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Rhone River & Saone River Cruises

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The Rhone and Saone Rivers wind through some of the world's most famous wine regions, olive groves, rolling fields of fragrant purple lavender and charming historic towns. Enjoy fine French Provencal cuisine and wines of the Cote du Rhone as you roll along the river. Starting in the Alps at Rhone Glacier in Valais, Switzerland, flowing through Lake Geneva, and then into France, the mighty Rhone joins the Saone River at Leon emptying into the Mediterranean at the marshlands of Camargue. Enjoy the sites and scents of Leon, France's second-largest city, Avignon, the "City of Popes", and Arles and its Roman Amphitheater. Choose from luxurious cruise ship options like MS Van Gogh, the MS Amacello, the MS Camargue and the MS Mistral. Contact one of our Rhone River cruise specialists for a free quote on your perfect cruise.
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10 Best Rhone River Cruises for 2024-2025

All Rhone River Cruises

Top 4 Luxury Cruises on the Rhone River for 2024-2025

Trip NameFromDaysNext DepartureSummary
Sensations of Lyon and Provence$75908Mar 29, 2025Sail from Marseille to Lyon for another fun and exciting 8-day cruise along the Rhone and Saone Rivers. Emerald Liberté offers comfortable …
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Idyllic Rhone$115908May 3, 2025Enjoy an exceptional Scenic Culinaire experience as you sail from Tarascon to Lyon along the Rhône and Saone rivers aboard the luxurious Scenic …
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Idyllic Rhône$115908Apr 26, 2025From Lyon to Avignon, cruise along the Rhône and Sâone rivers aboard the luxurious Scenic Sapphire and enjoy an exclusive Scenic culinaire …
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Colors of Provence$634914Nov 18, 2024This 14-day cruise of France & Spain is a splash of cultures - spend 3 nights in Paris, then travel by high-speed TGV train to Lyon and start on a …
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Top Riverboats Cruising the Rhone River for 2024-2025

Ship NameMax PassengersFromSummary
Anne-Marie24$3704Experience a smooth cruise voyage aboard the Anne-Marie, a premium canal ship with the capacity for 24 passengers in 12 cabins. Explore the treasures …
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MS Amacello148$3699Launched in 2008, the MS Amacello is part of the newest, state-of-the-art fleet of river cruise vessels in Europe.
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MS Camargue104$1328Spacious and comfortable, yet intimate enough to feel entirely exclusive, the MS Camargue incorporates relaxed yet refined lounging and cruising. …
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MS Leonard De Vinci144$1195The MS Leonard De Vinci is a comfortable and friendly ship that sails on the Rhine and its tributaries. It includes pleasant facilities such as a …
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MS Van Gogh105$2225Watch gorgeous landscapes pass by as you comfortably cruise aboard the MS Van Gogh, a European ship with the capacity for 105 passengers. The MS Van …
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MS Mistral158$1526Experience a unique river cruise adventure on board the MS Mistral, a ship designed to accommodate 158 passengers in 79 cabins. Travel along the …
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Rhône River Cruise Tips & Travel Guide

France's Rhône River Cruise Highlights

Lyon, France's second largest city is where most cruises of the Rhone embark and disembark. Take a walking tour visiting Fourvière Hill, part of the city’s historic sector designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Notre Dame Basilica with spectacular view of the city.

Camargue is an extensive natural park where the sea, wetlands, and ponds are inhabited by an extraordinary variety of bird life. Stop at the home of a local vintner and enjoy a wine tasting and learn about the age-old Provencal farming traditions at a local olive farm

Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer is a traditional a fishing village turned seaside resort town, built on an island in the heart of the Camargue natural park, where the Petit Rhône joins the sea. 

Avignon, known as the City of Popes, due to the Palais de Papes being the residence of seven Popes from 1309 to 1377 has multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is perched on a picturesque outcropping over the river. 

How to Choose a Rhone River Cruise

How Long?
There are cruises of varying lengths along the Rhone River. A 3-day cruise is an excellent extension for any other European cruise or vacation, especially a Seine or Moselle River cruise, but as a standalone vacation, it simply isn't enough time to explore all that the region has to offer. Popular 5-8 day options explore much of the southeastern corner of France, including plenty of time in Lyon, Avignon, Arles, and other destinations. If you opt for one of the 10-14-day cruises, then you'll enjoy not only the Rhone River, but also likely cosmopolitan Paris and even the Spanish capital of the Catalonia region, Barcelona.

