Help
River cruises on the Rhône
Discover the beauty of the South of France
A river cruise on the Rhône is a journey for all the senses. Here you will discover towns and villages full of ancient and medieval treasures, picturesque vineyards and idyllic wine-growing villages, fields full of lavender and sunflowers, deep gorges and impressive waterfalls. Even the start of a Rhone cruise in Lyon is an absolute highlight. Hardly any other city in Europe manages such a fantastic combination of history, modernity, art, culture and culinary delights. On a Rhône river cruise through the south of France, you can also marvel at some of the country's most famous buildings, such as the Roman amphitheater in Arles or the papal palace in Avignon. But the many small towns on the banks of the river also have numerous historical "surprises" in store for you. Wine lovers in particular will find their happiness on a Rhône cruise. The vineyards along the river are among the best in France. In the picturesque wine-growing villages along the Rhône, you can sample some of the most exquisite French wines. And landscape lovers will not only love the Rhône Valley itself, but also the neighboring regions, such as the lovely Provence and the wild Camargue.
Cities Highlights
Till today Lyon, the second largest city in France, stands in the tourist shadow of the French capital Paris. However, this is completely unjustified. If you travel to Lyon in France, you will experience a wonderful mix of a historic old town, excellent cuisine, numerous festivals and picturesque surroundings. Strolling through the alleys of Lyon's old town is a real pleasure. In the medieval and Renaissance style streets and alleys, you can discover something new at every corner. A special feature of Lyon are the so-called "traboules" - passageways and staircases that allow passage through buildings and courtyards from one street to another. Due to its extensive historic fabric, large parts of Lyon are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The best view of this beautiful city can be enjoyed from the Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Gastronomy is also very important in the city on the Rhone. In the home of Paul Bocuse, you can dine excellently in more than 2,000 restaurants. In combination with the excellent wines from the surrounding area, you eat in Lyon like God in France.
Chalon-sur-Saôn
Chalon-sur-Saône is a French city located directly on the Saône River with about 45,000 inhabitants. This makes the city the largest by population in the department of Saône-et-Loire and the second largest city in Burgundy. The city of Chalon-sur-Saône is famous as the birthplace of photography. Connected with it is also the most famous citizen of Chalon-sur-Saône - Joseph Nicéphore Nièpce. Because of his inventions in the field of photography there is a museum at the "Quai des Messageries". In this museum you can see more than two million photographs, numerous artifacts, photo cameras and other photographic equipment from the past of photography.
The city is very suitable as a stop on a river cruise. Chalon-sur-Saône is located directly on the banks of the Saône River, at the terminus of the Canal du Centre. The city's river port is home to the market for western Bresse, grains as well as regional wines.
One of the city's attractions is the Cathedral of St. Vincent, the main part of which dates from the 12th to 15th centuries, with other elements dating back to the 8th century. Another highlight is the well-preserved old town around the cathedral of St. Vincent.
In the whole country Chalon-sur-Saône is famous for the theater festival "Chalon dans la rue". The street festival has been held annually since 1986 in mid-July in the historic old town with street performers from home and abroad.
Tournus
The city of Tournus is located in the department of Saône-et-Loire and has about 5,500 inhabitants. The municipality is located on the banks of the Saône River and is therefore very suitable for a stopover on the river cruise. The area is characterized by viticulture and beautiful river landscapes.
Tournus, 2010 starting point of a stage of the Tour de France, has for example a museum about the history of the development of the bicycle.
Further highlights are the four restaurants, each with a Michelin star. The city of Tournus is the city with the highest density of star restaurants per inhabitant in the world.
Another tourist attraction is the church Saint Philibert, which has a history of more than one thousand years. This makes it the oldest preserved large Romanesque building in France.
With the "Hôtel-Dieu" there is an old hospital in the city, which still has a complete preserved historic furnishings and a pharmacy from the 17th century. In the complex is further integrated a museum of the city for archaeology and art history.
.
Mâcon
Located directly on the Saône River, Mâcon is a great getaway destination on a river cruise through France's unique river landscape. Already in the Middle Ages, the city had great importance due to its good strategic location, for example as the capital of Burgundy. Tourist highlights are the historic buildings. These include several palaces worth seeing, such as the town house or the prefecture building. The old cathedral of St. Vincent, first built in the 6th century, was destroyed during the revolution and rebuilt between 1810 and 1816 at the Place St. Vincent. Another unusual feature and a worthwhile destination is a dwelling house built of wood between 1490 and 1510. A large number of carved wooden figures make this building a rarity worth seeing.
Tain-l'Hermitage
Tain-l'Hermitage is a town of 6000 souls located directly on the Rhône in France and is therefore ideal for a stop on a river cruise. The name of the town is already written in large letters on the bank wall and welcomes every visitor. Especially culinary Tain-l'Hermitage has a lot to offer.
