The Rhone River

About the Rhone
UNESCO Heritage Sites
Cruise the Rhone River through southern France and Provence

Ports-of-Call on the Rhone River

Here you can find a list of some of the more common river cruise ports along the Rhone River as it flows from Switzerland south through France to the Mediterranean.  These may be the most common, but there may be others that can be found on select river cruises.  Your River Cruise Artist can provide you with the full itinerary and all ports for any river cruise that you may be interested in, on any river cruise operator. Explore the Rhone River further and learn more about it’s ports-of-call.

Arles

France

Arles was founded on a hill on the east bank of the Rhône River, which just south of the city branches into two rivers, the Grand Rhône and Petit Rhône, that together encircle the marshlands and lagoons of the Camargue region, and provide access to the Mediterranean Sea. Because of its strategic position, it was already settled around 800 BC by the Ligurians, later followed by the Gauls, the Phoenicians and eventually Romans, who conquered the south of Gaul in 123 BC. The old town center of Arles is very pretty, with winding streets full of old houses built in grey limestone with pastel-colored shutters. It is worth exploring the side streets, where you will find quaint shops and restaurants. It is also worth taking a stroll along the river Rhône to enjoy the view. The main tourist areas are around the Amphitheater and the Place du Forum. Don’t miss Arles for its museums, parks, monuments and ancient artifacts are worth the time to visit.

Avignon

France

Avignon gained notoriety being the city to which Popes fled leaving the corruption of Rome in the 14th century. The palace they built, ‘Le Palais des Papes,’ is perhaps the world’s largest Gothic structure. The palace walls were built to keep the plague and invaders out during the turbulent middle ages, when Avignon belonged to the papacy and not the French crown. Avignon lies in a strategic location at the confluence of two rivers: the Rhône, still one of the biggest rivers in France, and the now largely-dammed Durance. Both were important routes of trade and communication even in prehistoric times. In addition, there is a long island in the Rhône that made it possible to ferry people and goods across, and later bridge the river, more easily than in other places. The Place du Palais, and adjacent Place de L’horloge, are popular places to visit, along with Le Pont Saint-Benezet.

Lyon

France

Founded by the Romans and still featuring many preserved historical sites, Lyon is the quintessential heritage city recognized by UNESCO. Lyon is a vibrant city which makes the most out of its unique architectural, cultural and gastronomic heritage, its dynamic demographics and economy and its strategic location between Northern and Southern Europe. Lyon may not have world-famous monuments such as the Eiffel tower or the Statue of Liberty, but it does have very diverse neighborhoods that protect some architectural treasures. Some key sites to include on your river cruise excursion visit are the view from Fourvière basilica, and the basilica itself, the streets and traboules in Vieux Lyon or Old Lyon, St Jean cathedral, traboules in Croix-Rousse, Musées Gadagne, and Parc de la Tête d’Or. Lyon is often the embarkation or disembarkation point for Rhone or Saone River cruises offering you greater time to explore this historical city at your leisure.

Marseille

France

An excursion to Marseille or even a pre- or post-river cruise extension would be a perfect addition to your vacation planning. Marseille is just a short drive to the southeast from Arles, often the origination or termination point for Rhone and Saonne River cruises. Marseille, one of the oldest cities in Europe, has a varied history being founded by the Phoceans in 600 BC. The heart of Marseille is the Vieux-Port or Old Port, where fisherman still sell their catch today along the boat-lined dock. The Basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde is a Romanesque-Byzantine church that is an architectural marvel. Modern sites of interest include Le Corbusier’s influential Cité Radieuse complex and Zaha Hadid’s CMA CGM Tower. Whether you spend a few hours or a few days – Marseille will surely please the Rhone River cruiser.

Tain-l’Hermitag

France

Tain-l’Hermitage is a winery town in the Drôme state in southeastern France located on the left bank of the Rhône River, opposite Tournon-sur-Rhône, which is located in Ardèche. The view from the vine-covered hill above the town has attracted many tourists from around the globe. Popular Côtes du Rhone wines and gourmet chocolate made here make Tain-l’Hermitage a popular destination with epicurean travelers and are the main attraction for visitors arriving by river cruise along the Rhone River.

Vienne

France

Vienne is a small city in the department of Isère in the region Rhône-Alpes of France. Vienne is just 20 miles south of Lyon, on the banks of the Rhône River. The French Ministry of Culture and Communication has named Vienne a city of art and history or ville d’art et d’histoire. In addition to shopping or dining at a quaint café along the historic streets of the old town, be sure to visit the preserved Roman Temple d’Auguste et de Livie, the Jardin de Cybèle, the ancient Roman 13,000 seat Théâtre antique de Vienne, the Musée gallo-romain et site archéologique de Vienne in Saint-Romain-en-Gal just across the river, and the ancient Roman aqueduct. Also, the 12th century Cathédrale Saint-Maurice and the 5th century Abbaye Saint-Pierre should be on all river cruisers to do lists during their Vienne excursion.

Viviers

France

A popular port town along the Rhone River for cruisers is Viviers. Viviers is an historic town in the Ardèche state in southern France. It is a relatively small ancient walled city overlooking the right bank of the Rhône River. Viviers is testament to a rich cultural history from the Roman and Medieval times through the Renaissance to today. Explore this quaint French town on foot to take in the layers of history that will surround you on your excursion.

Your Rhone River Cruise Awaits!

Are you ready to start planning your Rhone River Cruise Vacation Your Way? A River Cruise Artist at River Cruise Your Way is ready to be your vacation concierge. Contact us today at 1-800-259-7612 or use the form below and let us know when it is most convenient to call you, we will confirm via e-mail, and then reach out at the agreed upon time and date.