Luxury Rhone River Cruises

Luxury Rhone River Cruises

Cruises on the Rhone River are ideal for anyone who wants to savor fine French wine and gastronomy, history, culture, and magnificent scenery, ranging from spectacular seascapes south of Arles to surprisingly remote wilderness. The only major river in Europe flowing into the Mediterranean, the Rhone flows 505 miles from a glacier in the Swiss Alps, through the southeastern region of France. It showcases the rich culinary area of southern France, with renowned wines and mouthwatering foods battling it out for your palate’s attention. But it’s more than delicious tastes and natural beauty, with ancient Roman ruins and medieval walled cities providing plenty of history enthusiasts too.

Discover enchanting destinations that include everything from Lyon and Avignon to Macon and Beaune with opportunities for everything from following in the footsteps of artistic legends like Van Gogh and enjoying a live concert in a 1st-century AD Roman amphitheater to tasting celebrated wines.

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Meandering towards the Mediterranean sea from France’s gastronomy hub, Lyon, prepare to discover medieval cities, ancient villages and Roman ruins lining the river. Head to the top deck and toast your trip with a glass of wine from one of the local vineyards, while taking in the lush lavender fields and ever-evolving landscapes. Sail around mid-July for the annual Bastille Day celebrations, including firework displays, musical performances and parties.

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Nora

European Specialist

The Best Rhone River Cruises

Our well-curated river cruises on the Rhone are designed to showcase the region’s wine, gastronomy, history, and culture while traveling on a sleek vessel with luxurious comforts for a truly unforgettable cruising experience.

When to go: March - November
Uniworld

Landscapes of Burgundy & Provence Cruise (Lyon to Arles)

Lyon, Mâcon, Tain-l’Hermitage, Viviers, Avignon, Arles
7 Nights
From £3,049 PP
Travel on an elegant Uniworld ship for an immersion into some of the most mouthwatering flavors,...

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When to go: April - October
Emerald River Cruises

Exploring Burgundy & Provence Cruise (Arles to Lyon)

Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Tournon, Lyon, Beaune, Lyon
7 Nights
From £2,535 PP
Enjoy premium, modern comforts while sailing on an elegant Emerald Cruises river ship from Arles...

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Why we love Rhone River Cruises

Nora

European Specialist

We love luxury Rhone River cruises as there’s simply nothing quite like gliding along the river, relaxing among the fresh air while soaking up picturesque scenes that include everything from charming villages and historic bridges to vineyard-covered hills and sun-soaked lavender fields. This region is home to spectacular landscapes that inspired the likes of Cézanne, Gaugin, and Van Gogh, while centuries-old kitchens cook up the epicurean delights of your dreams. With at least 90 different wines produced in this area, you can be sure there’s a perfect bottle to pair with it. For those who enjoy discovering Roman ruins, learning about the deep connections to artists from the past, and tasting the regional wines and gastronomic specialties, there’s no better way to experience the beautiful region of Provence than on a luxury Rhone River cruise.

Cruise Lines

Emerald

Uniworld

Best places to visit on a Rhone River Cruise

Rhone River cruises typically sail between Lyon and Arles or Avignon in France, with stops varying, although some of the best places to visit during this journey include the following.

Lyon
Nestled at the confluence of the Rhone and Saone rivers, Lyon is often called the world’s gastronomic hub, but it also boasts Roman ruins and a grand basilica with panoramic views.
Chalon-sur-Saone
Located in the heart of Burgundy, Chalon-sur-Saone is a city of rich history and art, offering a full calendar of cultural events and hosting 11th-century St. Vincent Cathedral with its breathtaking cloister.
Avignon
Set along the left bank of the Rhone, Avignon boasts a UNESCO-listed historical center home to the Pont Saint-Benezet, Roman Avignon Cathedral, and Palais des Papes, the world’s largest Gothic-style building.
Arles
Once ancient Rome’s provincial capital, Arles hosts many Roman ruins, including the 80 AD les Arenes d’Arles, a Roman amphitheater, and Les Alyscamps which holds the ruins of a vast Gallo-Roman necropolis.
Macon
Macon boasts a rich historical architectural heritage, home to Musée des Ursulines, set within a 17th-century convent featuring local urban history, archaeology, and art exhibits, and the centuries-old La Maison de Bois.
Beaune
A fairytale-like town surrounded by highly esteemed Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vineyards, Beaune is on the travel bucket lists of many oenophiles, with the 15th-century Musée de l’Hôtel-Dieu its most iconic building.

Best time of year to cruise the Rhone

Rhone River cruises are generally available between April and October, and again in the late fall/early winter to showcase the pre-Christmas magic of the holiday markets. The most popular time for a cruise on the Rhone is the summer, which peaks in July and August when temperatures can reach the mid-90s. That said, if you can make it around late June/early July, you might be able to capture a sea of purple in the fields where lavender blooms. Cruise in late September to experience the grape harvest, perhaps raising a toast alongside the winemakers to celebrate a successful year. If you want to avoid the intense heat and the crowds while still enjoying pleasant weather, plan your cruise in April or May.

Villeneuve-les-Avignon

Lying on the opposite bank of the river from Avignon is the beautiful, laid-back town of Villeneuve-les-Avignon, tucked below the well-preserved hilltop fortress of St.-Andre providing an ideal escape from the crowds. Visit on a Saturday to attend the Marché et Brocante market which sells local and regional foods, and antiques.

Palais des Papes, Avignon

The “Pope’s Palace,” nestled at the heart of Avignon, was the world’s largest building at the time of its construction in the 14th century. It’s still the largest Gothic construction on the planet with over 161,458 square feet of floor space which would typically be the equivalent of four Gothic cathedrals.

The History of Van Gogh in Arles

Vincent Van Gogh lived in Arles only from February 1888 to May 1889, but it was a very prolific period as he created over 300 paintings and drawings here. Around a dozen locations where he set up his easel are marked with photos of his works juxtaposed against real-life streets and landscapes.

Arles Amphitheatre

Inspired by the famous Colosseum in Rome, Arles Amphitheatre was inaugurated in 80 AD. A sand-covered wooden floor formed the arena while a remarkable system of elevators and trapdoors helped create various scenic effects. It still serves as a venue for music concerts as one of the country’s best-surviving amphitheaters.

Pont du Gard

A 1st-century AD Roman aqueduct, the Pont du Gard bridge crosses the River Gardon near the town of Vers-Pont-du-Gard, used to supply water for drinking, sanitation, and to fill Roman baths. A UNESCO-listed site, it’s an artistic and technical masterpiece, while being among the most well-preserved of its kind.

Cowboy Culture of The Camargue

The Camargue is the largest wetland in France, but it’s much more than that as a place where pink flamingos flock and white horses roam. Here, cowboy culture thrives, although it’s referred to as gardian, the Camargue’s version of a cowboy, riding the Indigenous horses while adorned in felt fedoras.

Cluny

The town of Cluny grew up around the Abbey of Cluny which was founded in 910 AD by Duke William I of Aquitaine. While much of it has been destroyed, what remains is impressive to explore on a tour, particularly with 3D effects. On summer evenings, live concerts fill it with song.

The Gorges du Ardeche

Made up of a series of gorges in the river, Gorges du Ardeche, sometimes called “Europe’s Grand Canyon, stretches nearly 10 miles from Vallon-Pont-d’Arc to Saint-Martin-d’Ardech, providing spectacular beauty and a wealth of outdoor adventures.

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