Riviera Cruise Review: Burgundy, Provence & the Rhône Valley

A Riviera Rhône River cruise through Burgundy and Provence offers an immersive way to explore southern France’s historic towns, scenic landscapes, and renowned wine regions. With comfortable accommodations, thoughtfully paced itineraries, and competitive pricing, Riviera Travel appeals to travelers seeking a high-quality European river cruise without ultra-luxury costs.

In this Riviera cruise review, I’ll share a look at the itinerary, shore excursions, staterooms, dining, and overall experience sailing with Riviera Travel on the Rhône River.

Rhône River Cruise Itinerary Overview

This 7-night Rhône River cruise featured a balanced mix of guided excursions, scenic cruising, and time for independent exploration. Ports included Avignon, Arles, Viviers, Vienne, Beaune (via Chalon-sur-Saône), and Lyon—each offering a distinct cultural and historical experience.

Days 1-2: Avignon

After embarking on Day 1, I settled into my stateroom and explored the ship. Following a long travel day, an early evening made for a welcome start to the cruise.

My first full day was spent in Avignon, one of the most significant stops on any Rhône River itinerary. A guided walking tour highlighted the Pont d’Avignon, a medieval bridge dating back to the late 12th century, and the impressive Palais des Papes (Pope’s Palace). As the largest Gothic palace in the world, it served as the papal residence from 1309 to 1377 and remains a must-see attraction in southern France.

Day 3: Arles & Pont du Gard

Our morning visit to Arles showcased its Roman heritage, including the ancient Amphitheater, Necropolis, and Forum. The city is also closely associated with Vincent van Gogh, who lived and worked here briefly and produced many of his most famous paintings.

After lunch back onboard the ship, we traveled to the Pont du Gard, a first-century Roman aqueduct and UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the best-preserved Roman structures in Europe, it’s even featured on the €5 banknote.

Day 4: Gorges de l’Ardèche & Viviers

We docked in Viviers, though the day’s excursions extended beyond the town. Visits included a lavender farm (outside peak bloom season) and the stunning Gorges de l’Ardèche, often referred to as the “European Grand Canyon.”

While this day involved extended coach travel, the dramatic scenery made it a worthwhile experience.

Due to an unexpected lock closure, our sailing plans shifted, and we spent the night in Tournon-sur-Rhône instead of continuing onward. The change allowed time for an evening stroll along the river—a pleasant and unplanned highlight.

Day 5: Vienne

Our stop in Vienne coincided with a French bank holiday, resulting in a quieter visit with many shops closed. Despite this, the town’s Roman ruins were impressive, including a well-preserved temple and theater.

The standout moment was the panoramic view from Mont Pipet, offering sweeping vistas over Vienne and the Rhône River.

Day 6: Beaune & Burgundy Wine Country

Traveling via Chalon-sur-Saône, we reached Beaune, the heart of Burgundy’s famed wine region. While the day included detailed information about wine production and vineyards, one fun takeaway is that if you see “clos” on your bottle of wine, it refers to grapes from a vineyard enclosed by stone walls.

The highlight was a visit to the Hospices de Beaune (Hôtel-Dieu), a 15th-century charitable hospital that operated until 1971. Its iconic glazed-tile roof is one of Burgundy’s most photographed landmarks.

Days 7–8: Lyon & Disembarkation

Our cruise concluded in Lyon, France’s third-largest city and culinary capital. A visit to the hilltop cathedral provided sweeping views of the city, followed by time to explore Lyon’s Old Town.

Travel Tip: If Lyon is your embarkation or disembarkation city, plan to extend your stay. Lyon offers exceptional dining, historic neighborhoods, and vibrant cultural attractions.

Riviera River Cruise Ship Review

Ship & Staterooms

We sailed aboard the MS William Shakespeare, which accommodates up to 152 guests. The ship features a contemporary design with a warm palette of burgundy, gold, and brown tones.

Staterooms are located across three decks. All but the lower deck feature French balconies with panoramic windows, ideal for scenic cruising along the Rhône. My stateroom was spacious and comfortable, with ample room to move around the bed and enjoy river views.

Shore Excursions

Riviera’s shore excursions were well-organized and informative, though more limited in variety compared to luxury river cruise lines. Most ports offered just one or two excursion options.

Guides were knowledgeable, group sizes were manageable, and transportation logistics were handled efficiently.

Dining & Service

As a British river cruise line, some may associate Riviera with a stereotype of bland, boring traditional British fare. In practice, I found the food quality solid and comparable to many mainstream river cruise lines.

Breakfast and lunch were served buffet-style, while dinner was a seated four-course meal with multiple choices per course. Service throughout the cruise was friendly, professional, and attentive.

Is a Riviera Rhône River Cruise Worth It?

A Riviera Rhône River cruise is an excellent choice for travelers who prioritize value, comfort, and cultural exploration over ultra-luxury amenities.

Riviera is especially appealing for solo travelers, offering minimal or no single supplement on many rivers and itineraries and dedicated solo-only departures. Beginning in 2027, Riviera plans to operate an entire ship exclusively for solo travelers on select rivers, including the Danube, Rhine, and Moselle.

For travelers seeking an affordable yet enriching way to experience Burgundy, Provence, and the Rhône Valley, Riviera Travel delivers strong value and a well-rounded river cruise experience.