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!

10 Best River Cruises to Lyon for 2020

Lyon River Cruises (42 Results)

All Lyon River Cruises

The Valleys of the Rhône and Saône: Gastronomy and Vineyards

Lyon to Lyon
5 Days from $1,848

Enjoy this 5-day cruise aboard MS Camargue as it sails between the Rhône and Saône visiting Beaujolais vineyards, the terroir of Condrieu and the ancient city of Vienne

Escape to Provence

Lyon to Martigues
3 Days from $1,170

Join a 3-day small-ship voyage to Provence, a historic and popular region of Southeast France. Board on the MS Van Gogh in Lyon and travel along the sparkling Rhone River, making stops to explore the charming Avignon, Arles, Martigues and the wild Camargue.

The Magic of the Provençal Rhône and the Camargue

Lyon to Lyon
5 Days from $1,584

Board on the MS Camargue for this 5-day round-trip cruise from Lyons, France, as you discover the wild and unspoiled nature of the Camargue marshland and enjoy daily stops to visit riverside cities and villages like Arles, Avignon, Viviers and Tain L'hermitage.

The Magic of the Provençal Rhône and the Camargue

Lyon to Lyon
5 Days from $1,669

The MS Van Gogh hosts this round-trip 5-day river cruise of southeast France from Lyon. You'll cruise the Rhone River, making stops in Arles, Avignon, Viviers, and Tain L'hermitage, as you discover the wild and unspoiled nature of the Camargue and experience the unique charm of the Provence region.

Exceptional Wine Tasting Cruise in Burgundy: Beaujolais Nouveau

Lyon to Lyon
5 Days from $1,287

Experience this unique 5-day cruise aboard MS Camargue and visit various of wine centers and cellars as you cruise along Saone River. Do not miss the opportunity to experience Beaujolais Nouveau Day and watch a fireworks show!

Salt Pond in Camargue, Southern Provence, France

The Gateway to Provence, the Camargue, the Rhône and the Saône

Martigues-Lyon via Arles
7 Days from $2,625

Join MS Van Gogh on this 7-day voyage that explores the waterways of France, passing by charming villages, vineyards, and ports. Visiting Martigues, Arles, Avignon, Tain L'hermitage, Lyon, Viviers, Chalon-sur-saone and more!

The Saône, the Rhône, the Camargue and the Gateway to Provence

Lyon-Martigues
7 Days from $2,321

This 7-day river cruise from Lyon explores the waterways of France, passing by charming villages, vineyards, and ports. Visiting Martigues, Arles, Avignon, Tain L'hermitage, Chalon-sur-saone and more!

The Saône, the Rhône, the Camargue and the Gateway to Provence

Lyon to Lyon
7 Days from $1,985

A Trip to Admire the Beautiful Scenery of the Rhône Valley

Lyon to Lyon
6 Days from $1,898

Embark on MS Camargue to join its 6-day cruise that will take you to beautiful cities of France including Camargue, Lyon, Martigues, Arles, Avignon and many more!

The Rhône between the Camargue and the Provence

Lyon to Lyon
6 Days from $1,948

Enjoy a unique 6-day cruise on the Rhone and celebrate the history and charm of the stunning Lyon! You will have the opportunity to discover Avignon, capital of the Vaucluse and Côtes du Rhône, city of the Popes, art, and museums. Get ready to be charmed away by this surprising cruise!

Top Luxury Cruises to Lyon, France

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Burgundy & Provence	$2999	8	Jul 19, 2020	Follow in the footsteps of Van Gogh, Cézanne and Gauguin on this exquisite journey through southern France aboard S.S. Catherine for 8 days from …
Colors of Provence - Cruise Only	$2999	8	Apr 15, 2021	Embark the MS Amakristina in Arles, France for your week-long cruise through France's legendary wine regions, including Cotes du Rhone, Burgundy and …
Colors of Provence - Cruise Only	$3299	8	Jul 16, 2020	Embark the MS Amacello in Arles, France for your week-long cruise through France's legendary wine regions, including Cotes du Rhone, Burgundy and …
Flavors of Burgundy and Provence	$3695	8	Aug 8, 2020	Fall in love with the beautiful places and tasteful foods on this round-trip Lyon 8-day voyage boarding the Emerald Liberté. Let your feet wander to …
South of France	$6495	11	Sep 12, 2020	Enjoy this 11-day luxury round-trip cruise from Lyon aboard Scenic Sapphire. Visit Lyon, Avignon, Viviers and Beaune to explore the centuries-old …
Sensations of Lyon and Provence	$2845	8	Sep 5, 2020	Relax on board as Emerald Liberté brings you to the historical places in Lyon and Provence. Enjoy this 8-day sailing adventure through the rivers of …
Enchanting Rhône	$4745	9	Sep 5, 2021	The wonderful Rhône Valley will set your senses ablaze with a myriad of flavors, scents, and experiences on offer during your cruise. Discover why …
Colors of Provence	$5669	14	Apr 12, 2021	Spend 3 nights in the charming city of Paris, then travel by high-speed TGV train to Lyon and embark upon an enchanting cruise through Provence. Take …
Colors of Provence	$5519	14	Jul 20, 2020	Spend 3 nights in the charming city of Paris, then travel by high-speed TGV train to Lyon and embark upon an enchanting cruise through Provence. Take …
Paris & Sensations of Lyon and Provence	$4120	10	Oct 3, 2020	Voyage with Emerald Liberté from Paris to Nice on this 10-day exploration. Discover fascinating exteriors of buildings and the histories of each …

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.

European Cruise: When to Go?

Europe is an incredible destination all year long. However, there may be better months to visit based on your personal interests & preferences. Weather, activity options, & festivals are just a few of the factors that could determine when you travel. Here is some insight into best times for a Europe river cruise.

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