River Cruises in Southern France
Explore a wide diversity of river cruises through Southern France. We have 192 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
- Autumn Sensations of Lyon & Provence with Swiss Mountains (from Marseille to Lausanne)
- Tastes of the Rhone - A Culinary Cruise 2027 - 8 Days (from Lyon to Tarascon)
- France | Provence | Rhône River Valley Bike & Boat Tour
- Burgundy & Provence (2026, Lyon to Arles)
- Colors of Provence 2026 Start Arles, End Lyon
- Treasures of Burgundy and Provence: Rhône & Saône (Lyon - Lyon) (from Lyon to Tournon-sur-Rhone)
- Sensations of Lyon and Provence with Swiss Mountains 2026|2027
- Sensations of Lyon & Provence with Swiss Mountains
- Sensations of Lyon & Provence 2024/2025|2026 - 8 Days (from Lyon to Nice)
- A trip to admire the beautiful scenery of the Rhône valley (port-to-port cruise)
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
Duration 8 days Destinations Lyon, Perouges, Macon, Beaujolais, Cluny, Vienne, Viviers, Avignon, Pont du Gard, Chateauneuf du PapeSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Ship Scenic Sapphire River RhoneSaone Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $6,995
19% off- US$5,664
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
19% off- US$3,981
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
19% off- US$4,999
AmaKristina sails Southern France's rivers, stopping in historic Arles and Avignon. Activities include Rhône cycling, Van Gogh site visits, and Roman ruin exploration, with luxury French balcony accommodations.
Duration 8 days Destinations Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Vienne, Beaujolais, Lyon Age Range Ages 12+ Ship AmaKristina River Rhone Operator AmaWaterways From
19% off- US$4,099+$245 upfront costs
Duration 8 days Destinations Lyon, Macon, Cluny, Beaujolais, Chalon sur Saone, Beaune, Tournus, Avignon, Pont du Gard, UzèsSee all destinations Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, German Ship Amadeus Provence River RhoneSaone Operator Lueftner Cruises From $1,588
15% off- US$1,350
Duration 12 days Destinations Nice, Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Macon, Lyon, Lausanne Age Range Ages 12+ River RhoneSaone Operator Emerald Cruises From $7,780
6% off- US$7,285
Duration 12 days Destinations Marseille, Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Macon, Lyon, Lausanne Age Range Ages 12+ River RhoneSaone Operator Emerald Cruises From $7,780
6% off- US$7,285
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
6% off- US$7,990
A trip to admire the beautiful scenery of the Rhône valley (port-to-port cruise)
“Wonderful trip, clean boat, satisfied our needs. Great food, excellent service all round.”
Denise, traveled in September
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
6% off- US$1,449
Southern France River Cruise Reviews
- 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)
Service overall on boat was excellent english speaking helpers are always assisting perfectly food was good especially desserts room is clean and nice with comfy bed
What our customers ask about River Cruises 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."