Jump to:
- Spring Rhône River cruises
- Summer Rhône River cruises
- Autumn Rhône River cruises
- Winter Rhône River cruises
At a glance
Most operators run Rhône River cruises from March to November. Festive sailings in December exist, but they are few and far between and not really a focus for the lines.
If you want to save money, aim to travel in March or November – these are by far the cheapest months. Beyond these early- and late-season voyages, you won’t see wild price fluctuation between mid and high season. Prices tend to only vary by a few £100s, compared to peak-summer sailing costing up to three times more for other destinations.
As a result, we recommend considering weather, crowds and calendar events above price when deciding when to travel.
Spring Rhône River cruises
Choose spring to… save money and avoid the summer crowds
Avoid spring if… you want guaranteed warm weather and don’t want to miss the lavenders in full bloom
Spring marks the beginning of the Rhône River cruising season. March travel is all about saving money – along with November, this is the cheapest time to travel.
March shares something else in common with November: it’s when the weather is the most unpredictable, so you’ll need to be prepared for sunshine and rain.
Plus, Rhône River cruises tend to run between the southern city of Avignon (daytime temperatures of up to 16C in March) and Lyon in eastern-central France (daytime temperatures reaching 12C maximum in March).
Another consideration is the mistral, a strong wind that flows along the Rhône Valley from the north, sometimes for days at a time. While the Mistral can blow year-round, it can be particularly cold in spring and winter. If you choose a spring Rhône River cruise, make sure to pack warm clothes.
Late spring, in May and early June, is a great time to travel if you want sunshine and thinner crowds. The weather becomes a lot more consistent, with daytime temperatures in the mid-20s. And you can expect between seven and nine hours of daily sunshine. And the towns and villages are not yet heaving with the hordes of summer tourists.
One significant drawback of spring sailing is that you’re unlikely to see the lavender fields in full bloom. If you don’t want to miss out, aim for the very last days of spring, in mid to late June.
Summer Rhône River cruises
Choose summer to… want to experience Provence at its most beautiful and see the lavender fields in full bloom
Avoid summer if… extreme heat and crowds aren’t your thing
The Rhône valley is magnificent in summer. The days are long and sunny, with hardly a cloud in sight. The chirping of crickets becomes the soundtrack of your holiday. The evenings are balmy, and you can enjoy a drink outdoors well into the night and need nothing more than a short-sleeved shirt to keep you warm.
And the thing you’ll notice most is the smell: the scent of flowers and aromatics fills the air. And if you want to see the lavender fields at their peak, summer, specifically July, is when you should go.
But it’s not all positive. Summers in the south of France have always been hot, and even more so in the last few years. In 2023 and 2024, the temperatures reached the high 30s and low 40s for several weeks. Dehydration and heat stroke are risks.
The locals tend to avoid exposure to the sun during the hottest hours of the day. But when you’re on a cruise, you want to make the most of each place you visit, so that’s not something you can necessarily do. Your ability to handle the summer heat should be a primary consideration before booking.
Lastly, summer is also the peak tourist season in the Rhône Valley. The villages won’t be as quiet, and you’ll have to contend with longer queues at sights and attractions.
The backend of the summer, in September, is a great option for the weather, as temperatures are cooler, and crowds have thinned. But be aware that the lavender will have been harvested, so forget about seeing those beautiful purple fields.
Autumn Rhône River cruises
Choose autumn to… save money, enjoy golden foliage and avoid crowds
Avoid autumn if… you want many sailing options to choose from, or prefer warmer weather
Most operators end their Rhône River season in October or November, so your options will become increasingly limited the later in the year you want to travel.
In the first part of autumn, until mid-October, you can still expect sunny days and mild temperatures, but the days are shorter and evenings colder.
You might find that some businesses in the smaller towns and villages shut for the low season, so they won’t feel as lively. On the other hand, the summer crowds will be long gone, so you won’t have to worry about queues.
The foliage will start taking its autumnal hues, turning golden; it can be a beautiful time to experience the Rhône River Valley. It’s also the end of the grape harvest season, so your cruise might coincide with celebratory festivals and events.
Winter Rhône River cruises
Choose winter to… get a feel for what the festive season looks like in Provence
Avoid winter if… you want many travel options, or are not particularly interested in the Christmas season
These are the quietest months on the Rhône. So quiet that you might struggle to find a cruise at all. Unlike other rivers, like the Seine or the Danube, overall, operators don’t have a Christmas market offering for the Rhône, which is a shame, as there are a number of festive events happening in the area.
There are a handful of exceptions. AmaWaterways runs a Christmas edition of its Colors of Provence sailing, with departures throughout December. And CroisiEurope has a Christmas in Provence and the Rhône Valley voyage departing just before Christmas.
After the few December cruises end, you’re unlikely to find any Rhône Valley sailings until the start of the following season in late March.
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