Cruising along the Rhône, a river with a thousand facets

Stopovers combine cultural and culinary discoveries

  • River Cruise

Cruising along the Rhône, a river with a thousand facets


Embark on a calm and relaxing cruise on the Rhône River. The banks of this majestic river will reveal beautiful and enchanting landscapes. You will discover cities and regions full of charm, such as the Camargue, Avignon, Vienne and the Gorges de l'Ardèche. To learn more about these destinations, let yourself be tempted by our exciting excursions (optional). Departing from Lyon, you will sail for 1 week, with full board on a comfortable boat and will be pampered by the crew who will take great care of you.

Cruise Highlights

  • The spectacular Ardèche gorges
  • Avignon and the Palace of the Popes
  • Lyon and a tasting in the Halles Paul Bocuse

Your Boat

  • MS Rhône Princess
  • 69 total cabins
  • 138 people max
  • 26 crew members

Take a seat aboard the MS Rhône Princess, a pleasant 110-metre long ship with 3 decks. The main deck is equipped with cabins. On the upper deck, you will find the reception (meeting point for excursions), the restaurant (where you will be served tasty food every day) and the lounge bar, with its dance floor. Finally, you can relax in the sun while admiring the banks of the Rhone River from the comfortable sun deck chairs. It is also the perfect place to take sublime pictures of the region.

  • Reception
  • Deckchairs
  • Restaurant
  • Lounge/bar
  • Bar with dance floor
  • Souvenir shop
Layout

The owner reserves the right to replace with a different boat model of the same quality and performance

Your Cabin

The ship has 68 twin cabins and 1 suite (43 on the main deck and 26 on the upper deck). It can thus accommodate up to 138 passengers.

  • 43 cabins are on on the main deck (18 in category A, 6 in category B, 18 in category C and 1 upper suite) with high windows.
  • 26 cabins are on the upper deck (22 in category A and 4 in category B) with furnished terraces and sliding panoramic windows.
All cabins (about 13m², except for the suite, about 20m²) are air-conditioned and equipped with two twin beds, a TV, a telephone (internal use only), a safe, wifi connection, towels, a hairdryer and a bathroom with a shower and toilet.

  • Cabin Category C - Main Deck

    Cabin Category C - Main Deck

  • Category B Cabin - Suite - Main Deck

    Category B Cabin - Suite - Main Deck

  • Cabin Category A - Main Deck

    Cabin Category A - Main Deck

  • Cabin Category A - Upper Deck

    Cabin Category A - Upper Deck

Itinerary of your cruise

This original itinerary takes you through magnificent landscapes. Our excursions (optional) will be the perfect opportunity to explore exceptional cities and natural sites, alongside passionate guides!

Map
France - Rivers and canals

DAY 1: Lyon (night sailing)
Meet at 6pm for boarding. You will leave your suitcases in your cabin before enjoying a welcome cocktail. You will be introduced to the crew, as well as other passengers. A little later, the captain will depart and set sail for the largest town in France, Arles. Dinner will take place in the early evening, enjoy a delicious meal prepared by the chef.

DAY 2 : Lyon - Collonges-au-Mont-d'Or
In the morning, there is an optional excursion to discover Lyon.

  • Guided tour of Lyon and tasting at Halles Paul Bocuse : your excursion will start with a panoramic tour of the city by bus with a stop near the basilica of Fourvière. Perched on top of a hill, it offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the different districts of Lyon. You then go to Old Lyon where you will discover the famous "traboules", a kind of shortcut to go from one street to another. Your visit will end in the Halles Paul Bocuse, a true temple of gastronomy of more than 13,000 m²! You will be invited to a cheese and sausage tasting with a glass of wine*.
In the afternoon, your cabin cruise continues towards Collonges-au-Mont-d'Or. You will take the Saône to reach the city and stop for the evening to enjoy a delicious dinner at Paul Bocuse (optional).
  • Gourmet dinner in the Abbaye de Collonges - Paul Bocuse (pre-booking required before departure)  : The kitchens of this prestigious establishment boast the man who was elected the cook of the century, Paul Bocuse. His passion, knowledge and values were passed down to his hard-working and talented team. You will enjoy a culinary masterpiece.
Night sailing towards Tain l'Hermitage.

