River Cruise Tours & Trips in Southern France
Explore a wide diversity of river cruises through Southern France. We have 264 cruises that vary from 3 days to 31 days. With the greatest number of departures in September, this is also the most popular time of the year.
10 best river cruise Southern France tours
Compiled by
MelissaSouthern France travel expert at TourRadar
- Colors of Provence 2026
- A trip to admire the beautiful scenery of the Rhône valley (port-to-port cruise)
- Sensations of Lyon & Provence 2024/2025|2026 - 8 Days (from Lyon to Nice)
- France | Provence | Rhône River Valley Bike & Boat Tour
- Burgundy & Provence (2026, Lyon to Arles)
- Autumn Sensations of Lyon & Provence with Swiss Mountains (from Marseille to Lausanne)
- Rhône Route Méditerranée 2027 - A-Rosa Luna
- Nice & Springtime Sensations of Lyon & Provence
- Idyllic Rhône 2026/2027 - 8 Days (from Lyon to Marseille)
- Tastes of Bordeaux - A Wine Cruise with Madrid
Colors of Provence 2026
“The food, shoreside tours, crew- everything- was superlative. The ship was sparkling clean and cabins were cleaned daily.”
Jean-Pierre, traveled in May
AmaKristina's luxury staterooms with French balconies provide comfort while sailing from Lyon through Provence. The journey includes stops at Viviers and Tournon, featuring daily excursions and regional wine tastings.
Duration 8 days Destinations Arles, Les Baux de Provence, Avignon, Pont du Gard, Viviers, Grignan, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Tain-l’Hermitage, Vienne, LyonSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Ship AmaKristina River Rhone Operator AmaWaterways From
- US$4,398+$250 upfront costs
A trip to admire the beautiful scenery of the Rhône valley (port-to-port cruise)
“the food was outstanding, and the land based tours were interesting.”
Gregory, traveled in October
Premium ships like MS Van Gogh or MS Camargue II transport guests to Avignon's UNESCO-listed Papal Palace, Arles' Roman ruins, and a manade in the Camargue. French cuisine with included wines costs approx. $210 per day.
Duration 6 days Destinations Lyon, Avignon, Arles, Camargue Regional Nature Park, Martigues, Les Baux de Provence, Viviers, La Voulte-sur-Rhone Age Range All Ages Welcome Ships MS Van GoghMS MistralMS Rhone PrincessMS Camargue II River Rhone Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
- US$1,512
The Emerald Liberté glides from Lyon to Arles. Guests tour UNESCO-listed Palais des Papes in Avignon, admire Roman ruins, and sail through scenic Rhône Valley. The trip features guided tours and exclusive Provençal dining experiences.
Duration 8 days Destinations Lyon, Beaune, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Viviers, Avignon, Arles, Nice Age Range Ages 12+ River RhoneSaone Operator Emerald Cruises From
- US$7,990
STELLA takes guests through Southern France, offering cycling tours through Rhône Valley vineyards and Camargue wetlands. Visits include Tain-l'Hermitage's chocolate makers, Avignon's historic bridge, and Ardèche's dramatic gorges, complemented by luxury accommodations.
Duration 8 days Destinations Lyon, Natural Reserve of the Ardèche Gorges, Camargue Regional Nature Park, Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, Arles, Chateauneuf du Pape, Avignon, Pont du Gard, Tain-l'Hermitage Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, German Ships A-ROSA STELLAA-ROSA LUNA River Seine Operator Terranova Touristik From
- US$4,037
The luxurious S.S. Catherine, adorned with Murano chandeliers, sails the Rhône and Saône rivers. The 8-day route from Lyon's gastronomic center to Arles' Roman ruins includes visits to medieval Viviers and Avignon's Pope Palace.
Duration 8 days Destinations Lyon, Macon, Beaune, Rully, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Tain-l’Hermitage, Viviers, Avignon, Pont du Gard, ArlesSee all destinations Age Range Ages 16+ Ship S.S. Catherine River Rhone Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From
- US$4,999
Duration 12 days Destinations Marseille, Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Vienne, Lyon, Lausanne Age Range Ages 12+ River Rhone Operator Emerald Cruises From $8,615
46% Off- US$4,620
A-ROSA LUNA sails past UNESCO sites and Roman ruins, stopping at Arles' amphitheater, Port St. Louis' Saint Louis tower, and Avignon's papal palace. The journey includes comprehensive buffets and e-bike excursions.
Duration 8 days Destinations Lyon, Viviers, Avignon, Arles, Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhone, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Beaujolais Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German Ship A-ROSA LUNA River Rhone Operator A-ROSA From
46% Off- US$1,399
Duration 11 days Destinations Nice, Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Vienne, Lyon Age Range Ages 12+ River RhoneSaone Operator Emerald Cruises From $5,495
8% Off- US$5,073
Cruise Southern France's Rhône aboard Scenic Sapphire. Visit Viviers' medieval quarter, Avignon's Pope Palace, and Arles' Roman sites. Features luxury suite accommodation, 5 dining venues, and exclusive cultural performances.
Duration 8 days Destinations Lyon, Macon, Beaujolais, Cluny, Vienne, Viviers, Grignan, Avignon, Chateauneuf du Pape, ArlesSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Ship Scenic Sapphire River Rhone Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $6,995
19% Off- US$5,664
Duration 11 days Destinations Bordeaux, Libourne, Blaye, Cussac-Fort-Médoc, Pauillac, Bourg, Cadillac, Madrid Age Range Ages 18+ Ship Scenic Diamond River GaronneDordogneGironde Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $8,535
8% Off- US$7,885
What people love about River Cruise Tours in Southern France
- A trip to admire the beautiful scenery of the Rhône valley (port-to-port cruise)
the cabine room was a good size, the food was outstanding, land based tours were interesting and the service was fine
- 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)
The staff and food on this trip were excellent. Our room was very nice and clean, with great views. The only difficulty we ran into was that only one of the excursions was offered in English, as the guide found out there were English speakers and she was happy to translate. It would have been more economical (and more enjoyable) had we just paid the entrance fee and got the headphones with English. It would be great to see a system out in place for some recordings or other devices to allow the English translations, as technology is simple now. Other than that, the trip was wonderful and exactly as described.
What our customers ask about River Cruise Tours & Trips in Southern France
What are the main rivers and routes covered by Southern France river cruises?
Southern France river cruises navigate the Rhône Saône and Garonne rivers. The Rhône-Saône route connects Lyon to Arles letting travelers explore landmarks like Avignon's Papal Palace and the Roman amphitheater in Arles. Around Bordeaux the Garonne and Dordogne rivers take wine enthusiasts through famous regions including Saint-Émilion and Médoc. A TourRadar traveler on the Avalon Waterways cruise noted: "The journey from Lyon to Arles was spectacular with each stop offering unique insights into French history wine and culture. The Rhône Valley scenery was absolutely breathtaking."
How do river cruise itineraries differ between the Rhône and Bordeaux regions of Southern France?
Rhône and Bordeaux cruises showcase different aspects of French culture. On Rhône trips by Uniworld and AmaWaterways travelers explore Provence's Roman sites lavender fields and Côtes du Rhône wines between Lyon and Arles. Bordeaux cruises by Scenic and CroisiEurope take a circular route on the Garonne and Dordogne focusing on wine regions like Saint-Émilion and Médoc. A TourRadar traveler who experienced both commented: "The Rhône offered more historical sites and dramatic landscapes while Bordeaux was paradise for wine lovers with exclusive château visits and tastings. Both regions showcased impressive French gastronomy and charming medieval villages."