Rhone River Cruises
Sailing down the River Rhone is a true delight. Explore Lyon and taste local foods at the famous Les Halles market. Visit the peaceful Sénanque Abbey, surrounded by lavender fields, or the Papal Palace. White horses run free in the wild Camargue, and you can see traditional bull and horse culture. Visit Viviers and the beautiful Gorges de l’Ardèche. It’s a different take, and a true delight.
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Catherine • traveled in May
The food was amazing, the optional tours were just ok….
All the must-see sites on the Rhône between Lyon, Provence, and the Camargue with a dinner at Paul Bocuse's Abbaye de Collonges Restaurant OFFERED (port-to-port cruise) (including Vienne) - J
Josiane • traveled in April
The trip was excellent, even though it was changed due to strikes, we end up doing the Saône instead of the Rhône, the crew, and the whole team did a great job providing us with a memorable trip.
Rhône Route Rendez-Vous 2026 - J
Joelle • traveled in October
This was my first rivercruise, very happy with CroisiEurope, the ship and cabins where clean and efficient, the meals where very nice with the wine selection. It was very pleasant going tru the locks and watching the scenery as you float along. Due to the weather we were not able to sail into Martigues, however; we were transported by bus to Martigues, which was better then not going at all. OK. A few of us felt the stop at Port St. Louis can be eliminated, there's not much to see at this place, perhaps a good place to join up for those going on the excursion, but was not a point of any interest. The town of Arles was great, spent ample time there, however; disappointed with the time able to spend at Avignon....just a few hours, a half or full day would be more appropriate to be able to tour without rushing. Be nice to have a more detailed itenerary provided daily about arrival & departure of the ship and anticipated time be able to have at each stop. The night entertainment was minimal, first night Bingo game, then another night dance had a quiz..that was designed to encourage the groupe to dance. The hit was on the before last night, a flamenco dancer and two guitar players performed that was very upbeat and was enjoyed by everyone, they put on a good show. We cruised from Oct 03-06...the weather was good to tour the villages, just a bit cool/windy to spend lots of time on the sun deck...a few more degrees would have been needed to feel real comfortable sitting out which would be fabulous. Overall, happy we got to experience doing a rivercruise.
A trip to admire the beautiful scenery of the Rhône valley (port-to-port cruise)
Table of contents
- The best Rhone cruises
- Travel Rhone your way
- Best tour companies
- Popular Rhone Cruise Ships
- Best places to start your adventure
- Discover Rhone tours for every budget
- Rhone tours for every type of group
- Top Rhone travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit
- Contact our Rhone travel experts
- What our customers ask about Rhone River Cruises
The best Rhone cruises
Compiled by
MelissaRhone travel expert at TourRadar
The 8-day Rhône cruise aboard A-ROSA LUNA takes you through UNESCO-listed Lyon's old town and the vibrant Beaujolais wine region. Provence unfolds with stops in medieval Viviers, Van Gogh's Arles, and papal Avignon's Palais des Papes. Regional wines complement comprehensive dining, with balcony cabin options and e-bikes for shore exploration.
Duration 8 days Destinations Lyon, Beaujolais, Viviers, Arles, Avignon Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German Ship A-ROSA LUNA River Rhone Operator A-ROSA From
- NZ$2,289
The A-ROSA STELLA sails from Lyon to Mediterranean ports, visiting Viviers' medieval city, Arles' UNESCO sites, and Avignon's papal palace. Live-cooking stations, unlimited regional wines, and complimentary e-bikes enhance this 8-day cruise through France's premier wine regions.
Duration 8 days Destinations Lyon, Viviers, Arles, Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhone, Avignon, Tournon-sur-Rhone Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German Ship A-ROSA STELLA River Rhone Operator A-ROSA From
- NZ$2,289
Duration 7 days Destinations Lyon, Collonges, Tain-l’Hermitage, Avignon, Arles, Viviers Age Range Ages 12+ River Rhone Operator Travel Marvel From
- NZ$4,845+$850 upfront costs
Duration 11 days Destinations Paris, Lyon, Collonges, Tain-l’Hermitage, Avignon, Arles, Viviers Age Range Ages 12+ River Rhone Operator Travel Marvel From
- NZ$7,420+$970 upfront costs
Duration 12 days Destinations Marseille, Arles, Avignon, Chateauneuf du Pape, Viviers, Lyon, Beaune, Lake Geneva, Geneva, MontreuxSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ River Rhone Operator Emerald Cruises From $16,911
47% Off- NZ$8,994You save $7,917
Duration 8 days Destinations Lyon, Tain-l’Hermitage, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Viviers, Avignon, Arles, Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhone Age Range Ages 8+ Ship Avalon Poetry II River Rhone Operator Avalon Waterways From
47% Off- NZ$8,141+$392 upfront costs
The Rhône River flows from Port-Saint-Louis to Lyon aboard Avalon Poetry II. Pass through Lock Bollène, tour Avignon's medieval treasures, and uncover Lyon's culinary heritage. Panoramic suites, regional cuisine, and diverse excursions highlight this 7-night voyage.
