French River Cruises

CRUISE THE LENGTH OF FRANCE ON THE SAONE-RHONE RIVERS AND THE RIVER SEINE:

A river cruise in France is a cruise on the Saône and Rhône Rivers or the River Seine, or a combination of all three.

Sail on a leisurely-paced cruise along the Saône and Rhône rivers through the heart of Burgundy and Provence, or further north, cruise along the Seine from Paris through the historic heart of Normandy to the long beaches of the Atlantic Coast. In either case, you can look forward to a cruise experience that is rich (in every sense of the word) in legendary cuisine, blessed by a varied natural beauty and steeped in history and culture.

Saône and Rhône River Cruise

Mid and Southern France is a country of beauty and romance — from the vineyard-covered hillsides of Burgundy, through the lavender-scented fields of sun-drenched Provence in the South to the wilder scenery of the Ardèche. Experience the French history, cultures and scenery in a region that has become famous for works of art, fine wines and its cuisine.

Seine River Cruise

Normandy’s historic towns and pastoral landscapes alternate in the green countryside. Generations of kings and knights, endless battles, ancient and modern, and the death of the French national patron saint, Joan of Arc, at Rouen – so much has happened along the Seine valley.  The one great battle that is very much remembered today is the famous D-Day Landing at Normandy. Many tours to this part of France include visits to the various landing beaches and the D-Day Museum where you can get an appreciation of how the Allied invasion of Normandy changed the course of the war and lead to the restoration of the French Republic.

The River Seine leads your ship through orchards, past historic abbeys and châteaux, fashionable coastal resorts and scenery that inspired many artists, including the great French Impressionists Monet and Renoir. And of course there is also Paris, the ever-fascinating “City of Light.”

Some operators combine these two river cruises to provide a varied and stimulating experience of these major regions of France, and it’s fair to say that a trip like that would give you a pretty comprehensive overview of the country from the far north to the south.

Get more details here:

Burgundy and Provence: Saône-Rhône River Cruises

Normandy: Seine River Cruises

OUR ADVICE: Being such a desirable destination, all the major river cruise operators offer cruises along the Saône and Rhône Rivers and the Seine River.  Some of their best ships are deployed here so if you book with the major operators, you’ll be cruising in luxury.  If you’re choosing a cruise with a tour aggregator, check their itinerary and the ship you’ll be cruising on (of course, there’s also price!). Be sure to check out our “Things to watch for” page too!

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