River Cruises from Avignon

What our customers ask about River Cruises from Avignon

• What's the typical duration of river cruises starting in Avignon?

  River cruises from Avignon usually run between 6 and 15 days, with most people choosing 8-day trips along the Rhône River. You'll get to explore Provence and Southern France, stopping at places like Arles, Viviers, and Lyon. Viking Cruises has an 8-day Lyon & Provence trip, while CroisiEurope offers a shorter 6-day Rhône Valley cruise. If you want a longer adventure, you can take a 15-day trip all the way to Paris. As one TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The 8-day length was perfect to really immerse ourselves in the Provence region without feeling rushed."

• What's the best season for river cruises starting in Avignon?

  The best time to cruise from Avignon is between April and October, especially July and September when temperatures are around 75-85°F (24-29°C). Spring months, April and May, bring nice weather and flowers in bloom. September and October are great too, with warm days and fewer tourists around. Companies like Viking Cruises and CroisiEurope plan most of their trips during these months when sailing conditions are best. A TourRadar traveler said: "We took the cruise in September and the weather was perfect - warm enough for deck activities but not too hot for excursions."

• What are the must-see landmarks before embarking on a river cruise from Avignon?

  Make sure to visit the Palace of the Popes before your cruise starts. It's a UNESCO site and Europe's largest Gothic palace. You'll also want to check out the Pont d'Avignon bridge and Place de l'Horloge square, which are just a short walk from where most cruises leave. Take time to walk around the old city center with its ancient walls. One TourRadar traveler shared: "Spending time exploring Avignon's historic center before the cruise was a highlight - the Palace of the Popes is absolutely magnificent and shouldn't be missed."

• What kind of shore excursions are typically included in river cruises starting from Avignon?

  When you cruise from Avignon, you'll usually get guided walks through historic towns, trips to UNESCO sites like the Pont du Gard, and wine tasting at Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards. You can also visit Les Baux-de-Provence and explore the Camargue region. Most cruises let you choose between regular sightseeing tours and more in-depth discovery tours. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The included excursions were well-organized and gave us a great mix of history, culture, and wine experiences throughout Provence."

• What's the typical travel time between stops on Avignon river cruises?

  From Avignon to Arles, you'll spend about 2-3 hours on the water. Getting to Viviers takes 4-5 hours, while the trip to Tournon is 3-4 hours. The longest stretch is from there to Lyon, which takes 6-7 hours. During these times, you can relax on deck watching the scenery or join activities on the ship. One TourRadar traveler said: "The sailing times between destinations were perfect - long enough to enjoy the riverside scenery but not too long to feel confined."

• Which hotels are recommended for pre-cruise stays in Avignon?

  If you're looking for a place to stay before your cruise, try the 4-star Hotel de l'Horloge in the old town or the upscale Hotel d'Europe near the Pont d'Avignon. The Regina Hotel and Mercure Pont d'Avignon Centre are also good choices close to where the ships dock. A TourRadar traveler suggested: "We stayed at the Hotel de l'Horloge before our cruise and its central location made it perfect for exploring the city and reaching the ship."