The Rhône is a waterway brimming with cultural and scenic marvels. A cruise on its waters takes passengers through sunflower and lavender-filled landscapes that have inspired generations of artists, along with man-made wonders dating back hundreds of years.
The picturesque 505-mile waterway flows through France into the Mediterranean, and is navigable on the 192-mile stretch from the sea to the French foodie capital of Lyon, where it joins its chief tributary, the Saône.
Artists including Paul Cézanne, Henri Matisse, Auguste Renoir and, most famously, Vincent Van Gogh, have been inspired by its floral panoramas, but its history dates back even further. The Rhône was a significant trading route for the Greeks and Romans, who left a legacy that can still be seen today in amphitheatres, temples and aqueducts.
Adding to the Rhône’s appeal, cruises sail through Provence, with some of the world’s most revered wine-growing regions.
In this guide:
Before you book
Where can I go?
Many cruises start or finish in Lyon, where the Rhône and the Saône meet. Most follow a similar seven-night route, and lines including Viking and Avalon Waterways offer the chance to combine a sailing with a city break in Paris, or dovetail a Rhône cruise and sailing on the Seine or Rhine. Emerald Cruises pairs the Rhône with Portugal’s Douro.
Ships sail north on the Saône into the heart of the Burgundy wine region, and south to Arles, gateway to Camargue Regional Nature Park on western Europe’s largest river delta.
For a shorter break, A-Rosa has a five-night round-trip Lyon sailing, which visits Viviers, Arles, Avignon and Vienne, and CroisiEurope offers a four-night trip taking in Lyon, Avignon and Viviers.
When should I go?
The majority of Rhône cruises run from April through to October, with some lines offering additional sailings at each end of the main season. Due to its Mediterranean location, the weather can be pleasantly balmy in the spring and autumn.
Landscapes are in bloom from March to May, and the best time to see the glorious swathes of purple lavender fields is mid-June to mid-August, with the peak season around early July.
The summer offers long, hot summer days, although August can be scorching with temperatures pushing 35 degrees, particularly on the stretches of river furthest from the coast. September heralds the start of the grape harvest and the chance to experience local festivals.
Are Rhône cruises expensive?
Rhône river cruises tend to be slightly more expensive than their counterparts on the Rhine and Danube. This is down to several factors, including the ships being smaller and carrying fewer passengers, and a smaller number of ships operating on the river, which can push up demand.
In common with all river cruises, prices fluctuate, and there are often good deals to be had at the start of the year.
A wide spectrum of lines sail on the Rhône, from good-value companies with fewer frills through to luxury all-inclusive lines. On some lines, you can pick and choose shore tours you want to pay for rather than having them included in the fare.
What should I pack?
Layers are key on any river cruise, but on the Rhône, you should always take a windproof jacket. The Mistral – meaning master – is the strong, cold wind that gusts down the river valley from the Swiss Alps. While it’s at its peak in the winter and early spring, it blows an average of 120 days a year so it’s best to be prepared.
Who to cruise with?
What are the mainstream lines?
From Amadeus River Cruises – Amadeus Provence has a lovely aft restaurant – to Viking with its Scandi-cool ships, you’ll find plenty of big-name river cruise lines on the Rhône. For the full French experience both on board and ashore, French-owned CroisiEurope has the largest fleet of four ships on the river.
Families should take a look at A-Rosa River Cruises, where children up to the age of 15 travel free, while solo-friendly Riviera Travel always sets aside cabins for single travellers with no surcharge. AmaWaterways runs a selection of themed cruises, including sailings with a focus on wine.
If you like to keep up your step count on holiday, Avalon Waterways’ Active & Discovery sailings include hiking, kayaking and the chance to go on the novel Vélorail, a pedal car on a disused railway track in the Ardèche Gorge. Emerald Cruises also offers activities, including canoeing and cycling, and both lines offer leisurely alternatives for passengers who prefer to take things easy.
What about luxury options?
Uniworld’s boutique ship S.S. Catherine has opulent interiors with Murano glass chandeliers and liveried butler service in suites, while Scenic offers butler service in every cabin category. Along with Tauck, all food, drink and excursions come as standard on these all-inclusive luxury lines.
What facilities are on board?
To navigate narrow bends and low bridges, many Rhône river ships are smaller than their other European counterparts and average around 100 to 160 passengers. Nevertheless, you won’t go short on amenities. They all have a main dining room, lounge, bar, sun deck and choice of cabins, including suites.
Ports and sights
Where can I depart from?
Most cruises are round-trip from Lyon, with some itineraries beginning in Avignon, Arles and Chalon-sur-Saône. Virtually all lines include flights from the UK and transfers to the ship in the price of the fare.
If you don’t want to fly, Riviera Travel offers the chance to travel by Eurostar and TGV train or simply book the cruise and make your own arrangements to meet the ship.
CroisiEurope sells cruise-only itineraries that would also suit independent travellers who want to add a cruise to a touring holiday in France.
What can I see?
Lyon’s historic centre is a Unesco World Heritage site with one of Europe’s largest concentrations of Renaissance buildings. Take the historic funicular up Fourvière Hill, the highest point, for the best view of the river and cityscape.
Around halfway between Lyon and the south coast is the Cathedral of St Vincent in Viviers, among the smallest in France. The unusual octagonal bell tower is a landmark feature on the skyline of the small medieval town.
Avignon is home to the Unesco-listed Palace of the Popes, with more than 25 rooms on show. Another of its man-made highlights includes the 12th-century bridge – of which four of the original 22 arches remain – and immortalised in the song Pont d’Avignon, which you’re bound to hear during your cruise.
Arles, in the south, is where Vincent Van Gogh painted more than 300 pieces of work, including The Langlois Bridge at Arles.
What excursions can I do?
This region is home to the Ardèche Gorge, one of the most impressive natural landmarks in France. It’s called the Grand Canyon of Europe and it stretches for around 14 miles, with sheer limestone cliffs towering up to 1,000 feet. Most excursions here are aboard the atmospheric Vivarais steam railway that provides fantastic views of the towering cliffs.
A-Rosa offers a private horse riding tour in the Camargue from €799 (£697) for a maximum group of six people, including the chance to look after your horse before and after the ride. Scenic offers a truffle tasting excursion included in the fare, with a visit to a farm to meet the farmer and his truffle-hunting dog to discover how the prized fungi are harvested.
Amadeus River Cruises offers the Les Halles – Paul Bocuse excursion from £58 per person, including a visit and tasting in the covered market frequented by the famous chef.
Avalon Waterways offers a guided kayak excursion included in the fare, which travels beneath the world’s highest Roman aqueduct, Pont du Gard. Viking offers the Beaujolais Wine Country excursion included in the fare, which includes a scenic driver through the wine-growing region and a cellar visit with a wine tasting.
About our expert
Jeannine Williamson
Jeannine has clocked up thousands of nautical miles on an A to Z of worldwide rivers, from the Amazon to the Zambezi. When she’s not afloat, you can find her beside the water at home on England’s south coast.