DAY 3 : Tain l'Hermitage - Avignon
Today, you will have the opportunity to participate in a new optional excursion (about 2 hours) to visit:
  • The city of chocolate Valrhona : enter the museum on foot and explore the lair of chocolate! This interactive and multisensory journey reveals all the secrets of making this popular food that is consumed worldwide. At the end of the tour, you will obviously enjoy a tasting...
This afternoon, the ship sails to Avignon, a city full of richness, where you will arrive in the evening. The night will be spent on board.

DAY 4 : Avignon - Arles
To begin the day, you can choose between two optional excursions:
  • Guided Tour of Avignon and the Palais des Papes (approximately 3 hours) : you will walk from the boat to the city centre. You will pass by the clock tower, where you can admire the town hall and its belfry surmounted by the famous clock, but also the municipal theater of the nineteenth century preciously guarded by the statutes of Molière and Corneille. Take a trip to the Papal Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This building built from the 14th century is the largest Gothic palace in the world. During the visit, you will discover the private apartments of the pope, the large ceremonial rooms and the terraces overlooking the city...
  • Visit to Gordes and the Abbey of Sénanque (approximately 4 hours) : Cross the splendid landscapes of the Luberon by bus before arriving in the village of Gordes, classified among the most beautiful villages of France. Perched above the valley, Gordes is composed of stunning stone houses and cobbled streets. Its medieval castle dating back to the Middle Ages, was rebuilt and renovated over the centuries. Today it serves as a cultural space for temporary exhibitions. You will continue to the abbey of Sénanque, built in the 12th century and inhabited by Cistercian monks. The monks cultivate lavender which is then worked in a distillery to harvest its essence and transform it into different products (perfumes, soaps...).
After lunch, the ship sails towards Arles. Arrive in the afternoon and have free time to relax on the boat or stroll around the city. The night will be spent on board.

DAY 5 : Arles - Viviers
Before heading up the Rhône, you will be invited to participate in an optional excursion to discover Provençal culture and traditions of La Camargue (approximately 4 hours):
  • Discover the Camargue and Visit a Manade Explore a natural and unspoiled area of over 150,000 hectares. It is covered with marshes and ponds, where hundreds of species of birds move freely (flamingos, warblers, herons...). The land is suitable for rice cultivation and salt production. You will go on to visit a manade, where horses and bulls are bred. You will discover the daily life of the manadiers and their work. The visit will end with a few drinks.
Return to the boat for an afternoon of sailing. From the sun deck, cast your eyes upon the landscapes of the Rhône through Tarascon, Avignon and passages of locks, before arriving at Viviers at night. The night will be spent on board.

DAY 6 : Viviers - Les Gorges de l'Ardèche - Lyon
Your journey continues in Ardèche, in the pretty town of Viviers. We suggest you discover this medieval city on an optional excursion (approximately 2 hours):
  • Guided Tour of Viviers : During a walk, this city will unveil a wealth of heritage that traces nearly 2,000 years of history. You will discover the Saint-Vincent Cathedral, the smallest cathedral in France, the famous House of the Knights and its Renaissance facade and the Saint-Michel Tower. You will end with a stop at the belvedere to enjoy a splendid 360° view of Viviers and the Rhône.
For the afternoon, we offer an optional excursion (approximately 4 hours) in:
  • The Gorges of the Ardèche : Begin with a panoramic bus tour (with a guide) along this natural site of exceptional beauty. You will pass by Vallon-Pont-d'Arc and its incredible natural arch, standing at 54 meters high and at least 500 000 years old. Take a break near the cave of the Madeleine, offering a splendid view of the gorges.
The bus drops you off at La Voulte, where the boat awaits you.
The boat continues its journey to Lyon. During the trip, you can see Valencia and its huge Saint-Apollinaire cathedral, as well as Montélimar, known as the capital of nougat. Arriving in Lyon, you will see the basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière, the museum of Confluences and the statue of the Man of the Rock... To finish your trip in style, the crew will prepare a gala evening around the dance floor!

DAY 7 : Lyon
Your disembarkation is scheduled for after breakfast, at 9am.

