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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

Tastes of Southern France

2 sailing dates August 2023 to October 2023
10 Nights From Lyon , France to Lyon

Second Guest Sails FREE!* (prices already include discount and are per person)

Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £2699pp
Lyon

Aix-en-Provence with Sensations of Lyon - Nice

3 sailing dates July 2023 to October 2023
9 Nights From Lyon , France to Villefranche
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £2449pp
Lyon

Discover the Rivers of France & Portugal

1 sailing date September 2023
14 Nights From Villefranche, France to Beaune
Emerald Cruises logo CALL
Lyon

Active & Discovery On Rhone - Northbound

3 sailing dates June 2023 to September 2023
9 Nights From Port St. Louis, France to , Paris
Avalon Waterways logo CALL
Avignon

Burgundy & Provence with 1 Night in Marseille

7 sailing dates July 2023 to October 2023
9 Nights From Villefranche, France to , St. Jean De Losne
Avalon Waterways logo CALL
Lyon

Active & Discovery On Rhone - Southbound

3 sailing dates June 2023 to September 2023
9 Nights From Paris, to France , Port St. Louis
Avalon Waterways logo CALL
Avignon

Burgundy & Provence with 2 Nights In Nice

7 sailing dates July 2023 to October 2023
9 Nights From St. Jean De Losne, to France , Villefranche
Avalon Waterways logo CALL
Viviers

Burgundy & Provence with 2 Nights in Paris

8 sailing dates July 2023 to October 2023
9 Nights From Port St. Louis, France to , Paris
Avalon Waterways logo CALL
Lyon

Idyllic Rhône with Highlights of Paris

3 sailing dates August 2023 to August 2024
9 Nights From Paris, to Tarascon
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £4129pp
Avignon

Idyllic Rhone - Lyon to Marseille

6 sailing dates July 2023 to August 2024
7 Nights From Lyon , France to , Tarascon

Second Guest Sails FREE!* (prices already include discount and are per person)

Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £2189pp
Lyon

Sensations of Lyon & Provence with Paris

2 sailing dates July 2023 to August 2023
9 Nights From Marseille (Provence), to Paris
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £2589pp
Avignon

Paris with Sensations of Lyon & Provence

3 sailing dates June 2023 to August 2023
9 Nights From Paris, to Marseille (Provence)
Emerald Cruises logo CALL
Giverny

Ultimate France - Bordeaux to Arles

23 sailing dates June 2023 to October 2024
21 Nights From Bordeaux, France to Arles
Uniworld River Cruises logo FROM £9089pp
Tournon

South of France with Highlights of Paris

10 sailing dates July 2023 to September 2024
12 Nights From Paris, to France , Lyon
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £3599pp
Avignon

Burgundy, the River Rhone & Provence from Avignon

33 sailing dates July 2023 to October 2024
7 Nights From Avignon, France to Lyon
Riviera Travel logo FROM £1599pp
Lyon

Grand France - Paris to Port Louis (southbound)

6 sailing dates July 2023 to October 2023
14 Nights From Paris, to France , Port St. Louis
Avalon Waterways logo CALL
Rudesheim

Rhine & Rhône Revealed (Northbound)

7 sailing dates July 2023 to October 2023
14 Nights From Port St. Louis, France to , Amsterdam
Avalon Waterways logo CALL
Lyon

Burgundy, the River Rhone & Provence from Lyon

33 sailing dates June 2023 to October 2024
7 Nights From Lyon , France to Avignon

Enjoy drinks on Riviera this summer! Unlimited soft drinks, Warsteiner draft beer, red, white, rose & sparkling house wines from 10am to midnight* - available for a limited time only!

Riviera Travel logo FROM £1649pp
Tournus

Essence of Burgundy & Provence from Arles

23 sailing dates June 2023 to November 2024
7 Nights From Arles, France to Chalon
AmaWaterways logo FROM £2449pp
Lyon

Essence of Burgundy & Provence from Chalon-sur-Sao

10 sailing dates June 2023 to November 2023
7 Nights From Chalon, France to Arles
AmaWaterways logo FROM £2979pp

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