River Cruises from Lyon
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10 best River Cruise tour packages from Lyon
Compiled by

MelissaLyon travel expert at TourRadar
- Burgundy & Provence (2026) (Lyon to Arles, 2026)
- Treasures of Burgundy and Provence: Rhône & Saône (Lyon - Lyon) (including Chalon sur Saone)
- Spectacular South of France 2025
- Cruising the Rhone & Picturesque Provence
- Aix-en-Provence with Sensations of Lyon & Provence
- Sensations of Lyon & Provence with Nice 2026
- Unforgettable Douro & Spectacular South of France 2026 - 21 Days (from Lyon to Porto)
- Rhône Route Provence 2025 - A-ROSA STELLA
- From Burgundy to the Camargue along the Saône and the Rhône Rivers (port-to-port cruise)
- French Art and History Along the Rhône River (port-to-port cruise)
The 443-foot S.S. Catherine's stunning two-story lobby with Murano glass chandelier welcomes visitors to Lyon. Guests can cycle the city's bike-friendly paths or wander ancient traboules. Traditional bouchons serve local cuisine before evening cruises past illuminated landmarks.
Duration 8 days Destinations Lyon, Macon, Beaune, Tain-l’Hermitage, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Viviers, Avignon, Pont du Gard, Marseille, Arles Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $6,899
10% Off- NZ$6,209You save $690
Treasures of Burgundy and Provence: Rhône & Saône (Lyon - Lyon) (including Chalon sur Saone)
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelersDuration 8 days Destinations Lyon, Macon, Chalon sur Saone, Tournus, Avignon, Arles, Châteauneuf-du-Rhône, Le Pouzin Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, German Operator Lueftner Cruises From $2,691
15% Off- NZ$2,287You save $404
Duration 11 days Destinations Lyon, Chalon sur Saone, Tournus, Avignon, Arles, Viviers Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $13,680
18% Off- NZ$11,180You save $2,500
Lyon's UNESCO-listed quarter features the baroque Museum of Fine Arts and Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. The Bijou du Rhone, complete with panoramic windows and a sun deck with giant chess board, cruises along the Saône and Rhône rivers.
Duration 8 days Destinations Lyon, Chalon sur Saone, Macon, Belleville, Trevoux, Viviers, Arles, Avignon Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Just You From $6,775
6% Off- NZ$6,383You save $392
Duration 10 days Destinations Lyon, Chalon sur Saone, Beaune, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Viviers, Avignon, Arles, Aix-En-Provence, Nice Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $17,788
54% Off- NZ$8,222You save $9,566
Duration 11 days Destinations Lyon, Macon, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Viviers, Avignon, Arles, Nice Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $15,403
44% Off- NZ$8,693You save $6,710
Duration 21 days Destinations France, Portugal, Spain Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $24,135
29% Off- NZ$17,135You save $7,000
Duration 8 days Destinations Lyon, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Avignon, Arles, Viviers, Vienne Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German Operator A-ROSA From
29% Off- NZ$2,898
From Burgundy to the Camargue along the Saône and the Rhône Rivers (port-to-port cruise)
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Excellent cruise. Will love to do another in France with Croisi Europe.”
Jeanette, traveled in May
Hidden traboules and Lyon's gastronomic scene precede a Rhône River cruise. The Castle-Museum of Tournon-sur-Rhône opens its doors for visits and wine tastings. MS Camargue II offers panoramic views of Lyon's historic waterfront.
Duration 8 days Destinations Lyon, Macon, Cluny, Vienne, Arles, Camargue Regional Nature Park, Avignon, Viviers, Tournon-sur-Rhone Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
29% Off- NZ$2,858
French Art and History Along the Rhône River (port-to-port cruise)
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Floating down the Rhone was a delightful, beautiful holiday. Comfortable cabin with awesome big window.”
Randall, traveled in October
Les Halles-Paul Bocuse market showcases Lyon's gastronomy, while Fourvière Hill provides panoramic views. Vieux Lyon's historic traboules lead to traditional bouchon restaurants. Evening cruises on the Rhône river reveal the city's illuminated beauty.
Duration 7 days Destinations Lyon, Macon, Belleville, Trevoux, Tain-l’Hermitage, Le Pouzin, Avignon, Arles, Martigues, Aix-En-ProvenceSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
29% Off- NZ$3,245
What people love about River Cruise Tours from Lyon
- French Art and History Along the Rhône River (port-to-port cruise)
Relaxed good time. Floating down the Rhone was a delightful, beautiful holiday. Excellent food, cheerful very helpful staff. All were patient and helpful with English speakers. Comfortable number of people on board. Comfortable cabin with awesome big window. Some of the standard bus excursions could be improved. Too Long bus trip sometimes with tantalizing short time at the destination. I would gladly return to the Rhone Princess, but would check out some of the optional tours.
What our customers ask about River Cruises from Lyon
What are the best months for river cruise tours starting from Lyon?
Plan your Lyon river cruise between April and October when the weather is just right - temperatures range from 65-85°F (18-29°C) and you'll enjoy plenty of sunshine. If you want to avoid peak summer crowds and heat, go in spring (April-May) or fall (September-October). Some travelers love the special wine harvest cruises in November or the festive Christmas market cruises in December. The weather is perfect for sitting on deck and watching France roll by.
What are the most popular stops after departing Lyon on river cruise tours?
Your first stop is usually Chalon-sur-Saône, about 8-10 hours from Lyon. From there, you'll visit places like Avignon, Arles, and Viviers, plus charming spots like Tournon and the wine region of Tain l'Hermitage. As one TourRadar traveler said, "The progression from Lyon through Burgundy and into Provence offered an amazing variety of landscapes and experiences, with Avignon's Papal Palace being a particular highlight."
What's unique about the landscape and scenery when cruising from Lyon?
Your journey takes you through some of France's most beautiful landscapes. You'll float past Burgundy's endless vineyards, the rocky gorges of the Rhône Valley, and Provence's purple lavender fields. Along the way, you'll see historic bridges, medieval villages tucked into hillsides, and several UNESCO sites. One TourRadar traveler put it well: "The journey from Lyon south through the Rhône Valley offers spectacular views of terraced vineyards, ancient castles, and charming riverside villages that you can't experience any other way."
What culinary experiences are included on river cruise tours from Lyon?
Since Lyon is France's food capital, you're in for a treat. Most cruises include wine tastings, visits to local markets like Les Halles de Lyon, and meals featuring regional specialties. You'll often get to join cooking demonstrations, visit vineyards in Beaujolais, and enjoy special dinners paired with local wines. One TourRadar traveler mentioned, "The onboard cuisine was exceptional, particularly the local cheese and wine tastings that highlighted each region we visited."
What are the common embarkation points in Lyon for river cruises?
You'll start your cruise from one of three main spots in Lyon: Quai Claude Bernard in the city center, Port de Lyon Édouard Herriot in the south, or Quai Rambaud on the Saône River. Most ships start boarding around 4:00-5:00 PM on day one. Your cruise line will tell you exactly where to go and can often arrange pickup from Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport or Part-Dieu train station.
What are the best cities to visit during a river cruise starting from Lyon?
You'll get to explore some real gems of southern France. Avignon has its impressive Papal Palace, Arles shows off its Roman amphitheater and Van Gogh history, and Viviers charms visitors with its medieval streets. TourRadar travelers often say they love "the charming cities filled with history, from the Roman ruins in Arles to the stunning architecture of Avignon's Papal Palace." You'll also visit famous wine regions like Beaujolais and Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
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