S.S. Catherine docked in Tain L’Hermitage. © 2014 Ralph Grizzle

Rhône River cruises in France typically operate between Lyon and Avignon or Arles. Many packages also include the Saône River, which joins the Rhône in Lyon. A cruise that combines both rivers can begin or end on the Saône River about 80 miles north of Lyon in the city of Chalon-sur-Saône.

There are also itineraries that combine other waterways that are not directly connected to the Rhône River. For instance, a few companies offer a cruise on the Rhône and Saône rivers and a separate cruise on the Seine River. An itinerary that combines the Rhône and Saône rivers will allow you to experience both the Burgundy and Provence regions of France. Most companies offer river cruises that include both rivers.

What’s the best Rhône River cruise for you? To find out read our complete roundup of Rhône river cruises.

About the Rhône River

The Rhône River begins in the Swiss Alps. It flows for 505 miles from Switzerland through eastern France to Arles where it empties into the Mediterranean Sea. To the east of Lyon, the river is turbulent and is not considered navigable.

From Lyon to Arles, the Rhône flows in a southerly direction. In the city of Arles the river divides into two branches — an eastern branch known as the Grand Rhône and a western branch known as the Petit Rhône. These two branches form a delta in the Camargue region just south of Arles.

There are many interconnected waterways in France – rivers are joined together by other rivers as well as estuaries and canals. The Rhône and the Rhine rivers are indirectly connected through the Saône River. This is also true for the Rhône and Seine rivers. The Seine River is connected to the Saone via the Yonne River and Burgundy Canal.

Read our complete roundup of Rhône river cruises to learn about the various itineraries offered on this fascinating river.