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Rich Diversity

The Saône offers some of the most diverse sights and port stops of any European cruise with rivers, canals, cities, and villages. Enjoy heritage, history, and architecture interspersed with magnificent landscapes and tranquil scenery. The river is divided into three sections, Haute, Petite, and Grande Saône, and is one of the most beautiful waterways in France.

Discover French Cuisine

Lyon is known as the gastronomic capital of France and forms part of the Saône’s culinary landscape, home to some of the world’s most legendary cuisine and famous wines. This area is steeped in agriculture, with farmers, artisan producers, and sun-drenched vineyards offering a rich food heritage. Explore, smell, and taste the real Burgundy and Provence with port stops that provide food for the soul as well as satisfying your appetite.

Stunning Saône Scenery

Explore two of France’s most beautiful regions, Burgundy and Provence, famed for their natural, unspoiled beauty and rustic charm. Glide the peaceful waters surrounded by the lavender-scented hills of Provence, picturesque countryside, and idyllic, sun-drenched vineyards.

Saône River Cruises

The Saône is home to some of France’s most stunning and scenic panoramas and the vital thread linking ancient civilisations like the Roman and Frankish Empires. Discover centuries of history with visits to historic cities like Lyon and Arles with its Romanesque monuments and ruins. Savour the flavours of the legendary vineyards of Burgundy and Beaujolais and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the sunflower and lavender filled fields of Provence. Our luxury cruise packages bring the gastronomic delights of this part of France to your table every day with gourmet cuisine and an unmatched wine list. This is a perfect voyage for history buffs, lovers of fine food and wine or just those who appreciate the simpler things in life like a stunning river view.

Saône River Cruise Deals

Choose a Saone River Cruise. One of Europe’s hidden gems.

Crui.se Loves
10 Nights
April 2024

Lyon, Provençal Rhône & the Camargue

  • Lyon
  • Macon
  • Chalon , Beaune & Burgundy
  • Ardèche Gorges
  • Avignon , Pont du Gard & Uzès
  • Arles & Les Baux-de-Provence
  • Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône, Camargue & Ornithological Park
  • Orange & Châteauneuf-du-Pape
£2,699pp Est. Price per person
  • MS Lord Byron  
  • Saône
2 – for – 1 SALE!
SAVE 50% 7 Nights
4 & 11 Aug

Burgundy & Provence River Cruise

  • Arles
  • Avignon
  • Viviers
  • Tain – L’Hermitage (Tournon)
  • Lyon
  • Beaune
£2,199pp
Was £4,399pp SAVE 50%
  • S.S. Catherine  
  • Rhône, Saône
14 Nights
Mar Oct

Grand France

  • Arles (EMBARK S.S Catherine)
  • Arles
  • Avignon
  • Viviers
  • Tain-L’Hermitage -Tournon
  • Lyon
  • Mâcon / Beaune
  • Lyon (DISEMBARK) / Transfer to Paris (EMBARK S.S Joie De Vivre)
  • La Roche-Guyon / Vernon / Giverny
  • Rouen
  • Caudebec-en-Caux
  • Rouen – Normandy Beaches
  • Mantes-La-Jolie – Versailles
  • Paris
  • Paris (DISEMBARK)
£6,499pp Est. Price per person
  • Saône
7 Nights
Mar Nov

Essence of Burgundy & Provence

  • Port of Dijon
  • Chalon-sur-Saône / Tournus
  • Tournus / Macon
  • Macon
  • Lyon / Vienne
  • Viviers
  • Avignon / Arles
  • Arles
£2,299pp Est. Price per person
  • AmaCello  
  • Saone
14 Nights
May Jul
Jul Jul

Discover the Rivers of France & Portugal

  • Porto
  • Porto – Pinhão
  • Pinhão – Vega de Terrón
  • Vega de Terrón – Salamanca
  • Pocinho – Régua
  • Régua
  • Porto – Lyon
  • Chalon-sur-Saône – Beaune
  • Lyon
  • Tournon
  • Viviers
  • Avignon
  • Arles
  • Arles – Nice
£5,485pp Est. Price per person
  • Emerald Radiance & Emerald Liberté  
  • Saône
14 Nights
Apr Nov

Grand France (Southbound)