On which riverboat?
The vessels we have hand-selected for the Rhone River cruises were specifically designed to explore southern France. Their length, comfort, and style reflect classic riverboat design. All of the vessels feature a panoramic sun deck, a lounge and bar, elegant dining rooms, and comfortable air-conditioned rooms. Contact us if you need guidance in selecting the best boat for you.

What is there to do and see?
Trips on the Rhone River tend to be more relaxed than other European cruises, visiting some of the more tranquil villages of this part of central Europe. Touring small towns, light walking tours, and wine tasting are staple activities of these cruises. There are also chances for biking and hiking as well for the more active travelers.

Rhone River Cruise FAQs

Why should I choose a river cruise?
A Rhone River cruise is definitely the best way to experience all that this region of France has to offer - in addition to including all of your onboard meals, lodging, and activities, the fact that your accommodations cruise the river with you means that you'll never have to pack or unpack or waste precious vacation time going from one destination to the next. Every morning you will wake up in a new place waiting to be explored.

What should I look for on a riverboat?
The Rhone River vessels are hand-picked boats guaranteed to offer you comfort during your cruise on the Rhone River. Ample accommodations, multiple social areas, excellent dining, and a panoramic sun deck are all part of the experience. These are not the same as large sea cruising ships, but rather emphasize comfort for your stay and a focus on the local attractions of France on each day excursion.

Should I get a room with a balcony?
It all depends on what your priorities are, but they could be an unnecessary additional expense. The way that riverboats are designed, each room faces out, which means that even rooms without balconies tend to have large picture windows that allow you to see the scenic nature of the Rhone River valleys. Plus, there is ample deck space on the panoramic sun deck where you can take in the majesty of the Rhone from all sides. Unless you have your heart set on a balcony, then a great alternative is getting a room with large windows or a sliding glass door that opens right out towards the fresh air (known as a "French balcony").

What is dining like?
You'll enjoy delicious French food on your Rhone cruise. Also make sure to try the local specialties at restaurants, taverns, and diners along the way as you stop in each town.

Do river cruises ever visit destinations that aren't on the river?
The cruises that are exclusively along the Rhone River tend not to stray too far from the Rhone itself, but since the river lets out into the Mediterranean, there are options to start in Barcelona, Spain before cruising the Rhone.

Will my vessel have WiFi?
Most but not all Rhone Riverboats have WiFi. Most, especially the newer riverboats, have free WiFi access in your room, a few riverboats charge, and some have reception only on deck and not in the rooms. It's important to check with your Adventure Life representative to confirm that your riverboat of choice has WiFi onboard.

What kind of power outlets are there? Will I need a converter?
In Europe the power is 220v, not the 110v like in North America, but typically devices can handle both without the need for a converter. You will need plug adapters for either two round prongs (European style) or three flat prongs (British style).

How can I save money on a river cruise?
If you're hoping to save money on a European River cruise, then check out our Deals & Promotions page to find the best offers each season. We can also help you track the river cruises of your choice and let you know when there are specials and deals that you might be interested in. We advise travelers to avoid saving money by booking cheaper cabins - cabins that save you a lot of money tend to sacrifice space and often the breathtaking views that make river cruises in Europe such a wonderful experience.

Are Rhone River cruises a good family vacation?
Certain Rhone River cruises are great for family vacations - look for cruises that have activities perfect for the ages of your family members. If you are traveling with kids, then the cruises with lots of easy activities are ideal. If you have adolescents, then consider an active cruise, with opportunities for biking, hiking, and faster-paced exploration. Among adults, the cultural and wine-tasting cruises are a popular option. There's a perfect Rhone River cruise for every family.

Do Americans and Canadians need a passport and visa to travel to the Douro River?
All citizens of North America traveling to and throughout Europe need a passport that is valid for at least 6 months. Due to changes in visa laws in recent years, it is not necessary to apply for a visa before traveling to Europe as long as you plan to stay less than three months. These laws are subject to change in the future. Make sure to check current European visa requirements.

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