Wine connoisseurs and lovers come here at their expense, the beautiful village is located directly at the foot of the vineyards of well-known winemakers such as Chapoutier and co.
So it is not surprising that there are many opportunities for wine tasting throughout the village and the whole Tain-l'Hermitage in the evening resembles an open-air bar.
Fittingly, Tain-l'Hermitage is also home to the chocolate manufacturer Valrhona and invites especially sweet tooth to discover delicacies from the finest chocolate.
Who prefers it culturally, for the painting school of Tain-l'Hermitage is just right.
The appropriate conclusion offers afterwards a hike through the village, past the small churches and chapels, which invite every passing to linger.
.
Viviers
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The small commune of Châteauneuf-du Pape, is located about 2 km from the Rhône at an altitude of about 120 meters. The region is known for its excellent wine and the landscape is characterized by vineyards. The highlight of the small town, which was first mentioned in a document in 1094, is the ruins of the castle that the Avignon popes had built here as a summer residence in the 14th century. After repeated destruction during the Wars of Religion, the archbishops finally abandoned the château in the 18th century. Strolling through the picturesque village center with its enchanting historic buildings, the church Église Notre-Dame-de-l`Assomption from the 12th century catches the eye. The simple interior is rather unusual for a Catholic church and it is worthwhile to take a look inside. Again and again during the walk one meets small picturesque stores, in which the wine produced in the area can be purchased.
.
Avignon
Arles
Martigues
.
Description and information about river cruises
on the Rhône
Mediterranean Rhône
Let yourself be enchanted by beautiful Provence on this trip. Visit beautiful towns like Viviers and the once Roman province of Arles, where many preserved remains from Roman times still take you back in time some 2,000 years. Enjoy the wide Mediterranean Sea in Martigues and sweet temptations in the cozy Tournon. As a conclusion, you can still enjoy the metropolis of Lyon with its beautiful old town and its culinary specialties at your leisure.
Click here to get to the voyage: Mediterranean Rhône | River Cruise | VIVA VOYAGE | VIVA Cruises (viva-cruises.com)
Enchanting Provence
This river cruise on the Rhône River through France takes you once from Lyon to the Mediterranean and back again. On this trip you will discover some of the most worth seeing cities in France. Already your departure port Lyon is a real tourist highlight. The building fabric of France's second largest city is so unique that large parts of the city are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In addition, Lyon is a real paradise for gourmets.
First stop on the river cruise is the sleepy town of Viviers, whose historic city center looks like an open-air museum from times long past. Discover the town's many historic buildings, including France's smallest cathedral. In Arles, follow in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh through some of the most beautiful streets in France. Hardly any other city in the country inspires with such a wide range of sights from antiquity, Romanesque and the Middle Ages.
Click here to get to the voyage: Enchanting Provence | River Cruise | VIVA VOYAGE | VIVA Cruises (viva-cruises.com)
Rhône Romance
Contrasting landscapes, the most famous wine-growing areas in the world, fields of sunflowers, orchards, Provençal lavender fields and high-altitude, small villages on impressive rocky outcrops - that the river landscapes on the Rhône and the Saône have been a great source of inspiration for many impressionist painters can be understood by anyone who has once had the opportunity to observe this natural spectacle from the water.
We cast off in Arles and set sail for Avignon, where we will anchor until the next day and you can enjoy the poetic flair of this city. The following day you will continue your journey - cruising along the very romantic river landscapes that have given this trip its name. Passing through the sleepy medieval town of Viviers, the cruise on the Saône continues via Macon and Tournus to Chalon-sur-Saône, the second largest city in Burgundy. After a day stay in the birthplace of photography and a visit to the photography museum, we weigh anchor in Chalon-sur-Saône in the evening and set off for Lyon, where you finally disembark refreshed and inspired.
Click here to get to the voyage: Rhône Romance | River Cruise | VIVA VOYAGE | VIVA Cruises (viva-cruises.com)
Charming South of France
Travel two of France's most beautiful and majestic rivers: the Saône and the Rhône. In Lyon, you'll first set course for Chalon-sur-Saône on the Saône, as the impressive and vineyard-influenced riverscapes in Tournus and Mâcon are a must-see. Back in Lyon, we continue our journey on the Rhône south to Arles. This much in advance: this trip will leave you in awe, especially (river) scenery: in the Rhône Valley (Vallée du Rhône) you will glide past vineyards, sunflower fields, orchards, Provençal lavender fields and high, small villages on impressive rocky outcrops.
