Key Takeaways (Quick Answer)
A Rhône river cruise through Provence is one of the easiest ways to experience Southern France in a relaxed, high-comfort format: multiple towns, guided excursions, excellent food and wine, and you only unpack once. This trip combined 3 nights in Paris with 7 nights on AmaWaterways’ AmaKristina, sailing from Lyon to Arles with stops like Avignon, Viviers, Arles, and Les Baux-de-Provence. Expect intimate onboard life (around 150 guests), strong dining, and included daily excursions with multiple activity levels, so you can keep it active, or keep it easy.
Trip at a Glance
– Experience style: food/wine + culture + optional active excursions
– Pre-cruise: 3 nights in Paris
– Cruise line/ship: AmaWaterways, AmaKristina (intimate ship, around 150 guests)
– Cruise length: 7 nights
– Route: Lyon → Arles
– Ports mentioned: Vienne, Tournon, Viviers, Avignon, Arles, Les Baux-de-Provence
Have you ever wondered what a river cruise in Provence is actually like?
Well, the secret is out.
River cruises are among the most immersive yet relaxing vacations you can go on. You get to visit multiple destinations and can be as active as you want (or don’t want) to be, enjoy excellent food, wine, local culture, and entertainment. And you only have to unpack once.
A couple of years ago, I went on my first river cruise, visiting small towns and cities in Switzerland, France, and Germany along the Rhine and Main rivers. It was such an incredible experience that I invited family and friends to join me on my second river cruise vacation—river cruises are excellent for groups traveling together and for those seeking slow travel.
We considered several river cruise lines and itinerary options and thought that Colors of Provence aboard AmaWaterways would be an excellent fit for our group.
Boy, were we right.
Why Luxury Travelers Love River Cruising in France
France is one of those destinations that I keep finding myself being drawn back to.
Between the food and wine, rich history and culture, beautiful and varied landscapes, and of course its vivacious and passionate people, it’s easy to see why France is one of the most visited countries in the world.
While many river cruise itineraries take you to multiple countries, there are several river cruise itineraries that stay completely within France, making destinations such as Bordeaux, Burgundy, Normandy, Alsace, and Provence more accessible to travelers.
Since our Colors of Provence itinerary was focused on just one region, and not covering multiple countries, we got to spend more time in each port, which was both very relaxing and highly immersive.
Paris is Always a Good Idea
Before our cruise, we spent three nights in Paris, which needs absolutely zero explanation.
We enjoyed visiting iconic sites such as The Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, the re-opened Notre Dame de Paris, and the incredibly enchanting and intimate Sainte-Chappelle, one of the most beautiful displays of stained glass I’ve ever seen.
My favorite meal in Paris on this trip was dinner at Le P’tit Bougnat. The cozy atmosphere, fantastic steak, and home-distilled cognac the size of my head that could’ve stopped a clock will stay with me for a very long time. It was just one of those nights.
On the hotel front, I was thrilled to visit one of my favorite hotels in Paris, Pavillon de la Reine. Located in the heart of the Marais on Place des Vosges, Pavillon de la Reine (“the queen’s pavilion”) is named for Anne of Austria, Queen of France and wife of Louis XIII, who once lived there.
There’s an understated and elegant Michelin-starred restaurant located inside the hotel, Anne, where we enjoyed an innovative and delicious tasting menu for lunch.
Paris has an abundance of fabulous and grand hotels (some of the finest in the world), which is the right fit for many people. However, when I have clients seeking quiet luxury, Pavillon de la Reine is one of my favorites to send them to.
Inside the AmaKristina: Staterooms, Dining, and Onboard Life
After three nights in Paris, we took the high-speed train to Lyon where we boarded our home for the next seven nights, the AmaKristina.
The ship was incredibly well designed, comfortable, and intimate, with under 150 guests onboard. We opted for one of AmaWaterways’ twin balcony cabins, giving my husband and me private outdoor space on our cruise.
We loved spending time on the ship relaxing and watching the scenery go by from our balcony. Sometimes it’s the quietest moments that are the most fulfilling.
The food onboard was delicious and is one of the things that sets AmaWaterways apart. Fresh ingredients are brought on board in each port (there’s no room on the ship for huge freezers), so everything we ate was high quality.
The menu includes locally inspired dishes, as well as familiar favorites like hamburgers and pizza, all made to order. Wine and beer are included with lunch and dinner, and the selection of wines was inspired by the region we were visiting.
There’s even a small Chef’s Table restaurant on board where we enjoyed a multi-course tasting menu with only two dozen guests. It was a dining highlight of our vacation.
Every evening before dinner, there was a sip and sail cocktail hour with drinks included. This was an opportunity to get updates from our fantastic cruise director, Nicoletta, learn about the day ahead, and of course to socialize.
In the evening, there’s onboard entertainment in the lounge. One of the nights, one of The Gipsy Kings performed a set and was truly sensational.
