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 & Provence: Rhône & Saône
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- Spectacular South of France 2025
- Cruising the Rhone & Picturesque Provence
- Romantic Rhône Lyon → Lyon (2025)
- Romantic Rhône Lyon → Lyon (2026)
- Springtime Sensations of Lyon & Provence 2026 - 8 Days (from Lyon to Marseille)
- From Burgundy to the Camarge along the Saône and the Rhône Rivers
- Sensations of Lyon & Provence with Nice 2026
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 up to 100 year olds Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $6,899
10% Off- NZ$6,209You save $690
Duration 8 days Destinations Lyon, Macon, Chalon sur Saone, Avignon, Arles, Châteauneuf-du-Rhône Age Range 2 to 5 year olds Operator Authentic Africa From
10% Off- NZ$7,167
Duration 8 days Destinations Lyon, Macon, Chalon sur Saone, Tournus, Avignon, Arles, Châteauneuf-du-Rhône, Le Pouzin Age Range 2 to 5 year olds Operator Authentic Africa From
10% Off- NZ$2,170
Duration 11 days Destinations Lyon, Chalon sur Saone, Tournus, Avignon, Arles, Viviers Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $10,395
24% Off- NZ$7,895You 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 up to 100 year olds Operator Just You From $6,778
6% Off- NZ$6,386You save $392
Tastings at Les Halles de Lyon and visits to Fourvière Hill's basilica highlight Lyon's culinary heritage. Paul Bocuse's Abbaye de Collonges hosts an exclusive dinner, while Vieux Lyon's traboules await discovery. Expert guides reveal hidden gems in France's gastronomic capital.
Duration 7 days Destinations Lyon, Collonges, Tain-l’Hermitage, Avignon, Arles, Viviers Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Travel Marvel From
6% Off- NZ$4,445
Duration 7 days Destinations Lyon, Collonges, Tain-l’Hermitage, Avignon, Arles, Viviers Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Travel Marvel From
6% Off- NZ$4,845
Duration 8 days Destinations Lyon, Vienne, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Viviers, Avignon, Arles, Marseille Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Emerald Cruises From $14,502
50% Off- NZ$7,251You save $7,251
Duration 8 days Destinations Lyon, Macon, Vienne, Arles, Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, Avignon, Viviers, Tournon-sur-Rhone Age Range 2 to 5 year olds Operator Authentic Africa From
50% Off- NZ$4,705
Duration 11 days Destinations Lyon, Macon, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Viviers, Avignon, Arles, Nice Age Range 2 to 5 year olds Operator Authentic Africa From
50% Off- NZ$8,538
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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