Spectacular South of France - Lyon to Lyon

The Spectacular South of France - Lyon to Lyon is a 10-night Europe cruise aboard Scenic Sapphire, operated by Scenic River Cruises. Departing Lyon on September 5, 2026, the voyage visits 7 ports.

Length: 10 nights
Departs: Sep 5, 2026
Returns: Sep 15, 2026
Ports of call: 7

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Itinerary

Day 1 Sep 5, 2026 Lyon Sitting in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France, where the Rhône and Saône rivers converge, Lyon boasts a proud 2,000 year history. From its magnificent Roman Amphitheatre of Fourvière, to Renaissance architecture in Lyon’s old town, to the Presqu’ile peninsula, where impressive 19th century buildings house banks, cultural centres, and government buildings, alongside designer stores, independent retailers, restaurants, bars, cafes, and nightclubs. Check out the Vieux area of the city, and its grand houses of the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries, built by the city’s wealthy silk merchants. Walk the Traboules, underground passageways that linked the weaving houses to the river. Visit the impressive Fourvière Basilica, and Lyon’s gothic cathedral. Seek out the Musée des Beaux-Arts, the largest fine-arts museum outside of Paris. Or choose to relax, stroll the Parc de la Tête d’Or, one of France’s largest botanical gardens, and stop off at a Bouchon, to enjoy some local Lyon cuisine. Lyon port guide Search cruises visiting Lyon

Lyon photo — Day 1 Sep 5, 2026 Lyon Sitting in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France, where the Rhône and Saône rivers converge, Lyon boasts a proud 2,000 year history. From its magnificent Roman Amphitheatre of Fourvière, to Renaissance architecture in Lyon’s old town, to the Presqu’ile peninsula, where impressive 19th century buildings house banks, cultural centres, and government buildings, alongside designer stores, independent retailers, restaurants, bars, cafes, and nightclubs. Check out the Vieux area of the city, and its grand houses of the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries, built by the city’s wealthy silk merchants. Walk the Traboules, underground passageways that linked the weaving houses to the river. Visit the impressive Fourvière Basilica, and Lyon’s gothic cathedral. Seek out the Musée des Beaux-Arts, the largest fine-arts museum outside of Paris. Or choose to relax, stroll the Parc de la Tête d’Or, one of France’s largest botanical gardens, and stop off at a Bouchon, to enjoy some local Lyon cuisine. Lyon port guide Search cruises visiting Lyon

Day 5 Sep 9, 2026 Avignon As you stroll the squares and cobbled streets of Avignon, in south-eastern France, you can’t help but be impressed by the architectural influence of 400 years of papal rule. From its 800 year old ramparts that tower majestically over the Rhône River, to the UNESCO listed Pope’s Palace and city centre, the area is steeped in cultural history. However, to contrast the spectacular ancient architecture, the city has a young energetic population. With many attending the University of Avignon, they add a dynamic energy to the many cafes and bistros dotted around the town squares and alleyways. Visit the three magnificent Gothic churches, the old papal mint, Collection Lambert, and the Renaissance artwork in the Musee du Petit. Wander through the Rochers des Doms gardens. Take in the spectacular view across the city skyline, and relax with a liqueur coffee and pastries, in one of the many pavement cafes. Avignon port guide Search cruises visiting Avignon

Avignon photo — Day 5 Sep 9, 2026 Avignon As you stroll the squares and cobbled streets of Avignon, in south-eastern France, you can’t help but be impressed by the architectural influence of 400 years of papal rule. From its 800 year old ramparts that tower majestically over the Rhône River, to the UNESCO listed Pope’s Palace and city centre, the area is steeped in cultural history. However, to contrast the spectacular ancient architecture, the city has a young energetic population. With many attending the University of Avignon, they add a dynamic energy to the many cafes and bistros dotted around the town squares and alleyways. Visit the three magnificent Gothic churches, the old papal mint, Collection Lambert, and the Renaissance artwork in the Musee du Petit. Wander through the Rochers des Doms gardens. Take in the spectacular view across the city skyline, and relax with a liqueur coffee and pastries, in one of the many pavement cafes. Avignon port guide Search cruises visiting Avignon