Duration 8 days Destinations Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhone, Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Tain-l’Hermitage, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Lyon Age Range Ages 8+ Ship Avalon Poetry II River Rhone Operator Avalon Waterways From
47% Off- NZ$8,141+$392 upfront costs
A trip to admire the beautiful scenery of the Rhône valley (port-to-port cruise)
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Wonderful trip, clean boat, satisfied our needs. Great food, excellent service all round.”
Denise, traveled in September
MS Van Gogh or MS Camargue II glide through the scenic Rhône Valley, stopping at historic Avignon, Roman-rich Arles, and charming Viviers. This 6-day route features gourmet dining with regional wines, entertainment, and comfortable cabins.
Duration 6 days Destinations Lyon, Avignon, Arles, Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhone, Martigues, Viviers, Tain-l’Hermitage Age Range All Ages Welcome Ships MS Van GoghMS Rhone PrincessMS Camargue II River Rhone Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
47% Off- NZ$2,378
The Rhône River opens up aboard A-ROSA STELLA, where luxury cruising meets e-bike adventures. Cyclists wind through Lyon, Tain-l'Hermitage, Avignon, and Arles. Riverside vineyards, historic towns, and UNESCO sites dot this iconic waterway.
Duration 8 days Destinations Lyon, Macon, Cluny, Chalon sur Saone, Tournus, Avignon, Tain-l’Hermitage, Chateauneuf du Pape, Arles, TarasconSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Ship Amadeus Provence River RhoneSaone Operator Terranova Touristik From
47% Off- NZ$7,923
Duration 10 days Destinations Paris, Lyon, Macon, Vienne, Viviers, Avignon, Arles, Tarascon, Nice Age Range Ages 12+ Ship Scenic Sapphire River Rhone Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From
47% Off- NZ$11,175
Travel Rhone your way
Best tour companies
From what our travelers tell us, each of these river cruise lines has its distinct qualities and quirks. CroisiEurope generally gets good marks from passengers, though we've heard some concerns about meal quality on specific routes. The food isn't bad - it just doesn't always meet expectations for a luxury river cruise.Avalon Waterways does well with their excursion program overall, offering interesting local experiences and guided tours. That said, quite a few of our guests found the Camargue excursion needed more substance - it didn't quite deliver the wild horses and flamingos experience many were hoping for.Scenic maintains beautiful ships with really comfortable cabins, and their crew consistently gets praise for attentive service. The shore excursions are well organized but tend to run on the expensive side compared to other lines - something to factor into your overall budget when booking. Their staff really goes above and beyond though, which helps justify the premium pricing for many guests.Each line has its sweet spot: CroisiEurope works well for value-conscious travelers who don't need elaborate meals, Avalon hits a good middle ground with their excursions program (despite the Camargue feedback), while Scenic caters to those wanting higher-end accommodations and service, provided you're okay with paying extra for excursions.
Popular Rhone Cruise Ships
Best places to start your adventure
Lyon leads the pack with 48 cruise departures, while Arles handles 20 sailings, Nice offers 9 cruises and both Avignon and Marseille provide several options with 5 and 4 departures. Most people book around 18 days ahead, but you'll want more lead time during peak season, particularly for those gorgeous June and July lavender blooms. Spring cruises in April-May offer pleasant weather and flowering landscapes, while autumn trips in September-October let you catch the wine harvest and golden vineyard views. Summer gives you long days for exploring, though August can get hot and busy with tourists. Winter adds its own charm - especially in December when Christmas markets pop up in the old towns, though you might find some outdoor activities limited by the cooler temperatures.
