France Tours from Lyon
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10 best France tour packages from Lyon
Compiled by
MelissaFrance travel expert at TourRadar
- Idyllic Rhône 2025|2026 - 8 Days
- Idyllic Rhône 2024|2025 - 8 Days (from Lyon to Nice)
- Active & Discovery on the Rhône (Southbound) 2025
- From Burgundy to the Camargue along the Saône and the Rhône Rivers (port-to-port cruise)
- All the must-see sites on the Rhône between Lyon, Provence, and the Camargue with a dinner at Paul Bocuse's Abbaye de Collonges Restaurant OFFERED (including Vienne)
- A trip to admire the beautiful scenery of the Rhône valley (port-to-port cruise) (9 destinations)
- From Burgundy to the Camarge along the Saône and the Rhône Rivers
- Sensations of Lyon and Provence & Aix-en-Provence (from Lyon to Nice)
- French Art and History Along the Rhône River (port-to-port cruise)
- Sensations of Lyon and Provence & Aix-en-Provence (from Lyon to Marseille)
Duration 8 days Destinations Lyon, Macon, Vienne, Viviers, Avignon, Arles, Tarascon, Marseille Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $7,670
14% Off- NZ$6,605You save $1,066
An 8-day nautical adventure aboard the Scenic Sapphire weaves through the Rhône and Saône rivers from Lyon's gastronomic heart. Hidden traboules in Lyon, medieval lanes in Viviers, and the streets of Arles await before transferring to Nice. The route includes Macon, Vienne, and UNESCO-listed Avignon.
Duration 8 days Destinations Lyon, Macon, Vienne, Avignon, Arles, Nice Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From
14% Off- NZ$7,295
A luxurious 8-day river cruise aboard the Avalon Poetry II flows south from Lyon's historic district to Arles, spanning 575 kilometers along the Rhône River. Visitors savor stops at Tain-l'Hermitage's chocolate factory, wander Viviers' medieval streets, and tour Avignon's Papal Palace. Daily guided excursions reveal hidden traboules and riverside villages.
Duration 8 days Destinations Lyon, Tain-l’Hermitage, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Viviers, Bollene, Avignon, Arles, Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhone Age Range 8 to 99 year olds Operator Avalon Waterways From
14% Off- NZ$7,341+$350 upfront costs
From Burgundy to the Camargue along the Saône and the Rhône Rivers (port-to-port cruise)
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Good was amazing, the drawback got me, was the amount of food offered.”
Elaine, traveled in June
This 8-day river cruise from Lyon navigates the Saône and Rhône rivers through France. The 210-mile voyage includes historic ports like Mâcon, Vienne, and Tournon-sur-Rhône. Daily activities feature Lyon's famous traboules and local food scene before heading south to Camargue.
Duration 8 days Destinations Lyon, Macon, Cluny, Vienne, Arles, Camargue Regional Nature Park, Avignon, Viviers, Tournon-sur-Rhone Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
14% Off- NZ$2,822
All the must-see sites on the Rhône between Lyon, Provence, and the Camargue with a dinner at Paul Bocuse's Abbaye de Collonges Restaurant OFFERED (including Vienne)
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers
Vibrant Vieux Lyon district launches this 7-day, 363-kilometer Rhône River adventure. Highlights include Paul Bocuse's Abbaye in Collonges-au-Mont-d'Or, Tain L'Hermitage's Cité du Chocolat, and the Gorges de l'Ardèche, concluding at Lyon's Fourvière Hill.
Duration 7 days Destinations Lyon, Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Tain-l’Hermitage, Vienne, Collonges Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
14% Off- NZ$4,030
A trip to admire the beautiful scenery of the Rhône valley (port-to-port cruise) (9 destinations)
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers
Embark in Lyon for a 6-day round-trip journey along the Rhône River. Travel through picturesque landscapes aboard MS Van Gogh or MS Rhône Princess, stopping at Avignon, Arles, and Viviers. Return to Lyon after exploring the Vercors Plateau and tasting Clairette de Die wine in Tain-l'Hermitage.
Duration 6 days Destinations Lyon, Avignon, Arles, Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhone, Martigues, Viviers, Tain-l’Hermitage Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
14% Off- NZ$2,542
An 8-day circular route from Lyon spans 360km along the Saône and Rhône rivers. MS Camargue II sails through historic French cities including Mâcon, Vienne, and Avignon, offering guided excursions at each port. Medieval towns and wine regions dot the 45-50km daily stretches.
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 Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
14% Off- NZ$4,759
The UNESCO-listed Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière in Lyon welcomes visitors to this Rhône and Saône river adventure to Nice. The 10-day itinerary through 8 French cities features the historic Hospices de Beaune and local wine tastings in Tournon.
Duration 10 days Destinations Lyon, Chalon sur Saone, Beaune, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Viviers, Avignon, Arles, Aix-En-Provence, Nice Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Emerald Cruises From
14% Off- NZ$14,810
French Art and History Along the Rhône River (port-to-port cruise)
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Floating down the Rhone was a delightful, beautiful holiday. Comfortable cabin with awesome big window.”
Randall, traveled in October
The 7-day route from Lyon's illuminated streets flows through Mâcon, Tain-l'Hermitage, and Avignon before reaching Martigues. The MS Camargue II or MS Rhône Princess carries guests along the Saône and Rhône rivers, visiting 11 French cities with daily guided excursions.
