River Cruises in Southern France
Explore a wide diversity of river cruises through Southern France. We have 211 cruises that vary from 3 days to 31 days. With the greatest number of departures in July, 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
- Spectacular South of France with Paris & London 2026
- A trip to admire the beautiful scenery of the Rhône valley (port-to-port cruise)
- Iconic France 2026 - 21 Days
- France | Burgundy & Provence | Rhône & Saône Bike & Boat
- Sensations of Lyon & Provence 2026 - 8 Days
- Sensations of Lyon & Provence with Nice 2026
- Burgundy & Provence (2026) (Lyon to Arles, 2026)
- Burgundy & Provence (2026) (Arles to Lyon, 2026)
- Rhône Route Méditerranée 2026 - A-ROSA STELLA
Colors of Provence 2026
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“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 Lyon, Vienne, Collonges, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Viviers, Avignon, Arles Age Range Ages 12+ Ship AmaKristina Operator AmaWaterways From
- US$4,099+$250 upfront costs
The Scenic Sapphire takes guests through Southern France, featuring stops at Beaune's Les Hospices, Tournon's castle, and Avignon's Pope's Palace. The journey includes Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine tasting and exclusive cultural performances in historic venues.
Duration 16 days Destinations Paris, Lyon, Chalon sur Saone, Tournus, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Avignon, Arles, Viviers, London Age Range Ages 12+ Ship Scenic Sapphire Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $19,920
39% Off- US$12,225You save $7,695
A trip to admire the beautiful scenery of the Rhône valley (port-to-port cruise)
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“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, Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhone, Martigues, Viviers, Tain-l’Hermitage Age Range All Ages Welcome Ships MS Van GoghMS Rhone PrincessMS Camargue II River Rhone Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
39% Off- US$1,667
The 5-star Scenic Diamond takes you along the Gironde, Dordogne, and Garonne rivers with a stop at UNESCO-listed Saint-Émilion to see its underground Monolithic Church carved into limestone. You'll dock overnight in Libourne, then cycle through vineyards to Château Siaurac for wine tastings in the famous Médoc region. The ship continues to Cadillac where you can tour the 700-year-old Roquetaillade Castle before trying fresh oysters from Arcachon Bay.
Duration 21 days Destinations Bordeaux, Libourne, Cadillac, Bourg, Blaye, Lyon, Tournus, Avignon, Arles, Viviers Age Range Ages 12+ Ships Scenic SapphireScenic Diamond Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $29,750
50% Off- US$14,960You save $14,790
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
50% Off- US$4,686
Duration 8 days Destinations Nice, Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Macon, Lyon Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $8,990
50% Off- US$4,495You save $4,495
Emerald Liberté cruises the Rhône and Saône rivers with stops to see Lyon's UNESCO-listed Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière and the medieval village of Tournon with its 16th-century castle. You'll walk through Viviers' ancient cathedral and check out Arles' 2,000-year-old Roman Amphitheatre, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wine tastings in Beaujolais, tours of lavender fields in Provence, and a classical concert in Avignon's historic center round out the itinerary.
Duration 11 days Destinations Lyon, Macon, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Viviers, Avignon, Arles, Nice Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $9,170
44% Off- US$5,175You save $3,995
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 $3,999
25% Off- US$2,999You save $1,000
The luxurious S.S. Catherine features lavish Savoir® beds and French balconies while cruising the Rhône and Saône rivers. The route connects Roman-rich Arles to gastronomic Lyon, with stops at UNESCO-listed Avignon's Papal Palace. Intimate excursions with 159 fellow passengers showcase France's most scenic waterways.
Duration 8 days Destinations Arles, Marseille, Avignon, Viviers, Tain-l’Hermitage, Lyon, Beaune Age Range Ages 16+ Ship S.S. Catherine River Rhone Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $4,899
30% Off- US$3,429You save $1,470
Duration 8 days Destinations Lyon, Viviers, Arles, Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhone, Avignon, Tournon-sur-Rhone Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German Ship A-ROSA STELLA River Rhone Operator A-ROSA From
30% Off- US$1,471
Southern France River Cruise Reviews
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)
It was a great gastronomique experience. We also enjoyed the trip to Camargue and Gorges de l'Ardèche.
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."