10 best River Cruise tour packages from Nice
Compiled by

MelissaNice travel expert at TourRadar
- Sensations of Lyon & Provence with Swiss Wonders 2026 - 12 Days
- Discover the rivers of France & Portugal & Nice 2026 - 18 Days (including Macon)
- Idyllic Rhône 2026 - 8 Days (from Nice to Lyon)
- Burgundy & Provence with 2 Nights in French Riviera for Jazz Lovers (Northbound) 2026
- Idyllic Rhône with London
- Grand France with 2 Nights in French Riviera & 3 Nights in London for Jazz Lovers (Northbound) 2026
- Rhine & Rhône Revealed with 2 Nights in French Riviera (Northbound) 2026
- Sensations of Lyon & Provence 2024|2025|2026 - 8 Days (from Nice to Lyon)
- Grand France with 2 Nights in French Riviera for Wine Lovers (Northbound) 2025
- Grand France with 2 Nights in French Riviera & 3 Nights in London for Wine Lovers (Northbound) 2025
Nice's Mediterranean beauty leads to a Rhône cruise aboard Emerald Liberté. The 2000-year-old Arles Amphitheatre stands majestic, while classical concerts echo through Palais des Papes, and Viviers' medieval streets charm visitors. The intimate river setting hosts just 132 passengers.
Duration 12 days Destinations Nice, Arles, Les Baux de Provence, Avignon, Pont du Gard, Chateauneuf du Pape, Viviers, Pont-en-Royans, Lyon, BeauneSee all destinations Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Emerald Cruises From $16,178
47% Off- NZ$8,604You save $7,574
Duration 18 days Destinations France, Portugal, Spain Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Emerald Cruises From
47% Off- NZ$16,771
Duration 8 days Destinations Nice, Tarascon, Arles, Alpilles, Avignon, Chateauneuf du Pape, Grignan, Viviers, Vienne, MaconSee all destinations Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $7,560
17% Off- NZ$6,260You save $1,300
Duration 10 days Destinations Nice, Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Vienne, Lyon, Tournus, Chalon sur Saone Age Range 8 to 99 year olds Operator Avalon Waterways From
17% Off- NZ$9,326
Nice serves as the gateway to your luxury cruise aboard Scenic Sapphire. The journey takes you to Arles' Roman ruins, Les Baux olive farms, and art classes inspired by Van Gogh. Special touches include cocktail receptions while cruising through Provence.
Duration 11 days Destinations Nice, Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Vienne, Macon, Lyon, London Age Range 12 to 99 year olds Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $11,705
11% Off- NZ$10,405You save $1,300
Duration 20 days Destinations Nice, Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Vienne, Lyon, Tournus, Chalon sur Saone, BeauneSee all destinations Age Range 8 to 99 year olds Operator Avalon Waterways From
11% Off- NZ$19,273
Nice welcomes you with its baroque churches and seaside charm. The Mediterranean coast sets the stage for your river voyage. Luxury hotels and detailed tours through 18th-century districts create an unforgettable stay.
Duration 17 days Destinations France, Switzerland, Germany, Netherlands Age Range 12 to 90 year olds Operator Avalon Waterways From
11% Off- NZ$15,588
The sun-soaked city of Nice leads to your elegant voyage aboard Emerald Liberté. Marvel at Arles' Roman heritage, paddle beneath Avignon's Pont Saint-Bénézet, and sail to Lyon's culinary paradise. Luxurious accommodations and expert-led shore excursions await.
Duration 8 days Destinations Nice, Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Lyon, Chalon sur Saone, Beaune Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Emerald Cruises From
11% Off- NZ$12,510
Le Meridien on the Promenade des Anglais introduces you to Nice before your Avalon cruise. The Old Town reveals narrow streets and baroque churches from the 1700s. The Mediterranean coastline and French Riviera unfold for approx. $530 per day.
Duration 17 days Destinations Nice, Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Tain-l’Hermitage, Lyon, Tournus, Chalon sur Saone, Beaune, DijonSee all destinations Age Range 8 to 99 year olds Operator Avalon Waterways From
11% Off- NZ$19,211
Vieux Nice reveals baroque churches and historic streets from the 1700s. Mediterranean charm flows into your luxury river cruise. The famous Promenade des Anglais and historic landmarks await exploration.
Duration 20 days Destinations Nice, Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Tain-l’Hermitage, Lyon, Tournus, Chalon sur Saone, Beaune, DijonSee all destinations Age Range 8 to 99 year olds Operator Avalon Waterways From
11% Off- NZ$21,002
What our customers ask about River Cruises from Nice
What are the main rivers covered on cruises starting from Nice?
When you start your cruise from Nice, you'll travel along France's Rhône and Saône rivers before connecting to other European waterways. You'll cruise through beautiful Provence on the Rhône, stopping in Arles, Avignon and Lyon. Some trips continue onto the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers, while others connect to Portugal's Douro River. As one TourRadar traveler put it, "The combination of different rivers offers an excellent variety of landscapes and cultural experiences."
What are the most popular stops after departing Nice?
Right after Nice, your first stops will likely be Arles with its impressive Roman amphitheater and Van Gogh sites, followed by Avignon where you can see the grand Papal Palace, and the charming medieval town of Viviers. Most cruises then head to Lyon, where you can try some of France's best food. One TourRadar traveler shared that "starting in Nice and cruising through Provence offers the perfect mix of Mediterranean charm and French culture."
What is the best time of year for river cruises starting from Nice?
Plan your cruise between April and October when the weather in Southern France is at its best, with temperatures between 68-86°F (20-30°C). If you go in spring (April-May), you'll get mild weather and flowers in bloom. September and October are great too, with warm days and fewer tourists around. Summer (June-August) is popular but can get pretty hot, often reaching 86°F (30°C) in Provence.
What type of shore excursions are available on river cruises from Nice?
You'll find all kinds of excursions that fit different interests and energy levels. You can take cultural tours like visiting the Roman amphitheater in Arles, go on guided bike rides along the Rhône, or enjoy food experiences like wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. If you're traveling with Emerald Cruises, you can choose between their EmeraldACTIVE options if you want to be more active, or their EmeraldPLUS experiences that focus on local culture.
What kind of dining experiences are included on river cruises from Nice?
Your cruise will include all meals, featuring both local specialties and international dishes. On Emerald Cruises ships, you can eat at up to five different restaurants, while CroisiEurope serves French cuisine with drinks included at meals and the bar. You might get special treats too, like a Provençal dinner cooked by local chef Fabien Morreale in Arles, or wine tastings as you travel through the Rhône Valley.
What are the most popular destinations visited on river cruises from Nice?
Your cruise will take you to some of France's most interesting places. You'll see Arles and its Roman amphitheater, Avignon's impressive Papal Palace, the charming medieval streets of Viviers, and Lyon, known for its amazing food. You'll also stop at lovely Provence towns like Tournon and Mâcon, where you can visit famous vineyards. One TourRadar traveler noted "the perfect mix of historic sites and charming villages along the Rhône River route."
What kind of accommodation can I expect on river cruises from Nice?
You'll stay in comfortable rooms on modern ships like the Emerald Liberté and Avalon Poetry II. The ships have nice-sized suites with big windows or private balconies, fancy dining rooms, and lounges on the top deck. The Scenic Sapphire, for example, offers different types of rooms from Standard Suites up to Royal Owner's Suites that come with butler service. Before your cruise starts, many TourRadar travelers mention enjoying stays at places like the Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée in Nice.
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