There is no better way to experience the beauty and majesty of this incredible country than to go river cruising in France. The country is home to some of Europe’s most famous waterways, including the Seine, Loire and Rhône. These rivers wind their way through some of the most picturesque countryside in the world, passing grand châteaux and charming villages along the way. What’s more, you will never be far from excellent French food and fine wine. So if you’re looking for a unique and romantic way to explore France, river cruising is definitely the way to go!
Introduction to river cruises in France
River cruising in France has become increasingly popular in recent years, as travelers look for a more intimate and relaxed way to explore the country. France is home to some of the most beautiful rivers in Europe and there are a number of famous French waterways to choose from, each with its own unique character. The River Seine is one of the most popular options, winding its way through the heart of Paris and past some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. For a more rural experience, the Loire Valley is home to a number of small towns and villages, as well as castles and vineyards. And finally, the Rhone River provides a gateway to the south of France, with its sunny Mediterranean climate and stunning Provencal landscapes. And for those who want to explore the wine country of Bordeaux, a cruise on the Garonne River is a must. No matter which river you choose, a cruise is an unforgettable way to experience France.
You can enjoy a leisurely pace as you cruise, taking in the sights and sounds of France at your own pace. Whether you opt for a shorter cruise or one that lasts for weeks, there is plenty to see and do along the way.
What are the most popular rivers to cruise in France?
Here are just a few of the most popular river cruises that you can enjoy in France:
River cruises on the Seine
The Seine river (north France river) is one of the most popular routes for river cruises, winding its way through Paris and beyond. There are plenty of activities and attractions to keep you busy during your cruise, from touring the city sights of Paris to visiting charming villages of Normandy and vineyards along the riverbanks.
River Cruises from Lyon
Lyon, a gastronomic paradise, is a river city in the heart of France. The Saône and Rhône rivers converge here, making it an ideal location for river cruises. From Lyon, you can cruise along the Saône to the medieval town of Cluny, or explore the Rhône Valley, home to some of France’s most famous wine regions.
River cruises from Lyon usually take a one-way cruise to Avignon through ancient villages of Provence and from where you can travel overland to the mediterranean sea and extend your holiday in the Cote d’Azur.
River cruises in the Loire Valley
The Loire Valley is a river valley in France that is known for its picturesque villages, grand châteaux, and excellent wine.
River cruises in the Loire Valley offer a unique way to explore this beautiful region. The river winds its way through the heart of the valley, passing charming villages, incredible chateaux, and historical landmarks along the way. What’s more, you will never be far from some of the best French food and wine around.
The Loire is better suited to day trips from certain towns and is not something that is offered as a 7-night luxury itinerary.
River Cruises from Bordeaux
The Garonne river cruise: This cruise takes you through some of the most beautiful countryside in southwestern France. You’ll start in Bordeaux, one of the world’s great wine regions, and then wind your way through quaint villages and verdant vineyards. Along the way, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to sample some of the region’s renowned wines.
Tips for Choosing French River Cruises
There are a lot of river cruises to choose from, so how do you know which one is right for you? The best way to choose is to first decide what you want to see and do on your river cruise. Do you want to explore different wine regions? Visit historical landmarks? Or maybe you just want to relax and take in the scenery. Once you have an idea of what you want out of your river cruise, it will be much easier to find the perfect cruise for you.
Here are some tips for choosing the perfect river cruise for you.
a) Length of Cruise:
One of the first things to consider when choosing a French river cruise is the length of the cruise. River cruises can range from a few days to several weeks.
How long does a typical river cruise in France last?
Most of the luxury river cruise lines will provide French cruises which are a week in duration. If you would like a longer holiday, then there are choices about land stays for each itinerary. You could stay longer in Paris when cruising on the Seine. Or stay in a historic chateaux on the Loire. Cruising in Provence allows time to enjoy Lyon or venture to the Cote d’Azur.
If you would like to see more than one river, then why not extend your holiday with a multiple river cruise and combine the Seine, Rhone or Garonne with a short land-based trip between ships which can be organised by the operator.
b) Destinations:
Another important factor to consider is your destination. French river cruises offer the opportunity to explore many different regions, from the picturesque Loire Valley to the bustling city of Paris. River cruises usually start and end in major cities with museums, restaurants, and historical sites. However, you may enjoy a slower pace of life in between with visits to local villages and bike rides to small wineries and vineyards.
What are some of the things that I can do while on a river cruise in France?
There are plenty of things to do on a river cruise in France including visiting local attractions and sampling French cuisine and wine.
You can explore different wine regions, visit historical landmarks, or just relax and take in the scenery.
Whilst on The Seine you can cycle along the river bank to Monet’s house at Giverny, visit the landing beaches of world war II in Normandy, the pretty impressionist artists’ town of Honfleur as well as a cruise through Paris.
Whilst on The Rhone you can enjoy a truffle hunting experience, an incredible light show in Lyon, visits to famous vineyards, and the romanesque structures of amphitheaters and bridges in Arles, and Avignon.
The Garonne waterways will allow you to visit both the left and right bank wine areas of Bordeaux with the highlight of the world-famous Saint Emilion to discover.
What is the best time of year to go?
The best time of year for a river cruise in France varies depending on which region you want to visit so choose your departure date for your trip carefully. The Loire Valley is beautiful during the spring when the flowers are in bloom, while autumn is an ideal time to visit Provence as the leaves change colour and the heat of the summer is over.
If you’re interested in exploring Paris and Normandy in Northern France, then early summer is the perfect time as temperatures are mild and there’s plenty of sunshine.
However, if you’re looking for some quiet relaxation away from the crowds, winter may be more your speed as many of France’s rivers are at their most peaceful during this time of year. The river cruising season has been extended through November and December meaning that you can now take in the wine harvest as well as spend the Christmas holiday season on a ship in France. What a perfect way to enjoy a French river cruise but with a traditional Christmas Eve meal to remember?
What is included in the price?
There are many different companies offering river cruises in France, from all-inclusive cruises where you will have paid upfront for your travel costs, accommodation, food and drink, excursions, and gratuities. These are the most expensive cruises but take any uncertainties about exchange rates out of your french river cruise holiday planning and budgeting. These also tend to be the cruise lines at the luxury river cruise end.
Other river cruise companies, like Amadeus will offer accommodation and food with tours and also travel to and from the ship being extra.
Companies offering France river cruises
We offer a selection of French river cruises which we recommend. By viewing the different itineraries and cruise company you can choose how much you want to be included or not in the price.
Companies that offer all-inclusive French river cruises
Companies that offer luxury French River Cruises
Travel on board the Emerald Liberte
Conclusion
River cruising in France is a great way to see the country’s many beautiful rivers. There are many different river cruises in France to choose from. From Lyon, you can cruise down the Rhône river and enjoy views of the countryside and charming villages. Or, if you’re interested in wine-tasting, consider a river cruise from Bordeaux that takes you through the vineyards of the Loire Valley. No matter which route you choose, France’s magnificent rivers are sure to enchant you.
No matter what you choose to do, you’re sure to have a memorable experience.
Click to view our selection of France river cruises
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About Alex Leete
Who is Alex Leete? A passion for travel and over 15 years' experience in the industry encouraged me to set up Global River Cruising, our own family run company. Over the last few years we have been on as many river cruises, ships and seen as many destinations as we possibly can so we can rightfully call ourselves "experts". As independent specialists we work hard to find the perfect river cruise for our clients - at the very best prices too!
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