France - European River Cruise Routes

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.

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.

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 river 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 Lights.”

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.

Get more details here:

France: Burgundy and Provence: Saône Rhône River Cruises

France: Normandy: Seine River Cruises

OUR ADVICE: concentrate on the ship you want to travel on and the route you want to travel, rather than the tour aggregator (of course, there's also price!). Be sure to check out our "Things to watch for" page too!

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