WHY GO ON A RIVERBOAT CRUISE IN FRANCE?
River cruise ships are modest in size compared with ocean-going cruise ships, accommodating around 100 – 200 guests rather than thousands of passengers. They offer close, friendly and personal hospitality reflected in the fact that the ships themselves can moor in the heart of France’s world-famous historic towns and cities and cruise sedately through the sunny countryside. Nine highly experienced river cruise companies offer an extensive choice of river cruises on France’s five major rivers, the Seine, Rhine, Saône/Rhône, Bordeaux/Garonne and the Loire.
Popular French River Cruises
Showing 3 of 3,000+ cruises
£1,772pp Rhine
From Basel to Amsterdam : The Treasures of…
ABOARD
MS Symphonie
Destinations: | Basel, Amsterdam, Rhine |
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Class: | Premium |
Departure: | 07 May 2024 |
Length: | 7 nights |
£3,776pp Seine
Paris & Normandy
ABOARD
AmaLyra
Destinations: | Paris, Seine |
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Class: | Luxury |
Departure: | 04 Jul 2024 |
Length: | 7 nights |
£-53,991pp Rhone, Saone
Burgundy & Provence
ABOARD
S.S. Catherine
Destinations: | Lyon, Arles, Rhone, Saone |
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Class: | Luxury |
Departure: | 14 Jul 2024 |
Length: | 7 nights |
What are riverboat cruises like?
Read our introduction, view our video and get the facts from the experts!
The French Rivers and their Marvellous Cruises
Seine River Cruises
From Honfleur through Rouen to Paris, the Seine is one of the world’s great rivers.
Rhine River Cruises
Cruise the majestic Rhine to Strasbourg, past the fabled Lorelei and Cologne to Amsterdam.
Saone and Rhone River Cruises
Cruise the sumptuous Saone and glorious Rhone, to Lyon, Avignon and Provence.
Bordeaux River Cruises
Cruise to St Emilion, Cadillac and Bordeaux in this world famous wine region.
Loire River Cruises
The gorgeous Loire valley, the ‘garden of France’, filled with stunning chateaux.
Highlights of a Luxury French River Cruise
Every day your river cruise brings fresh delights to savour – local culture, cuisine, wine, architecture and immersion in the unique pavement-café bustle of French life. Add the opportunity to visit local places of interest – chateaux, vineyards, markets and historic or artistic sights – and you’ve got the best of everything.
Each small ship has its own personality, providing excellent accommodation in light, airy and spacious surroundings. They feature superb dining rooms, bars and sitting areas – and of course, a sun-deck complete with parasols and loungers. Stateroom cabin bedrooms have en-suite shower rooms, TVs and modern services and, very importantly, each will have a large window or private balcony from which to enjoy the rich panorama of countryside, scenery and architecture as it passes just a short distance away.
Choose your favourite type of cruise
- River Cruises for Singles and Solo Travellers
- Romantic and Honeymoon River Cruises
- Family River Cruises
The River Cruise Fleets
~ All Nine of the Best sailing through France ~
Frequently Asked Questions
For friendly, expert advice and information, speak to a Panache Cruise Connoisseur
For friendly, expert advice and information, speak to Laurie Reitman
Where can I cruise in France aboard a river cruise ship?
These ships are large and therefore can’t enter France’s intricate canal system but must remain on the major rivers – on the Seine, from Paris to the coast; from the Saone river and down the Rhone river to Marseille on the Mediterranean; on the Rhine skirting France but including Strasbourg, and the Gironde estuary around Bordeaux. France is about the size of Texas and its wealth of rivers provide fascinating, peaceful cruises through countryside, ancient villages and important cities.
This will be our first river cruise. What are they like compared to sea cruises?
River cruise ships carry around 100-120 passengers, nowhere near as many as a sea going cruise ship able to accommodate thousands, so it is a more personal experience, but naturally with fewer social areas, amenities and entertainments on board. You are also close to land at all times so there are no days of endless sea vistas, no waves and no chance of feeling sea-sick. All the suites are outward facing, some with very spacious penthouse-style balconies, and all provide quality fittings and furnishings. There are many grades of luxury, however, according to the cruise company you choose. River ships stop along their routes for daily excursions and offer plenty of free-time as well guided tours.
Are River Cruises All Inclusive?
All meals and most drinks are included in the price; some cruises have specific dining places for passengers fixed for the whole week, others offer free choice inn the dining room. A programme of optional activities takes place on board each day and evening which can include keep-fit, quizzes, dancing, an entertainer and a show put on by the crew.
Some cruise lines will pick you up from your home (UK) and/or include flights. Some include excursions in the price whilst for others you may have to book and pay for excursions separately and/or in advance – they can sell out, too!
What is the Best Month for a European River Cruise?
The summer months are naturally the most popular time but the best month for a European river cruise varies a little depending on your exact destination and how hot you like the weather. June and July are peak season for river cruising in France. A Seine river cruise in Paris in spring is a delight as the city bursts into bloom. A Bordeaux river cruise in September or October will capture harvest time in this richly fruit laden corner of southwest France. If you enjoy the heat, a Provence cruise between June and August will ensure you see the lavender in full bloom. Although the temperate climate of southern France makes Rhône and Saône river cruises a good choice all year round, the light is perhaps most striking in early autumn and days exploring Arles and Avignon less intense on cooler days. A late spring or early summer river cruise through Burgundy will catch the vineyards in all their glory and food festivals aplenty. Alsace river cruises that sweep through the ancient and modern architecture of Strasbourg can be enjoyed all year round but Christmas market river cruises are particularly spectacular.
What is the most Picturesque River Cruise in Europe?
Will it be the gleaming sunflowers and purple lavender haze of southern France that make for the most picturesque river cruise in Europe? Or will you swoon instead over the vineyards of Burgundy and Bordeaux? Or will you be enraptured by the ancient architecture of Bastide towns and Roman amphitheatres? Or will the Eiffel Tower and lush gardens of Paris sweep you off your feet? There is quite literally something for all tastes and imaginations on a French river cruise and plentiful picturesque sights to enrich your excursions ashore.