Rhone Cruises from Lyon
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10 best Rhone river cruises from Lyon
Compiled by
MelissaLyon travel expert at TourRadar
- Cruising the Rhone & Picturesque Provence
- Sensations of Lyon & Provence 2025 - 8 Days (from Lyon to Nice)
- Sensations of Lyon and Provence & Aix-en-Provence (from Lyon to Marseille)
- Cruising the Rhone & Picturesque Provence
- Romantic Rhône Lyon → Lyon (2025)
- Active & Discovery on the Rhône (Southbound) 2025
- Romantic Rhône Lyon → Lyon (2025)
- Idyllic Rhône 2024|2025 - 8 Days (from Lyon to Nice)
- Burgundy & Provence (2026) (Lyon to Arles, 2026)
- Rhône Route Méditerranée 2026 - A-ROSA STELLA
Duration 8 days Destinations Lyon, Chalon sur Saone, Macon, Belleville, Trevoux, Viviers, Arles, Avignon Age Range 2 to 5 year olds River Rhone Operator Authentic Africa From
- NZ$6,231
The Emerald Liberté sails 480km along the Rhône River from Lyon's confluence to Nice. The itinerary features historic ports including medieval Tournon, Viviers, and Avignon, with scenic cruising past vineyards and ancient Roman sites.
Duration 8 days Destinations Lyon, Chalon sur Saone, Beaune, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Pont-en-Royans, Viviers, Chateauneuf du Pape, Avignon, Pont du Gard, ArlesSee all destinations Age Range up to 90 year olds River Rhone Operator Emerald Cruises From $15,162
61% Off- NZ$5,931You save $9,231
The Rhône-Saône confluence in Lyon marks the starting point, where guests board the Emerald Liberté. The route winds through Tournon's wine country and Avignon's historic center, covering 516km of Rhône River landscapes before concluding in Marseille after visiting Aix-en-Provence's boulevards.
Duration 10 days Destinations Lyon, Beaune, Viviers, Pont du Gard, Chateauneuf du Pape, Avignon, Arles, Les Baux de Provence, Aix-En-Provence, Marseille Age Range up to 90 year olds River Rhone Operator Emerald Cruises From $16,622
56% Off- NZ$7,391You save $9,231
The voyage begins at Lyon's historic port, heading north on the Saône before joining the Rhône southward. The 300-kilometer route includes visits to riverside gems like Chalon-sur-Saône, Mâcon, and Viviers before returning to Lyon.
Duration 8 days Destinations Lyon, Chalon sur Saone, Macon, Belleville, Trevoux, Viviers, Arles, Avignon Age Range up to 100 year olds River Rhone Operator Just You From $6,778
6% Off- NZ$6,386You save $392
Duration 7 days Destinations Lyon, Collonges, Tain-l’Hermitage, Avignon, Arles, Viviers Age Range up to 99 year olds River Rhone Operator Travel Marvel From
6% Off- NZ$8,047
The Avalon Poetry II welcomes guests in Lyon for an 8-day southbound adventure, visiting 8 ports along the Rhône. The route passes through Lock Bollène to Avignon, includes Gorges du Doux rail-bike exploration, and ends in Arles with Marseille airport connections.
Duration 8 days Destinations Lyon, Tain-l’Hermitage, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Viviers, Bollene, Avignon, Arles, Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhone Age Range 8 to 99 year olds Ship Avalon Poetry II River Rhone Operator Avalon Waterways From
6% Off- NZ$7,258+$346 upfront costs
The MS Van Gogh charts a week-long course from Lyon along the Rhône River. Ports of call include Collonges-au-Mont-d'Or, Tain L'Hermitage, and UNESCO-listed Avignon, with luxury transfers and visits to 6 riverside towns.
Duration 7 days Destinations Lyon, Collonges, Tain-l’Hermitage, Avignon, Arles, Viviers Age Range up to 99 year olds River Rhone Operator Travel Marvel From
6% Off- NZ$4,445
The Scenic Sapphire sets sail from Lyon's historic quarter along the Rhône River. Memorable stops include Vienne's Roman theatre, Viviers' medieval streets, and Avignon's Pope's Palace before concluding in Nice, featuring scenic sailing through Provence's wine country.
