Saône River Cruises: Burgundy, Beaujolais and the French Art de Vivre

Imagine gliding at sunrise between the golden vineyards of Burgundy, as the steeple of a medieval village reflects in the calm waters of the Saône… A Saône cruise is an invitation to the gentle French art of living — exceptional gastronomy, prestigious vineyards and an incomparably rich Romanesque heritage.

The Saône rises in the Vosges mountains and joins the Rhône at Lyon, the world capital of gastronomy. This peaceful river flows through the heart of Burgundy and Beaujolais — two of the world's most prestigious wine regions — passing through history-laden towns: Dijon with its Dukes of Burgundy, Chalon-sur-Saône and its photographic heritage, Tournus and its magnificent Romanesque abbey, Mâcon and its renowned white wines. At every port of call, wine tastings, cellar visits and meetings with local winemakers punctuate the journey.

The Saône combines naturally with the Rhône, which takes over at Lyon and flows southwards towards Provence and the Mediterranean. This is precisely why the two rivers are so often offered together: the Saône brings the serenity of Burgundy and the gastronomy of Lyon, while the Rhône opens onto the Provençal landscapes, the Gorges de l'Ardèche and Avignon with its famous bridge. A combined Saône-Rhône itinerary is the whole of southern France in a single voyage.

For English-speaking travellers, AmaWaterways, Avalon, Tauck and Uniworld offer premium Saône itineraries with exceptional on-board service.

When is the best time to cruise the Saône?

Spring (April–May) and summer (June–August) are the ideal periods: the vines turn green, the days are long and the port stops are lively and vibrant. Spring offers exceptional light across the Burgundian landscapes, while summer allows you to make the most of outdoor terraces and local festivals.

Frequently asked questions

Why is the Saône so often combined with the Rhône?

Geographically, the Saône meets the Rhône at Lyon — the two rivers therefore form a natural and complementary itinerary. The Saône takes you through Burgundy and Beaujolais to Lyon, then the Rhône carries you southwards towards Provence, the Gorges de l'Ardèche and Avignon. It is the ideal way to travel through the whole of southern France in a single journey.

Where do Saône cruises depart from?

The main embarkation ports are Lyon and Dijon. From the UK, direct flights are available to Lyon — making it one of the most accessible French river cruise destinations.

Is a Saône cruise suitable for wine lovers?

It is quite simply one of the finest wine destinations in the world! The Saône flows alongside the Côte de Nuits, the Côte de Beaune and the Beaujolais — some of France's most prestigious appellations. Domaine visits, tastings and meetings with local winemakers feature on most itineraries.

Discover our Saône river cruises and let yourself be seduced by the gentle pleasures of Burgundian life.