Saône River Cruises
The Saône River is a picturesque waterway that flows through eastern France, connecting with the Rhône River. A delightful journey through some of France's most charming regions, including France’s famous Burgundy wine region. Explore quaint villages, historic towns, and vineyard-covered landscapes with a blend of cultural experiences, wine tastings, and scenic views for travellers looking to immerse themselves in the beauty and heritage of the French countryside.
Popular River Cruises
8 Days Dijon to Lyon
Operator: AmaWaterways
From
7,401pp
Save
1,391pp
14 Days Paris to Geneva
Operator: AmaWaterways
From
12,800pp
Save
1,534pp
8 Days Dijon to Lyon
Operator: AmaWaterways
From
10,976pp
Save
321pp
The Saône River
Where does the Saône start & finish?
The Saône River originates in the Vosges Mountains in northeastern France, near the commune of Vioménil. It flows generally southwards and eventually merges with the Rhône River in the city of Lyon. The Saône has a total length of approximately 473 km's (294 miles).
Do cruises travel the length of the Saône?
Most river cruises on the Saône take place between Lyon and Chalon-sur-Saône or Mâcon to the north. The Saône is known for its tranquil waters and scenic landscapes, including lush vineyards and quaint villages. It offers a more relaxed pace compared to other European rivers, making it perfect for travellers looking for a serene escape.
Lyon Confluence
The Saône meets the Rhône River in Lyon, creating a confluence that has given birth to a vibrant culinary and cultural scene. Many river cruises on the Saône start or end in Lyon, offering travellers the chance to explore this gastronomic capital.
Mâcon’s Wine Heritage
The Saône runs through Mâcon, a town famous for its wine, particularly its Chardonnays. Many cruises offer excursions to the local vineyards for tastings and vineyard walks.
Saône River Cruise Lines Featured Operators
From culture-rich cities to world-famous wine regions, Emerald Cruises represents a new chapter in the world of river cruising. Our deluxe fleet of revolutionary more Star-Ships promise contemporary comfort and unique on-board innovations, while our generous offering combines affordability with great dining, exceptional service and immersive itineraries across Europe and Asia.
With return flights, transfers, all on-board meals, complimentary drinks, tips and much more included in the price of an Emerald Cruises river cruise, we’ve taken care of everything. Our attentive team of crew, sommeliers and personal butlers are available day and night to ensure every minute on-board the Emerald Cruises fleet is as enriching, enjoyable and relaxing as possible.
With return flights, transfers, all on-board meals, complimentary drinks, tips and much more included in the price of an Emerald Cruises river cruise, we’ve taken care of everything. Our attentive team of crew, sommeliers and personal butlers are available day and night to ensure every minute on-board the Emerald Cruises fleet is as enriching, enjoyable and relaxing as possible.
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.
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.
Make the most of Europe’s waterways on Travelmarvel’s three new European river ships: Polaris, Capella and Vega. Combining state-of-the-art design with more more dining options and social spaces, the contemporary-class ships will offer a relaxed new standard of cruise.
Or perhaps a river cruise on the life-giving Ganges or Mekong to get to the heart of these colourful and spiritual nations. Experience life in their small villages, whose communities have much to teach us about their local culture and customs.
Or perhaps a river cruise on the life-giving Ganges or Mekong to get to the heart of these colourful and spiritual nations. Experience life in their small villages, whose communities have much to teach us about their local culture and customs.
Discover The Saône
Must Do Experiences and Highlights along the Saône
Hospices De Beaune 
Chalon-sur-Saône 
Mâcon 
Chateau de Cormatin 
Cluny Abbey Latest Reviews
What our clients are saying about their journeys along the Saône
Great experience
Spectacular South of France
Elizabeth and David, QLD, Australia, May 2026
The highlight of the tour was Viviers where our tour guide took us to her hour which wad used as a Resistance house during WW2.
Wonderful South of France River Cruise with Emerald
Sensations of Lyon & Provence
Jen and Brad, NSW, Australia, Apr 2026
We have recently returned from a river cruise on Emerald. It was a fabulous trip, and we would not hesitate to travel with them again. We particularly enjoyed the active aspect of this company and their offerings.
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!
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.
Explore More
Your guide to travelling along the Saône
