The Rhône River, a jewel of France, is not just a river but a journey of discovery into culture, history, and exceptional cuisine. Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure along this iconic waterway?
Spanning over 800km, the Rhône River flows through fertile lands, renowned for producing exquisite wines and celebrated French dishes. Rhône river cruises will bring you closer to the captivating beauty and richness of Provence and Burgundy, two of France’s premier culinary centers.
Journey of Rhône River Exploration
The Rhône River originates in the Swiss Alps, meandering through southern France before emptying into the Mediterranean Sea, west of Marseille. The Saône River, a major tributary, joins the Rhône at Lyon, creating the magnificent Rhône River.
Once a vital trade route for the Greeks and Romans, today, the Rhône is an ideal destination for travelers seeking to explore the beauty and affluence of France. Rhône river cruises typically last 7 nights, departing from Lyon to Arles or Avignon, or vice versa. Some tours even commence from Chalon-sur-Saône, north of Lyon.
River cruise on the Rhône River
Highlight Destinations on Rhône River Cruises
Rhône river cruises will take you to ancient cities like Avignon and Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy. In Vienne, you’ll have the opportunity to admire ancient Roman ruins, including a 14,000-seat amphitheater and a temple built in 25 BC. Viviers, a charming small city, and Tournus, an ancient abbey town, are also delightful stops on your journey.
Furthermore, you’ll have the chance to visit Arles, the artistic city where Vincent van Gogh lived and created his famous works. Here, you can admire the Langlois Bridge, one of the city’s landmarks, and explore the familiar streets depicted in Van Gogh’s paintings.
Exploring ancient cities along the Rhône River during a cruise
One of the unmissable experiences on Rhône river cruises is visiting local vineyards and tasting fine wines. You’ll be guided by experienced winemakers and discover the traditional wine-making process. Don’t forget to sample the region’s culinary specialties, prepared with the freshest ingredients.
Convenient Transportation
To begin your Rhône River adventure, you can fly into Lyon Airport. From there, you can easily transfer to your cruise ship. If your final destination is Marseille, it’s just over an hour’s journey from Arles.
Some tour companies offer passenger transportation services to and from Lyon, with transfers between Avignon and Lyon at the start or end of your journey. Travelers from the UK can take the Eurostar train from London via the Channel Tunnel and transfer to the fast French TGV train in Paris (if traveling to/from Lyon) or Lille (if to/from Avignon).
European river cruise travel
Why Choose Rhône River Cruises?
Compared to cruises on the Rhine and Danube rivers, Rhône river cruises are often shorter, allowing you more time to explore destinations and less time spent traveling. This is an ideal option for those seeking a relaxing vacation and to discover the beauty of France.
Further Suggestions for Your Trip
If you have time, consider spending a few nights in Paris before or after your Rhône River cruise. The French capital boasts countless famous attractions, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, the Champs-Élysées, and the Arc de Triomphe.
European river cruise tour
Additionally, you can explore the Loire River, another French river known for its shallow waters. CroisiEurope, a French cruise line, has pioneered tours on the Loire River, using ships equipped with modern paddlewheel technology. Five and seven-night round trips from Nantes include a visit to the STX Saint-Nazaire shipyard, where many of the largest ocean cruise ships are built, and Chateau d’Usse, one of the prototype castles that inspired Walt Disney to design his theme park castles.
Conclusion
Rhône river cruises offer a unique and memorable travel experience. You will discover ancient cities, lush vineyards, and the distinctive cuisine of France. Plan your trip today and explore the captivating beauty of the Rhône River!