Rhône River Cruise with AmaWaterways

In November 2025, I was lucky enough to go on my first river cruise with AmaWaterways aboard the AmaKristina, sailing from Lyon to Arles on their Colors of Provence itinerary, before continuing on to Aix-en-Provence and Nice for a couple of extra days.

If you’re looking for an easy way to see multiple parts of France without constantly packing and unpacking, this is honestly one of the best ways to do it.

I’ll be honest, river cruising was never really on my radar, but this trip completely converted me.

Sailing the Rhône River aboard AmaWaterways’ AmaKristina on the Colours of Provence itinerary was a relaxed and scenic experience, combining stylish comfort, attentive service, and ever-changing views of vineyards, villages, and riverside landscapes.

We started in Lyon, known as the food capital of France, and it definitely lived up to the reputation. From the famous Les Halles market to the Christmas markets, there was food everywhere. Cheese, pastries, fresh produce, wine and some of the biggest oysters you’ve ever seen… it’s a great place to begin any French holiday.

Visiting at the end of November turned out to be a great time to go, especially with the Christmas markets starting to come alive. The markets added something really special to the trip, with each location offering its own Christmas theme and atmosphere. We visited markets in Lyon, Aix-en-Provence and Nice, all filled with festive decorations, ornaments, local food, and plenty of mulled wine. Noel Nice Christmas Markets were by far the biggest and most impressive.

The Christmas markets in Lyon, Aix-en-Provence, and Nice were so pretty and full of life, with rows of festive stalls, endless local food and sweet treats to try, all set among charming squares, historic streets, and beautiful Provençal and Riviera backdrops.

Once onboard the AmaKristina, everything just felt easy. Our twin balcony cabin was comfortable and well laid out, with views straight over the Rhône. It was the perfect place to unwind between each stop.

The ship has a relaxed feel, not too big and not too formal, just a really nice space to come back to at the end of the day. The crew were amazing throughout the whole trip, always friendly, attentive and genuinely welcoming.

A big mention to our Cruise Director Antonio, who kept everything running smoothly and made each day easy to follow, and also to our wonderful AmaWaterways host Ian, who made us feel welcome from the moment we arrived and looked after us the entire time.

The AmaKristina’s twin balcony cabins were comfortable and inviting, offering a relaxing space with plenty of natural light and the added bonus of a private balcony to enjoy the passing scenery.

Dining was another highlight. Meals are made using fresh local ingredients from each region, and there is no shortage of great food or wine. The Chef’s Table dining experience was a standout and well worth trying.

There was also plenty to do onboard while we were sailing, with things like music trivia, wine tastings from the local regions, and gelato taste testing. The evenings were just as enjoyable, with special guest performers and great music played by our musical host Roberto, often finishing the night with a bit of dancing.

It’s the kind of travel where everything is taken care of, so you can just relax and enjoy where you are each day.

As we cruised south, each stop was different. One of the great things with AmaWaterways is that shore excursions are included, so you simply choose what suits you best each day.

Dining aboard the AmaKristina was a standout experience, with an abundance of beautifully prepared meals and desserts, offering plenty of choice and showcasing fresh, local produce sourced at each port and expertly curated by the chef.

In the Beaujolais region in Lyon we visited a winery and enjoyed the beautiful countryside, then back on board we continued along the Rhône, passing through the many river locks, which was really interesting to watch and experience.

Further down the river, we had the mistral winds come through, which definitely made things a bit colder than expected, but it added to the adventure and helped with getting our steps in to warm up.

Exploring the Beaujolais vineyards near Lyon was a delight, with rolling vine-covered hills, charming cellar doors, and relaxed tastings of light, fruity wines paired with local cheese and cured meats.

In Vienne, we explored a quieter town with plenty of history, and in Tournon we took a scenic steam train through the Gorges du Doux. This turned into a bit of an unexpected adventure when a large tree had fallen across the tracks. The train crew quickly stepped in with a chainsaw on hand, cut up the tree so we could continue on our way, definitely a memorable moment.

Colombier Le Vieux Saint Barthelemy Le Plain Train Station Tournon

Visiting Colombier-le-Vieux–Saint-Barthélemy-le-Plain station in Tournon for the Train de l’Ardèche “Voyage Historique au Cœur des Gorges du Doux” felt like stepping back in time, as the charming steam train wound its way through dramatic gorges, rolling hills, and vineyard-lined countryside.

Avignon was a mix of activity, history and fashion. We started the day with a bike ride around part of the island before heading into town to explore. It’s a great way to see a bit more than you would on foot.

An easy bike ride around Île de la Barthelasse in Avignon was a great way to see the area, with the sun shining on scenic riverside paths as we rode past beautiful properties and vineyards, taking in sweeping views of the Papal Palace and the gentle rhythm of the Rhône all around.

Our final stop was Arles, a city full of character and history, famous for inspiring the paintings of Vincent Van Gogh. Exploring the old town and Roman Amphitheatre was a great way to finish the cruise, along with the Carrières des Lumières art display, where a former quarry has been transformed into an immersive show of images set to music, followed by a quick visit to Les Baux de Provence, a small quaint village perched on top of a hill. Views were breathtaking, and the mistral winds took your breath away!

With the fierce Mistral winds whipping through the ancient stone, I explored the remarkably preserved Arles Amphitheatre, its towering arches and Roman grandeur now hosting modern concerts and shows while still echoing with the energy of centuries past.

After the cruise, we said our goodbyes to the wonderful AmaWaterways crew and the special friendships we made and headed by train to Aix-en-Provence. It’s a beautiful, relaxed town with plenty of cafes and restaurants, the most divine ‘Faux Gras’ with markets and little streets to wander, perfect for slowing things down, especially with a hot chocolate stop along the way. One day here was definitely not enough.

Replica Of Florentine Boar Fountain Aix En Provence

The replica Florentine boar fountain in Aix-en-Provence adds a touch of Italian charm, inspired by the original in Florence, Italy, with other replicas found in cities like Sydney, Munich, and Quebec, each echoing the tradition of rubbing its snout for good luck.

We finished in Nice on the French Riviera. Even with limited time, it’s easy to see why people love this part of France. The coastline, the food, and the atmosphere made it a great way to end the trip.

Sunsets along Nice’s French Riviera esplanade paint the sky in glowing shades of gold and rose, casting a warm, romantic light over the Mediterranean and the iconic palm-lined promenade.

What stood out most about this trip was how easy everything was. Once you’re onboard with AmaWaterways, everything is taken care of. Excursions, meals, and daily plans are all organised, so you can just enjoy the journey.

I can honestly say I would highly recommend AmaWaterways to anyone considering a river cruise. The level of service, inclusions and overall quality make it a fantastic way to see Europe.

The lounge aboard the AmaKristina is an elegant, light-filled space with panoramic windows, offering a relaxed setting to unwind, socialise, and take in the passing scenery.