Why choose a Provence river cruise?

A river cruise in Provence is a wonderful opportunity to discover the region and its many facets while sailing along the River Rhône, the natural link between its north and south. The beautiful scenery, rich heritage and laid-back way of life are there to behold both from the river and at each stop off point.
The river cruise boats plying the Rhône provide ideal conditions for getting to know the Provençal landscape in all its diverse forms. Comfortable and with a passenger-friendly capacity (between 100 and 200 on average), the boats allow you to explore Provence while you enjoy a relaxing cruise.
In 2019, around 95,000 passengers take a river cruise in Provence, pausing to visit the region at almost 1700 stop off points.

What are the proposed itineraries? / The river cruise offer

Provence river cruises provide a perfect opportunity to try a wide variety of activities as you discover the natural and cultural sights and local art of living. From the vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape to the natural treasures of the Camargue, via charming historical towns such as Avignon and Arles, the itineraries proposed leave none of Provence’s treasures aside!
The Rhône cruise boats are all able to dock at all the region’s six river ports: Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Orange, Avignon, Tarascon, Arles, Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône and Martigues.

Finding the river cruise you’re looking for should be easy: in 2019, 17 operators are offering around 40 itineraries on the Rhône, aboard any one of the 23 boats deployed in the region. Several cruise companies regularly offer themed cruises, including cycle touring, oenology and gastronomy, hiking and golf.
The cruise season on the River Rhône stretches from March until November.

Where to board / Boarding your cruise in the Sud Region

Most river cruise companies operating on the River Rhône have cruises that either begin or end at one of the Sud Region’s river ports. The port of boarding can be different to the port of disembarkation. In this case, the companies provide a transfer to the port of boarding or even transport back to your point of origin.
All of Provence’s river ports are located close to Marseille Provence Airport and have access to extensive road and rail networks.

List of cruise companies offering river cruises departing from:

• AVIGNON: CroisiEurope, Excellence (Reisebüro Mittelthurgau), Riviera Travel, Uniworld, Viking River Cruises, Ama Waterways (starting 2021)
• TARASCON: Scenic
• ARLES: Ama Waterways, APT, Avalon Waterways, Emerald Waterways, Grand Circle Cruise Line, Tauck
• PORT-SAINT-LOUIS-DU-RHÔNE: Avalon Waterways (starting 2021)
• MARTIGUES: CroisiEurope

How to get to the ports of boarding

All the information regarding access to the ports of boarding can be found in the cruise Log Book published by the Cruise Club and accessible online (pages 67 to 70):

https://fr.calameo.com/read/0058580128badfb6a7ecf (English version)