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

MelissaNice travel expert at TourRadar
- Burgundy & Provence with 2 Nights in French Riviera & 2 Nights in Paris for Jazz Lovers (Northbound) 2026
- Idyllic Rhône 2026|2027 - 8 Days (from Nice to Lyon)
- Sensations of Lyon & Provence 2026 - 8 Days
- Idyllic Rhône with French Riviera 2027 - 11 Days (from Nice to Lyon)
- Rhine & Rhône Revealed with 2 Nights in French Riviera (Northbound) 2026
- Swiss Mountains, Autumn Sensations of Lyon and Provence with Nice
- Sensations of Lyon & Provence with Nice 2024|2025|2026
- Discover the Rhine & Rhone Rivers 2026 - 15 Days
- Discover the rivers of Europe 2026 - 29 Days (32 destinations)
- Nice & Sensations of Lyon & Provence
Duration 12 days Destinations Nice, Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Vienne, Lyon, Tournus, Chalon sur Saone, BeauneSee all destinations Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Avalon Waterways From
- NZ$12,150+$409 upfront costs
Duration 8 days Destinations Nice, Tarascon, Arles, Alpilles, Avignon, Chateauneuf du Pape, Grignan, Viviers, Vienne, MaconSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $7,560
16% Off- NZ$6,360You save $1,200
Duration 8 days Destinations Nice, Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Macon, Lyon Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $15,930
50% Off- NZ$7,965You save $7,965
Duration 11 days Destinations Nice, Tarascon, Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Vienne, Macon, Lyon Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $11,545
11% Off- NZ$10,245You save $1,300
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 Ages 12+ Operator Avalon Waterways From
11% Off- NZ$16,757+$819 upfront costs
Duration 15 days Destinations Nice, Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Vienne, Lyon, Lausanne Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $12,147
14% Off- NZ$10,505You save $1,641
Nice's sun-drenched promenade connects to Monte Carlo's glamorous streets along the French Riviera before boarding Emerald Liberté. Guided city tours, Monaco's famous Grand Prix track visits, and optional excursions to Saint-Paul de Vence await. Luxury accommodations and regional gastronomy enhance the trip.
Duration 11 days Destinations Nice, Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Lyon, Chalon sur Saone, Beaune Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From
14% Off- NZ$15,540
Duration 15 days Destinations France, Switzerland, Germany, Netherlands Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $28,971
26% Off- NZ$21,561You save $7,410
Depart Nice for a luxurious river journey, starting with Provence's highlights. Explore UNESCO-listed Arles Amphitheatre, enjoy a Provençal dinner with chef Fabien Morreale, and visit the Pope's Palace in Avignon. Cruise the Rhône past vineyard-clad hills to Lyon's gastronomic treasures aboard Emerald Liberté.
Duration 29 days Destinations France, Switzerland, Germany, Netherlands, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $26,352
9% Off- NZ$24,018You save $2,333
Duration 11 days Destinations Nice, Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Macon, Lyon Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $16,249
44% Off- NZ$9,170You save $7,079
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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