Rhône River Cruise Planner | Odysseys River Cruises

River cruise ship sailing along the Rhône River in Lyon, France, with colorful riverfront buildings and Fourvière hill in the background.

Rhône River Cruises: Provence & Burgundy

A relaxed journey through Lyon, the Rhône Valley and Provence, with some itineraries continuing north into Burgundy along the Saône.

Typical length: 7 nights
Common route: Lyon ↔ Arles
Air gateways: Lyon (LYS), Marseille (MRS)
Best known for: Provence, Rhône Valley wines, Roman history and historic towns

The Rhône is a strong fit if you want:

Provence and southern France
Wine, food and Roman history
A mix of major cities and smaller towns
A slower-paced, scenic itinerary
The option to add Burgundy on some sailings

Two Ways to Experience the Rhône

Aerial view of Lyon, France, with the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière and the city’s rivers, a major starting or ending point for many Rhône River cruise itineraries.

Most Rhône cruises travel between Lyon and Provence, following the river south through wine country, historic towns, Avignon and Arles.

Some itineraries continue north of Lyon onto the Saône River, adding Burgundy and Beaujolais before returning south through the Rhône Valley and Provence. Depending on the itinerary, that can include stops such as Mâcon, Tournus and Chalon-sur-Saône.

Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière above the Saône River in Lyon, France, a major starting or ending point for Rhône River cruise itineraries.

Temple of Augustus in Vienne, France, a Roman landmark often visited on Rhône River cruise itineraries.

Marc Seguin Footbridge in Tournon-sur-Rhône, France, crossing the Rhône near Tain-l’Hermitage and the region’s vineyard landscapes.

Historic hillside town of Viviers, France, a small-scale cultural stop on Rhône River cruise itineraries.

Palace of the Popes in Avignon, France, a major medieval landmark visited on many Rhône River cruise itineraries.

Roman Amphitheater in Arles, France, a historic Roman landmark and cultural highlight on Rhône River cruise itineraries.

Lyon

France’s culinary capital and the meeting point of the Rhône and Saône. Explore the Old Town, historic passageways and renowned food scene.

Vienne

One of France’s best-preserved Roman cities, with an ancient temple, theater and historic center just steps from the river.

Tournon & Tain-l’Hermitage

Twin Rhône towns surrounded by famous vineyards. A highlight for wine lovers, particularly those interested in Hermitage wines.

Viviers

A small medieval town with narrow streets, stone buildings and a historic cathedral. One of the Rhône’s quieter, more intimate stops.

Avignon

The medieval City of Popes, known for the imposing Palais des Papes, its walled historic center and easy access to Provence.

Arles

Roman ruins, Van Gogh connections and classic Provençal character. Often the southern beginning or end of a Rhône cruise.

Extending Your Rhône Journey

A land stay can give you more time in Lyon or take you deeper into Provence beyond the river cruise itself.

Lyon, France

A natural pre- or post-cruise stay. Spend more time exploring the Old Town, Lyon’s renowned food scene and neighborhoods you may only briefly see during the cruise.

Countryside village in Provence, France, representing the vineyard landscapes, hill towns, and regional culture often paired with Rhône River cruise itineraries.

Provence Region, France

Extend farther into Provence for hill towns, vineyards, markets and a slower look at the landscapes surrounding the Rhône.

Thinking About the Rhône?

You don’t need to know the cruise line or exact sailing yet.

Tell me what interests you most about the Rhône, and I’ll help narrow the choices and find the best fit.

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