  • Paris (EMBARK)
  • Vernon / Les Andelys
  • Caudebec
  • Caudebec (excursion to Normandy)
  • Rouen
  • Conflans
  • Paris
  • Paris / Dijon / Beaune / Chalon-sur-Saône
  • Avignon
  • Lyon
  • Arles
  • Tournon / Viviers
  • Tournus
£4,822pp Est. Price per person
  • Avalon Tapestry II / Avalon Poetry II  
  • Saône
7 Nights
Apr Nov

Burgundy & Provence (Southbound)

  • Chalon-sur-Saône (EMBARK)
  • Tournus
  • Lyon
  • Tournon / Viviers
  • Avignon
  • Arles
  • Arles (DISEMBARK)
£1,650pp Est. Price per person
  • Avalon Poetry II  
  • Saône
10 Nights
May - Oct 2024

Burgundy, the River Rhône, and Provence River Cruise with Lake Geneva and Golden Pass Extension

  • Lyon
  • Macon
  • Chalon , Beaune & Burgundy
  • Ardèche Gorges
  • Avignon , Pont du Gard & Uzès
  • Arles & Les Baux-de-Provence
  • Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône, Camargue & Ornithological Park
  • Orange & Châteauneuf-du-Pape
£2,298pp Est. Price per person
  • MS Lord Byron, MS William Shakespeare  
  • Saône
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Cruise Lines

In collaboration with our trusted cruise partners, explore the beauty of the Saône River. You’ll enjoy five-star service with operators dedicated to the customer experience for the ultimate Saône River Cruise.

Weather on the Saône River

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Saône Weather

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Reasons to Cruise
the Saône River

History and Culture

This beautiful waterway’s languid and tranquil scenery links fascinating towns and picturesque riverside villages. Whether your interest is history, culture, art, or architecture, expert tours and itineraries hand-pick the most important attractions and sites blended with some hidden gems.

Gastronomic Delights

With Lyon as the high spot, guests enjoy a culinary journey through some of France’s best tastes and flavours. Sailing through two legendary wine-growing areas, a rich selection of vintages is always available to accompany local fare and classic regional dishes made by skilled chefs and artisan producers.

Saône River Cruise Itinerary

As well as spectacular and picturesque river views, the Saône River is an opportunity to explore the culture and heritage of this fascinating part of southwest France. Learn the history of different Empires and enjoy the charm and architecture of historic towns and quaint villages. Quality excursions hand-pick the best locations to visit, appealing to everyone’s interests, and let’s not forget the two of the world’s best wine-growing regions and the gourmet cuisine of Lyon!

 

 

DAY 1
Embark in Avignon

Embark in Avignon

Explore Avignon’s medieval architecture and heritage with its famed Gothic church-fortress, the Palais des Papes, the centre of the Christian world during the 14th century, and the magnificent ruins of the Pont d’Avignon. Join your cruise ship.

DAY 2
Arles

Arles

Arles has many significant Gallo-Roman ruins, including an ancient amphitheatre still used today. The town is bustling and colourful with a famous market, reputedly the inspiration for one of the world’s most renowned artists, Vincent van Gogh.

DAY 3
Avignon

Avignon

Avignon was a major religious and cultural centre during the 13th century and remained under papal rule until 1791, when it became part of France. History, art, and charm characterise this pretty French town alongside its modern, colourful character.

DAY 4
Viviers

Viviers

This charming and peaceful town has an ancient history dating back to Roman times. The Renaissance saw Vivier’s often turbulent history settle into wealth and prosperity with some beautiful architecture amongst the medieval cobbled streets.

DAY 5
Tournon

Tournon

Situated between the river and vineyard-covered slopes, the beautiful landscape of Tournon is watched over by an ancient castle with spectacular views. This charming village has a pretty, historic centre with a vintage steam railway to the Doux Gorges.

DAY 6
Lyon

Lyon

Lyon, the gastronomic capital of France, straddles the Rhône and Saône Rivers and is famed for its architecture, riverside promenades, and cobblestone streets. Discover world-class museums, cultural treasures, and the legendary Lyonnaise eateries.

DAY 7
Lyon

Lyon

One day in Lyon just isn’t enough, and this second day gives guests a chance to explore Old Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Discover the heritage of silk weaving and fine merchants’ houses, and tour the stunning St. Jean Cathedral.

