How Do I Get To Europe To Start My River Cruise
Many of our river cruises include flights in the price, or you could opt for Eurostar train or coach which are both available on many sailings and can sometimes even reduce the price of your cruise. Take a look at our selection of short river cruises below and call our Cruise Concierge team to book.
An Exclusive Provenal Experience On A Family Owned Ranch In La Camargue
Drive past marshy fields of grazing bulls and white horses to a privately owned ranch in la Camargue, where the Rhône meets the sea, and experience a different taste of Provençal life for Tauck guests only. It begins with a horseback welcome by the warm-hearted family who lives here, continues with a farm-fresh feast of locally produced fare and a heartfelt guitar serenade, and culminates in a display of skill by Provençal cowboys that will have your heart racing at every turn.
Day Danube River Cruise From Deggendorf To Budapest
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DAY 1 Deggendorf : Onboard welcome reception
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DAY 2 Linz: Choice of guided walk, or guided hike
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DAY 3 Wachau ValleyKrems: Scenic cruising through the Wachau Valley guided walk
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DAY 4 Vienna: Guided sightseeing
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DAY 5 Bratislava: Guided sightseeing, visit St. Martins Cathedral
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DAY 6 Budapest : Your cruise ends this morning.
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Day Festive Season River Cruise From Nuremberg To Frankfurt
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DAY 1 Nuremberg : Onboard welcome reception
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DAY 2 Bamberg: Guided tour, see the Old Town Hall beer tasting on board
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DAY 3 VolkachKitzingen: Guided tours
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DAY 4 Würzburg: Guided tour, visit the Bishops Residenz
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DAY 5 Main river village: Guided walk
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DAY 6 Frankfurt : Your cruise ends this morning.
Avalon includes an exceptional variety of excursions and activities so you can experience your cruise your way. Classic, Discovery and Active excursions are available. Learn more about Avalon Choice Excursions
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Private Touring Options
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Airport transfers – available upon request
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Pre- and Post-nights – Available upon request
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Air – Available upon request
Relaxed Luxury With Our Avalon Waterways France River Cruise
What to expect from a luxury Avalon Waterways river cruise in France which includes active and discovery experiences to help you discover the beauty of Southern France
Cory Varga01 September 2022
This page contains affiliate links.
Can you imagine anything more romantic than a luxury French river cruise on the Rhône? Immerse yourself in the sheer beauty of the French countryside, the alluring little towns full of historic and cultural sights or the endless charming vistas of Provence. This is South of France at its finest.
Like an enchantress, France pleases all the aesthetic senses. Add its food and wine to the mix, the sound of its bewitching language and the sight of its seductive landscapes, and you can envision France as one of Europe’s most indulging destinations. And what can be more indulgent than a luxury French river cruise with daily activities included in your itinerary so you can experience an all-rounded romantic trip?
Avalon Waterways got us on board of their Active and Discovery river cruise on the Rhône, so we can experience South of France in a magical week. Here’s the overview of our trip to help you understand what to expect from a French river cruise.
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About French River Cruises
Explore the majestic châteaus, historic cities and charming countryside of France with a leisurely French river cruise along the River Seine or the River Rhone. The River Seine offers the perfect way to explore Northern France. Flowing from its source near Dijon through Paris and Rouen into the English Channel, a Seine Cruise will allow you to explore the highlights of the French capital and Normandy at your leisure.
The River Rhone flows from the Swiss Alps through Lyon and Avignon to its mouth on the Mediterranean Sea near Arles. River Rhone cruises offer the opportunity to sample the best of south-eastern France, including Medieval and Renaissance architecture, picturesque countryside and the region’s world-famous wine-making traditions.
You can take a look at a selection of our latest French river cruises or find out more about each of the European rivers and their destinations by following the links below.
When you embark on a river cruise along some of Frances most beautiful rivers, youre in for a treat. From the sociable culture to the food and incredible art, sailing through enchanting French waterways gives you a sense of wonder you just cant read about. See the iconic landmarks first hand like the gorgeous and ample countryside while you experience French cuisine to fine wine.
You can use the search control below to filter our French river cruises by cruise line, cruise ship, destination or departure date.
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 Frances 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 Frances five major rivers, the Seine, Rhine, Saône/Rhône, Bordeaux/Garonne and the Loire.
Showing 3 of 425 cruises
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Some Of Our Characteristics That Make Us Different
* Really great support before, during and after your stay.* We know river cruises and love to share our experience.* Pay in 2 terms, most owners offer a 36-64% payment scheme.* Booking is easy, safe and simple – a great way to start your cruising holiday.* Custom advise with our ‘Sailor Taylor’ service.
