Sensations of Lyon and Provence River Cruise - JWT Travel

Sensations of Lyon and Provence River Cruise

  • 15 August 2026
  • 7 Nights
  • From 2,640 Per Person
  • Ship : Emerald Liberte

Discover the magic of France by river, onboard this Sensations of Lyon and Provence River Cruise with Emerald.

The Rhône and Saône rivers meander through the picturesque South of France, where you’ll discover picture-perfect villages, palaces and Roman ruins, and delicious Provençal cuisine. Celebrate France’s past and present on this sensory journey through renowned vineyards and world-class restaurants along the Saône and Rhône rivers.

Your first port of call will be Arles, where you will enjoy an insightful tour, to discover its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman and Romanesque monuments, visiting the iconic Arles Amphitheatre, a 2,000-year-old structure where thousands of spectators once gathered to watch heart-pounding chariot races.

Next stop is Avignon, the fortified town that was once the residence of seven consecutive Popes in the 1300s who fled Rome to escape from the political pressures of the Roman Empire. The city went on to become an important location during the French Revolution.

After a stop in Viviers, you will sail to Tournon you’ll be treated to an extraordinary view of a 16th-century castle overlooking the village and a pair of ancient watchtowers adorning the surrounding rural landscape.

Next stop on this river cruise is Lyon, a former Roman capital, where many important moments in French history have taken place. But it’s Lyonnaise cuisine that has really put this city on the map, delighting gastronomists from around the world. Join your local guide for a walking tour of the city, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière.

You will then travel to Chalon- sur- Saone, the birthplace of photography and the centre of Burgundy’s wine region is yours to discover today as you travel by road to the quaint village of Beaune. We will also visit the Hospices de Beaune, one of the best-preserved examples of 15th-century French architecture and home to one of the most popular wine auctions in the country.

Emerald cruises offer an unforgettable voyage of discovery including shore excursions, EmeraldPLUS cultural experiences, and the EmeraldACTIVE program all included.

Talk to the JWT Cruises travel experts for details and to book your Sensations of Lyon and Provence River Cruise with Emerald.

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Sensations of Lyon and Provence River Cruise

Discover the magic of France by river, onboard this Sensations of Lyon and Provence River Cruise with Emerald.

The Rhône and Saône rivers meander through the picturesque South of France, where you’ll discover picture-perfect villages, palaces and Roman ruins, and delicious Provençal cuisine. Celebrate France’s past and present on this sensory journey through renowned vineyards and world-class restaurants along the Saône and Rhône rivers.

Your first port of call will be Arles, where you will enjoy an insightful tour, to discover its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman and Romanesque monuments, visiting the iconic Arles Amphitheatre, a 2,000-year-old structure where thousands of spectators once gathered to watch heart-pounding chariot races.

Next stop is Avignon, the fortified town that was once the residence of seven consecutive Popes in the 1300s who fled Rome to escape from the political pressures of the Roman Empire. The city went on to become an important location during the French Revolution.

After a stop in Viviers, you will sail to Tournon you’ll be treated to an extraordinary view of a 16th-century castle overlooking the village and a pair of ancient watchtowers adorning the surrounding rural landscape.

Next stop on this river cruise is Lyon, a former Roman capital, where many important moments in French history have taken place. But it’s Lyonnaise cuisine that has really put this city on the map, delighting gastronomists from around the world. Join your local guide for a walking tour of the city, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière.

You will then travel to Chalon- sur- Saone, the birthplace of photography and the centre of Burgundy’s wine region is yours to discover today as you travel by road to the quaint village of Beaune. We will also visit the Hospices de Beaune, one of the best-preserved examples of 15th-century French architecture and home to one of the most popular wine auctions in the country.

Emerald cruises offer an unforgettable voyage of discovery including shore excursions, EmeraldPLUS cultural experiences, and the EmeraldACTIVE program all included.

Talk to the JWT Cruises travel experts for details and to book your Sensations of Lyon and Provence River Cruise with Emerald.

Itinerary

Sensations of Lyon and Provence River Cruise Itinerary

Day 1 : Nice – Arles

Welcome to France and the beginning of your cruise. You’ll be met by a member of our team at the airport and transferred to Arles, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to welcome you on board your contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. This evening, enjoy a welcome reception and dine with your fellow guests. Please book your flight to arrive into Nice prior to 12:00 PM.

Day 2: Arles

Revel in the glory of the Roman Empire today during an insightful visit to Arles, including its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman and Romanesque monuments. Visit Arles Amphitheatre, a 2,000-year-old structure where thousands of spectators once gathered to watch heart-pounding chariot races.
Enjoy learning about the time spent by Vincent van Gogh in the city, taking inspiration from his surroundings and using them to create many of his most iconic pieces of art, including ‘Starry Night Over the Rhône’. Then, enjoy some time to explore the beauty of Arles at your leisure.

Day 3 : Avignon

Avignon has a long and storied history. This fortified town is the former residence of seven consecutive Popes in the 1300s who fled Rome to escape from the political pressures of the Roman Empire. The city went on to become an important location during the French Revolution.
Embark on a guided walking tour to witness its illustrious past, including the ornate Gothic exterior of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Palais des Papes, built by the Popes over two decades. This evening you are invited to join the unique experience of a classical concert in Avignon.

Day 4 : Viviers

A snapshot of quintessential France awaits your arrival in Viviers, a town that perfectly encapsulates the medieval days of the region. Pastel coloured buildings gently faded by the sun line narrow cobblestone streets, and the heart of the Old Town is yours to explore today during a guided walking tour.

Day 5 : Tournon 

As we sail down the gently twisting Rhône River into Tournon, you’ll be treated to an extraordinary view of a 16th-century castle overlooking the village and a pair of ancient watchtowers adorning the surrounding rural landscape. Today, embark on a guided tour of Tournon and learn about its illustrious history and the culture of the people who call it home. If you would like to explore more of the region’s natural beauty, then you may instead choose to embark on an EmeraldACTIVE hike through some of the local vineyards.

Day 6 : Lyon

As one of the largest cities in France and a former Roman capital, many of the most important moments in French history have taken place in Lyon. But it’s Lyonnaise cuisine that has really put this city on the map, delighting gastronomists from around the world. Join your local guide for a walking tour of the city, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière. If you’re feeling more active, then you may instead choose to embark on a guided bike tour, touching on its most prominent architectural wonders and moments from history.

Day 7 : Chalon- sur- Saone 

The birthplace of photography and the centre of Burgundy’s wine region is yours to discover today as you travel by road to the quaint village of Beaune. Stop to visit the Hospices de Beaune, one of the best-preserved examples of 15th-century French architecture and home to one of the most popular wine auctions in the country.

Day 8 : Lyon

After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and disembark the Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of French architecture and sun-kissed vineyards with you. This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.

 

 

  • 7 nights on board an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
  • Guided tour of Arles with arena visit
  • Provençal dinner hosted by local chef Fabien Morreale
  • Canoeing excursion in Avignon
  • 20 delectable meals including 7 breakfasts (B), 6 lunches (L), 7 dinners (D)
  • Airport transfers to and from your Star-Ship
  • Guided tour of Avignon
  • Classical Concert in Avignon
  • Guided hike through the vineyards in Tournon
  • Including a Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner
  • The services of an Emerald Cruises cruise director
  • Guided tour of Viviers
  • Cheese and olive tasting on board
  • Guided bike tour of Lyon
  • Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board
  • Port taxes and charges
  • Guided tour of Tournon
  • All tipping and gratuities
  • Guided tour of Lyon
  • Visit to the Hospices de Beaune
  • Subject to availability
  • T&C’s apply

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