Rhône Route Intensive 2026

Welcome to Lyon, the first stop of your river cruise on the Rhône! Lyon, otherwise known as Collonges, is the third largest city in France and is located in the heart of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The city is famous for its rich culinary scene with traditional French cuisine and therefore a true paradise for gourmets. Its historic town centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to well-preserved Renaissance architecture, secret passageways called Traboules and magnificent squares. Let yourself be enchanted by the beauty of this city before boarding our A-ROSA ship and embarking on an unforgettable cruise through the marvellous landscapes of France.

Today your A-ROSA ship is on the Saône, having left the Rhône far behind, and Tournus is right at the heart of this region. The French town is almost exactly halfway between Mâcon and Chalon-sur-Saône. After a short stop here, the ship will take you to the next port of call on the Rhône and Saône itinerary.

Your idyllic Rhône cruise will now call at Chalon-sur-Saône. Its 80,000 inhabitants make it the second-largest city in Burgundy today. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the Saône region by bicycle or visit the city, with its many beautiful old townhouses and the Cathédrale Saint-Vincent, which is definitely worth seeing.

Farewell Chalon-sur-Saône, it was lovely here. The next highlight is already waiting for you. The A-ROSA ship will sail towards the sunrise on the Saône to Tournus.

Today your A-ROSA ship is on the Saône, having left the Rhône far behind, and Tournus is right at the heart of this region. The French town is almost exactly halfway between Mâcon and Chalon-sur-Saône. After a short stop here, the ship will take you to the next port of call on the Rhône and Saône itinerary.

Welcome to the French town of Mâcon, the capital of the department of Saône-et-Loire. Mâcon is also the southernmost city in the Burgundy region and the centre of the Mâconnais district. Many guidebooks describe it as the ‘Gateway to Beaujolais’. The friendly, almost Mediterranean character of Mâcon’s inhabitants is underscored by a veritable sea of flowers in the city. You are sure to enjoy your time here.

Today you will spend the day in the beautiful town of Mâcon. Take in the wonderful French flair and enjoy the many attractions, such as museums, bridges and castles, that this marvellous town has to offer.

The town houses and the former palace of the Parliament of Dombes still bear witness to its time as the capital of the Duchy of Dombes. The tower of the 14th-century feudal castle also offers a magnificent view of the Saône and the surrounding countryside.

This small medieval city in the Ardèche region is absolutely unmissable. It boasts numerous sights and is dotted with well-preserved monuments from bygone ages. Here in the Rhône region, the typical French attitude to life is also very apparent. Watch France’s history come alive in Viviers, and enjoy the diverse range of attractions that the city has to offer.

Around 40 kilometres south of Arles and some 65 kilometres west of Marseilles is the small port city of Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône. The town is located on the left bank of the Rhône, just a few kilometres from the mouth of the river to the Mediterranean Sea. Here you’ll have the opportunity to become better acquainted with the Camargue and the Rhône. And the view from the Saint Louis tower will confirm just how stunning the Rhône region really is.

Arles in southern France is the Provençal city par excellence. This sun-drenched city of terracotta-tiled rooftops occupies a broad bend in the River Rhône. Many of its monuments have named UNESCO World Heritage Sites. What’s more, Arles was once a great Roman port. As if all that weren’t reason enough to visit, the city was also home to Vincent van Gogh for a while. Did you know that?

Arles in southern France is the Provençal city par excellence. This sun-drenched city of terracotta-tiled rooftops occupies a broad bend in the River Rhône. Many of its monuments have named UNESCO World Heritage Sites. What’s more, Arles was once a great Roman port. As if all that weren’t reason enough to visit, the city was also home to Vincent van Gogh for a while. Did you know that?

You will not get enough of this beautiful city in Provence. Set off on an exploration tour on the 2nd day of your stay in Arles, then you are sure to learn even more facts about what makes this city so special and quench your thirst for knowledge.

Avignon is one of the most popular ports of call on A-ROSA’s Rhône cruises. It is an imposing, historic city in southern France that was home to several of the Catholic popes at one time. Make sure to visit the unique and unmissable Palais des Papes on an excursion to Avignon’s ancient quarter. The city and the surrounding region have a warm climate thanks to the Mediterranean – which means a pleasant stay for you!

Have you ever stayed overnight in Avignon? You will certainly have had a good night’s sleep on the A-ROSA ship in Avignon. Enjoy the start of the day with a nice breakfast on board and take in Avignon once again before continuing your journey on the Rhône.

Just a couple of kilometres away from the Rhône, you’ll find Châteauneuf-du-Pape – a famous wine-growing region in the Rhône valley. The town’s main attraction is the ruin of the Avignon popes’ summer residence.

Picturesque Tournon lies on the bank of the Rhône – you will be able to admire it from the river. The Rhône region’s mild climate has allowed Le Jardin d’Eden park in Tournon to really flourish. It is a real oasis of relaxation. For nature lovers, it’s also the perfect place for discovering new plants and trees, and is a must-see attraction. The town, which is near Lyon, also has a lot to offer for culture fans and history buffs.

The multifaceted Vienne was once an important Roman city and, thanks to its location on the Rhône, the gateway to the heart of France. A number of ancient buildings from this period can still be seen today. For example, there is a Roman theatre, which is still used for events such as the summer jazz festival. There is also a very well preserved Roman temple in Vienne, surrounded by an impressive portico.

Spend the day on your river cruise on the Rhône in the French metropolis of Lyon. This city invites you to really discover it. And during your overnight stay, you will also have the opportunity to explore the city at night. The brightly illuminated landmarks in the evening hours are definitely a highlight of the trip. And while enjoying a drink on the sun deck, you will have yet another lovely view of the city.

Your unforgettable river cruise on the Rhône River comes to an end. Firstly, enjoy the lavish breakfast on board. Afterwards, you will certainly have another opportunity to catch a glimpse of the beautiful city of Lyon before setting off on your journey home. Homesickness for the A-ROSA ship and the Rhône River with its marvellous landscapes in France is not out of the question. See you soon and ahoy!