Duration 8 days Destinations Lyon, Macon, Vienne, Avignon, Arles, Nice Age Range up to 99 year olds Ship Scenic Sapphire River Rhone Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From
6% Off- NZ$7,295
Airport transfers bring guests to Lyon's S.S. Catherine for a cruise along Rhône and Saône rivers through Burgundy's wine country. The 8-day route flows south via Mâcon, Viviers, and Avignon, ending in Arles with Marseille Airport transfers, showcasing key UNESCO sites.
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 Ship S.S. Catherine River Rhone Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $6,899
10% Off- NZ$6,209You save $690
The A-ROSA STELLA charts a course from Lyon along the Rhône River, featuring Viviers' medieval quarter and Avignon's papal palace. The route extends south to Port St. Louis before returning via Tournon, highlighting France's legendary waterway.
Duration 8 days Destinations Lyon, Viviers, Arles, Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhone, Avignon, Tournon-sur-Rhone Age Range 2 to 99 year olds Operated in English, German Ship A-ROSA STELLA River Rhone Operator A-ROSA From
10% Off- NZ$1,906
What people love about Rhone Cruises from Lyon
- 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)
We enjoyed the cruise, staff are friendly and helpful! The room is good. The food is delicious but too much in quantity!
- A trip to admire the beautiful scenery of the Rhône valley (port-to-port cruise)
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.
What our customers ask about Rhone Cruises from Lyon
What is the typical length of tours starting in Lyon along the Rhone River?
Rhone River tours from Lyon generally run between 6-15 days with 8-day trips being the most common choice among travelers. CroisiEurope River Cruises offers an 8-day "From Burgundy to the Camarge" route starting at 2,902 USD while Emerald Cruises runs a 10-day "Sensations of Lyon and Provence" experience for 10,375 USD. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The 8-day length was perfect to explore both Lyon and the charming towns along the Rhone."
What are the best months for starting a Rhone River tour from Lyon?
The most favorable time for Rhone River tours spans from April to October with the busiest period running June through September. These summer months bring consistent sunshine and comfortable temperatures. Viking Cruises schedules 8-9 departures each month during July and August while Emerald Cruises concentrates on summer sailings. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "We chose September for our CroisiEurope cruise and found perfect temperatures and smaller crowds than peak summer."
What type of accommodation can I expect at the start of the tour in Lyon?
Accommodations in Lyon range from modern river cruise ships to high-end hotels. Vessels like the MS Camargue II and Viking Longships feature well-appointed cabins with large windows and French balconies. Hotel options include the 5-star InterContinental Lyon - Hotel Dieu in the historic district or the 4-star Mercure Lyon Centre Château Perrache near the train station. A TourRadar traveler commented: "Our cabin on the Avalon Poetry II exceeded expectations with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors and stunning views of Lyon."
What transportation options are available from Lyon Airport to tour starting points?
Getting from Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport to your tour's starting point is straightforward. Many operators like Viking Cruises and Emerald Cruises include free transfers with their air packages. The Rhônexpress tram connects the airport to Lyon Part-Dieu station in 30 minutes. Common meeting spots include the Hotel Carlton Lyon near Bellecour Square and the cruise docks in the Confluence area.
What are the most popular destinations visited after leaving Lyon?
After departing Lyon travelers explore medieval Viviers the historic Papal Palace in Avignon and Arles' Roman architecture and Van Gogh sites. Routes often include stops at Tournon/Tain-l'Hermitage for wine experiences and Port St. Louis to discover the Camargue region. A TourRadar traveler noted: "It was a great gastronomique experience. We especially enjoyed the trip to Camargue and Gorges de l'Ardèche."
What kinds of optional activities are available during the Lyon portion?
Lyon offers additional activities like hands-on cooking classes wine tours in Beaujolais vineyards and evening river excursions. Avalon Waterways features a "Culinary Walk" through food districts while CroisiEurope presents evening entertainment options. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The optional evening cruise along the Saône River gave us amazing views of Lyon's illuminated landmarks and was worth the extra cost."
What are the must-see attractions included in the first days of tours starting in Lyon?
Opening days focus on Lyon's UNESCO heritage sites including the Old Town Notre-Dame de Fourvière Basilica and the historic traboules passageways. Tours highlight the city's food culture with stops at Les Halles market and local bouchon restaurants. As a TourRadar traveler mentioned from the Emerald Cruises tour: "The guided walking tour through Lyon's hidden passageways and the evening light show at Notre-Dame were absolute highlights of our first day."