River Cruises in Southern France
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10 best river cruise Southern France tours
Compiled by
MelissaSouthern France travel expert at TourRadar
- Rhône Route Provence 2025 - A-ROSA STELLA
- Treasures of Burgundy and Provence: Rhône & Saône (Lyon - Lyon) (including Beaujolais)
- Sensations of Lyon & Provence 2024|2025|2026 - 8 Days (from Marseille to Lyon)
- Sensations of Lyon & Provence 2024|2025|2026 - 8 Days (from Lyon to Nice)
- France | Rhone River Biketour | Bike & Boat 2025
- Bordeaux Affair 2025
- Idyllic Rhône 2024|2025 - 8 Days (from Lyon to Nice)
- Cruising the Rhone & Picturesque Provence
- Cruise through the Aquitaine Region from Bordeaux to Royan, along the Gironde Estuary and the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers (port-to-port cruise)
- The tip of Provence to Lyon on the Rhône and Saône Rivers (port-to-port cruise)
Float through Southern France aboard A-ROSA STELLA, with elegant staterooms and deluxe amenities. Lyon's UNESCO Old Town, Avignon's Palais des Papes, and Arles' Roman sites await. The journey includes regional cuisine, unlimited beverages, and spa access.
Duration 8 days Destinations Lyon, Beaujolais, Avignon, Arles, Viviers, Vienne Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, German Ship A-ROSA STELLA Operator A-ROSA From
- NZ$1,908
A luxury AMADEUS vessel with panoramic windows sails the Rhône and Saône rivers. The route from Lyon through Provence includes UNESCO-listed Avignon's Papal Palace and Arles' Roman amphitheater, plus Ardèche Gorge and Camargue's flamingos.
Duration 8 days Destinations Lyon, Macon, Beaujolais, Tournus, Avignon, Pont du Gard, Arles, Châteauneuf-du-Rhône, Le Pouzin Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, German Ship Amadeus Provence Operator Lueftner Cruises From
- NZ$4,510
The luxurious Emerald Liberté sails from Marseille through Provence. Stops include Arles' ancient port, Avignon's papal complex, and Viviers' medieval center. Gourmet dining and exclusive shore excursions complement the voyage.
Duration 8 days Destinations Marseille, Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Beaune, Lyon Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Emerald Cruises From
- NZ$12,866
The Emerald Liberté glides from Lyon to Arles. Guests tour UNESCO-listed Palais des Papes in Avignon, admire Roman ruins, and sail through scenic Rhône Valley. The trip features guided tours and exclusive Provençal dining experiences.
Duration 8 days Destinations Lyon, Beaune, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Viviers, Avignon, Arles, Nice Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Emerald Cruises From
- NZ$12,866
STELLA takes guests through Southern France, offering cycling tours through Rhône Valley vineyards and Camargue wetlands. Visits include Tain-l'Hermitage's chocolate makers, Avignon's historic bridge, and Ardèche's dramatic gorges, complemented by luxury accommodations.
Duration 8 days Destinations Lyon, Tain-l’Hermitage, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Avignon, Chateauneuf du Pape, Arles, Tarascon, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Camargue Regional Nature Park, Natural Reserve of the Ardèche Gorges Age Range up to 90 year olds Operated in English, German River Seine Operator Terranova Touristik From
- NZ$6,158
Scenic Diamond's 84 luxury suites provide comfort while sailing from Bordeaux. Exclusive events at Château d'Agassac and Château Siaurac wine tastings highlight the journey. Salt Therapy Lounge access included.
Duration 8 days Destinations Bordeaux, Saint-Emilion, Libourne, Blaye, Cussac-Fort-Médoc, Bourg, Cadillac Age Range 12 to 99 year olds Ship Scenic Diamond Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $9,390
11% Off- NZ$8,390You save $1,000
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
11% Off- NZ$7,295
The Bijou du Rhone offers panoramic views and regional cuisine while sailing Southern France. Highlights include Viviers' medieval center, Ardèche Gorge's dramatic landscapes, and Van Gogh's inspirational Arles.