Please note :
  • Depending on the passage of the locks, the stopover in Arles may be replaced by Avignon.
  • If unavailable, the visit to the Abbey of Sénanque will be replaced by the visit to the lavender museum.
  • Dinner at the Abbey or in the restaurant of Paul Bocuse, is dependent upon the number of people in the group.
  • The Halles Bocuse is closed on Sundays and Mondays. An alternative event will be organised so you can experience the tasting of local products.

*Alcohol abuse is dangerous to health and is to be consumed in moderation.


Lyon  Collonges-au-Mont-d'Or  Tain l'Hermitage  Avignon  Arles  Viviers  Les Gorges de l’Ardèche  Lyon  Lyon

NEW: FLY + STAY IN THE RHÔNE
Discover our 100% customisable services to facilitate the organisation of your holiday.

Serenity Service :Book your flight tickets.
Service Extension : Book your stay on land (accommodation and/or excursions) before or after your cruise.

For more information, please contact your advisor or consult our FAQs at the bottom of the page.

The itinerary may be changed without prior notice due to technical or weather conditions

Contact us to receive the availabilities and prices for this offer

Frequently asked questions

  • Can I reserve my flights and accommodation in addition to my cruise?

    YES!
    Our travel agency offers all our guests who embark on a cruise to book their flights or accommodation. Our tailor-made offers adapt to your needs and budget.

    We have created two offers 100% customisable :
    - Serenity Service: Book your flight tickets.
    - Service Extension :
    Booking your accommodation (hotel, cottage, villa...) and/ or complementary activities (excursions, guided tours, car rental...) to enjoy the heritage of the area.

    Our advisors, specialists of the destination, will send you their best proposals for your holiday.
  • How do excursions work?


    The excursions presented in the itinerary are optional (unless otherwise stated). They can be booked at the same time as the cruise. In this case, you will receive a 5% discount (applicable only at the time of booking).

    Important : the excursions are guaranteed for a minimum of 25 participants, below this base a price adjustment can be made on board.

    You will find below the details of each excursion proposed during your cruise.
    You will also have the choice to buy them in packages:

    Classic Package 1 :

    • Visit to the Camargue and a manade
    • Avignon and the city of the Popes
    • Guided visit of Viviers
    • Les Gorges de l'Ardèche
    • Tain l'Hermitage and the city of chocolate
    • Lyon and tasting at the Halles Pau Bocuse
    Prices :.
    220 € /person before leaving
    310 € /person on board

    Classic Package 2 :
    • Visite to the Camargue and a manade
    • Gordes and the Abbey of Sénanque
    • Guided visit of Viviers
    • The Gorges of the Ardèche
    • Tain l'Hermitage and the city of chocolate
    • Lyon and the tasting at Halles Pau Bocuse
    Prices :
    245 € /person before leaving
    345 € /person on board

      ♦ Visit of the Camargue and a manade (about 4h) :
    Guided panoramic tour of the Camargue. Admire along the rivers, marshes and ponds of this landscape, the pink flamingos, bulls and famous Camargue horses, but also the numerous saltworks and rice fields, a production known to all. You will visit a manade and discover the life of the Manadiers. Then you will assist to a demonstration of the work on horseback in the heart of a bull farm. This visit is followed by a welcome drink in the patio. Return to the coach to join the boat. Return on board to Arles.

    To note :
    - Wear good walking shoes.
    - The order of the visits can be modified.
    - Times are given as an indication.

    Prices :Prices :
    58 € /person before leaving
    78 € /person on board

      ♦
  • Guided tour of Avignon and the Popes' Palace (about 3h) :

