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Lyon River Cruises

About Lyon

Situated close to where the Rhone River meets its tributary the Saone, Lyon is a popular destination for river cruises exploring either or both of these famous French rivers. With around 2,000 years of history to draw upon, France’s third largest city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with good reason. The former capital of Gaul, it started off life as the location of a Roman colony. Lyon came under French control in the 14th century, played a significant role in the French Revolution, emerged as silk trade power during the Renaissance and was a stronghold for the resistance during the Second World War. As one of France’s most historically diverse cities, it provides an excellent overview of the many stages in the country’s past to thousands of visiting river cruisers.

Exploring Lyon

Unique to the city and a true journey back in time are the Traboules. Hidden away in the old town, they are a network of old passageways which link buildings and streets and a number of the properties are still populated by some of the city’s citizens. Make sure you travel with a guide to get the most out of your visit, as if you explore on your own, you’re unlikely to be able to find some of the doors.

For an excellent overview of the city’s past if you don’t have as much time to explore, a trip to one of its museums is certainly a good option. The subject of the Museum of Gall-Roman Civilisation speaks for itself but there are some fascinating artefacts on display. Lyon also boasts a number specialist museums, including the family home of the Lumiere brothers, famed inventors of the Cinematograph and the Beaux Arts Museum which contains a wealth of works and which is located in a truly beautiful setting.

Lyon tips

France is famed for its cuisine and Lyon certainly offers a rewarding culinary experience in any one of its traditional bouchons, where you won’t pay over the odds. Typical local dishes include Lyonnaise salad and saucisson chaud. 

Lyon Itineraries

Lyon

Idyllic Rhône with Highlights of Paris

2 sailing dates July 2024 to August 2024
9 Nights From Paris, to Tarascon
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £5269pp
Lyon

Idyllic Rhone - Lyon to Marseille

3 sailing dates April 2024 to August 2024
7 Nights From Lyon, France to , Tarascon
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £4359pp
Paris

Ultimate France - Bordeaux to Arles

29 sailing dates March 2024 to October 2025
21 Nights From Bordeaux, France, France to Arles
Uniworld River Cruises logo FROM £10199pp
Lyon

South of France with Highlights of Paris

4 sailing dates May 2024 to September 2024
12 Nights From Paris, to France , Lyon
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £5259pp
Lyon

Burgundy, the River Rhone & Provence from Avignon

22 sailing dates April 2024 to October 2024
7 Nights From Avignon, France to Lyon

Enjoy a free Superior drinks package worth £400pp per week on all 2024 European river cruises

Riviera Travel logo FROM £1749pp
Lyon

Burgundy, the River Rhone & Provence from Lyon

22 sailing dates April 2024 to October 2024
7 Nights From Lyon, France to Avignon
Riviera Travel logo FROM £1899pp
Lyon

Essence of Burgundy & Provence from Arles

25 sailing dates March 2024 to October 2025
7 Nights From Arles, France to Chalon-Sur-Saône
AmaWaterways logo FROM £2459pp
Lyon

Essence of Burgundy & Provence from Chalon-sur-Sao

2 sailing dates March 2024 to November 2025
7 Nights From Chalon-Sur-Saône, France to Arles
AmaWaterways logo FROM £2559pp
Salamanca

Discover the Rivers of France &Portugal from Porto

3 sailing dates April 2024 to July 2024
14 Nights From Porto, Portugal to France , Nice, France
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £5879pp
Avignon

Colors Of Provence - Lyon to Arles

36 sailing dates March 2024 to December 2025
7 Nights From Lyon, France to Arles
AmaWaterways logo FROM £2499pp
Avignon

Colors Of Provence - Arles to Lyon

34 sailing dates December 2023 to December 2025
7 Nights From Arles, France to Lyon

Save up to 20%. Call us to add flights and transfers

AmaWaterways logo FROM £2249pp
Tournus

South of France - Lyon to Lyon

15 sailing dates April 2024 to October 2024
10 Nights From Lyon, France to Lyon
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £4349pp
Viviers

Sensations of Lyon & Provence from Marseille

28 sailing dates April 2024 to October 2025
7 Nights From Marseille (Provence), France, to France , Lyon

Book now to take advantage of HUGE savings | Includes flights and overseas transfers.

Emerald Cruises logo FROM £1699pp
Viviers

Idyllic Rhone - Marseille to Lyon

4 sailing dates May 2024 to September 2024
7 Nights From Tarascon, to France , Lyon
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £3419pp
Tournon

Sensations of Lyon & Provence with Nice

8 sailing dates April 2024 to October 2024
10 Nights From Nice, France, France to Lyon
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £2669pp
Viviers

Sensations of Lyon & Provence from Lyon

32 sailing dates March 2024 to October 2025
7 Nights From Lyon, France to , Marseille (Provence), France

Book now to take advantage of HUGE savings | Includes flights and overseas transfers.

Emerald Cruises logo FROM £1699pp
Lyon

Burgundy, the River Rhône & Provence River

1 sailing date November 2024
7 Nights From Lyon, France to Avignon
Riviera Travel logo FROM £2349pp
Arles

Paris & Sensations of Lyon and Provence from Paris

6 sailing dates April 2024 to September 2024
9 Nights From Paris, to France , Nice, France
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £3179pp
Lyon

Discover the Rivers of France &Portugal from Nice

2 sailing dates May 2024 to June 2024
14 Nights From Nice, France, France to Portugal , Porto
Emerald Cruises logo CALL
Dusseldorf

Wondrous Europe - Amsterdam to Lyon

1 sailing date May 2024
24 Nights From Amsterdam, Netherlands, to France , Lyon
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £11559pp

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