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

MelissaLyon travel expert at TourRadar
- Wondrous Europe 2026 - 25 Days (from Lyon to Amsterdam)
- Burgundy & Provence (2026) (Lyon to Arles, 2026)
- Normandy & Gems of the Seine & Spectacular South of France 2026 - 21 Days (from Lyon to Paris)
- Active & Discovery on the Rhône (Southbound) 2026
- Rhône Route Panorama 2026
- Rhône Wine & Gusto 2026
- Spectacular South of France, Beautiful Bordeaux & Gems of the Seine
- Iconic France 2026 - 21 Days (from Lyon to Bordeaux)
- Spectacular South of France 2026
- Idyllic Rhône 2026|2027 - 8 Days (from Lyon to Nice)
The Saône River reveals Lyon's culinary heritage. Highlights include Chalon-sur-Saône's Gothic cathedral, medieval Tournus' Romanesque abbey, and wine tasting at prestigious Côte de Beaune estates. The elegant Scenic Sapphire offers gourmet restaurants and panoramic lounges.
Duration 25 days Destinations Lyon, Beaune, Tournus, Avignon, Gordes, Chateauneuf du Pape, Arles, Viviers, Grignan, ColmarSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From
- NZ$22,905
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
- NZ$6,899
Duration 21 days Destinations Lyon, Chalon sur Saone, Tournus, Avignon, Arles, Viviers, Paris, Les Andelys, Rouen, HonfleurSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $23,625
30% Off- NZ$16,625You save $7,000
Duration 8 days Destinations Lyon, Tain-l’Hermitage, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Viviers, Avignon, Arles, Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhone Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Avalon Waterways From
30% Off- NZ$8,526+$410 upfront costs
A-ROSA STELLA showcases Lyon's culinary heritage and UNESCO Old Town. The Rhône's scenic bends lead to the Presqu'île district and 200 illuminated landmarks. Wine tastings in Beaujolais and riverside quays exploration with expert guides costs approx. $1,860 per person.
Duration 10 days Destinations Lyon, Beaujolais, Viviers, Arles, Marseille, Saint Louis, Avignon Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German Operator A-ROSA From $3,182
10% Off- NZ$2,863You save $318
A-ROSA LUNA sails through Lyon's UNESCO Old Town past over 200 illuminated landmarks. Beaujolais wine country unfolds alongside Roman theaters in Vienne and Avignon's Palais des Papes. Gourmet buffets with live cooking stations and complimentary drinks enhance the scenic Rhône Valley cruise.
Duration 8 days Destinations Lyon, Beaujolais, Tournus, Viviers, Arles, Avignon, Châteauneuf-de-Bordette, Vienna, Vienne Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German Operator A-ROSA From
10% Off- NZ$3,996
Duration 31 days Destinations Lyon, Beaune, Tournus, Avignon, Pont du Gard, Gordes, Roussillon, Châteauneuf-de-Bordette, Arles, ViviersSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $50,899
23% Off- NZ$39,368You save $11,531
Duration 21 days Destinations Lyon, Chalon sur Saone, Tournus, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Avignon, Arles, Viviers, Bordeaux, Libourne, Port MédocSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $22,860
31% Off- NZ$15,860You save $7,000
Duration 11 days Destinations Lyon, Macon, Vienne, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Avignon, Arles, Viviers Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $8,775
34% Off- NZ$5,775You save $3,000
Experience Lyon's culinary heritage aboard Scenic Sapphire, docking at the confluence of Rhône and Saône rivers. Visit 4,000+ local restaurants, explore hidden traboules passageways, and cycle through Tête d'or Park. Enjoy private butler service and premium beverages throughout.
Duration 8 days Destinations Lyon, Perouges, Macon, Beaujolais, Cluny, Vienne, Saint-Romain, Viviers, Avignon, GrignanSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $7,560
17% Off- NZ$6,260You save $1,300
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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