Four magical French river cruises for your next adventure
From the Seine to the Moselle, France is home to some of the best rivers that Europe has to offer. Most people might only visit Paris when they go to France, but seasoned travellers know that France is a diverse country with every region offering new takes on pastries, cheese, wine, history and culture. The best way to get a well-rounded trip to France is top hop onboard a river cruise. From the bustling, stylish streets of Paris to the delicious gastronomy of Lyon, here are the best French river cruises to explore the country on.
Lyon & Provence
from $3,995 at Viking River Cruises
Experience everything France has to offer on board the Lyon & Provence cruise from Viking River Cruises. Beginning in the medieval city of Avignon, France, you’ll be steeped in palaces, Roman ruins and other historical sites. After this, you’ll float to Viviers and Tournon where you’ll feel at ease amid peaceful mountain settings and serene villages. Heading down the Rhône River you’ll finish your eight day cruise in Lyon, the gastronomical capital of France. Here, you can indulge on France’s best food and wine on the busy city streets, or head to outskirts and find an under-the-radar vineyard for the full local experience.
Key stops:
- Avignon, France
- Arles, France
- Viviers, France
- Tournon, France
- Rhône River
- Vienne, France
- Lyon, France
Paris & Normandy French River Cruises
from $6,199 at Uniworld
On board a luxurious longship, snake your way from Paris up the Seine to the beaches of Normandy, the stunning coast of France into the heart of Versailles. Over eight magical days, Paris & Normandy French River Cruise will give you unprecedented first-class access to some of France’s most incredible sights. Starting in Paris, you won’t have time just yet to stroll the streets because you’ll be quickly embarking for La Roche-Guyon, a dreamy village with picturesque waters. You’ll weave through other stunning towns and villages as you make your way to the Normandy beaches, which are famous for being the landing site for D-Day. You’ll be treated to a range of private guided tours courtesy of the cruise during your time in Normandy. Finally, you’ll arrive in Versailles, which was once the heart of French opulence and regal lavishness.
Key stops:
- Paris, France
- La Roche-Guyon, France
- Vernon, France
- Giverny, France
- Rouen, France
- Caudebec-en-Caux, France
- Honfleur, France
- Étretat, France
- Mantes-la-Jolie, France
- Versailles, France
Why stick to just the Morsel when you could float down three of Europe’s most majestic rivers? Over 12 days, on board the Cities of Light cruise, you’ll float down Mosel, Rhine, and Main Rivers as you make your way to three different countries. Beginning in the ‘City of Love’, Paris, you’ll get the opportunity to explore the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower and all of the other treasures of the city before heading to Reims and then into Germany. In Germany, you’ll leave the Mosel behind for the Rhine River where you’ll stop in to towns like Heidelberg before floating into the Main River. This last part of the journey is where the ship will dock in Nuremberg and finally Prague.
Key stops:
- Paris, France
- Trier, Germany
- Bernkastel, Germany
- Cochem, Germany
- Koblenz, Germany
- Rüdesheim, Germany
- Miltenberg, Germany
- Würzburg, Germany
- Bamberg, Germany
- Nuremberg, Germany
- Prague, Czech Republic
Treasures of Burgundy and Provence: Rhône & Saône (Lyon – Lyon)
from $2,354 at Tour Radar
If the south of France is more your speed, then you’ll love the Treasures of Burgundy and Provence: Rhône & Saône river cruise. Beginning in the gastronomical capital of France, Lyon, you’ll kick off an eight day cruise stopping in Macon, Tournus, Arles and Le Pouzin. With bus trips, tours and excursions all included, you’ll be sure to get a well-rounded exploration of the south of France.
Key stops:
- Lyon, France
- Macon, France
- Chalon-sur-Saône, France
- Tournus, France
- Avignon, France
- Arles, France
- Châteauneuf-du-Rhône, France
- Le Pouzin, France
