Join Emerald Cruises & Tours for an 8-Day “Sensations of Lyon & Provence” luxury river journey
There is something wonderfully liberating about unpacking once and allowing an entire region to unfold around you. On Emerald Cruises & Tours’ 8-Day Sensations of Lyon & Provence itinerary, you’ll board the contemporary Emerald Liberté in Lyon and travel through some of southern France’s most celebrated landscapes, towns and wine regions – all without changing hotels, coordinating transfers or planning daily excursions.
Sailing along the Saône and Rhône rivers, this thoughtfully curated journey connects Lyon’s celebrated culinary scene with the vineyards of Beaujolais, the medieval streets of Viviers, the papal grandeur of Avignon and the Roman heritage of Arles. You’ll experience multiple facets of southern France while enjoying the comforts of Emerald Cruises’ signature relaxed luxury.
Fall in love with Southern France
The adventure begins in Lyon, widely recognized as France’s gastronomic capital. Here, you can join an included guided city tour featuring highlights such as the UNESCO-listed Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière or choose an EmeraldACTIVE guided e-bike excursion through Lyon’s historic neighbourhoods and riverfront districts.
As you travel further south, the rolling vineyards of Burgundy and Beaujolais appear on the scene. Near Mâcon, you’ll enjoy a wine tasting experience amid the vine-covered hills and gain insight into one of France’s most beloved wine-producing areas.
In Tournon, you’re free to adopt the pace that suits you best. Choose the included guided cultural walking tour, or maybe you prefer an EmeraldACTIVE guided vineyard hike through the countryside – a delightful combination of local history, wine culture and scenic views.
The itinerary carries on to Viviers, one of France’s most charming medieval towns and home to one of the country’s oldest cathedrals. Narrow cobblestone lanes, stunning architecture and centuries of history offer a memorable contrast to the larger cities visited along the route. Here, you can also explore Chauvet Pont d’Arc through Emerald Cruises’ DiscoverMORE and step inside the Caverne du Pont-d’Arc Museum, a striking tribute to human creativity.
Avignon and Arles: Icons of Provence
One of the great highlights of this luxury river cruise is sailing to Avignon, with the opportunity to explore the UNESCO-listed Palais des Papes and famed Pont d’Avignon. For those seeking a more adventurous perspective, an EmeraldACTIVE canoe excursion provides a unique view of the city walls and riverside landmarks from the Rhône itself.
Throughout the itinerary, Emerald Cruises enriches your experience through its exclusive EmeraldPLUS program, designed to extend deeper cultural connections. On this sailing, you’ll enjoy a special Provençal dinner on board hosted by renowned local French chef Fabien Morreale, who prepares regional dishes paired with selected local wines. Another memorable EmeraldPLUS experience is an intimate classical concert performed in a historic church setting. A way of bringing guests even closer to the region’s artistic heritage.
Your voyage concludes in Arles, famous for its UNESCO-listed Roman and Romanesque monuments and its connection to Vincent van Gogh. During July departures, a special treat is in store – when Provence’s celebrated lavender season blankets the countryside with fragrant purple fields.
Life Aboard Emerald Liberté
The journey itself is elevated by the Emerald Liberté onboard experience. A true gem, this contemporary Emerald Star-Ship welcomes just 130 guests and epitomizes luxury river travel.
After a day exploring Avignon, Viviers or Arles, you’ll return to the same inviting home on the river, rather than another hotel check-in. Spacious suites feature Emerald Cruises’ innovative all-weather balcony system that provides fresh air and river views at the touch of a button.
Lounging in the ship’s heated indoor pool is a dream. It features a retractable roof and, on selected evenings, transforms into an intimate cinema or lounge. When it’s time to dine, regionally inspired cuisine is on the menu in Reflections Restaurant. Then relax with fellow travellers in the Horizon Bar & Lounge, enjoy panoramic views from the Sun Deck or take advantage of the wellness area and gym.
Throughout the voyage, chef-prepared meals draw inspiration from local flavours and ingredients encountered along the route, creating a meaningful connection between the destinations visited and the dining experience on board.
Exceptional Value Included
Part of what makes Emerald Cruises’ Sensations of Lyon & Provence itinerary so appealing is how much is included in the journey. You’ll enjoy an included guided excursion in every port, led by knowledgeable local experts, along with a variety of EmeraldACTIVE and EmeraldPLUS experiences. Airport transfers to and from the ship, all port charges and taxes, and all on-board and onshore gratuities are included.
Adding even more value and convenience, wine, beer and soft drinks are served with lunch and dinner on board. With so many core elements pre-arranged, you can spend your time enjoying the experience, instead of managing the logistics.
Emerald Cruises & Tours’ Specialty Culinary Departure – Summer 2027
Embark on an exclusive Emerald Star-Ship 8-day luxury Culinary Sensations of Lyon & Provence cruise, from Burgundy to Provence along the Rhône and Saône rivers in August 2027. Begin in Lyon, with a guided tour and cheese tasting at Les Halles de Lyon – Paul Bocuse. Explore Les Halles d’Avignon, a vibrant covered market capturing the tastes of Provence, and enjoy private tastings with experts, from Burgundy and Beaujolais to the famed reds of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. On board your Emerald Star-Ship, indulge in a Provençal dinner hosted by a well-known chef. A curated experience for the food enthusiast!
Discover Southern France the Emerald Way
For Canadians looking to experience southern France in a more immersive and effortless way, Emerald Cruises offers a compelling blend of authentic experiences, active discovery and relaxed luxury. You also have the option of extending your European adventure with select pre- or post-cruise city stays, including Nice, Paris or Swiss Wonders.
With a Canadian head office and an all-Canadian Contact Centre providing support for guests and travel advisors, Emerald Cruises makes planning as seamless as the journey itself.
To learn more about the 2027 8-Day Sensations of Lyon & Provence itinerary, visit emerald.cruises or speak with your travel advisor.
