Iconic France - Bordeaux to Lyon

The Iconic France - Bordeaux to Lyon is a 20-night Europe cruise aboard Scenic Diamond, operated by Scenic River Cruises. Departing Bordeaux on August 26, 2026, the voyage visits 13 ports.

Length: 20 nights
Departs: Aug 26, 2026
Returns: Sep 15, 2026
Ports of call: 13
Days at sea: 2

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Itinerary

Day 1 Aug 26, 2026 Bordeaux The name alone conjures images of sun-ripened grapes, splashes of refined flavour, and the joy of clinking glasses. Bordeaux is synonymous with quality and prestige, and the promise of endless opportunities to sample the city’s famous, full-bodied red wines makes a visit to this elegant French port city one to truly savour. Sprinkled with scenic, turret-adorned mansion castles, which stand above soil softened by the Atlantic and winding flow of the Garonne River, the vineyards of Bordeaux consistently produce revered wines, enjoyed right across the globe. Explore France’s largest wine region, walking through vineyards where dusty clumps of grapes hang, before descending into cellars to see the painstaking processes that make this region a global wine centre. The acclaimed, sensory experience of Cité du Vin wine museum lets you put your own nose to the test, learning more about the craft involved in producing world class vintages. Brush up on your wine knowledge, with our blog [insert You’ll Fall in Love with Wine in Bordeaux]. Bordeaux itself is an intoxicating blend of old and new – a fact perfectly illustrated by the Water Mirror. This living art installation has reinvigorated one of the city’s most important historical sites, and it feels as though you’re walking on water, as you step through the cooling mist of Place De La Bourse. The moisture generates a glorious mirrored composition of the 300-year-old elegant palatial architecture in front of you. Water also flows freely from the magnificent Monument aux Girondins statue, where horses rear up to extol the values of the Girondin revolutionaries. Marche des Quais – the city’s lively fish market – is the spot to try this wine capital’s freshest lemon-drizzled oysters and juicy prawns. Bordeaux port guide Search cruises visiting Bordeaux

Bordeaux photo — Day 1 Aug 26, 2026 Bordeaux The name alone conjures images of sun-ripened grapes, splashes of refined flavour, and the joy of clinking glasses. Bordeaux is synonymous with quality and prestige, and the promise of endless opportunities to sample the city’s famous, full-bodied red wines makes a visit to this elegant French port city one to truly savour. Sprinkled with scenic, turret-adorned mansion castles, which stand above soil softened by the Atlantic and winding flow of the Garonne River, the vineyards of Bordeaux consistently produce revered wines, enjoyed right across the globe. Explore France’s largest wine region, walking through vineyards where dusty clumps of grapes hang, before descending into cellars to see the painstaking processes that make this region a global wine centre. The acclaimed, sensory experience of Cité du Vin wine museum lets you put your own nose to the test, learning more about the craft involved in producing world class vintages. Brush up on your wine knowledge, with our blog [insert You’ll Fall in Love with Wine in Bordeaux]. Bordeaux itself is an intoxicating blend of old and new – a fact perfectly illustrated by the Water Mirror. This living art installation has reinvigorated one of the city’s most important historical sites, and it feels as though you’re walking on water, as you step through the cooling mist of Place De La Bourse. The moisture generates a glorious mirrored composition of the 300-year-old elegant palatial architecture in front of you. Water also flows freely from the magnificent Monument aux Girondins statue, where horses rear up to extol the values of the Girondin revolutionaries. Marche des Quais – the city’s lively fish market – is the spot to try this wine capital’s freshest lemon-drizzled oysters and juicy prawns. Bordeaux port guide Search cruises visiting Bordeaux

Day 3 Aug 28, 2026 Libourne Libourne is a commune in the Gironde department in Nouvelle-Aquitaine in southwestern France. It is a sub-prefecture of the department. It is the wine-making capital of northern Gironde and lies near Saint-Émilion and Pomerol. Libourne port guide Search cruises visiting Libourne

Libourne photo — Day 3 Aug 28, 2026 Libourne Libourne is a commune in the Gironde department in Nouvelle-Aquitaine in southwestern France. It is a sub-prefecture of the department. It is the wine-making capital of northern Gironde and lies near Saint-Émilion and Pomerol. Libourne port guide Search cruises visiting Libourne

Day 10 Sep 4, 2026 Blaye Blaye is a commune and subprefecture in the Gironde department in Nouvelle-Aquitaine in southwestern France. For centuries, Blaye was a particularly convenient crossing point for those who came from the north and went to Bordeaux or further south, to Spain and Portugal. Blaye port guide Search cruises visiting Blaye

Blaye photo — Day 10 Sep 4, 2026 Blaye Blaye is a commune and subprefecture in the Gironde department in Nouvelle-Aquitaine in southwestern France. For centuries, Blaye was a particularly convenient crossing point for those who came from the north and went to Bordeaux or further south, to Spain and Portugal. Blaye port guide Search cruises visiting Blaye

Day 11 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 11 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 14 Sep 8, 2026 Tournon Hugging the rich landscape of the Rhône wine valleys, and not far from the rugged Doux valley, you'll find the picturesque village of Tournon, nestled on the banks of the Rhône river. Known as Tournon-sur-Rhône, this scenic town, in the Ardéche valley of the South of France, boasts an historic castle of the same name. Step inside the Castle of Tournon-sur-Rhône to find the Musée de France, depicting the world of the Renaissance. Enjoy the art and furniture of the times, reflecting the culture and beauty of Tournon-sur-Rhône. Take a stroll through the side streets of the ancient village of Tournon-sur-Rhône, where you'll absorb the atmosphere of the rich past of Tournon. While you're there, enjoy a coffee, and perhaps a piece of cheese! Don't miss a visit to the Jardin d'Eden, the gardens that were previously owned by the historic monastery of the Moines des Cordeliers. The current owners have put their all into maintaining this lovely garden. Tournon port guide Search cruises visiting Tournon

Tournon photo — Day 14 Sep 8, 2026 Tournon Hugging the rich landscape of the Rhône wine valleys, and not far from the rugged Doux valley, you'll find the picturesque village of Tournon, nestled on the banks of the Rhône river. Known as Tournon-sur-Rhône, this scenic town, in the Ardéche valley of the South of France, boasts an historic castle of the same name. Step inside the Castle of Tournon-sur-Rhône to find the Musée de France, depicting the world of the Renaissance. Enjoy the art and furniture of the times, reflecting the culture and beauty of Tournon-sur-Rhône. Take a stroll through the side streets of the ancient village of Tournon-sur-Rhône, where you'll absorb the atmosphere of the rich past of Tournon. While you're there, enjoy a coffee, and perhaps a piece of cheese! Don't miss a visit to the Jardin d'Eden, the gardens that were previously owned by the historic monastery of the Moines des Cordeliers. The current owners have put their all into maintaining this lovely garden. Tournon port guide Search cruises visiting Tournon

Day 15 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 15 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 17 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 18 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 91-day span: $15,997 · range $15,997–$39,010

Current prices

Per person · 2 guests · incl. taxes & fees

Price information is not available.

Price history

30 days

Cabin grades

Balcony

Lowest Balcony C Balcony 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