Discover Rhone tours for every budget
Rhone tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Top Rhone travel itineraries to fit your plans
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Demographics
Solo Travelers55 tours- Couples57 tours
- Seniors (50+)50 tours
Best time to visit
- Spring 2026
Spring offers ideal weather for discovering the Rhône Valley - temperatures are just right for being outside and you'll find fewer people at main attractions. The cruises make good use of the season with bike rides through Lyon's old quarters and guided walks up to Mount Pipet near Vienne. There are special spring activities like going truffle hunting with local farmers and their dogs around Grignan, or joining painting sessions in Arles when the light is particularly clear. Our TourRadar customers really enjoy the springtime wine tastings in Beaujolais, where they learn about vineyard work just as the vines start to wake up. The cooking classes are excellent this time of year too, using fresh ingredients from Les Halles de Lyon to create traditional Provençal dishes.
- 15 tours
- popular 17 tours
- Summer 2026
The Rhône river cruises shine brightest in summer, when the long days let you pack in plenty of authentic experiences. Guests join intimate cooking workshops at Les Halles de Lyon, and savor exclusive tastings at historic wine cellars across Beaujolais and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. TourRadar customers consistently highlight how well the tours balance structured activities with free time - you'll explore Arles' ancient Roman sites with expert guides in the morning, then wander Lyon's secret traboules passages at your leisure in the afternoon. The carefully crafted routes make the most of summer's extended daylight, mixing cultural gems like private concerts in Avignon's grand Papal Palace with visits to traditional Camargue bull farms. Special touches elevate these journeys, including dinners at Paul Bocuse's renowned Abbaye de Collonges and sweet treats at the Cité du Chocolat in Tain L'Hermitage. While August sees the heaviest tourist traffic, our travelers mention that the professional crews handle the peak season with practiced ease and also maintain excellent service throughout.
- 19 tours
- 19 tours
- popular 20 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2026
Autumn Rhône cruises showcase the wine harvest in full swing, with special tours through Beaujolais and Châteauneuf-du-Pape during the vendange season. Our TourRadar customers particularly enjoy experiencing the golden vineyard views and getting hands-on with grape picking activities alongside local vintners. The cruises offer exclusive access to historic wine cellars, where you'll learn about production techniques and taste newly pressed juice, as it begins its journey to becoming wine. Beyond the vineyards, these autumn sailings take you through Lyon's traboules to Paul Bocuse's Les Halles market, rich with seasonal mushrooms and game. You can join truffle hunting expeditions near Grignan with farmers and their dogs, perfect timing as the black diamonds emerge in the cooling soil. The itineraries include wonderful cultural touches too - painting workshops in Arles, when the light is particularly clear, and private concerts in Avignon's Papal Palace during quiet autumn evenings.
- popular 19 tours
Contact our Rhone travel experts
Rufus
Expert in Rhone at TourRadar
Rufus is one of our seasoned Rhone Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Rhone tours answered!
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+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about Rhone River Cruises
How can you immerse yourself in authentic French culture while cruising the Rhône?
You'll find some really amazing cultural experiences in the Rhône Valley that let you dive right into French traditions. Head to Grignan where you can join a local farmer and their specially trained dog hunting for truffles it's such a uniquely Provençal thing to do. When you're in Lyon don't miss trying your hand at silk painting the city's been famous for silk since way back in the 1400s. The local markets are absolutely fantastic especially Les Halles de Lyon where you can browse and taste alongside locals picking up regional specialties like their amazing sausages and cheeses.
Which hidden gems should you explore along the Rhône?
The traboules in Lyon are fascinating these secret passageways from the 4th century give you this amazing peek into the city's hidden past. You'll love exploring Viviers it's like stepping into a medieval time capsule people often call it an open-air museum. Make sure to visit Oingt up in the Beaujolais region it's part of the Land of Golden Stones and offers these incredible views plus fantastic local wines. TourRadar travelers always mention how these spots feel so authentic and really let you experience genuine French life.
Where can you find the best local food specialties?
Lyon's definitely earned its reputation as France's food capital and you'll find out why at Les Halles de Lyon where the local sausages and cheeses are just incredible. You've got to try traditional bouchon cuisine in Lyon too it's hearty authentic and exactly what local families have been eating for generations. In Arles you can learn all about olive oil production before tasting some of the region's finest. Don't leave without trying Montélimar's famous nougat they've been making it since the 1600s and grab some orange blossom fougasse in Aigues-Mortes it's absolutely delicious.