Also, I have to give a huge shout-out to AmaKristina’s onboard crew. The people working on this ship treated us like friends and family, truly caring about and engaging with each guest in a meaningful way. We all felt very well taken care of and at home.
Ports of Call in Southern France: What to Expect in Lyon and Provence
We cruised along the Rhone River from Lyon to Arles, visiting towns such as Vienne, Tournon, Viviers, Avignon, and Les Baux-de-Provence (which may have been my favorite) along the way.
As someone who travels to eat, Lyon had long been on my “must visit” list. After all, it is considered the culinary capital of France.
How we spent two nights in Lyon (food-lover version)
- Lyonnaise cooking class (recipes included)
- Beaujolais day trip to a family-owned vineyard/winery
- Dinner at Michelin-starred Les Terrasses de Lyon
- Food & wine tour at Les Halles market
Check out the NASTIEST thing I ate in Lyon below:
Since all excursions are included in an AmaWaterways river cruise, I went on at least one (if not two) per day.
I’m not typically someone who enjoys being out the door for 9:00 AM tours, but I embraced it and got so much out of this vacation.
More Provence highlights (beyond food and wine)
- Viviers: evening ghost walk in a medieval town
- Avignon: Pont du Gard visit (Roman aqueduct)
- Arles: Van Gogh walking tour
- Les Baux-de-Provence: hilltop village + panoramic views
Who This River Cruise Is Perfect For (and Who Would Thrive Elsewhere)
After two AmaWaterways river cruises, I can solidly recommend this experience to:
✅ Food and wine lovers: The onboard cuisine, local restaurants, vineyard visits, wine tastings, food tours, cooking classes and market visits make river cruises a no-brainer for people who travel to eat. Châteauneuf-du-Pape, anyone?
✅ Curious intellectuals: Those who enjoy history, storytelling, spending time with locals, and true cultural immersion will thrive on a river cruise.
✅ Active travelers: If you enjoy walking tours (with multiple pace options), guided bike rides, hikes, and staying in shape while on vacation (there’s a wellness host on board), you will have many options to choose from each day.
✅ Social butterflies: With so few people on board, passengers get to know one another and tend to socialize in the lounge, over meals, and on excursions. I’ve seen many people make new friends aboard river cruises that they stay in touch with long after their trip has ended.
✅ Solo travelers: Because of the social nature on board, solo travelers can easily meet new people and be as social as they choose.
✅ Groups: If you’re looking to go abroad with friends, family, or your favorite special interest group, a river cruise is one of the best options available. It’s a perfect balance of spending time together as well as on your own. There’s truly something for everyone.
On the other hand, an AmaWaterways river cruise may not be the best fit for:
🙅♂️ Party animals: If you’re looking for a cruise vacation with night clubs, casinos, party vibes, large-scale shows, water slides, wave machines, and those types of features, an ocean cruise will be a way better fit.
🙅♂️ Families with young kids: While kids are welcome on board, this specific experience is not optimized for kids. There’s no kids’ programming on board and the onboard crowd tends to be 50+. If you’re looking to bring your family on a river cruise, I will help you choose the best fit for your family.
🙅♂️ Lone wolves: While river cruises are great for solo travelers who like meeting new people, it may not be the best fit if you’re someone who wants to be left alone 100% of the time.
Provence River Cruise FAQs
Q: When is the best time to take a river cruise in Provence?
Late spring and early fall are ideal for warm weather and lighter crowds. For holiday markets, late November through mid-December can be a great fit.
Q: How long is a Provence river cruise?
Many Rhône/Provence itineraries are 7 nights. It’s common to add a pre- and/or post-stay (Paris is a classic), bringing the total trip to roughly 10–14 nights.
Q: Are excursions included on AmaWaterways in Provence?
Yes. Excursions are included, and you can usually choose from multiple activity levels (gentle, regular pace, more active options).
Q: Do you need to be physically active to enjoy a river cruise in Provence?
Not necessarily. Many outings offer pace options, and you can choose what matches your comfort level. Some towns (like Les Baux-de-Provence) are hillier, but you can plan accordingly.
Q: What’s the difference between a Provence (Rhône) cruise vs Bordeaux or the Seine?
Provence focuses on Southern France—Rhône Valley wines, Roman sites, and sun-soaked villages. Bordeaux is wine estates and Atlantic influence; the Seine is Paris + Normandy and a different scenery profile.
Q: What cabin type is worth it on AmaWaterways?
If you like private outdoor space while sailing, a “twin balcony” style cabin is a strong upgrade—especially for scenic cruising days when you’ll want to linger outside.
Q: Who is a Rhône river cruise best for (and who should skip it)?
Best for food/wine lovers, culture-forward travelers, and people who like a social but not “party ship” atmosphere. If you want big-ship nightlife, waterslides, casinos, or kids programming, an ocean cruise is usually a better fit.
Now that you know more about it, is a river cruise right for you?
If so, contact me to start planning your next river cruise. I’d love to help you choose the cruise line and itinerary that will be the best fit.
