cellars across Beaujolais and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. TourRadar customers consistently highlight how well the tours balance structured activities with free time - you'll explore Arles' ancient Roman sites with expert guides in the morning, then wander Lyon's secret traboules passages at your leisure in the afternoon. The carefully crafted routes make the most of summer's extended daylight, mixing cultural gems like private concerts in Avignon's grand Papal Palace with visits to traditional Camargue bull farms. Special touches elevate these journeys, including dinners at Paul Bocuse's renowned Abbaye de Collonges and sweet treats at the Cité du Chocolat in Tain L'Hermitage. While August sees the heaviest tourist traffic, our travelers mention that the professional crews handle the peak season with practiced ease and also maintain excellent service throughout.
- 19 tours
- 19 tours
- popular 20 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2026
Autumn Rhône cruises showcase the wine harvest in full swing, with special tours through Beaujolais and Châteauneuf-du-Pape during the vendange season. Our TourRadar customers particularly enjoy experiencing the golden vineyard views and getting hands-on with grape picking activities alongside local vintners. The cruises offer exclusive access to historic wine cellars, where you'll learn about production techniques and taste newly pressed juice, as it begins its journey to becoming wine. Beyond the vineyards, these autumn sailings take you through Lyon's traboules to Paul Bocuse's Les Halles market, rich with seasonal mushrooms and game. You can join truffle hunting expeditions near Grignan with farmers and their dogs, perfect timing as the black diamonds emerge in the cooling soil. The itineraries include wonderful cultural touches too - painting workshops in Arles, when the light is particularly clear, and private concerts in Avignon's Papal Palace during quiet autumn evenings.
- popular 17 tours
Contact our Rhone travel experts
Rufus
Expert in Rhone at TourRadar
Rufus is one of our seasoned Rhone Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Rhone tours answered!
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+1 844 311 8331What our customers ask about Rhone River Cruises
How can you immerse yourself in authentic French culture while cruising the Rhône?
You'll find some really amazing cultural experiences in the Rhône Valley that let you dive right into French traditions. Head to Grignan where you can join a local farmer and their specially trained dog hunting for truffles it's such a uniquely Provençal thing to do. When you're in Lyon don't miss trying your hand at silk painting the city's been famous for silk since way back in the 1400s. The local markets are absolutely fantastic especially Les Halles de Lyon where you can browse and taste alongside locals picking up regional specialties like their amazing sausages and cheeses.
Which hidden gems should you explore along the Rhône?
The traboules in Lyon are fascinating these secret passageways from the 4th century give you this amazing peek into the city's hidden past. You'll love exploring Viviers it's like stepping into a medieval time capsule people often call it an open-air museum. Make sure to visit Oingt up in the Beaujolais region it's part of the Land of Golden Stones and offers these incredible views plus fantastic local wines. TourRadar travelers always mention how these spots feel so authentic and really let you experience genuine French life.
Where can you find the best local food specialties?
Lyon's definitely earned its reputation as France's food capital and you'll find out why at Les Halles de Lyon where the local sausages and cheeses are just incredible. You've got to try traditional bouchon cuisine in Lyon too it's hearty authentic and exactly what local families have been eating for generations. In Arles you can learn all about olive oil production before tasting some of the region's finest. Don't leave without trying Montélimar's famous nougat they've been making it since the 1600s and grab some orange blossom fougasse in Aigues-Mortes it's absolutely delicious.