Rhône River Cruises
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.
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Popular River Cruises
8 Days Lyon to Arles
Operator: Avalon River Cruises
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The Rhône River
Where does the Rhône start & finish?
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.
Popular River Cruise Lines Featured Operators
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.
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.
One of our favourite sayings that describes Avalon Waterways is ‘the possibilities are as wide open as the views’. From Europe to the Galapagos and Asia, more you can cruise in relaxed luxury with Avalon Waterways, with choices as unique as you. Avalon offers you a range of choices from excursions, dining options, activities that help you tailor your experience.
Just imagine gliding away down the world’s most spectacular rivers, all while enjoying a unique vantage point from your own private oasis. Our floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in our suites blur the line between where the world ends, and your suite begins; allowing you to experience the world less seen from the comfort of your bed. This is river cruising from a unique point of view.
Just imagine gliding away down the world’s most spectacular rivers, all while enjoying a unique vantage point from your own private oasis. Our floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in our suites blur the line between where the world ends, and your suite begins; allowing you to experience the world less seen from the comfort of your bed. This is river cruising from a unique point of view.
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Must Do Experiences and Highlights
Lyon 
Tournon 
Viviers 
Pont du Gard, Avignon 
Artistic Arles Latest Reviews
What our clients are saying about their journeys along the Rhône
River Cruise through South of France
Burgundy & Provence (Southbound)
Norman and Gloria, ON, Canada, Oct 2025
We greatly enjoyed our river cruise. The staff on Poetry II were top-notch. We thank those who were especially helpful, like Matheus in reception, Marya in the dining room, and Carmen in housekeeping. Some really went out of their way to help me when I got sick during the cruise, such as Adrian who was super-accommodating in adjusting local tour arrangements, read more and Margarida who diligently served me a special medicinal drink using a very effective Portuguese recipe. This was a very positive experience and we look forward to joining another Avalon river cruise in the not too distant future.
Historic South of France by River Cruise
Nice to Paris & Sensations of Lyon and Provence
Ros and Gayle, QLD, Australia, Sep 2025
This river cruise with Emerald, through the south of France, was most enjoyable and very good value. It was not as inclusive as previous river cruises I have taken, but it did allow me to question if the unlimited alcohol and extra tours included in the fully inclusive cruises, are really worth the extra cost. The trip was chosen, due to the Nice read more extension at the start and the Paris extension at the end. The ship was spotlessly clean; staff was extremely attentive and obliging and the food was excellent. The daily programme and excursions were well organised and ran to schedule. Also included, was an evening performance by a small orchestra, at a local cathedral. The bathrooms were smaller than usual, but the facilities around the ship were spacious and well maintained.
A special feature was a small, infinity pool at the rear of the ship, that converted to a movie theatre at night. The ship was fully booked, with 134 passengers from USA, Canada, UK, NZ and Australia. Thanks again to the ever efficient, knowledgeable and pleasant Georgie for handling our booking. As usual, Georgie delivers the highest service. Well done!
A special feature was a small, infinity pool at the rear of the ship, that converted to a movie theatre at night. The ship was fully booked, with 134 passengers from USA, Canada, UK, NZ and Australia. Thanks again to the ever efficient, knowledgeable and pleasant Georgie for handling our booking. As usual, Georgie delivers the highest service. Well done!
Avalon River Cruise
Active & Discovery on the Rhône (Southbound)
Bert and Annie, Australia, Sep 2025
The ship, the crew, the food, the Cruise Director were fantastic. Interaction with the Global team was also first class and happy to recommend you to our friends. xox
Great river cruise
Active & Discovery on the Rhône (Southbound)
Neville and Aynsley, New Zealand, Jul 2025
Relaxed and interesting, meals ranged from excellent to outstanding and wines good. Staff excellent and nothing was too much trouble. A good choice of excursions that was what attached us to the trip.
Magnificent back to back river cruises from the South of France to Normandy
Grand France (Northbound)
Denise, QLD, Australia, Jul 2025
It was my first experience of visiting Europe and booked with Avalon River Cruises - Grand France doing back to back from Arles to Paris then Paris to Normandy and back to Paris. It was the most wonderful experience from being welcomed onto the Avalon vessels, the spacious suites, the tours provided, the exception food and wine, lovely group of travelling read more companions, entertainment but most of all the exceptional Crew on both vessels their service was a step above. Thank you to you all you were amazing. I will certainly be recommending your Company and book another river cruise soon.
Scenic South of France river cruise
Spectacular South of France
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.
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Your guide to traveling along the Rhône