Duration 7 days Destinations Lyon, Macon, Belleville, Trevoux, Tain-l’Hermitage, Le Pouzin, Avignon, Arles, Martigues, Aix-En-ProvenceSee all destinations Age Range 1 to 99 year olds Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
14% Off- NZ$3,205
The magnificent confluence of Rhône and Saône rivers in Lyon opens this 516km route to Marseille. The Emerald Liberté Star-Ship stops at Chalon-sur-Saône for Beaune's Hospices, UNESCO-listed Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière in Lyon, and the medieval village of Tournon with its 16th-century castle.
Duration 10 days Destinations Lyon, Beaune, Viviers, Pont du Gard, Chateauneuf du Pape, Avignon, Arles, Les Baux de Provence, Aix-En-Provence, Marseille Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Emerald Cruises From $15,810
56% Off- NZ$6,975You save $8,835
What people love about France Tours from Lyon
- From Burgundy to the Camargue along the Saône and the Rhône Rivers (port-to-port cruise)
Excellent cruise Will love to do another in France with Croisi Europe. Staff was friendly & professional.
- French Art and History Along the Rhône River (port-to-port cruise)
Relaxed good time. Floating down the Rhone was a delightful, beautiful holiday. Excellent food, cheerful very helpful staff. All were patient and helpful with English speakers. Comfortable number of people on board. Comfortable cabin with awesome big window. Some of the standard bus excursions could be improved. Too Long bus trip sometimes with tantalizing short time at the destination. I would gladly return to the Rhone Princess, but would check out some of the optional tours.
Wonderful trip, clean boat, satisfied our needs. Great food, excellent service all round. There were 5 Australians and they sat us together so we could share our experiences in Aussie English!
A trip to admire the beautiful scenery of the Rhône valley (port-to-port cruise) (7 destinations)
What our customers ask about France Tours from Lyon
What is the typical length of river cruises starting in Lyon, France?
River cruises departing from Lyon generally run between 6 to 10 days with most travelers choosing 7 or 8-day journeys along the Rhône and Saône rivers. These waterways connect travelers to historic destinations such as Avignon Arles and Viviers. The Emerald Cruises' "Sensations of Lyon and Provence" spans 10 days beginning at Lyon's riverfront near Place Bellecour while AmaWaterways offers an 8-day "Colors of Provence" route. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The 8-day cruise gave us the perfect amount of time to discover both the cultural and culinary highlights of the region."
What are the most popular departing locations within Lyon for river cruises?
Three main departure points serve Lyon's river cruise operations: Quai Claude Bernard in the city center near Place Bellecour Port de Lyon Édouard Herriot in the southern district and the Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport transfer point. Premium vessels like the S.S. Catherine use Quai Claude Bernard while ships such as MS Van Gogh and MS Rhone Princess operate from Port Herriot. According to a TourRadar traveler review "Boarding at Quai Claude Bernard was very convenient just steps from Hotel Carlton Lyon and the city center."
What are the best times of year to start a river cruise from Lyon?
Lyon river cruises operate best from April through October with the busiest period falling between May and September. Spring departures showcase the Rhône Valley's flowering landscapes while autumn trips offer pleasant temperatures and wine harvest activities. Beaujolais region visits are especially popular during fall grape picking. As one TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The weather was perfect for exploring both on and off the ship in September."
What are the main highlights to explore in Lyon before embarking?
Key pre-cruise attractions in Lyon include the UNESCO-recognized Old Town (Vieux Lyon) with its distinctive traboules passageways the hilltop Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière and the bustling Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse market. Convenient accommodation options near these sites include the Sofitel Lyon Bellecour and InterContinental Lyon Hotel Dieu. One TourRadar traveler shared: "Everyone should see Lyon if they have the opportunity - with its old town narrow alleyways and over 200 illuminated sights."
What kind of culinary experiences are included in tours starting from Lyon?
Lyon's reputation as France's food capital shapes the culinary offerings on these tours. Experiences range from exploring Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse market to wine tastings in Beaujolais and meals at traditional Lyonnaise bouchon restaurants. Programs often feature cooking demonstrations cheese sampling olive tastings and special events like dining with Top Chef finalist Fabien Morreale. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The food experience starting in Lyon was exceptional - from market tours to wine tastings in Beaujolais and the unforgettable dinner at a traditional bouchon where we sampled authentic Lyonnaise specialties."
What are the most popular destinations included in tours starting from Lyon?
Routes from Lyon connect travelers to Provence's notable cities: Avignon's Papal Palace Arles' Roman amphitheater and medieval Viviers. The itineraries include stops in riverside towns like Tournon and Vienne plus visits to wine regions such as Beaujolais and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. As mentioned by a TourRadar traveler: "The Rhône valley offers spectacular landscapes and the cruise stops at fascinating historic towns though some industrial areas are also part of the journey."
How far in advance should I book a river cruise starting in Lyon?
Booking patterns indicate securing a Lyon river cruise 6-12 months ahead works best particularly for peak season (April-October) sailings. Companies like AmaWaterways and Emerald Cruises reward early bookings with discounts. Most travelers book 8-10 months before departure especially for summer trips when preferred cabins fill quickly. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "We booked our July cruise 10 months in advance and were glad we did as the preferred cabin categories were already filling up quickly."
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