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
- Rhône Route Provence 2026 - A-ROSA STELLA
- Colors of Provence 2026 Start Arles, End Lyon
- 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)
- Romantic Rhône Lyon → Lyon (2025)
- A cruise in Aquitaine : the great wines of Southern France (port-to-port cruise)
- Chateaux, Rivers & Wine
- All the must-see sites on the Rhône between Lyon, Provence, and the Camargue with a dinner at Paul Bocuse's Abbaye de Collonges Restaurant OFFERED (including Vienne)
Treasures of Burgundy and Provence: Rhône & Saône (Lyon - Lyon) (including Beaujolais)
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The cruise boat accommodation is very comfortable. You will cruise without feeling that you are in sailing.”
Maria, traveled in October
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 Ages 8+ Operated in English, German Ship Amadeus Provence Operator Lueftner Cruises From
- NZ$4,343
Lyon to the Tip of Provence on the Rhône and Saône Rivers
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Absolutely one of most enjoyable trips from Lyon to Martigue along the Rhone with Croisie Europe ♡♡♡”
Helen, 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 All Ages Welcome Ships MS Van GoghMS Rhone PrincessMS Camargue II Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From $2,714
22% Off- NZ$2,108You save $606
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
22% Off- NZ$1,936
Duration 8 days Destinations Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Vienne, Beaujolais, Lyon Age Range Ages 12+ Ship AmaKristina Operator AmaWaterways From
22% Off- NZ$6,786+$416 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
22% Off- NZ$12,880
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
22% Off- NZ$12,880
The MS Van Gogh sails Southern France's waterways to historic ports and UNESCO sites. Highlights include Michelin-starred dining at Paul Bocuse's venue, Arles' Roman heritage, and wine tastings, plus guided tours of medieval towns.
Duration 7 days Destinations Lyon, Collonges, Tain-l’Hermitage, Avignon, Arles, Viviers Age Range Ages 12+ River Rhone Operator Travel Marvel From
22% Off- NZ$4,445+$850 upfront costs
A cruise in Aquitaine : the great wines of Southern France (port-to-port cruise)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A friendly and helpful staff, clean comfortable boat and good value food and drink.”
Michael, traveled in September
Duration 6 days Destinations Bordeaux, Pauillac, Blaye, Libourne, Saint-Emilion Age Range All Ages Welcome Ship MS Cyrano de Bergerac Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
22% Off- NZ$2,085
Duration 8 days Destinations Bordeaux, Cadillac, Libourne, Bourg, Blaye, Pauillac Age Range Ages 18+ Ship Viking Forseti Operator Viking Cruises From
22% Off- NZ$7,413
All the must-see sites on the Rhône between Lyon, Provence, and the Camargue with a dinner at Paul Bocuse's Abbaye de Collonges Restaurant OFFERED (including Vienne)
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers
The MS Van Gogh or MS Camargue II sail from Lyon to Arles. Highlights include Gorges de l'Ardèche's limestone cliffs, Viviers' medieval cathedral, and wine tastings at Paul Bocuse's Les Halles. Fine dining at Abbaye de Collonges caps the experience.
Duration 7 days Destinations Lyon, Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Tain-l’Hermitage, Vienne, Collonges Age Range All Ages Welcome Ships MS MistralMS Rhone PrincessMS Camargue II River Rhone Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
22% Off- NZ$3,839
Southern France River Cruise Reviews
- Treasures of Burgundy and Provence: Rhône & Saône (Lyon - Lyon) (including Beaujolais)
First time cruising with Amadeus. Really enjoyed everything about it. Wonderful staff, food and excursions.
- Lyon to the Tip of Provence on the Rhône and Saône Rivers
Fabulous trip very relaxing great food and entertainment.
Ship MS Van Gogh Staff friendly & very efficient. Many languages catered for. Ship decor very good Cabin Main deck very nice, cleaned daily and great air con. Bathroom clean and modern, small but functional. Beds very comfy. Meals and food quality exceptional. Chef Lyne is amazing and has to match the excursion to the Paul Bocuse restaurant in Lyon on the first night, which in fact in my opinion she does. Breakfast is a buffet, food varied and good quality, omelettes can be ordered. Lunch and Dinner - 3 courses, varied day by day and extremely well waited on. Wines on offer are excellent. On board entertainment is fun but you are not pressured to joining in. Stop locations are well thought out and the locations are all memorable. Optional excursions are also well thought out and the guides well selected for their knowledge. I highly recommend the excursion to Les Gorges d'Ardeche, it a 4.5 hour bus ride with a few stops but the views are phenomenal and well worth the trip. The whole cruise was exceptional and a large part is down to the crew of the MS Van Gogh who work extremely hard and are multi functional, always with a smile on their faces. I would personally like to thank the crew of MS Van Gogh for giving me a very memorable vacation.Keep it up ladies & gentlemen. I can't think of any way to improve my experience and that doesn't happen very often.
All the must-see sites on the Rhône between Lyon, Provence, and the Camargue with a dinner at Paul Bocuse's Abbaye de Collonges Restaurant OFFERED (port-to-port cruise) (including Vienne)
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."