River Cruises in Southern France
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10 best river cruise Southern France tours
Compiled by
MelissaSouthern France travel expert at TourRadar
- Sensations of Lyon & Provence 2024|2025|2026 - 8 Days (from Lyon to Nice)
- Treasures of Burgundy and Provence: Rhône & Saône (Lyon - Lyon) (including Beaujolais)
- Idyllic Rhône 2024|2025 - 8 Days (from Lyon to Nice)
- Bonjour Bordeaux: Chateaux, Wineries & Charming Villages with 2 Nights in Paris
- Bonjour Bordeaux: Chateaux, Wineries & Charming Villages 2025
- Burgundy & Provence (2026) (Arles to Lyon, 2026)
- Cruising the Rhone & Picturesque Provence
- A trip to admire the beautiful scenery of the Rhône valley
- From Burgundy to the Camarge along the Saône and the Rhône Rivers
- Sensations of Lyon & Provence 2024|2025|2026 - 8 Days (from Marseille to Lyon)
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
- US$7,590
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 $2,557
25% Off- US$1,918You save $639
Scenic Sapphire takes guests through Southern France's waterways, featuring Viviers' medieval quarter and Avignon's Pope's Palace. Special access to exclusive concerts and wine tastings in Châteauneuf-du-Pape enhance the journey. Luxury suite accommodation and premium beverages included.
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
25% Off- US$11,590
Duration 10 days Destinations Paris, Bordeaux, Cadillac, Cussac-Fort-Médoc, Blaye, Bourg, Libourne, Saint-Emilion, Arcachon Age Range 8 to 99 year olds Ship Avalon Artistry II Operator Avalon Waterways From
25% Off- US$5,298+$210 upfront costs
Avalon Artistry II's panoramic suites showcase the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers. The route from Bordeaux includes Cadillac-sur-Garonne, Blaye's UNESCO citadel, and Saint-Émilion's medieval charm.
Duration 8 days Destinations Bordeaux, Cadillac, Cussac-Fort-Médoc, Blaye, Bourg, Libourne, Saint-Emilion Age Range 8 to 99 year olds Ship Avalon Artistry II Operator Avalon Waterways From
25% Off- US$3,999+$210 upfront costs
The luxurious S.S. Catherine features lavish Savoir® beds and French balconies while cruising the Rhône and Saône rivers. The route connects Roman-rich Arles to gastronomic Lyon, with stops at UNESCO-listed Avignon's Papal Palace. Intimate excursions with 159 fellow passengers showcase France's most scenic waterways.
Duration 8 days Destinations Arles, Marseille, Avignon, Viviers, Tain-l’Hermitage, Lyon, Beaune Age Range up to 100 year olds Ship S.S. Catherine River Rhone Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $3,999
10% Off- US$3,599You save $399
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 $4,033
12% Off- US$3,549You save $484
MS Van Gogh takes guests to Arles' Roman sites and Camargue's wilderness. Activities include bull farm visits or jeep safaris. Comfortable cabins and French cuisine highlight this 5-day river adventure.
Duration 5 days Destinations Arles, Martigues, Viviers, Lyon Age Range up to 99 year olds Ship MS Van Gogh River Rhone Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
12% Off- US$1,838
The MS Camargue II winds through Southern France, showcasing bull farms in Camargue, olive producers in Arles, and the majestic Papal Palace in Avignon. Regional wine tastings and Provençal entertainment complement the scenic waterway views from French balconies.
Duration 8 days Destinations Lyon, Macon, Vienne, Arles, Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, Avignon, Viviers, Tournon-sur-Rhone Age Range up to 99 year olds Ships MS Rhone PrincessMS Camargue II River RhoneSaone Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From $2,902
10% Off- US$2,602You save $300
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
10% Off- US$7,590
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."