The Rhône and Saône
CroisiEurope cruises on the Rhône and Saône rivers help you discover Southern France and its wealthy cultural, natural, gastronomic, traditional, and historical background.
From the Camargue to the Ardèche gorges, via the Vercors massif, cruises on the Rhone from Lyon to Martigues or, in the reverse itinerary, from Martigues to Lyon, offer you a journey in the heart of some of the most beautiful and most preserved landscapes of France. You will have the opportunity to discover in one journey some of the most beautiful and traditional cities such as: Arles, Montelimar, Valencia, Lyon, the gastronomic capital of France, but also Avignon and its legendary bridge. Discover the surroundings that inspired artists like Van Gogh, Cezanne or Chagall, sip Beaujolais wine in its own terroir, stroll through historic towns, Roman ruins, and enchanting rural landscapes.
With such wonderful scenery, vine-covered hillsides, and picturesque villages, we could not resist designing a hiking itinerary to help you discover everything the Rhone Valley has to offer.
In addition, we also designed unique and themed cruises such as the Beaujolais Nouveau Tasting festival cruise for our wine and culture lovers to greet with us the annual release of Beaujolais Nouveau in November. Or join us for the Lavender & Mantras Cruise, aimed at people looking for subtle wellness, organic food, and relaxation, with optional partake at gentle Yoga, Mindfulness and Mediation sessions.
Check out the cruises below to discover the itineraries and excursions we offer, and book online!
LYON
Take a pre-holiday break at Lyon’s annual Festival of Lights—a magical, ephemeral tradition dating back to 1852. At nightfall, as the city’s beautiful buildings begin to glow, you'll experience an enchantment unique to Lyon.
LYON - AVIGNON - ARLES - PORT-SAINT-LOUIS - MARTIGUES(1) - ARLES - VIVIERS - LA VOULTE - The Vercors Plateau - TAIN-L'HERMITAGE - LYON
Discover the authentic Provence combining style and refinement. Throughout this cruise, you will be able to admire the beautiful Rhone landscapes. Discover Les Baux de Provence, one of the most beautiful, majestic and exotic villages in France, and plunge into the heart of an extraordinary setting whose charm and fragrance will captivate you. Visit the Alpilles where nature and authentic traditions have been carefully preserved.
LYON - MÂCON - VIENNE - AVIGNON - ARLES - The Camargue - ARLES - VIVIERS - TOURNON - LYON
History and authenticity will be on the program throughout your cruise on the Rhone. You will discover cities with rich historical and cultural pasts such as Lyon with its famous 'traboules' - secret passages. Visit the Cluny Abbey, which has had an exceptional political, artistic and religious influence on Europe, then admire the castle of Tournon which stands upright on its majestic rock in the heart of the town and houses a museum labeled "Museum of France" since 1927.
LYON - MACON - The Beaujolais vineyards - LYON - TAIN-L'HERMITAGE - The Vercors - AVIGNON - ARLES - The Camargue - MARTIGUES(1)
Set off on an unforgettable cruise from Lyon to Martigues, with ports of call in Mâcon, Tain-l'Hermitage, Avignon, Arles, and the Camargue.
Discover the 2,000-year history of Lyon as you stroll through its cobblestone streets. Ten percent of the city has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Vercors Massif and its steep limestone cliffs and vineyards perched above the valleys.
LYON - MACON - LYON - TAIN-L'HERMITAGE - AVIGNON - ARLES - MARTIGUES(2)
Discover the Rhône through an offbeat, seven-day cruise. See each city differently as you retrace the footsteps of the artists and celebrities who influenced their cultures.
From Alphonse de Lamartine's Mâcon to Marcel Pagnol's Marseille, with side trips to Paul Bocuse's Lyon and Van Gogh's homestead in Arles, each excursion will bring you to the core of the city and its history.
Discover unusual sites such as the Quarries of Light in Les Baux-de-Provence and the Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval in Hauterives.
This cruise on the Saône and Rhone Rivers overflows with the vineyard landscapes and limestone cliffs of southern France.
LYON - MACON - The Beaujolais vineyards - LYON - TAIN-L'HERMITAGE - The Vercors - AVIGNON - ARLES - The Camargue - MARTIGUES(1) - Lyon or Marseille(2)
Set off on an unforgettable cruise from Lyon to Martigues, with ports of call in Mâcon, Tain-l'Hermitage, Avignon, Arles, and the Camargue.
Discover the 2,000-year history of Lyon as you stroll through its cobblestone streets. Ten percent of the city has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Vercors Massif and its steep limestone cliffs and vineyards perched above the valleys.
Lyon or Marseille(2) - MARTIGUES(1) - PORT-SAINT-LOUIS - The Camargue - ARLES - AVIGNON - VIVIERS - LA VOULTE - TAIN-L'HERMITAGE - LYON - MÂCON - BELLEVILLE - TRÉVOUX - LYON
Set off on an unforgettable cruise from Martigues to Lyon, with ports of call in Mâcon, Tain-l'Hermitage, Avignon, Arles, and the Camargue.
Discover the 2,000-year history of Lyon as you stroll through its cobblestone streets. Ten percent of the city has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Vercors Massif and its steep limestone cliffs and vineyards perched above the valleys.
ARLES - PORT-SAINT-LOUIS - MARTIGUES(2) - ARLES - VIVIERS - LA VOULTE - The Vercors Plateau - TAIN-L'HERMITAGE - LYON - BASEL - BREISACH - STRASBOURG - MAINZ - KOBLENZ - COLOGNE - DÜSSELDORF – AMSTERDAM
Let yourself be tempted by this charming cruise along two mythical rivers, the Rhone and the Rhine. From the France via Germany to Netherlands you will enjoy 11 unforgettable days. Discover Arles and Avignon, two UNESCO World Heritage cities willing to retale their history through pleasant walks or bike rides. Visit also Mainz with its cosmopolitan atmosphere.
ARLES - PORT-SAINT-LOUIS - MARTIGUES(1) - AVIGNON - VIVIERS - TAIN L'HERMITAGE - LYON
Discover the authentic Provence combining style and refinement. Throughout this cruise, you will be able to admire the beautiful Rhone landscapes. Discover Les Baux de Provence, one of the most beautiful, majestic and exotic villages in France, and plunge into the heart of an extraordinary setting whose charm and fragrance will captivate you. Visit the Alpilles where nature and authentic traditions have been carefully preserved.
LYON - MÂCON - LYON - TAIN-L'HERMITAGE - AVIGNON - ARLES - MARTIGUES(2)
Dive into the pleasures of delicious French wines while also enjoying a cruise through renowned vineyards and beautiful countryside. Stops include Tain-l'Hermitage, one of the most prestigious winegrowing regions in the country.