DAY 8
Lyon

Lyon

Disembark the ship ready for your return flight home.

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Saône River
Cruise Holidays

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Stunning Scenery

Considered the most beautiful river in France, the Saône takes passengers on a leisurely journey through remarkable and unspoiled scenery, stopping at historic villages, towns, and cities. The river links centuries of history and military might and is a vital thread through the culture and cuisine of this part of southwest France. Enjoy a feast for the tastebuds and the senses with plenty to see and do against a backdrop of peaceful flowing water and unspoiled scenery.

Customer Reviews of
Saône River
Cruises

“A first for us. We’ve sailed the Danube and the Rhine numerous times and wanted something different. This was an amazing voyage, even if you just want to enjoy gourmet food and the views and do nothing else. The history and culture of the port stops are fascinating, but everything is low key and relaxed, just like the river. I don’t think I’ve ever returned from a cruise feeling so refreshed. The ship was luxurious and worth spending a day on board just enjoying all the facilities.”

Sean and Bella, Devizes

“We love this part of France and had seen the river cruises on previous holidays, so we decided it was our turn. Considering how well we know this area, the difference we felt on a river cruise was astonishing. The journey on the water is almost more important than the destinations! The vessel was luxurious, so rather than returning to a hotel every night, we had the joy of river views and beautiful scenery plus the cuisine was five-star. What a revelation!”

Alex and Helen, Portsmouth

“This was a surprise birthday present for my wife as she has always loved the series ‘A Year in Provence.’ Every aspect was spot on, the ship, which was the height of luxury, the gourmet food, and the fabulous staff, and that’s before you even step foot on dry land. It’s a great cruise with something for everyone, and we travelled with a real cross-section of ages. This part of France is beautiful and fascinating, book now, you won’t be disappointed.”

Ethan, Dundee

“Our second European river cruise, and we were so pleasantly surprised. We didn’t think anything could live up to the Danube, but this voyage surpassed our expectations. If you like French food and wine, that alone will tick your boxes, but the scenery is stunning, and the port stops are fascinating. Everything is very relaxed, but there’s lots to see and do, and you can dip in and out as you wish. This is definitely a trip we will do again.”

Lizzie and Rick, Arundel

Trustpilot Reviews

 

Personal Experience of a crui.se Team Member

Jeremy, Crui.se Expert

Saône River Cruises 2024 & 2025

I’ve cruised all the significant European waterways but never the Saône. Everyone focuses on the Rhine and Danube, but this pretty French river was eye-opening. It’s a very peaceful waterway, so even though you stop at historic towns and cities, the whole cruise has a sense of absolute calm. The pace is leisurely, with tons to explore, but not in an overwhelming way. The scenery is breathtaking, and there’s the opportunity to sample some truly amazing cuisine and wines. This is a cruise that appeals on many levels and will suit a lot of people. The Saône is a little under the radar, so let’s not share the secret too quickly!

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Saône River Cruises FAQ

You can check our frequently ask questions here anytime

Can I make payments towards my booking balance?

You can make secure payments towards your booking balance on our Payments Page, which accepts all major credit and debit cards. You don’t have to use the same card that you used to pay your deposit.

I want to bring my laptop. Is there internet access on board the ship?

Free Wi-Fi is available on board for all our cruisers and we use a cellular or satellite terminal that usually offers excellent bandwidth and latency. However, sometimes there can be disruptions due to terrain or the weather, but the ship’s staff will always advise you when this happens. We can also help you with your device settings when you are on board.

When will I receive my final documents?

Final documents are sent out 14 days before your embarkation date. Please check the detail carefully to make sure it accurately reflects your booking. You will also receive your personalised embarkation tags.

Do I need a visa for a Saône River Cruise?

You will need a visa, and your friendly booking agent can advise you on how to apply when you make your reservation. Always allow plenty of time for visa approval, as you won’t be able to come on board without it, and there can be delays during busy periods.

Cruise With Confidence

Our mission at crui.se is to help you and your loved one’s book and experience the best cruise holiday imaginable. We’re different in that, our customers come first, not our suppliers or profit margins. Get in touch and let us help you set sail.

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Over 20 cruise brands to choose from

Low deposits from £500

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We take care of everything

Custom built cruise holidays

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