River Cruises in Provence
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10 best river cruise Provence tours
Compiled by

MelissaProvence travel expert at TourRadar
- Sensations of Lyon & Provence 2024|2025|2026 - 8 Days (from Lyon to Nice)
- France | Rhone River Biketour | Bike & Boat 2025
- Sensations of Lyon & Provence 2024|2025|2026 - 8 Days (from Marseille to Lyon)
- Romantic Rhône Lyon → Lyon (2025)
- Romantic Rhône with Paris Paris → Lyon (2025)
- Burgundy & Provence (2026) (Lyon to Arles, 2026)
- Burgundy & Provence (2026) (Arles to Lyon, 2026)
- Rhône Route Rendez-Vous 2026
- Active & Discovery on the Rhône with 2 Nights in Paris (Southbound) 2025
- Active & Discovery on the Rhône (Southbound) 2025
Glide through Provence aboard Emerald Liberté, visiting UNESCO sites and Roman heritage. Tour Arles' amphitheater, Avignon's Palais des Papes, and enjoy scenic sailing past vineyards. Includes guided tours and authentic Provençal cuisine by chef Fabien Morreale.
Duration 8 days Destinations Lyon, Beaune, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Viviers, Avignon, Arles, Nice Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Emerald Cruises From
- NZ$12,728
Cycle and boat through Provence, from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence's Van Gogh sites to Arles' Roman amphitheater. Pedal past lavender fields, visit Carrières de Lumières art center, and taste Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines. STELLA provides luxury accommodation.
Duration 8 days Destinations Lyon, Tain-l’Hermitage, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Avignon, Chateauneuf du Pape, Arles, Tarascon, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Camargue Regional Nature Park, Natural Reserve of the Ardèche Gorges Age Range up to 90 year olds Operated in English, German River Seine Operator Terranova Touristik From
- NZ$5,624
Cruise Provence's waterways aboard Emerald Liberté, from Arles to Avignon. The ship offers luxury river travel with gourmet dining and exclusive excursions. Visit Roman ruins, medieval towns, and celebrated vineyards.
Duration 8 days Destinations Marseille, Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Beaune, Lyon Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Emerald Cruises From
- NZ$12,728
MS Van Gogh carries guests through Provence's scenic vistas to Avignon's papal palace, Arles' Roman amphitheater, and Viviers' medieval streets. Wine-paired meals and guided tours enhance the voyage, with optional excursions to Camargue's wetlands.
Duration 7 days Destinations Lyon, Collonges, Tain-l’Hermitage, Avignon, Arles, Viviers Age Range up to 99 year olds River Rhone Operator Travel Marvel From
- NZ$4,445
MS Van Gogh meanders through lavender-scented Provence, featuring stops at Avignon's Palace of Popes, Arles' Roman ruins, and Paul Bocuse's restaurants for authentic Provençal cuisine.
Duration 11 days Destinations Paris, Lyon, Collonges, Avignon, Arles, Viviers Age Range up to 99 year olds River Rhone Operator Travel Marvel From
- NZ$7,475
Cruise through Provence aboard S.S. Catherine, visiting Avignon's Palace of the Popes and Pont du Gard aqueduct. Tour Van Gogh's Arles with 200 painting locations, explore ancient Viviers' religious quarter, and discover Ardèches village life through intimate excursions.
Duration 8 days Destinations Lyon, Macon, Beaune, Tain-l’Hermitage, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Viviers, Avignon, Pont du Gard, Marseille, Arles Age Range up to 100 year olds Ship S.S. Catherine River Rhone Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $6,899
10% Off- NZ$6,209You save $689
Sail through Provence's highlights aboard S.S. Catherine, from Van Gogh's Arles with its 200 painting sites to the medieval village of Viviers. Tour Avignon's Pope Palace and traditional bouchons in Lyon. The intimate 159-passenger vessel ensures immersive experiences at each Provençal port.
Duration 8 days Destinations Arles, Marseille, Avignon, Viviers, Tain-l’Hermitage, Lyon, Beaune Age Range up to 100 year olds Ship S.S. Catherine River Rhone Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $6,899
10% Off- NZ$6,209You save $689
Rhône Route Rendez-Vous 2026
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The trip was excellent, even though it was changed due to strikes, we end up doing the Saône instead of the Rhône.”
