Rhone Cruises from Lyon

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."