Low Prices On All Rhone River Cruises

Rhône River Cruise Quick Facts & Overview

• Sailing Season: March through November (Peak: May, June, September, October; Shoulder: April, July, August, November)

• Average Duration: 7 to 14 Nights (7-night river sailings are standard; land packages to Paris or the French Riviera add 3 to 5 nights)

• Primary Departure Ports: Lyon (France), Avignon (France), Arles (France), and Chalon-sur-Saône (France)

• Top Cruise Lines: Viking River Cruises, AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, Scenic Luxury Cruises, Emerald Cruises

• Key Highlights: Culinary capital of Lyon, Palais des Papes in Avignon, Roman Amphitheater in Arles, Pont du Gard aqueduct, steep Hermitage vineyards in Tain-L’Hermitage, and Van Gogh sites in Provence

• Top Cruise Deals Advantage: Exclusive Onboard Credit, Group Rates, Free Excursion & Flight Planning

When is the Best Time to Cruise to the Rhône River?

• Peak Season (May–June & September–October): Spring and early autumn bring the finest weather across Provence and Burgundy ($68°F to $78°F). September and October are especially popular because they coincide with the annual grape harvest (la vendange), when steep hillside vineyards turn golden and local winemakers host vibrant tasting festivals. May and June offer blooming countryside, pleasant walking weather through historic towns, and long daylight hours. Booking 9 to 12 months in advance is essential for peak spring and harvest dates.

• Shoulder & Summer Season (April, July–August & November): The ideal window for finding cheap Rhône River cruises. April offers crisp spring air, blooming almond trees, and fewer crowds at historic sites. Summer months (July and August) bring peak lavender blooms in Provence, warm sunshine ($80°F to $88°F), and long outdoor sun-deck viewing hours. Late autumn (November) delivers the season’s lowest baseline fares and extra agency onboard credit offers before ships pause for winter maintenance.

• Lavender Season Window (Late June through Mid-July): Travelers wanting to see Provence’s famous blooming lavender fields along the Valensole Plateau or near Senanque Abbey should target departures between late June and mid-July.

Must-Visit Ports of Call on the Rhône River

• Lyon, France: The undisputed gastronomic capital of France and a UNESCO World Heritage treasure located at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Explore the Renaissance alleyways (traboules) of Vieux Lyon, dine at traditional bouchons, visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, and shop at Les Halles de Lyon – Paul Bocuse food market.

• Avignon, France: Known as the “City of Popes.” Walk through the imposing 14th-century Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), stroll along the famous medieval Pont d’Avignon, and take day trips to the world-renowned wineries of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

• Arles, France: A Roman and artistic gem in the heart of Provence. Highlights include exploring the 1st-century Roman Amphitheater and Les Arènes, tracing the steps of Vincent van Gogh at the Yellow Café and the Saint-Paul de Mausole asylum in nearby Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, and visiting the Camargue wild horse nature reserves.

• Tain-L’Hermitage & Tournon, France: Twin towns facing each other across the Rhône River in the heart of the Syrah and Côtes du Rhône wine country. Walk up the steep, hand-built terraced vineyards of the Hermitage appellation, visit the Valrhona Cité du Chocolat tasting museum, and enjoy private cellar tastings.

• Viviers & The Ardèche Gorges, France: A beautifully preserved medieval stone village surrounded by rugged scenery. Major excursions include night walking tours by lantern light through Viviers’ narrow cobblestone streets or taking scenic drives through the dramatic limestone canyon of the Ardèche Gorges (Gorges de l’Ardèche).

Choosing the Best Cruise Line for Rhône River Cruises

• Best Overall Destination & Fleet Consistency (Viking River Cruises): Features signature Viking Longships equipped with Scandinavian design, floor-to-ceiling glass, included guided walking tours in every port, regional French wine and beer with meals, and seamless multi-city packages combining Paris and Nice.

• Best for Active Travelers & Foodies (AmaWaterways & Avalon Waterways): AmaWaterways operates custom vessels featuring fleet bicycles for cycling along the Rhône riverbanks, onboard wellness hosts, active vineyard hikes, and a dedicated Chef’s Table specialty dining venue. Avalon Waterways features outward-facing Panorama Suites with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open to convert your entire stateroom into an open-air balcony, alongside “Active & Discovery” excursion choices.

