The Rhône, fed by its tributary the Saône, flows southward through France to the Mediterranean Sea, passing through the vineyards of Burgundy and the hills of Provence. Rhône and Saône river cruises usually travel north from Lyon to Chalon-sur-Saône, or south from Lyon to Avignon and Arles, and sometimes into the Camargue region on the Mediterranean.
Rhône & Saône river cruises
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Our top picks
Viking River Cruises
Lyon & Provence
From Avignon to Lyon
12 Jul - 19 Jul 2026 (7 Nights)
From £3,595 per guest
Uniworld River Cruises
Grand France
From Paris to Arles
12 Jul - 26 Jul 2026 (14 Nights)
From £8,849 per guest
Riverside Luxury Cruises
Burgundy Bliss: Lyon to Lyon
From Lyon to Lyon
12 Jul - 15 Jul 2026 (3 Nights)
From £1,807 per guest
Scenic River Cruises
Iconic France
From Bordeaux to Lyon
13 Jul - 2 Aug 2026 (20 Nights)
From £9,900 per guest
Our Insight
Highlights of a luxury Rhône & Saône river cruise
This is a cruise that is driven by food, wine and the French way of living well. In Burgundy, you visit Beaune with its famous Hospices and the wine cellars of the Côte d'Or. Tournus, a small town with six Michelin-starred restaurants, has cooking out of all proportion to its size. Lyon itself is widely regarded as the gastronomic capital of France, with traditional bouchons serving rich local dishes alongside some of the country's finest restaurants.
South of Lyon, the Rhône Valley wine region takes over: Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage and Châteauneuf-du-Pape are all within reach of the river. At Avignon, you walk through the vast Papal Palace that dominated European religion in the fourteenth century. In Arles, the Roman arena still stands and the streets Van Gogh painted are recognisable today. The Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct that has survived two thousand years, is one of the most impressive engineering feats you will see anywhere.
The Rhône and Saône together make up the most food and wine-focused river cruise in Europe. From the vineyards of Burgundy to the warm hills of Provence, everything here revolves around what grows, what is cooked and what is poured. Lyon, where the two rivers meet, is the start or end point for almost every itinerary and one of the great food cities in the world.
Why luxury matters on a Rhône & Saône river cruise
On a river where gastronomy and wine are central to the experience, the quality of what happens on board and ashore matters more here than on most.
A luxury operator here means better vineyard access, private tastings rather than group visits, cooking classes with real depth, and dining on board that holds its own against the restaurants you pass. The difference shows in the excursion programme too: a guided walk through Lyon's traboules with a local historian, or a morning at a Provençal market with the ship's chef, rather than a standard coach tour.
Luxury Rhône & Saône river cruise itineraries
- 7 nights - The standard itinerary runs in one of two directions. Southbound cruises travel from Chalon-sur-Saône or Lyon to Avignon or Arles, covering Burgundy and Provence in a single week. Northbound cruises reverse the route, starting in the warmth of Provence and finishing in wine country.
- 10-14 nights - Longer itineraries combine both rivers, taking in more of the Saône and Rhône. Some include a Paris extension at one end.
- 3-4 nights - Shorter sailings on the lower Rhône cover Avignon, Arles and the Camargue in a concentrated few days. A good option as a standalone break or paired with time elsewhere in France.
Luxury cruise lines sailing the Rhône & Saône
All of our luxury river cruise partners offer Rhône and Saône itineraries, each with its own approach to the food, wine and excursion programming that defines this river. On a cruise so focused on gastronomy and regional culture, the differences between operators show up clearly in the quality of vineyard visits, the depth of cooking experiences and what happens at the table each evening.
The best way to compare options is to explore our Rhône and Saône river cruises or speak to us for tailored recommendations.
Travel tips and FAQs for Rhône & Saône river cruising
Should I cruise north or south on the Rhône?
Both directions work well. Southbound takes you from the green vineyards of Burgundy into the warmth of Provence, which many travellers find a satisfying progression. Northbound starts in sunshine and finishes in wine country. If you have a preference for how your trip builds, choose accordingly.
Is the Rhône a good first river cruise?
It can be, particularly if eating and drinking well are high on your list. The ports are easy to explore on foot, the pace is relaxed and the scenery is varied. The Rhône and Saône is a more specialist cruise than the Rhine or Danube, which cover more countries and offer a wider range of cities. If you already know you want to spend a week eating and drinking your way through France, this is the river.
Can I get to Lyon by train from the UK?
Yes. Eurostar runs from London to Paris, where you change to a TGV for Lyon. The total journey takes around five hours. It is a comfortable alternative to flying, and several operators arrange transfers from the station to the ship.
How does the Rhône compare to the Douro?
Both are food and wine cruises, but the character is different. The Douro is quieter and more focused on port wine and the terraced hillsides of northern Portugal. The Rhône covers more ground, with a greater variety of landscape, food culture and historical sites. If you want French gastronomy, Provence and Roman history alongside the wine, the Rhône is the stronger choice.
Are shorter Rhône cruises available?
Yes. Some operators run 3 and 4-night sailings on the lower Rhône, focused on Provence and the river delta. These work well as a city break or as part of a wider trip through France. They are also a useful way to try river cruising if you are unsure whether it suits you.
What should I pack for a Rhône river cruise?
Comfortable walking shoes for cobbled streets and vineyard paths. Layers for spring and autumn. Light clothing for summer with sun protection. A hat is useful in Provence. Smart-casual for dinners on board.
Is cycling available along the Rhône?
Several operators offer cycling excursions, and the riverside paths are well suited to it. The terrain south of Lyon is mostly flat along the valley floor. Cycling through vineyard country or along the river to a neighbouring village is one of the best ways to experience the landscape.
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