Winding its way through the heartland of France and flowing south into the Med, the Rhône valley is dotted with numerous charming villages, magnificent historical cities including Avignon, Viviers and Mâcon, and is regarded as one of the greatest wine-growing regions in the world.
Quick Search Search 1,535 river cruise Departures along the Rhône
The Rhône River originates in the Swiss Alps, specifically from the Rhône Glacier in the canton of Valais. It flows through Lake Geneva and enters France, eventually emptying into the Mediterranean Sea through a delta in the Camargue region. The river has a total length of approximately 813 km's (505 miles).
Do river cruises sail the length of the Rhône?
While the Rhône starts in Switzerland, most river cruises focus on the French section of the river, typically starting from Lyon and going south towards the Mediterranean, or vice versa. The stretch of the river from Lyon to the Mediterranean Sea is navigable and is the section most often included in river cruise itineraries.
Gourmet Capital
The Rhône flows through Lyon, often considered the gastronomic capital of France. Many river cruises offer culinary excursions in Lyon, where you can indulge in gourmet delights from fine dining to local markets.
Wine Lovers' Paradise
The Rhône Valley is one of France's premier wine-producing regions. You'll find renowned vineyards near Avignon and Châteauneuf-du-Pape, offering excellent opportunities for wine-tasting tours.
Impressionist Scenery
The Rhône was a great inspiration for Vincent van Gogh, especially during his time in Arles. The vivid landscapes and light have also inspired many other artists, adding a layer of artistic history to the region.
The Camargue
Near the Rhône Delta, you'll find the Camargue, a natural region famous for its pink flamingos, white horses, and black bulls. Some cruises offer excursions to this unique natural reserve, providing a break from the cities and vineyards.
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Whether you're experiencing the Rhine or the Danube, the Douro, the Rhône, Seine, Maas or Moselle... the magic of Tauck's award-winning European river...more cruises goes far beyond the riverboat you're aboard or the landmarks you'll visit. It's in the intimate ambiance and personalized service... the places you'll discover off the beaten path... and in the uncommon access to local culture and exclusive destination driven experiences you can't get on your own, as you experience a true slice of European life and return home transformed.
Once you step onboard the world’s finest and most awarded river cruise line for the first time, we are quite sure the refined luxury onboard our fleet...more will sweep you off your feet. We draw our inspiration for the design philosophy of every one of the 17 ships in our fleet directly from the destination in which they sail. The craftsmanship, the attention to detail, the art onboard, the handcrafted furniture and intricacy of the fabrics are lovingly assembled to be a masterpiece in and of itself. Stepping onboard is to step into a world of beautiful colours and one-of-a-kind details that truly bring your destination to life. Crafting experiences you can’t find anywhere else, means continuing to elevate Uniworld to new heights year after year. From the addition of four new Super Ships in Egypt, Vietnam, Portugal and Italy, to the award winning service that comes from the heart, we’re putting even more emphasis on what’s onboard to enhancing several itineraries to accommodate guest’s diverse tastes for the future. We truly look forward to welcoming our Australian guests onboard.
From the moment you step aboard AmaWaterways award-winning ships you'll be welcomed by a dedicated crew committed to making your voyage unforgettable....more Sail through the heart of Europe, Asia, or Africa and explore enchanting destinations while indulging in exquisite, locally inspired cuisine and world-class amenities. AmaWaterways thoughtfully designed excursions immerse you in the rich culture and history of each port with every detail of your itinerary crafted to exceed your expectations and create memories that will last a lifetime.
This vibrant city beckons with its culinary excellence, UNESCO-listed Vieux Lyon (Old Town) and Basilica of Notre Dame. Experience a blend of historical and contemporary architecture, or witness sweeping views from the top of Fourvière Hill.
Tournon
Explore the 16th-century Tournon Castle and museum and wander through the historic old town. The dual suspension bridges afford breathtaking river views, and did we mention it is also a wine lover's haven?
Viviers
Delight in a visit to charming Viviers. With residences of past nobility and the 12th-century St Vincent Cathedral, immerse yourself in history against the backdrop of the breathtaking French countryside.
Pont du Gard, Avignon
Built in the first century AD, the Pont du Gard is a Roman aqueduct bridge and UNESCO-listed site. This architectural marvel once delivered water to the ancient city known as Nemausus, 50km away!
Artistic Arles
Home to the ancient Arles Amphitheatre, the city's historic and artistic heritage will charm and fascinate. Vincent van Gogh painted over 300 pieces during his stay here - discover the magic yourself.
Latest Reviews What our clients are saying about their journeys along the Rhône
Scenic South of France river cruise Bill and Yvonne, NSW, Australia, May 2025
We were very impressed with Scenic & would definitely travel with them again. All staff were excellent, professional as well as fun. The cabin was well designed with ample storage space. The meals were first class. It was fabulous to have great “freedom of choice” options & we really enjoyed the ones we chose. Entertainment was mostly good, bearing ...read more in mind we all have different tastes. Excellent coordination of disembarkation.
Wonderful first Scenic River Cruise - Spectacular South Of France Sonja and Anthony, QLD, Australia, May 2025
This was our first river cruise and it exceeded our expectations. The food was exceptional (taste and presentation) and the service from the staff was outstanding, they couldn't do enough for you. The balcony cabin was surprisingly spacious, we had no problem storing our luggage and belongings. Having previously done bus tours we appreciated having ...read more to unpack only once and that everything was included (food, drinks, excursions, tips). We had fantastic weather and the excursion options were varied, to accommodate moderate and active walkers. We had a wonderful relaxing time and will certainly book another cruise with Scenic. The booking process with Hannah from Global Journeys was fantastic, great communication all the way from making the booking to the start of the cruise and a good price. We would not hesitate to book another trip with Global Journeys.
Très bon! Cruising through the south of France was one highlight of our trip! Mary, TAS, Australia, May 2024
This was our second river cruise with Emerald and we had high hopes! In spite of the email a couple of days before we were to leave Paris, that said the cruise might not be able to go ahead because of high water, we barely noticed a glitch in the itinerary. We enjoyed the pre-cruise tour of Paris and then were taken to the ship at a different location ...read more and were bussed to the scenic spots. Once again, we could not fault the service of the wonderful staff on the Emerald. The attention to detail by the housekeeping staff, the kitchen and dining room staff and the activity staff was commendable. Of course, French foods and wine were fabulous and we also enjoyed being given 30 euro to spend on lunch in Lyon. Canoeing at Avignon, the Pont du Gard and the hospital at Beaune were also highlights! C'est la vie!
River cruise that did not cruise much Avtar & Jyoti, NSW, Australia, Mar 2024
First of all, Hannah was wonderful in helping us organise this trip. The Global Journeys' booking system is also very systematic and informative. The Amadeus cruise left much to be desired. Due to heavy rains in the Rhone River, we were anchored at Lyon and then at Viviers for three days each. All excursions were arranged from these two places. So, ...read more we hardly cruised but stayed on the ship for most part. Amadeus cruises need to consider making a number of changes to provide better experience for guests. I have made those suggestions directly to them. The following rating is for the cruise and not for Global Journeys.
Explore More Your guide to traveling along the Rhône
To celebrate France Month, Scenic is shining a spotlight on their collection of luxury France river cruises. Not only do these itineraries explore the rich history and culture of each region, they focus on the gastronomic excellence just waiting to be experienced by guests, onboard and ashore....
Journey through Burgundy and Provence on a scenic river cruise along the Saône and Rhône rivers. This extraordinary journey is filled with remarkable food, world-class wines, and a deep dive into history. Discover the highlights of this remarkable region and explore your next river cruise...
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