• Best for Ultra-Luxury & All-Inclusive Comfort (Uniworld & Scenic): Uniworld’s S.S. Catherine provides a custom-designed floating hotel with opulent French-inspired decor, 100% all-inclusive pricing (covering unlimited premium spirits and gratuities), and personal butler service. Scenic offers all-suite luxury with private butler service, included laundry, electric bicycles, and exclusive evening concerts in historic châteaux.

Understanding Rhône River Cruise Itineraries

• Classic 7-Night Burgundy & Provence (Lyon to Avignon/Arles): The benchmark French river cruise. Typically navigates the Rhône and Saône rivers between Lyon (or Chalon-sur-Saône) and Avignon or Arles. Calls on Macon, Tournon/Tain-L’Hermitage, Viviers, Avignon, and Arles.

• 10-to-14-Day Paris to the French Riviera Cruisetours: The most requested format for North American travelers. Combines a 7-night Rhône River cruise with high-speed TGV train connections, a 2-to-3-night pre-cruise stay in Paris, and a 2-to-3-night post-cruise stay along the French Riviera (Nice, Cannes, or Monaco).

• Culinary & Wine Specialty Voyages: Specialized itineraries focusing on French gastronomy, truffle hunting demonstrations in Grignan, Beaujolais wine blending workshops, and market visits led by onboard French chefs.

Top Cruise Deals’ Insider Tips for Cruising the Rhône River

• Book a French Balcony or Veranda Stateroom for Daytime Scenic Cruising: The banks of the Rhône River are lined with stone castles, terraced vineyards, and ancient Roman ruins. Selecting a French Balcony or full Veranda allows you to enjoy fresh air and unobstructed floor-to-ceiling views right from your room.

• Combine Your Cruise with Paris and French Riviera Extensions: Flying internationally to France is a major investment. Booking an all-inclusive cruisetour package through Top Cruise Deals ensures your TGV bullet train transfers, 5-star hotel stays in Paris and Nice, and city tour permits are handled seamlessly.

• Pack Sturdy Footwear for Historic Cobblestones and Vineyards: Excursions in medieval stone villages (like Viviers and Avignon) and terraced vineyard walks involve walking over uneven cobblestones and steep paths. Sturdy, cushioned walking shoes or sneakers are essential.

• Sample Regional Vintages and Culinary Specialties Ashore: Take advantage of every regional tasting opportunity! Sample Côtes du Rhône, Hermitage, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines, alongside local delicacies like Lyon’s saucisson, pralines, Nougat de Montélimar, and fresh olives from Nyons.

Why Book Your Rhône River Cruise with Top Cruise Deals?

Booking Direct on Cruise Line Website:

• Standard public rate only
• Long call center wait times
• Standard line promotion only
• Self-managed loyalty details & cabin selection

Booking with Top Cruise Deals:

• Lower exclusive agency rates 
• Direct access to your personal cruise advisor
• Agency exclusive promotions and extra Booking Bonus
• Automatic loyalty discount stacking & expert cabin guidance
• 100% Free Booking Service ($0 extra fees)

Frequently Asked Questions About Rhône River Cruises

Do I need a passport or visa for a Rhône River cruise?

Yes, a valid passport book with at least 6 months of validity remaining beyond your scheduled return date is strictly required. U.S. and Canadian passport holders do not require an advance tourist visa for short stays in France (Schengen Area), though travelers should verify current ETIAS entry authorization requirements prior to departure. Your Top Cruise Deals specialist provides a full travel document checklist prior to embarkation.

What is the cheapest month to cruise the Rhône River?

April, July, August, and November offer the lowest baseline pricing for Rhône River cruises. During these shoulder and mid-summer periods, river cruise lines offer reduced fares, international airfare savings packages, and generous onboard spending credits.

Are shore excursions included on Rhône River cruises?

Yes! Nearly all major river cruise lines sailing the Rhône River (including Viking, AmaWaterways, Avalon, and Uniworld) include a choice of complimentary guided shore excursions in every port of call led by certified, fluent English-speaking local guides.

Will I experience motion sickness on a Rhône River cruise?

No. The Rhône and Saône rivers are smooth, calm inland waterways controlled by a system of locks and dams. There are zero ocean waves, swells, or deep tides, making motion sickness virtually non-existent on river vessels.

Ready to Book Your Rhône River Cruise Adventure?

Don’t leave your dream French river getaway to chance or pay full price booking direct. Contact Top Cruise Deals today to lock in exclusive group rates, bonus onboard credit, and expert guidance from dedicated river cruise specialists.

Call or Text our Cruise Advisors at 1-855-699-9983