River Cruises in Southern France
Explore a wide diversity of river cruises through Southern France. We have 219 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
- Festival Cruise : Local History and Traditions on the Rhône River - VAN GOGH II
- Sensations of Lyon and Provence with Swiss Mountains 2026|2027
- 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 & Provence with Swiss Mountains
- Sensations of Lyon & Provence 2024/2025|2026 - 8 Days (from Marseille to Lyon)
- A trip to admire the beautiful scenery of the Rhône valley (port-to-port cruise)
- Autumn Sensations of Lyon & Provence with Swiss Mountains (from Marseille to Lausanne)
MS Van Gogh connects Lyon to Avignon while onboard presentations reveal the Rhône Valley's 2,500-year history. The 158-passenger vessel's sundeck offers panoramic views, with memorable stops at Viviers and Grignan, including local wine tastings and regional entertainment.
Duration 4 days Destinations Lyon, Avignon, Viviers, Grignan Age Range All Ages Welcome Ship MS Van Gogh River Rhone Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
- US$918
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
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
6% off- US$4,006
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
6% 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
6% 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 $1,598
15% off- US$1,358
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 luxurious Emerald Liberté sails from Marseille through Provence. Stops include Arles' ancient port, Avignon's papal complex, and Viviers' medieval center. Gourmet dining and exclusive shore excursions complement the voyage.
Duration 8 days Destinations Marseille, Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Beaune, Lyon 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$1,458
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
Southern France River Cruise Reviews
- Rhône Route Provence 2026 - A-Rosa Stella
Overall we had a wonderful time. Nina was very kind and attentive. Thanks Desley
Outstanding in every way. Ruben, the general manager, and his entire staff were totally professional and considerate. Food was superb. As the only American onboard, I never felt out of place and met many wonderful travelers. Five stars is not enough to give this cruise. Am already planning my next.
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)
- 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
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."