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It's not the longest or the widest, but of all the rivers coursing through France, the Rhone is a marquee star, one of only three major European rivers emptying into the Mediterranean. Since the time of the Greeks and Romans, the Rhone has served as a route for trade and transportation between the Mediterranean and the French city of Lyon. Those early traders left their marks along the river, at ports like Arles, Avignon and Vienne, where ancient theaters and temples stand proudly.
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The Rhone has always been a fierce waterway. Originating in the Swiss Alps, the torrent becomes navigable by larger vessels once it reaches Lyon, but still the river's strong current made the journey from the sea a rugged, demanding one. Following World War II, 12 locks were constructed to elevate vessels 200 miles upriver from the Mediterranean to Lyon, 485 feet above sea level.Fortunately, those locks also serve as gateways, allowing us to enjoy the French countryside from the inside out, with stops along the way to take in the history and culture, the food and wine. Here's a port-by-port guide to the classic Rhone River cruise through Provence and the rest of France.
Lyon

Vienne

Tournon-sur-Rhone

Tarascon and Arles

Avignon

Want to learn more about a European River cruise?
We traveled on Europe's most popular rivers -- the Danube, Rhine, Rhone and Seine -- and share our stories about our discoveries, both in-port and on-shore, with plenty of tips and insights to help you plan your own voyage. Please join us. On the Danube River: Two Longtime Pals Make Discoveries About Europe and FriendshipOn the Rhine River: Our Culinary, Castle and Cathedral Discoveries Are Just the BeginningOn the Rhone River: Mother and Son Take Their First River Cruise TogetherOn the Seine River: Paris Is Just One of Many Standouts on This Solo Cruise And don't miss our exclusive new series: Cruise Critic's Ultimate River Cruise Guides. The guides give expert advice on what to do in ports of call when cruising Europe's rivers, from insight on the marquee attractions that are typically featured on included tours to off-the-track discoveries to make on your own. Check out: Cruise Critic's Ultimate Danube River Cruise GuideCheck out: Cruise Critic's Ultimate Rhine River Cruise GuideCheck out: Cruise Critic's Ultimate Rhone River Cruise GuideCheck out: Cruise Critic's Ultimate Seine River Cruise GuideUpdated December 15, 2019
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