The Rhône is comfortably within its midsummer range, so Lyon-to-Arles itineraries face no draft limits this week. A hot, dry spell starting in early August could draw stages lower, moving risk from Normal toward Caution by mid-month.
Current Conditions
Avignon gauge: ≈ 2.1 m (normal range about 1.4 - 4.0 m), navigation risk = Normal.¹
Seven-Day Outlook
| Date | Forecast Stage | Trend | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mon Jul 28 | 2.10 m | Stable | |
| Tue Jul 29 | 2.09 m | Falling < 1 cm | |
| Wed Jul 30 | 2.08 m | Stable | |
| Thu Jul 31 | 2.08 m | Stable | |
| Fri Aug 1 | 2.09 m | Rising < 1 cm | |
| Sat Aug 2 | 2.10 m | Stable | |
| Sun Aug 3 | 2.11 m | Stable | ² |
Three-Week Risk Forecast
| Period | Likelihood of Disruption | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1-7 | Normal | High |
| Days 8-14 | Caution (dry heat, falling base-flow) | Medium |
| Days 15-21 | Caution (persistent heat, spot storms) | Low |
A blocking subtropical ridge settles over southeastern France after August 4, keeping rainfall light and allowing the Mistral to accelerate evaporation. Ensemble guidance shows only isolated convective showers, so late-season lows could develop on the Beaucaire-Arles reach. Cancel-For-Any-Reason coverage will refund coach substitutions if depths drop below safe draft.³
Cruise-Line Responses
Spokesperson for Viking River Cruises states that Lyon & Provence sailings "may be adjusted or motor-coached if water levels, lock closures, or wind make any segment impassable."⁴
Spokesperson for Scenic Cruises notes that the company's River Travel Assurance team "monitors Rhône gauges daily and activates contingency ships or coach plans whenever levels jeopardize a published itinerary."⁵
Traveler Advice
Riverbanks between Vienne and Viviers remain well within the marked channel, so expect smooth daytime cruising and normal clearance under upstream bridges. Still, pack a brimmed hat and SPF 50, because midday sun reflects strongly off the broad Rhône surface.
Shore calls at Tournon and Tarascon use floating pontoons that can sit a bit lower when levels ease. Wear footwear with solid tread and allow extra transit time for anyone with limited mobility.
Review your insurance documents now. Standard trip-interruption clauses may not cover itinerary changes caused by low water, whereas Cancel-For-Any-Reason riders typically reimburse up to 75 percent of prepaid, non-refundable costs if you decide to cancel once coaches replace cruise segments.
Methodology
Gauge data come from Vigicrues live feeds, while seven-day and medium-range forecasts use Météo-France outputs blended with publicly available ECMWF ensembles.⁶
Disclaimer
Forecasts beyond ten days are probabilistic and may change without notice. This information does not constitute financial or insurance advice.
Sources
- Avignon gauge dashboard - Vigicrues
- Avignon 7-Day Forecast - Météo-France
- National flood bulletin - Vigicrues
- Booking and Sale Terms and Conditions - Viking Cruises
- Travel Assurance overview - Scenic Cruises
- Understanding Fluctuating River Levels in Europe - Quirky Cruise
FAQ
- What is the normal summer level for the Rhône near Avignon? It typically ranges from about 1.4 m to 4 m, with draft restrictions rare above 1.6 m.
- How often do Rhône cruises face low-water disruptions? Historical operator data suggest only two to four weeks per decade see itinerary-changing lows, though climate variability can shift that figure.
- Which insurance add-on best covers water-level issues? A Cancel-For-Any-Reason rider offers the broadest protection, reimbursing a majority of prepaid costs even if the cruise proceeds with major coach segments.