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 $7,028
12% Off- NZ$6,185You save $843
Cruise through the Aquitaine Region from Bordeaux to Royan, along the Gironde Estuary and the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers (port-to-port cruise)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Food and staff were superb together with the excursions and facilities on the boat.”
Barbara, traveled in June
The MS Cyrano de Bergerac, with its panoramic cabin views, sails the Garonne, Dordogne, and Gironde rivers. The route from Bordeaux passes Patiras Island to Cussac-Fort-Médoc, visiting historic maritime cities like Royan and Cadillac, with stops at Bassin d'Arcachon's oyster beds and unique stilt houses.
Duration 7 days Destinations Bordeaux, Pauillac, Royan, Rochefort, La Rochelle, Libourne, Cadillac Age Range up to 99 year olds Ship MS Cyrano de Bergerac Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
12% Off- NZ$2,552
The tip of Provence to Lyon on the Rhône and Saône Rivers (port-to-port cruise)
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Michelin star food plated at your table everyday. A good introduction for first time cruisers.”
Helen, traveled in June
The MS Camargue II offers spectacular French balcony views while sailing Southern France's waterways. From Martigues, the route winds through Camargue wetlands to Avignon's Papal Palace, with refined French cuisine and included drinks served as you pass historic locks and ports.
Duration 7 days Destinations Martigues, Camargue Regional Nature Park, Marseille, Arles, Avignon, Tain-l’Hermitage, Lyon, Macon, Belleville, Trevoux Age Range up to 99 year olds Ships MS MistralMS Rhone PrincessMS Camargue II Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
12% Off- NZ$2,390
Southern France River Cruise Reviews
- A trip to admire the beautiful scenery of the Rhône valley (port-to-port cruise) (7 destinations)
the cabine room was a good size, the food was outstanding, land based tours were interesting and the service was fine
- The exceptional region of Bordeaux (port-to-port cruise)
The river cruise was very relaxing and enjoyable. There was a diverse group of people, including Australians, Americans, Brits, Belgians and French. Cabins were spacious and comfortable. Meals were excellent...... 3-4 courses, wines included. Breakfasts were average but lunches and dinners more than made up fir this. Staff service was excellent. The route was as stated. Do a tour if you go to Paulliac..... nothing to see or do in the town. Other stops were great. I only did one tour...... it felt rushed with not enough free time. Croisie tried to ensure coaches were organised around languages as the dual translation (French and English) can be very tedious! In summary......the cruise exceeded my expectations. The company is very experienced and everything was well organised with staff doing whatever it took to meet requests. It’s not a “luxury 5 star” experience but it was very enjoyable.
What our customers ask about River Cruises in Southern France
What are the main rivers and routes covered by Southern France river cruises?
Southern France river cruises navigate the Rhône Saône and Garonne rivers. The Rhône-Saône route connects Lyon to Arles letting travelers explore landmarks like Avignon's Papal Palace and the Roman amphitheater in Arles. Around Bordeaux the Garonne and Dordogne rivers take wine enthusiasts through famous regions including Saint-Émilion and Médoc. A TourRadar traveler on the Avalon Waterways cruise noted: "The journey from Lyon to Arles was spectacular with each stop offering unique insights into French history wine and culture. The Rhône Valley scenery was absolutely breathtaking."
How do river cruise itineraries differ between the Rhône and Bordeaux regions of Southern France?
Rhône and Bordeaux cruises showcase different aspects of French culture. On Rhône trips by Uniworld and AmaWaterways travelers explore Provence's Roman sites lavender fields and Côtes du Rhône wines between Lyon and Arles. Bordeaux cruises by Scenic and CroisiEurope take a circular route on the Garonne and Dordogne focusing on wine regions like Saint-Émilion and Médoc. A TourRadar traveler who experienced both commented: "The Rhône offered more historical sites and dramatic landscapes while Bordeaux was paradise for wine lovers with exclusive château visits and tastings. Both regions showcased impressive French gastronomy and charming medieval villages."