The Rhône.

France · Provence & the South

A Rhône River cruise takes you through one of France's most scenic and culturally rich regions. Sailing through Provence and the south of France, you'll pass landscapes filled with vineyards, lavender fields, and sun-warmed historic towns.

The Rhône connects you to cities like Lyon, France's gastronomic capital, and Avignon, famous for its medieval Palace of the Popes. Along the way you can explore local markets, stand among ancient Roman ruins, and taste some of the country's most celebrated wines.

With warm hospitality on board and endless opportunities to experience the art de vivre of southern France, a Rhône cruise is a relaxing and unforgettable way to discover the region's beauty.

Plan this journey →

The route: Lyon–Arles
Country: France
Classic sailing: 7 nights
Ships dock: City center

What you'll remember

Moments along the way.

Moment 01

Lyon's table

France's gastronomic capital, from cozy bouchons to the temples of haute cuisine in Bocuse country.

Moment 02

The Palais des Papes

The vast medieval palace where popes once ruled, towering over Avignon and its famous bridge.

Moment 03

Côtes du Rhône & Hermitage

Some of France's great wines, tasted at the source on the steep slopes above the river.

Moment 04

Van Gogh's Provence

The lavender, the light and the Roman ruins of Arles that fired one of art's great imaginations.

Moment 05

Provençal markets

Lavender, olives, tapenade and sun-warmed produce piled high in the village squares.

Moment 06

The Camargue

White horses, pink flamingos and salt flats where the Rhône meets the sea.

The route

A sample sailing.

6 stops · Lyon to Camargue

Tap a stop to jump to that day · drag to explore

1

Day 1
Lyon, France

Embark in France's gastronomic capital, where two rivers meet beneath a Renaissance old town of hidden passageways.
2

Day 2
Vienne

A Roman temple and amphitheater in a riverside town at the gateway to the Côtes du Rhône vineyards.
3

Day 3
Tournon & Tain-l'Hermitage

The steep Hermitage vineyards on one bank and a famous chocolate house on the other.
4

Day 4
Avignon

The walled City of the Popes, with its vast medieval palace and the famous half-bridge of the song.
5

Day 5
Arles

Van Gogh's town: a great Roman arena, Provençal markets, and the light that drew the painters.
6

Days 6-7
The Camargue

The wild delta of white horses, pink flamingos and salt flats where the Rhône meets the sea.

Every sailing we book is tailored: this is a starting point, not a package.

When to go

The best time to sail.

The Rhône is a river of two springs and a long Provençal summer, with lavender as its summer hook and Lyon's markets as its winter coda. Here is how we book the year: blossom and the first lavender, the harvest light, then the festive lull before the ships winter over.

Prime season Shoulder Quieter & better value

April–June

Spring blossom, early lavender and the markets in full swing, with mild, bright days.

September–October

The wine harvest along the Rhône, golden Provençal light and thinning crowds.

July–August

Warm Provençal summer with lavender in bloom, though hot and busy.

Late November–December

Festive Lyon and Avignon departures, the Fête des Lumières and Christmas markets along the river.

January–March

The river quiets: most ships winter over and sailings pause until spring. The smart move now is locking in the year's prime cabins.

Good to know

The Rhône cruise questions.

How long is a Rhône river cruise?

The classic Lyon to Provence sailing is 7 nights. Many travelers extend with Paris or pair it with a Burgundy and Saône segment.

When is the best time to cruise the Rhône?

Late spring and early fall are ideal; for the lavender of Provence, aim for late June into July. Summer is warm and lively.

What is included on a Rhône cruise?

Typically your cabin, all onboard meals, many guided excursions, and wine with dinner. We confirm exactly what each line includes before you book.

Can we combine the Rhône with Paris or Burgundy?

Yes. We add pre or post-cruise nights in Paris and can extend the sailing up the Saône into Burgundy for the wine country.

From the journal

Reading on The Rhône.

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Keep exploring

Other rivers.

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The Rhône.