Josiane, traveled in April
Float through UNESCO heritage sites from Lyon to Avignon aboard A-ROSA STELLA. Visit Arles' Roman amphitheatre, Viviers' medieval monuments, and enjoy Beaujolais wine tastings. Includes comprehensive buffets and guided cultural experiences.
Duration 6 days Destinations Lyon, Viviers, Arles, Avignon, Vienne Age Range 2 to 99 year olds Operated in English, German Ship A-ROSA STELLA River Rhone Operator A-ROSA From
10% Off- NZ$1,519
Glide through Provence aboard Avalon Poetry II, past lavender fields and vineyards. Sample regional wines in Tain l'Hermitage, visit Arles's Roman amphitheater, and see Van Gogh's inspiration points.
Duration 10 days Destinations Paris, Lyon, Tain-l’Hermitage, Viviers, Avignon, Arles Age Range 8 to 99 year olds Ship Avalon Poetry II River Rhone Operator Avalon Waterways From
10% Off- NZ$9,220+$352 upfront costs
Cruise Provence's waterways on Avalon Poetry II, visiting Viviers for ghost stories and Arles for Van Gogh-inspired painting workshops. Watch Camargue Natural Park's flamingos, stop at traditional oyster farms, and tour the Palace of Popes in Avignon.
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 Ship Avalon Poetry II River Rhone Operator Avalon Waterways From
10% Off- NZ$7,377+$352 upfront costs
Provence River Cruise Reviews
- A trip to admire the beautiful scenery of the Rhône valley (port-to-port cruise) (7 destinations)
the cabine room was a good size, the food was outstanding, land based tours were interesting and the service was fine
What our customers ask about River Cruises in Provence
What are the best months to take a Provence river cruise to experience optimal weather and fewer crowds?
Provence river cruises operate from April through October with May and September offering the most balanced experience. The Rhône River route showcases lavender fields between June and August near Avignon and Arles. Summer months bring temperatures up to 85°F (29°C) while spring and fall maintain milder conditions better suited for exploration. One TourRadar traveler noted "October was the perfect time to cruise with comfortable temperatures and beautiful fall colors along the Rhône."
What cultural excursions are typically included in Provence river cruise itineraries?
Each stop along the Rhône presents distinct cultural touchpoints. Daily excursions take visitors through Avignon's Papal Palace and Arles' Van Gogh sites. The itineraries include wine tastings in Châteauneuf-du-Pape local market visits at Les Halles and stops in historic villages like Les Baux-de-Provence. One TourRadar traveler shared "The guided tour of Arles was exceptional with fascinating insights into the Roman amphitheater and Van Gogh's artistic legacy in the region."
What are the main ports of call on Provence river cruises?
The typical route runs between Lyon and Arles or Avignon following the Rhône River's path. Ships dock at Viviers known for its medieval cathedral Tournon for its wine heritage and Avignon where the Papal Palace stands. A TourRadar reviewer noted "The itinerary was perfectly balanced between major cities like Lyon and charming small towns like Viviers." Stops also include Arles with its Roman architecture and the Camargue region's wildlife sanctuary.
What types of cabins are available on Provence river cruise ships?
River cruise ships on the Rhône offer varying room categories across multiple decks. The S.S. Catherine provides Classic Cabins French Balcony Suites Deluxe Balcony rooms and Grand Suites. Standard vessels like the MS Van Gogh feature 7-8 square meter cabins with panoramic windows on both Upper and Main decks. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The cabin on the Upper Deck of S.S. Catherine was incredibly spacious with floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views of the Rhône."
What are the typical cabin options available on Provence river cruise ships?
Ships sailing the Rhône provide accommodations for different preferences and budgets. The MS Camargue II features deluxe cabins with French balconies on the Upper Deck and window cabins on the Main Deck. The S.S. Catherine offers five room categories from Classic Cabins to Grand Suites with balconies. As one TourRadar traveler mentioned "the cabins were spacious and well-appointed with large windows for viewing the passing scenery." Ships typically include twin/double rooms suites with private balconies and single cabins all with private bathrooms.
What makes the Rhône River unique for cruising in Provence?
The Rhône provides access to Provence's diverse landscapes from Beaujolais vineyards to the Camargue delta. Notable features include the Bollène lock system views of the Alpilles mountains and proximity to ancient Roman settlements. Viking Cruises emphasizes the route's connection to wine production and Roman architecture. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Cruising the Rhône offered spectacular views of vineyards medieval villages and stunning landscapes you can't see any other way."