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Lyon France River Cruises

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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!
All Lyon River Cruises

10 Best River Cruises to Lyon for 2025-2026

All Lyon River Cruises

Top 10 Luxury Cruises to Lyon, France for 2025-2026

Trip NameFromDaysNext DepartureSummary
Colors of Provence - Cruise Only$36998Dec 5, 2024Embark the MS Amakristina in Arles, France for your week-long cruise through France's legendary wine regions, including Cotes du Rhone, Burgundy and …
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Spectacular South of France$1369011Apr 6, 2025Enjoy this 11-day luxury round-trip cruise from Lyon aboard Scenic Sapphire. Visit Lyon, Avignon, Viviers and Beaune to explore the centuries-old …
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Active & Discovery on the Rhone$46098May 6, 2025Embark on an 8-day cruise aboard the Avalon Poetry II, where each port offers exciting adventures and options. Explore Provence’s stunning lavender …
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Colors of Provence$634914Dec 9, 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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Burgundy & Provence$37998Mar 23, 2025Follow in the footsteps of Van Gogh, Cézanne and Gauguin on this exquisite journey through southern France aboard S.S. Catherine for 8 days from …
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Essence of Burgundy & Provence$522914Mar 13, 2025Embarking in Geneva, this relaxing 14-day cruise aboard MS Amacello takes you from romantic cities to foodie havens and artistic epicenters. Spend …
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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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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 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 - Cruise Only$37998Dec 12, 2024Embark the MS Amakristina in Arles, France for your week-long cruise through France's legendary wine regions, including Cotes du Rhone, Burgundy and …
0

Lyon Cruise Tips & Travel Guide

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 bike and 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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