River Cruise Tours & Trips in Southern France
Explore a wide diversity of river cruises through Southern France. We have 245 cruises that vary from 3 days to 31 days. With the greatest number of departures in May, 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
- A trip to admire the beautiful scenery of the Rhône valley (port-to-port cruise)
- Burgundy & Provence (Southbound) 2026
- 14-Day French Elegance & Spanish Charm with All-Inclusive Rhône River Cruise
- Active & Discovery on the Rhône (Southbound) 2026
- Sensations of Lyon & Provence 2024|2025|2026 - 8 Days (from Lyon to Nice)
- France | Rhône River Biketour | Procence Bike & Boat
- France | Burgundy & Provence | Rhône & Saône Bike & Boat
- Burgundy & Provence (2026) (Lyon to Arles, 2026)
- Colors of Provence 2026 Start Arles, End Lyon
- Bordeaux Affair with Madrid 2026
A trip to admire the beautiful scenery of the Rhône valley (port-to-port cruise)
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The ship and cabins where clean and efficient, the meals where very nice with the wine selection.”
Joelle, 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$1,580
The Avalon Poetry II meanders from Avignon to Arles, stopping at historic ports along Southern France's waterways. Tournon's hillside vineyards and Viviers' medieval streets tell ancient stories, while chef-prepared regional cuisine and local wine tastings delight the palate.
Duration 8 days Destinations Chalon sur Saone, Tournus, Trevoux, Lyon, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Viviers, Avignon, Pont du Gard, Chateauneuf du Pape, Arles Age Range Ages 8+ Ship Avalon Poetry II River RhoneSaone Operator Avalon Waterways From
- US$4,699+$231 upfront costs
Duration 14 days Destinations Paris, Lyon, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Avignon, Arles, Viviers, Marseille, Barcelona Age Range All Ages Welcome River Rhone Operator Wonderful Holidays UK From
- US$11,094
Duration 8 days Destinations Lyon, Tain-l’Hermitage, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Viviers, Avignon, Pont du Gard, Chateauneuf du Pape, Arles, Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhone, Camargue Regional Nature Park Age Range Ages 8+ Ship Avalon Poetry II River Rhone Operator Avalon Waterways From
- US$4,899+$231 upfront costs
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, Tain-l’Hermitage, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Avignon, Chateauneuf du Pape, Arles, Tarascon, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Les Baux de Provence, Camargue Regional Nature Park Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, German Ships A-ROSA STELLAA-ROSA LUNA River Seine Operator Terranova Touristik From
- US$3,950
A-ROSA STELLA's route through Southern France encompasses UNESCO sites and historic towns. Highlights include Avignon's Papal Palace, cycling through Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards, and Arles' Roman heritage.
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
- US$4,564
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, Tain-l’Hermitage, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Viviers, Avignon, Pont du Gard, Marseille, Arles Age Range Ages 16+ Ship S.S. Catherine River Rhone Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From
- US$3,499
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
- US$4,099+$245 upfront costs
Scenic Diamond's route through Southern France encompasses Bordeaux's UNESCO heritage and Saint-Émilion's underground monuments. Guests receive exclusive access to Château d'Agassac concerts and sample wines in Médoc's prestigious vineyards.
Duration 11 days Destinations Bordeaux, Libourne, Saint-Emilion, Blaye, Cussac-Fort-Médoc, Bourg, Cadillac, Madrid Age Range Ages 18+ Ship Scenic Diamond River GaronneDordogneGironde Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From
- US$8,410
What people love about River Cruise Tours in Southern France
Wonderful trip, clean boat, satisfied our needs. Great food, excellent service all round. There were 5 Australians and they sat us together so we could share our experiences in Aussie English!
A trip to admire the beautiful scenery of the Rhône valley (port-to-port cruise)
- 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 service was first rate, food delicious and bed very comfortable. The accomodation was surprisingly well appointed . Overall a great experience . Would definitely go with this company again based on our experience .
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."