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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
Warm lights glow through the blue hour in Lyon

Colors of Provence - Cruise Only

8 Days from $4,139
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.
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Lyon by night

Must-see sites on the Rhône between Lyon, Provence, and the Camargue

7 Days from $1,959
Embark on a 7-day Rhône between Lyon, Provence, and the Camargue cruise aboard MS Rhone Princess. 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.
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Sprawling vineyards of France

Colors of Provence

14 Days from $6,914
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.
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Eiffel Tower and the Seine River

South of France with Highlights of Paris

13 Days from $16,155
Take a 13-day cruise from Paris to Lyon on the Scenic Sapphire, discovering France's rich culture and cuisine. Enjoy two nights in Paris and explore enchanting towns, historic sites, and exclusive events, including music performances.
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Stop in Avignon on your cruise of the Rhône river.

Burgundy & Provence

8 Days from $3,799
Embark on an 8-day Burgundy & Provence cruise from Arles to Lyon aboard the S.S. Catherine. Visit towns like Avignon, where medieval charm and the majestic Palace of the Popes await. Next, explore the quaint village of Viviers and its storied past, and then explore the twin wine villages of Tain-l’Hermitage and Tournon.
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Beaujolais, France vineyard

Flavors of Burgundy - Cruise Only

8 Days from $4,139
Experience an 8-day cruise on the MS Amacello through Burgundy, where you indulge in wine tastings in Seurre, Tournus, Macon, and Lyon. Savor the region’s authentic cuisine while exploring its rich culture, history, and stunning landscapes.
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Discover the history and art of Barcelona

Essence of Burgundy & Provence

14 Days from $5,669
Embark on a 14-day cruise aboard the Amacello through Switzerland and France, from Geneva and Annecy through Burgundy and Provence. Indulge in Lyon’s culinary delights, explore historic treasures, and end with three unforgettable nights in Nice, Monaco, and Monte Carlo.
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Visit colorful Lyon

Idyllic Rhone

8 Days from $11,590
Set sail on an 8-day cruise from Nice to Lyon on the Scenic Sapphire, exploring the Rhone and Saone rivers. Experience France’s rich heritage through its historic cities, medieval villages, and culinary delights amidst stunning landscapes.
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Arles overview

Sensations of Lyon and Provence

8 Days from $7,990
Sail from Marseille to Lyon for another fun and exciting 8-day cruise along the Rhone and Saone Rivers. Emerald Liberté offers comfortable accommodations before exploring different cities.
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The architectures of Lyon

Essence of Burgundy & Provence - Cruise Only

8 Days from $4,139
Embark on an 8-day cruise aboard the MS Amacello through Burgundy and Provence, savoring French flavors and exploring Roman heritage, charming towns, and iconic sites like Lyon’s culinary treasures and Avignon’s Papal Palace.
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Top 1 Luxury Cruises to Lyon, France for 2025-2026

Trip Name From Days Next Departure Summary
Idyllic Rhone $11,590 8 Jun 29, 2025 Set sail on an 8-day cruise from Lyon to Nice on the Scenic Sapphire, exploring the Rhone and Saone rivers. Experience France’s rich heritage through its historic cities, medieval villages, and culinary delights amidst stunning landscapes.
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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.
Visit charming Passau

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.
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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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