Cruises visiting Lyon range from just 3-day jaunts to a full two-week Rhone & Saone River cruises in the southern French countryside. Biking, hiking, city tours, and wine tasting highlight virtually ever river cruises departing from Lyon, and our favorite route on the Rhone-Saone, between Lyon and Arles visit Camargue Natural Park, one of Europe's premier wetlands right on the Mediterranean Sea. With just over half a million residents, Lyon is the provincial capital of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France, and at the confluence of the Rhone and Saone Rivers, it makes for the perfect point of embarkation for many of our classic European river cruises. Contact one of our European river cruise experts when you're ready to start planning the perfect Rhone and Saone River cruise to Lyon!
Highlights of Lyon, France Lyon is the capital of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes province and is built at the convergence of the Rhone & Saone Rivers in South-Central France. While it is not quite Paris, it is the third-largest city in France and is home to a bustling arts & culture scene and over 2000 years of history.
Most Rhone & Saone River cruises either embark or disembark in Lyon, while some others visit it in the heart of the itinerary. Either way, make sure to enjoy some of these highlights:
Walking tour of the city of Lyon to learn about its historic role in Western Civilization, from the Roman Empire all the way through modern times.
Bike through the parks and suburbs to see the scenic rolling hills and charming countryside.
Charming historic towns downriver like Avignon, Viviers, Tournon and the Camargue Natural Park on the Mediterranean Sea.
Popular Destinations in Lyon, France
Some of the most popular destinations frequently visited on a trip to Lyon, France are:
Belleville-Sur-Saone & Mâcon
Avignon, Viviers, The Ardèche Gorges
The ruins of the Cluny Abbey
The Beaujolais Wine Route, featuring Pouilly-Fuissé vineyards and the Roche de Solutré
Arles, The Camargue
La Voulte & Tain L'hermitage
Best Lyon, France Small Ship Cruise Lines for 2025-2026
AMA Waterways- were the pioneers of modern luxury river cruising and have received numerous prestigious awards and accolades. Embark in Lyon, France's culinary capital, and enjoy an evening illumination cruise aboard MS Amakristina.
CroisiEurope- a leader in river cruising lets you explore Lyon by bikeand see its historical monuments and neighborhoods before enjoying a tasting in the heart of the Old Town. Lyon is a remarkably green city and a pleasure to visit, especially on a bike on your MS Van Gogh cruise. Its history spans over 2,000 years. Splendid churches from all eras dot the city hills. The streets are lined with boutiques to poke in, and restaurants are waiting to serve their delights.
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