Near its mouth on the Mediterranean Sea, the Rhone divides into two branches, the Le Grand Rhone and Le Petit Rhone; the resulting delta is the Camargue region.
One of the most significant waterways of Europe, and the only major river flowing directly to the Mediterranean Sea, the Rhone is thoroughly Alpine in character, from its source upstream from Lake Geneva in the Swiss Alps to the French city of Lyon, 505 miles away.
Rhone River cruises typically sail between Lyon and Avignon or Arles, taking in the spectacular landscapes of Burgundy and Provence and visiting the wine-producing regions of Beaujolais and Chateauneuf du Pape. Those whose tastes also run to art, architecture, and history can visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Pope’s Palace in Avignon and the ancient Roman Pont du Gard or stroll in the footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh in Arles.
In addition to cruises featuring just the Rhone, many itineraries combine the Rhone with the Saone River, to fully experience both the Burgundy and Provence regions. For those with the time and budget, a truly unforgettable option is to combine a Rhone cruise with Paris and the Seine.
