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!

9 Best River Cruises to Lyon for 2022-2023

All Lyon River Cruises

Colors of Provence

Paris to Barcelona
14 Days from $5,219

This 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 lovely cruise through Provence onboard MS Amakristina. Then catch the TGV to Spain for 3 nights in Barcelona. Enjoy wine tasting, riding, cooking workshops, and archaeology.

Discover the history and art of Barcelona

Essence of Burgundy & Provence

Chalon Sur Saone to Barcelona
14 Days from $5,909

Embarking in Geneva, this relaxing 14-day cruise aboard MS Amacello takes you from romantic cities to foodie havens and artistic epicenters. Spend three nights in Paris before going to Lyon, France’s culinary capital, en route to the cultural gem of Barcelona for 3 days of urban exploration.

Warm lights glow through the blue hour in Lyon

Colors of Provence - Cruise Only

Lyon to Avignon
8 Days from $1,999

Embark the MS Amakristina in Arles, France for your week-long cruise through France's legendary wine regions, including Cotes du Rhone, Burgundy and Beaujolais. Enjoy wine tastings, ancient Roman ruins, and medieval villages on this European vacation. Les Baux, Avignon, Viviers, Tournon, and Vienne are all stops before arriving to Lyon, France.

The Rhône between Lyon, Provence and the Camargue

Lyon to Arles
7 Days from $2,225

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!

South of France

Lyon to Lyon
11 Days from $6,695

Enjoy this 11-day luxury round-trip cruise from Lyon aboard Scenic Sapphire. Visit Lyon, Avignon, Viviers and Beaune to explore the centuries-old architecture of Southern France. Sample the celebrated wines and other gastronomic delights for a full South of France experience.

Essence of Burgundy & Provence - Cruise Only

Chalon Sur Saone to Barcelona
8 Days from $2,799

Tour romantic towns, gourmet destinations, and artistic centers on this 8-day river cruise aboard MS Amacello. Spend three nights in Paris before heading to Lyon, France's culinary center. Enjoy iconic vineyards and local vintages like Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône. Trace the steps of legendary painters in Arles and Avignon, then let Barcelona enchant you.

The Palais des Papes dominates the Avignon skyline

Burgundy & Provence

Avignon to Lyon
8 Days from $3,199

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 Avignon to Lyon.

Stop in Avignon on your cruise of the Rhône river.

Lyon & Provence

Avignon - Lyon
8 Days from $3,099

Join this 8-day expedition and tour lands of fine wine & cuisine from Avignon to Lyon aboard Viking River Cruises. Explore Avignon’s Palace of the Popes and excite your palate in Lyon, capital of French gastronomy.

Idyllic Rhône

Tarascon - Lyon
8 Days from $3,727

From Tarascon to Lyon, cruise along the Rhône and Sâone rivers aboard the luxurious Scenic Sapphire and enjoy an exclusive Scenic Culinaire experience. Visit Lyon's Notre Dame Basilica, which offers fabulous views across the city's one of the most beautiful regions of France, known for its art and cuisine.

Top 5 Luxury Cruises to Lyon, France for 2022-2023

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Colors of Provence	$5219	14	Mar 14, 2022	This 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 … 0
Colors of Provence - Cruise Only	$1999	8	Oct 14, 2022	Embark the MS Amakristina in Arles, France for your week-long cruise through France's legendary wine regions, including Cotes du Rhone, Burgundy and … 0
South of France	$6695	11	Apr 11, 2022	Enjoy this 11-day luxury round-trip cruise from Lyon aboard Scenic Sapphire. Visit Lyon, Avignon, Viviers and Beaune to explore the centuries-old … 0
Burgundy & Provence	$3199	8	Mar 20, 2022	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 … 0
Idyllic Rhône	$3727	8	Apr 28, 2022	From Tarascon to Lyon, cruise along the Rhône and Sâone rivers aboard the luxurious Scenic Sapphire and enjoy an exclusive Scenic Culinaire … 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.

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

Best Lyon, France Small Ship Cruise Lines for 2022-2023

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.