Thank you for your trust in us!And wherever you go: we wish you an unforgettable cruise down the river!
Day Christmastime River Cruise From Frankfurt To Basel
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DAY 1 Frankfurt : Onboard welcome reception
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DAY 2 HeidelbergSpeyer: Guided visit of Heidelberg Castle, see the
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Great Vat, Christmas markets Christmas markets in Speyer
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DAY 3 Strasbourg: Guided tour, visit La Petite France district and the gothic cathedral Christmas market
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DAY 4 Breisach: Choice of visit to Badische Winzerkeller, or excursion the Black Forest Christmas market
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DAY 5 Basel : Your cruise ends this morning
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Day Danube River Cruise From Budapest To Vienna
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DAY 1 Budapest : Onboard welcome reception
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DAY 2 Bratislava: Guided sightseeing, visit St. Martins Cathedral
hike to the castle
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DAY 3 MelkWachau ValleyDürnstein: Guided tour of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk scenic cruise through the Wachau Valley hike up the hillside to castle ruins in Dürnstein
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DAY 4 Vienna : Your cruise ends this morning.
Chateaux Rivers & Wine Cruise
This Bordeaux-to-Bordeaux cruise is absolute perfect to explore Frances premier wine region. Youll spend eight days sailing through Aquitaine, which at one point was the wealthiest kingdom in all of Europe. This is where youll find the most imposing castles and chateaux, some of the worlds most famous vineyards and truly superb seafood.
Offering all sorts of one-of-a-kind experiences, from creating your own cognac to sampling the finest oysters in the country, the Chateaux, Rivers & Wine Cruise will be remembered for the rest of your life. If youre after wining and dining, this is without question one of the best Viking River cruises in France. Additionally, Bordeaux itself is home to tons of historical architecture and heritage. Paris is the only French city that has more historic monuments!
- Destinations: Bordeaux, Cadillac, Libourne, Bourg and Blaye, and Pauillac
- Duration: 8 days
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Highlights Of France River Cruises
France was born along its rivers. And Viking delivers you to the doorsteps of a nations history and culture, from romantic riverside ruins and lush vineyards to glittering cities of elegance and grandeur. Here is a selection of some treasures you will experience with Viking:
- The elegant architecture of Paris
- Historic Avignon, City of Popes
- Gastronomic masterpieces of Lyon
- Normandys American Military Cemetery
- Scenic landscapes that inspired Impressionist artists
- Rouens spectacular cathedral
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.
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French River Cruise Lines
All the big name European river cruise companies offer French itineraries: AmaWaterways, Avalon, CroisiEurope, Viking River Cruises, Scenic Tours, Tauck and Uniworld. Larger companies in the barge market include CroisiEurope, European Waterways and French Country Waterways. There are also many solo barges, often run by husband-and-wife teams. One of the most luxurious that caters predominantly to the U.S. market is , offering fully inclusive itineraries and bespoke cruises in the Burgundy region.
France River Cruise Packages
France has both large cities and beautiful nature in the provinces, so there is no wrong time to visit France. However, you have to consider the Mistral, which can blow fiercely in Provence during the early spring. Although the strong wind normally visits France in the winter, it can still roar through the area of Provence as late as March.
- Spring/Autumn – March to May & September to November
The best time to take a France river cruise will depend on where you plan to travel. While a classic Seine cruise trip can be taken from March through November, you may want to take a river cruise along the French Riviera when it is cooler, or during March/April or October/December. Because it can get quite warm in the south of France during the summer, you need to consider the geography.
- Summer – June to August
If you plan to visit Beaujolais or Burgundy and take a river cruise through wine country, you might want to book your cruise in the summer, or during the times when wine festivals generally take place. Therefore, the best time to embark on France river cruises depends on where you plan to travel in France and how much you can afford to spend. Naturally, peak season prices are the highest with shoulder season rates giving your wallet or bank account a break.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cruises In France
What are the best River cruises in France?
Amawaterways, Avalon, Emerald, Scenic, and Viking river cruise are some of the popular river cruises in France. You can choose from sightseeing, lunch and dinner cruises. The packages include delectable cuisine, drinks, and specific diets that cater to your needs.
Which is the best cruise to take to explore Vineyards in France?
You can take an 8-day cruise to the Dijon and many other destinations in France for wine tasting and sightseeing. It includes various facilities such as hotel accommodation, tour guide, and meals.
Which is the best cruise to take to Lyon city in France?