As you continue, you will encounter the rivers Ardèche, Isère, Drôme and further south, Aigues and Ouvèze. After the commune of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, world famous for its excellent wine, you will reach Avignon, where you will also anchor until the next day. The following day, you will head to Arles, where many preserved remains will give you a picture of the Roman Empire.
Click here to get to the voyage: Charming South of France | River Cruise | VIVA VOYAGE | VIVA Cruises (viva-cruises.com)
Who are river cruises on the Rhône suitable for?
A cruise on the Rhône, the river of Switzerland and France, is suitable for numerous groups of people. On the one hand, people interested in history will get their money's worth on a river cruise through the south of France. Arles, Avignon and Lyon are among the most beautiful and historically significant cities in France and are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. On the other hand, landscape lovers will always have their camera in hand on a Rhône cruise. Behind every bend in the river, there is a new and even more beautiful photo motif to capture. In addition, wine drinkers and gourmets will enjoy the cruise on the Rhône to the full, as the river runs through some of the best wine-growing regions in France, where numerous regional specialties are on offer.
How does the arrival and departure to/from a river cruise on the Rhône work?
Lyon or Arles as the city and destination of the Rhône river cruises are excellently connected to the French transport network. Lyon in particular, the second largest city in France, is very easy to reach by car or train. Lyon also has an airport with numerous connections to Germany.
What advantages does VIVA Cruises offer?
On a river cruise on the Rhône, passengers on board a VIVA Cruises ship enjoy an excellent all-inclusive package, which is particularly noticeable at mealtimes. On a cruise with VIVA Cruises, not only are three meals served daily, but also a multi-course dinner and snacks in between. Passengers can also enjoy a comprehensive selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Last but not least, the mini-bar in each cabin is refilled daily. In addition, the crew on board the VIVA Cruises ships ensure that guests get the most out of all their shore excursions. With helpful tips for all stopovers, the cruise on the Rhône will be an unforgettable experience.
VIVA All-Inclusive:
only the best for you
At VIVA Cruises, "all-inclusive" means that you can sit back, relax and enjoy yourself. Your physical well-being is taken care of with selected food and drinks. We also offer you relaxing care products. And if you do need a good connection, you can use our WLAN. The included tip ensures other good connections - especially with our on-board staff.
Welcome with a
welcome sparkling wine - here's to a wonderful
stay on board
Full board with breakfast buffet,
lunch, dinner (multi-course
gourmet menus, served on the spot) and
snacks with free choice of table and flexible
meal times
All-day high-quality, cold and hot
non-alcoholic drinks as well as an
exquisite selection of alcoholic beverages;
take a look at our bar menu.
High Tea: once per trip a selection
of sweet and savory treats such as
scones, sandwiches,
cupcakes, chocolates and macarons. Various types of tea
are also
offered to match.
Daily freshly stocked minibar and
reusable water bottle in the
cabin
Selected beauty products from
RITUALS
Free WiFi on board - for undisturbed
reception
Trips for the entire crew
The right excursions for your river cruise
The guests on board our floating premium hotels are all different. That's why we develop an equally diverse excursion program for each of our fascinating routes. Whether you are an epicurean, a nature lover or an art enthusiast - our selection of experiences will open up new perspectives for you on every voyage.
Arrival and departure to your VIVA ship
Arrival and departure to your VIVA ship
With VIVA Cruises, you enjoy the feeling of being in the best hands right from the start. That's why our service is not just limited to life on board, but starts with the preparation of your trip.
You need a parking space for your vehicle, are planning a comfortable arrival and departure by train or would like support for a suitable flight?
On request, we will be happy to take care of your stress-free arrival and departure as well as transfers. Give us a call: +49 211 274 032 50 or send us an e-mail to: info@viva-cruises.com
Our berth in Lyon is usually located at Quai Claude Bernard or Quai Rambaud. You will receive further information with your travel documents.
Near Quai Claude Bernard we recommend the following parking garage:
Lyon, Quai Claude Bernard
Parking garage Parc Berthelot
99 rue de Marseille
F- 69007 Lyon
www.parking.lpa.fr/parkings/berthelot
Local authorities do not allow vehicles directly in front of the ship. Please stop above the dock and bring your luggage and fellow passengers on board before continuing to the parking garage.
Since January 2017, all vehicles wishing to enter the low emission zone in Lyon require an environmental sticker, the "Crit'Air" vignette. This costs € 4.80 and can be ordered at the following link:
www.certificat-air.gouv.fr/de
For more information, please visit:
www.de.france.fr/de/info/umweltzone-lyon
VIVA CRUISES CUSTOMER SERVICE
If you have any questions or would like to book a trip,
we will be happy to help you.
Monday - Friday
09:00 am - 06:00 pm
Saturday
09:00 am - 01:00 pm
ALREADY CHECKED OUT?
River cruises in other countries
Germany
