River Cruises in Southern France
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10 best river cruise Southern France tours
Compiled by
MelissaSouthern France travel expert at TourRadar
- Treasures of Burgundy and Provence: Rhône & Saône (Lyon - Lyon) (including Beaujolais)
- Lyon to the Tip of Provence on the Rhône and Saône Rivers
- Lyon to the Tip of Provence on the Rhône and Saône Rivers
- Côtes du Rhône in Luxury
- Beautiful Bordeaux 2025
- Rhône Route Provence 2025 - A-ROSA STELLA (8 destinations)
- Sensations of Lyon & Provence 2024|2025|2026 - 8 Days (from Lyon to Nice)
- Sensations of Lyon & Provence 2024|2025|2026 - 8 Days (from Marseille to Lyon)
- From Burgundy to the Camargue along the Saône and the Rhône Rivers (port-to-port cruise)
- Cruising the Rhone & Picturesque Provence
Treasures of Burgundy and Provence: Rhône & Saône (Lyon - Lyon) (including Beaujolais)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The food was amazing! The sights and tours were mind blowing!”
Kathy, traveled in May
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$3,836
Lyon to the Tip of Provence on the Rhône and Saône Rivers
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great time on the boat and on excursions. Awesome rooms and staff, and the food was excellent too.”
Lucienne, traveled in May
MS Van Gogh sails from Lyon to Martigues, stopping in Mâcon and Tain-l'Hermitage. The route includes UNESCO-listed sites in Lyon's historic center, Beaujolais vineyards, and the Vercors Massif's limestone cliffs.
Duration 7 days Destinations Lyon, Macon, Beaujolais, Tain-l’Hermitage, Avignon, Arles, Martigues Age Range up to 99 year olds Ships MS Van GoghMS Rhone PrincessMS Camargue II Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From $3,186
18% Off- NZ$2,610You save $576
Duration 7 days Destinations Lyon, Macon, Beaujolais, Tain-l’Hermitage, Avignon, Arles, Martigues Age Range 2 to 100 year olds Operator Authentic Africa From
18% Off- NZ$3,162
Duration 7 days Destinations Mazan, Pernes-les-Fontaines, Chateauneuf du Pape, Orange, Bedoin Age Range 2 to 5 year olds Operator Authentic Africa From
18% Off- NZ$4,658
Duration 11 days Destinations Bordeaux, Libourne, Pomerol, Saint-Emilion, Cadillac, Sauternes, Toulouse, Arcachon, Bourg, CognacSee all destinations Age Range 12 to 99 year olds Ship Scenic Diamond Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $9,745
26% Off- NZ$7,245You save $2,500
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
26% Off- NZ$1,915
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
26% Off- NZ$12,612
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
26% Off- NZ$12,612
Duration 8 days Destinations Lyon, Macon, Cluny, Vienne, Arles, Camargue Regional Nature Park, Avignon, Viviers, Tournon-sur-Rhone Age Range 2 to 5 year olds Operator Authentic Africa From
26% Off- NZ$2,730
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
26% Off- NZ$6,276
Southern France River Cruise Reviews
- 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."