    • Meeting at the boat with the guides for a walk to the centre of Avignon. With the Palace of the Popes, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site and witness to its past as the capital of Christianity in the Middle Ages, the city offers a grandiose monumental ensemble. In the passageway of the oratory, admire (outside) the chapel, classified as a historical monument where many events take place during the famous Avignon festival. Continue along the rue St Agricol. You will also see the church of the diocese, the oldest in the city. Stop at the Place de l'Horloge. The heart of Avignon has always been beating on the Place de l'Horloge. The space where the Roman forum was held is now occupied by the café terraces and restaurants set up in the shade of large plane trees. Opposite, the facades of the Town Hall and the theatre built in the 19th century stand out. Continue to the Palace Square. This square is a vast esplanade measuring 240 by 48 metres. It is dominated to the east by the imposing walls of the Palace of the Popes, facing the Baroque sculptures of the Mint. A large golden virgin is enthroned, as if to watch over the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Doms, while at the end of the perspective the Petit Palais displays its elegant Renaissance-style crenellated façade. Finally, visit the Palais des Papes, the most important monument of Avignon's heritage. It consists of two parts: the old palace built by Benedict XII (Pope from 1334 to 1342), and the new palace built by his successor Clement VI "the magnificent" (Pope from 1342 to 1352), whose facade and Porte des Champeaux overlook the square of the Popes' Palace. The visit allows you to discover: the large ceremonial halls which hosted ceremonies and feasts, the chapels with painted decorations, the Pope's private flats, and the terraces from which you can enjoy a marvellous panorama over the city of Avignon and the Rhône. Return on board on foot.


    To note :...
    - Wear good walking shoes.
    - It is forbidden to take photos in the Popes' Palace.
    - There are about 500 steps to climb in the Palace of the Popes.
    - Bags must be left in the cloakroom.
    - The order of visits may be changed.
    - Times are given as an indication.

    Prices :
    26 € /person before leaving
    34 € /person on board

      ♦ Visit of Gordes and the Abbey of Sénanque (about 4h) :
    Departure by coach for the visit of Gordes. Situated in the heart of the Vaucluse mountains and the Luberon natural park, Gordes, one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France", will seduce you with its numerous cobbled streets and dry stone houses, characteristic of the Apt region. Its church and its castle built in 1525 dominate the sumptuous landscape over the Luberon valley. The small town centre and its tall houses clinging to the rocks form a stone labyrinth that invites you to stroll between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. It was to protect themselves from the plague and invasions that the Gordians took refuge on the heights, creating fortified villages. Continue to the Abbey of Sénanque, a magnificent illustration of Cistercian art. Notre-Dame de Sénanque was founded in 1148 by Cistercian monks from the Abbey of Mazan in the Ardèche. Thirty years later, the church was the first building to be constructed in an unusual manner. Indeed, the custom was for churches to face east: however, that of the abbey points north. The building of the monastery took about sixty years. The oldest buildings from the monastery at that time were built using local stone. Monastic life in the Abbey of Sénanque is still very hard and is mainly punctuated by alternating offices and working hours. The community of monks gathers seven times a day to pray. Each brother also works and helps in the cultivation of lavender. Indeed, the production of this blue flower is one of the characteristics of the community of Sénanque. It is collected during the flowering season in July/August: the monks then extract its essential oil from it. From this oil, they produce various products (eau de toilette, pillow mist, etc.).

    To note :
    - Please bring good walking shoes, the village of Gordes is paved and sloping.
    - In case of unavailability, the visit of the abbey will be replaced by a visit to the
    lavender.
    - The order of the visits can be modified.
    - Times are given as an indication.

    Prices :
    52 € /person before leaving
    69 € /person on board

      ♦ Guided tour of Viviers (about 2h) :
    You will leave the boat on foot to carry out the guided visit of Viviers. The third safeguarded sector of the Rhône Alpes region, residence of the bishops since the 5th century, Viviers, a small town of 3500 inhabitants, is like an open-air architecture museum, where every page of history is written in stone. You will be able to admire the smallest cathedral in France in this sumptuous medieval city. You will see among others: the Maison des Chevaliers with its superb Renaissance facade, the St Michel Tower, the Grand Seminary, the belvedere with a breathtaking view of Viviers at night. Return to the boat on foot.

    To note :...
    - Bring good shoes: the streets of Viviers are paved.
    - A physical effort is required to climb up to the belvedere.
    - The order of the visits can be modified.
    - The times are given as an indication.

    Prices :
    18 € /person before leaving
    24 € /person on board

      ♦ Discovery of the Ardèche Gorges (about 4h) :
    Meeting at the boat with your coach and your guide. Departure for a panoramic coach tour through the Gorges de l'Ardèche, an area full of treasures for lovers of authenticity. You will be breathless in front of the reliefs marked by deep valleys, dense vegetation and the permanent presence of granitic and volcanic rocks. As far as Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, the Ardèche is a wild river, resulting in a grandiose natural arch: the 34-metre high Pont d'Arc. After a stop on the heights of a belvedere, continuation of the panoramic tour to the Grotte de la Madeleine where the coach will make a stop. Return to the boat.