Day 7 Sep 11, 2026 Arles If you have a love of Roman history, then Arles should be on the visiting itinerary. Situated on the Rhône River, in Southern France, the city was at one time a provincial capital of ancient Rome. The Roman influence can still be seen to this day in its historical sites. Its semi-circular Roman theatre still stands on a hilltop. Its Amphitheatre, built between the 1st and 2nd century, and capable of accommodating over 20,000 spectators, is used today for plays, festivals and bullfights. While the Alyscamps, or Roman Necropolis, built by the Romans and Greeks, is the most famous burial site in the western world. Another site worthy of mention is the Constantine Thermes, built between the 3rd and 4th centuries during the reign of the Emperor Constantine. Arles is also said to have influenced Van Gough’s paintings, and the contemporary art on show at the Vincent Van Gough Foundation. Arles port guide Search cruises visiting Arles

Day 8 Sep 12, 2026 Viviers Viviers is a small and sleepy town in south-central France, in the province of Ardeche. This medieval town has retained a lot of its original appeal. A cruise through the city will be significantly different compared to a walk. The cruise trip on the Rhine river will typically run through the evening and will wind through the cobblestone streets of the city. The city has Medieval stone houses which will quickly give you an idea of how life was back in the 15th and 16th centuries. You will also notice that the place is very quiet, having about 3,000 inhabitants at the time. A key attraction you will see in the city is the famous Renaissance Maison des Chevaliers or House of Knights. This Renaissance-style house has a long and interesting history, having originally been the house of a rich merchant known as Noel Alberta. You will also see the famous Cathedral of St. Vincent which is even much older than the House of Knights. The cathedral was constructed in the 12th century and is currently protected as a historical monument. Viviers port guide Search cruises visiting Viviers

Pricing

Lowest fare we've tracked over the observed 90-day span: $8,196 · range $8,196–$8,595

Current prices

Per person · 2 guests · incl. taxes & fees

Price information is not available.

Price history

30 days

Cabin grades

Oceanview

Lowest Oceanview E Standard Suite

Lines step between recorded price changes. Plot up to 6 grades at once.

Show all 11 cabin grades

Name	Supplier code	Type
Balcony Suite	A	Balcony
Balcony Suite	B	Balcony
Single Balcony Suite	BS	Balcony
Balcony Suite	C	Balcony
Balcony Suite	P	Balcony
Standard Suite	E	Oceanview
Junior Balcony Suite	BJ	Suite
Royal Balcony Suite	RA	Suite
Junior Balcony Suite	RJ	Suite
Royal Owner's Suite	RO	Suite
Royal Panorama Suite	RS	Suite

Ship

Your ship Scenic Sapphire 5★ **2,721** GT **151** guests Built **2008** Sailing the beautiful waterways of France and rebuilt for the 2017 season with brand new features such as Scenic Culinaire and two new one-bedroom Royal Owner's Suites. Every Scenic French river cruise begins aboard one of the company’s custom-built Space-Ships the Scenic Sapphire or Diamond, so named for their spacious guest cabins, dining, and entertaining areas. Each of these four-deck Scenic Space-Ships includes numerous dining and sightseeing areas, as well as a lounge and bar area that offers panoramic views. Additionally, guests can soak up the rays at the top-deck swimming pool or retreat to the wellness center, which is equipped with a fitness area, beauty salon, and massage rooms. These ships are also noteworthy for their luxury suites, which are outfitted with sun lounges, 32-inch high-definition TVs, and complimentary wireless internet access. Bolstering our exquisite French fleet upon their re-launch, Scenic Sapphire and Diamond will be completely rebuilt to reflect the same level of luxury offered by our newest Scenic Space-Ships. We’ve considered everything when redesigning these much-loved vessels, seeking out the very finest materials and most innovative technologies to ensure these Space-Ships afford the very best travel experience on the majestic waterways of France. One of the main highlights of these updated vessels however, is the all-new one-bedroom Royal Owner’s Suites. A first for the Scenic Space-Ship fleet, these huge 47 square meter suites are the biggest ever offered on European waters, and boast a vast living space, perfectly proportioned bedroom, en-suite bathroom and full-length balcony — not to mention all of the exquisite luxuries for which we are so regularly applauded. Complete with all of the opulent finishing touches for which Scenic is universally celebrated, Scenic Sapphire and Diamond will be transformed upon emerging from the shipyard ahead of the 2017 season. As well as opulent design touches, each vessel will also receive a host of new features and amenities, including a vitality pool, gym, spa and, for the first time ever, a private cooking area where guests can participate in our new cookery courses, Scenic Culinaire. Couple these sumptuous design changes with our time-tested and truly exceptional service, and a river cruise aboard Scenic Sapphire and Diamond promises the journey of a lifetime. The vessels will cruise a selection of French rivers in 2017, including the Seine, Rhône and Garonne, transporting guests in complete comfort and elegance on these enchanting waterways. Scenic Sapphire ship guide Search cruises on Scenic Sapphire

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