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 2021

All Lyon River Cruises

The Magic of the Provençal Rhône and the Camargue

Lyon to Lyon
5 Days from $1,657

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.

Exceptional Wine Tasting Cruise in Burgundy: Beaujolais Nouveau

Lyon to Lyon
5 Days from $1,328

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!

A Trip to Admire the Beautiful Scenery of the Rhône Valley

Lyon to Lyon
6 Days from $1,971

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!

Warm lights glow through the blue hour in Lyon

The Rhône between Lyon, Provence, and the Camargue

Lyon to Lyon
7 Days from $2,176

Discover the authentic Provence combining style and refinement, a cruise brimming with splendid scenery and great food as well as a once-in-a-lifetime evening at a Paul Bocuse restaurant.

Colors of Provence - Cruise Only

Lyon to Avignon
8 Days from $2,999

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.

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.

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.

Sensations of Lyon and Provence

Nice - Lyon
8 Days from $3,295

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 Rhone and Saone.

Stop in Avignon on your cruise of the Rhône river.

Burgundy and Provence

Southbound
8 Days from $3,399

Take a delightful river cruise through France along the Rhône and Saône Rivers to see beautiful countryside, quaint villages and towns, as you sail through the most captivating views of France.

Active & Discovery on the Rhone

Southbound
8 Days from $3,899

Embark on Avalon Poetry II and join different excursions available while sailing from Lyon to Port-Saint-Louis and visiting some incredible sites in Avignon, Arles, Tournon and many more!

Top Luxury Cruises to Lyon, France

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Colors of Provence - Cruise Only	$2999	8	Sep 23, 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 … 0
South of France	$6695	11	Sep 22, 2021	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	Sep 26, 2021	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
Sensations of Lyon and Provence	$3295	8	Sep 25, 2021	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 … 0
Colors of Provence	$5219	14	Sep 27, 2021	This 14-day cruise of France & Spain is a splash of cultures - spend 3 nights in the charming city of Paris, then travel by high-speed TGV train to … 0
Paris & Sensations of Lyon and Provence	$5070	10	Oct 9, 2021	Voyage with Emerald Liberté from Paris to Nice on this 10-day exploration. Discover fascinating exteriors of buildings and the histories of each … 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