You can take an 8-day cruise to the Lyon city with the River Magic cruise. It covers 10 other destinations which includes meals and many other facilities.
What side of the ship to stay to avoid seasickness?
Choose the deck area and take in the fresh air as much as possible to avoid seasickness. Do not focus your attention on the moving ship and pay attention to other facilities the cruise has to offer to avoid seasickness.
How to choose the best side of the ship?
If you want to take a look at the scenic view, sunrises, sunsets, ocean views, etc, choose the port side. Choose forward cabins to avoid seasickness and avoid choosing the end of the cabins altogether to avoid mishaps.
Are there luggage weight limits to be carried on France cruises?
What facilities are available in cabins?
Is smoking allowed in cabins?
Where Can I Cruise In France Aboard A River Cruise Ship
These ships are large and therefore cant enter Frances 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.
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Parisian Grandeur For Over A Century And A Half
InterContinental Paris Le Grand has been the soul of Second Empire grandeur since the day Empress Eugenie inaugurated it in 1862, a magnet for royal guests like Tsar Nicholas II and Edward VII… the go-to place where Victor Hugo hosted parties, and writers like Oscar Wilde, Emile Zola, and Guy de Maupassant were regulars at the café. Filling an entire city block just off the grand Boulevard des Capucines, across from the Opera House and an easy walk to the Louvre, this luxury hotel is close to the heart of Paris, in both its romantic past and elegant present.
Barge Cruises Full Details On Each Barge
alphabetical list of barge cruises in France, and other countries in EuropeADAGIOBARGE PHOTOSRegion for the 2022/2023 cruise seasons:2022/2023 Price Per Person, double occupancy:2022/2023 Price Per Charter for up to 8:Cruises in Holland in the spring, then Bruges to Paris, spending the 2022 summer and fall in the Upper Loire before returning to Holland in October. In 2023, cruises Spring through Fall in the Champagne region. Previously known as the Savoir Faire with six cabins, Adagio now has four cabins, two at 200 sq ft and two at 174 sq ft including ensuite bathroom with shower. All with European king bed or twins. Elegant barge with mahogany paneling, piano and large salon/dining room with large windows. Separate bar at stern. Two sun decks. Gourmet cuisine and wines. Includes transfers from Amsterdam, Bruges, or Paris to the barge and return, depending on cruise route.
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Adventures By Disney River Cruises
Partnering with AmaWaterways, Adventures by Disney offers cruises on the Seine, Rhine, and Danube Rivers, Disney style. Specially designed itineraries and Adventure Guides create experiences for parents, children, and teens, from active excursions to unique onboard activities. Adults-only dinners and wine tasting experiences along with teen programming, Disney movie nights, karaoke, trivia nights, and Junior Adventurer dinners provide entertainment for guests of all ages.
The eight-day Danube River Cruise starts in Budapest where excursions include a horse show at an equestrian park and a goulash-making competition for Adventurers. In Bratislava, Junior Adventurers can visit a petting zoo, and in the evening, there’s family karaoke. A tour of Vienna and Schönbrunn Palace, marionette show, concert, and strudel making are options the next day. A day in Salzburg ends onboard with “The Sound of Music” film and singalong. After an Oktoberfest celebration and captain’s farewell dinner, the cruise ends the next day.
Best Time To For French River Cruise
Compared with many other river cruise routes, France has a long season. The majority of cruises run from early spring through to late fall . The best value cruises can be found at the beginning and end of the season it’s worth noting that France, particularly the south, can be hot in July and August, reaching the mid-80s, so walking and sightseeing can be tiring. Some cruises operate from March to December, providing the opportunity to visit festive markets and go shopping in the run-up to the holiday season.
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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.
Active And Discovery French River Cruise Itinerary
Still not entirely sure about how the active and discovery river cruise works? Let us tell you a little bit about it. Every single morning, after breakfast, you will have the chance to pick a suitable activity to enjoy. It can be something active, like hiking or riding a bike, or it can be something cultural, like a food tour, short city walk with a guide or a cooking class. The choice is absolutely yours.
Before you board the river cruise, we recommend that you download the “Avalon Go” app so you can familiarise yourself with all the options. You can prebook everything in advance, including any optional excursions. If for any reason you are unsure about something, on the second evening on the cruise you can watch an in-depth presentation given by the cruise director, who will explain more about each activity. You can then simply pick what you want to do for the rest of the week.
We created an itinerary to suit our time together, with a mix of both active and discovery experiences. Here’s what we did on our French river cruise, with a day by day itinerary.
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