River Cruises in Southern France
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10 best river cruise Southern France tours
Compiled by
MelissaSouthern France travel expert at TourRadar
- Essence of Burgundy & Provence (Wine Cruise) 2025
- France | Burgundy & Provence | Rhône & Saône Bike & Boat
- Iconic France 2026 - 21 Days (from Lyon to Bordeaux)
- Colors of Provence 2026
- Spectacular South of France with Paris & London 2026
- France | Rhône River Biketour | Procence Bike & Boat
- A trip to admire the beautiful scenery of the Rhône valley (port-to-port cruise)
- Lyon & Provence Avignon to Lyon
- Active & Discovery on the Rhône (Southbound) 2026
- Burgundy & Provence (Northbound) 2026
Essence of Burgundy & Provence (Wine Cruise) 2025
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Every aspect was great, especially the food.”
Andrew, traveled in April
The AmaCello winds through Southern France's waterways. Provence unfolds from Avignon's Papal Palace to Arles' Roman ruins. Wine tastings in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and gourmet dining at the Chef's Table enhance the voyage.
Duration 8 days Destinations Dijon, Chalon sur Saone, Tournus, Macon, Villefranche-sur-Saone, Lyon, Vienne, Viviers, Avignon, Arles Age Range Ages 12+ Ship AmaCello Operator AmaWaterways From
- NZ$10,126+$419 upfront costs
A-ROSA STELLA's route through Southern France encompasses UNESCO sites and historic towns. Highlights include Avignon's Papal Palace, cycling through Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards, and Arles' Roman heritage.
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 $8,052
5% Off- NZ$7,649You save $403
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
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
31% Off- NZ$7,159+$437 upfront costs
The Scenic Sapphire takes guests through Southern France, featuring stops at Beaune's Les Hospices, Tournon's castle, and Avignon's Pope's Palace. The journey includes Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine tasting and exclusive cultural performances in historic venues.
Duration 16 days Destinations Paris, Lyon, Chalon sur Saone, Tournus, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Avignon, Arles, Viviers, London Age Range Ages 12+ Ship Scenic Sapphire Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $18,270
14% Off- NZ$15,770You save $2,500
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, Les Baux de Provence, Camargue Regional Nature Park Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, German Ships A-ROSA STELLAA-ROSA LUNA River Seine Operator Terranova Touristik From $6,429
6% Off- NZ$6,026You save $403
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
Premium ships like MS Van Gogh or MS Camargue II transport guests to Avignon's UNESCO-listed Papal Palace, Arles' Roman ruins, and a manade in the Camargue. French cuisine with included wines costs approx. $210 per day.
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
6% Off- NZ$2,417
Luxury Viking ships cruise the Rhône River in Southern France. The itinerary includes Viviers' medieval quarter, dramatic gorges, and Vienne's Roman temples, with regional wines and gourmet cuisine served in elegant staterooms.
Duration 8 days Destinations Avignon, Arles, Viviers, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Lyon Age Range Ages 18+ Ships Viking LofnViking DellingViking HermodViking HeimdalViking Buri River Rhone Operator Viking Cruises From $9,597
46% Off- NZ$5,138You save $4,458
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
46% Off- NZ$8,381+$403 upfront costs
Duration 8 days Destinations Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Tain-l’Hermitage, Lyon, Tournus, Chalon sur Saone Age Range Ages 8+ Ship Avalon Poetry II Operator Avalon Waterways From
46% Off- NZ$8,032+$403 upfront costs
Southern France River Cruise Reviews
The cruise itself was very good however it is structured around the passengers doing tours which are an extra charge. The boat stops to let passengers off for tours then sets sail again to the next port where they meet them. Because we didn’t book tours, several times we were the only passengers on board between stops. We would have preferred a cruise that stopped for a reasonable time so we could explore on foot. The food and service onboard was exceptional. Our group of 4 were the only English speaking passengers which made it very hard to get to know others however the assistant cruise directors Adam and Valentine work extremely hard to include us and translate and were happy to practice their English with us. A lot of the Rhone is lovely but this cruise also travels through a lot of industrial areas.
A trip to admire the beautiful scenery of the Rhône valley (port-to-port cruise)
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."