    To note :
    - During the panoramic coach tour the roads are tortuous. Beware of
    transport.
    - Provide good walking shoes.
    - The order of the visits can be modified.
    - Timetables are given for information only.

    Prices :
    44 € /person before leaving
    59 € /person on board

      ♦ Visit of Tain l'Hermitage and the Chocolate city (about 2h) :
    Departure on foot towards the city of chocolate in Tain l'Hermitage. This visit will allow you to discover the history and the secrets of the making of the famous Valrhona chocolates. The interactive and multi-sensory tour will take you to the "carré des, sens," the recipe counter, the cocoa plantations, the chocolate factory and the chocolate workshop. And finally you will taste these delicious chocolates. Back on board on foot.

    To note :
    - Acquire equipment in good condition.
    - The order of visits may be modified.
    - The times are given as an indication.

    Prices :.
    33 € /person before leaving
    44 € /person on board

      ♦ Visit of Lyon and the Halles Paul Bocuse (about 4h) :
    Departure by coach for the guided tour of Lyon. Panoramic tour of the city up to the heights of the Fourvière basilica, an ideal point of view on Lyon and its districts. Then, direction old Lyon, along its historic houses and the famous "bouchons" (traffic jams) which punctuate the alleys. Discover the "traboules", traditional passageways which allowed direct access from the buildings to the Saône. Tasting at the Halles Paul Bocuse. Discover the 13,500m² spread over three floors of this unmissable crossroads for gourmets, where nearly 50 passionate shopkeepers display their culinary talents. A real treat for the eyes as well as the taste buds! Lyonnais snack: sausage and cheese tasting, all accompanied by a glass of wine*. Free time.

    To note :
    - Provide good walking shoes.
    - Proper attire is required to enter the Basilica of Fourvière.
    - The Halles Bocuse are closed on Sundays and Mondays. An alternative will be organised for the tasting of local products.
    - The schedules are given as an indication
    - The order of visits may be changed.

    Prices :
    53 € /person before leaving
    71 € /person on board

    PLEASE NOTE :.
    - The itineraries of the excursions defined in the programmes are provided as an indication, they may be subject to variations due to external circumstances (e.g. weather conditions, strikes, transport delays...).
    - The order of visits may be modified.
    - The timetables are given for informational purposes only.
    - The above-mentioned rates are given as an indication.
    - Audioguides are available in English and German; and according to availability in Spanish and Italian (please contact us for more information).
    *Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health, consume in moderation.
  • Is everyone on board English-speaking?


    Please note that this cruise is not exclusive to English speaking travelers. It is quite common to meet people of various nationalities on board as we offer cruises to international clientele - encouraging curious and enriching exchanges for both passengers and crew.
    Crew members are multilingual and qualified to offer multilingual service.


  • Is there a minimum number of passengers required?

    A minimum number of 80 passengers is required for your cruise. If this minimum is not reached, your GlobeSailor consultant will contact you at least 60 days before your departure date to propose a postponement.
  • Are there other dates available?

    Additional dates are available on other boats.
    Feel free to contact us for more information.
  • What documents are required to travel?

    All EU nationals must be in possession of a valid national identity card OR passport.
    Non-EU nationals should consult their embassy or consulate.
  • How do I confirm my booking?

    To confirm your booking, you must inform your GlobeSailor advisor who will make an option for you while you collect your deposit. The reservation will only be considered final once we have received your deposit (by bank transfer, Paypal or credit card) of 50% of the amount of the reservation. A deposit of 100% will be required for all bookings made less than one month before departure. The balance will be due no later than 45 days before departure.
  • What happens in case of cancellation?

    In case of cancellation, you must notify your GlobeSailor advisor as soon as possible. Whatever the cause, the following cancellation fees will be due: up to 90 days before departure: 30% /// from 89 to 60 days: 50% /// from 59 to 30 days: 75% /// from 29 days until departure: 100% of the amount of your reservation.
    We advise our clients to take out cancellation insurance with Ouest Assurance.