River Cruises in Southern France
4.6 stars on(8,997 reviews)- Choose from 200+ Southern France tours
- 300+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
- 24/7 customer support
10 best river cruise Southern France tours
Compiled by
MelissaSouthern France travel expert at TourRadar
- Rhône Route Provence 2026 - A-ROSA STELLA
- Bonjour Bordeaux: Chateaux, Wineries & Charming Villages with 2 Nights in Paris 2026
- Sensations of Lyon & Provence 2024|2025|2026 - 8 Days (from Lyon to Nice)
- Bonjour Bordeaux: Chateaux, Wineries & Charming Villages 2026
- Sensations of Lyon & Provence 2024|2025|2026 - 8 Days (from Marseille to Lyon)
- Colors of Provence 2026
- Taste of Bordeaux (Wine Cruise) 2026
- Colors of Provence (Christmas Cruise) 2025
- Iconic France 2026 - 21 Days (13 destinations)
- Iconic France 2026 - 21 Days (including Port Médoc)
Rhône Route Provence 2026 - A-ROSA STELLA
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Overall we had a wonderful time. Thanks Desley.”
Desley, traveled in October
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 All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German Ship A-ROSA STELLA Operator A-ROSA From
- NZ$1,978
Duration 10 days Destinations Paris, Bordeaux, Cadillac, Cussac-Fort-Médoc, Blaye, Bourg, Libourne, Saint-Emilion Age Range Ages 8+ Ship Avalon Artistry II Operator Avalon Waterways From
- NZ$8,861+$386 upfront costs
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 Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From
- NZ$12,695
Avalon Artistry II sails from Bordeaux to Saint-Émilion's medieval village, visiting UNESCO-listed sites and historic ports. The journey includes stops at prestigious wineries and Arcachon's oyster beds, with panoramic views from luxury suites.
Duration 8 days Destinations Bordeaux, Cadillac, Sauternes, Blaye, Bourg, Arcachon, Libourne Age Range Ages 8+ Ship Avalon Artistry II River Dordogne Operator Avalon Waterways From
- NZ$6,856+$386 upfront costs
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 Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From
- NZ$12,695
Colors of Provence 2026
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The food, shoreside tours, crew- everything- was superlative. The ship was sparkling clean and cabins were cleaned daily.”
Jean-Pierre, traveled in May
AmaKristina's luxury staterooms with French balconies provide comfort while sailing from Lyon through Provence. The journey includes stops at Viviers and Tournon, featuring daily excursions and regional wine tastings.
Duration 8 days Destinations Lyon, Vienne, Collonges, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Viviers, Avignon, Arles Age Range Ages 12+ Ship AmaKristina Operator AmaWaterways From
- NZ$6,856+$418 upfront costs
AmaDolce sails Southern France's rivers to UNESCO-listed Saint-Émilion and Blaye's citadel. Luxury accommodations with French balconies enhance sailing between historic wine ports while regional cuisine at The Chef's Table delights guests.
Duration 8 days Destinations Bordeaux, Libourne, Blaye, Bourg, Cussac-Fort-Médoc, Cadillac Age Range Ages 12+ Ship AmaDolce Operator AmaWaterways From
- NZ$8,027+$418 upfront costs
AmaKristina's luxury staterooms feature French balconies. The route from Arles' Roman sites to Lyon's culinary landmarks includes charming Rhône ports. Chef's Table dining and panoramic lounges enhance onboard life.
Duration 8 days Destinations Arles, Avignon, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Vienne, Lyon Age Range Ages 18+ Ship AmaKristina River Rhone Operator AmaWaterways From
- NZ$7,022+$401 upfront costs
Duration 21 days Destinations Bordeaux, Libourne, Cadillac, Bourg, Blaye, Lyon, Tournus, Avignon, Arles, Viviers Age Range Ages 12+ Ships Scenic SapphireScenic Diamond Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $20,920
33% Off- NZ$13,920You save $7,000
Duration 21 days Destinations Lyon, Chalon sur Saone, Tournus, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Avignon, Arles, Viviers, Bordeaux, Libourne, Port MédocSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Ships Scenic SapphireScenic Diamond Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $22,860
31% Off- NZ$15,860You save $7,000
Southern France River Cruise Reviews
- Treasures of Burgundy and Provence: Rhône & Saône (Lyon - Lyon) (including Beaujolais)
Fantastic accommodation, service and itinerary. The cruise boat accommodation is very comfortable. Size of the room, closet and bathroom is perfect. You will cruise without feeling that you are in sailing. Happy to see a lot and different scenery. Well diversified. Thanks Andrea and all the crew.
- 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."