England and France River Cruises
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10 best river cruises through England and France
Compiled by
MelissaEngland and France travel expert at TourRadar
- Britain Sampler with Paris to Normandy 2025
- Normandy & Gems of the Seine with London
- Paris to Normandy with 3 Nights in London 2025
- Idyllic Rhône with London
- Paris to Normandy with 3 Nights in London 2026
- Grand France with 3 Nights in London (Northbound) 2026
- A Culinary Experience in Grand France with 3 Nights in London (Northbound) 2026
- Grand France with 3 Nights in London for Wine Lovers (Northbound) 2025
- Beautiful Bordeaux with Paris & London
- Spectacular South of France with Paris & London
The Avalon Tapestry II glides along the Seine, offering Panorama Suites with Open-Air Balconies. Giverny's gardens, Rouen's medieval quarter, and Normandy's beaches highlight the route. French cuisine and entertainment enhance the cruise.
Duration 16 days Destinations England, Wales, Scotland, France Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Avalon Waterways From
- NZ$12,775+$356 upfront costs
Paris's Notre Dame marks the start of Seine highlights leading to Normandy's D-Day beaches. Medieval Rouen, coastal Honfleur, and London's landmarks feature exclusive concerts at Château de La Roche Guyon.
Duration 14 days Destinations Paris, Les Andelys, Rouen, Honfleur, Caudebec-en-Caux, Vernon, La Roche-Guyon, Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, London Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $13,380
22% Off- NZ$10,380You save $3,000
The luxurious Avalon Tapestry II sails through France to England, showcasing Panorama Suites with river views. The Seine's picturesque route leads to Channel crossing, followed by London's iconic sights and Thames River cruising.
Duration 11 days Destinations Paris, Vernon, Les Andelys, Caudebec-en-Caux, Rouen, Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, London Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Avalon Waterways From
22% Off- NZ$8,631+$356 upfront costs
The Rhône River flows from Arles to Lyon aboard Scenic Sapphire before flying to London. Roman amphitheatres, Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines, and Tower Bridge visits create lasting memories. Three nights in London feature expert-guided tours.
Duration 11 days Destinations Nice, Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Vienne, Macon, Lyon, London Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $11,705
11% Off- NZ$10,405You save $1,300
Avalon Tapestry II's luxury suites provide passage between England and France. The route flows from Paris to Normandy's historic beaches, featuring Vernon's Monet gardens and Rouen's medieval quarter. Eurostar connects to London for Thames River views and West End entertainment.
Duration 11 days Destinations Paris, Vernon, Les Andelys, Caudebec-en-Caux, Rouen, Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, London Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Avalon Waterways From
11% Off- NZ$8,760+$392 upfront costs
Luxury Avalon ships bridge England and France with panoramic suites and fine dining. The Rhône and Seine rivers lead to Avignon's Palace, Normandy's beaches, and London's St. Paul's Cathedral, offering premium comfort throughout.
Duration 18 days Destinations Marseille, Arles, Avignon, Pont du Gard, Châteauneuf-de-Bordette, Pont-en-Royans, Lyon, Tournus, Paris, BeauneSee all destinations Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Avalon Waterways From
11% Off- NZ$17,876+$784 upfront costs
France and England unite via luxurious Suite Ships offering panoramic views. Paul Bocuse-inspired meals complement expert-led tours of Normandy's beaches, concluding with VIP access to London's St. Paul's Cathedral.
Duration 18 days Destinations Arles, Avignon, Pont du Gard, Pont-en-Royans, Viviers, Lyon, Tournus, Beaune, Dijon, ParisSee all destinations Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Avalon Waterways From
11% Off- NZ$17,197+$784 upfront costs
Luxury Suite Ships® link Mediterranean France to London. Provence's wine country and the Seine lead to Normandy's coast, featuring Master of Wine presentations and guided excursions throughout.
Duration 18 days Destinations Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Tain-l’Hermitage, Lyon, Tournus, Chalon sur Saone, Beaune, Dijon, ParisSee all destinations Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Avalon Waterways From
11% Off- NZ$20,505+$713 upfront costs
The stylish Scenic Diamond, featuring its innovative Salt Therapy Lounge, connects England and France. From Paris's Opera district to Bordeaux's elite wine regions and Saint-Émilion's UNESCO sites, the voyage concludes at London's Kensington Palace.
Duration 16 days Destinations Paris, Bordeaux, Saint-Emilion, Libourne, Cussac-Fort-Médoc, Cadillac, Bourg, London Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $16,825
20% Off- NZ$13,425You save $3,400
The magnificent Scenic Sapphire spans 10 nights between Paris and London. Guests attend an exclusive evening concert at Pope's Palace in Avignon and tour London's royal residences. Butler service, premium drinks, and diverse dining venues enhance the journey.
Duration 16 days Destinations Paris, Lyon, Chalon sur Saone, Tournus, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Avignon, Arles, Viviers, London Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $18,270
19% Off- NZ$14,870You save $3,400
What our customers ask about England and France River Cruises
What are the most popular destinations included in England and France river cruise itineraries?
River cruises connecting England and France focus on key stops along the Seine Rhône and Thames rivers. In France travelers explore Paris with its essential landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre. The route continues to Vernon where Monet's gardens at Giverny await then moves to Rouen known for its Gothic cathedral and on to the historic Normandy beaches. London serves as the primary English destination featuring Westminster Abbey Big Ben and St. Paul's Cathedral with options to visit Windsor Castle. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The itinerary perfectly balanced major cities like Paris and London with charming smaller towns like Vernon and Les Andelys."
When is the best time to take an England and France river cruise?
Peak river cruising season runs April through October when weather conditions are most reliable. Spring months (April-May) showcase flowering gardens including Monet's Gardens in Giverny with temperatures near 65°F. Summer (June-August) provides extended daylight for exploration though temperatures can reach 80°F. Fall months (September-October) coincide with grape harvest in regions like Bordeaux and Beaujolais with pleasant 70°F days. As TourRadar travelers note "The September timing was perfect for visiting the vineyards during harvest season in Bordeaux."
How long are typical England and France river cruise itineraries?
River cruise durations typically span 7 to 20 days. Common options include weeklong Seine River journeys from Paris to Normandy 8-day Bordeaux wine region explorations and extended 11-16 day trips incorporating London stays. Select operators like Scenic provide comprehensive 20-day Grand France voyages across multiple waterways. According to one TourRadar traveler: "Our 11-day Bordeaux cruise with 3 nights in London was the perfect length to experience both countries without feeling rushed."
What are the typical cabin options on England and France river cruise ships?
Ships like the Scenic Gem and Avalon Poetry II provide accommodations ranging from standard suites with panoramic windows to premium Balcony Suites featuring Scenic Sun Lounges. Royal Suites located on Diamond Deck offer up to 510 square feet with separate living spaces and full balconies. Each room comes equipped with L'Occitane bath amenities Egyptian cotton linens and personal climate controls. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Our Panorama Suite on the Avalon Poetry II was incredibly comfortable with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors and plenty of storage space."
What is the dining experience like on England and France river cruises?
Food service celebrates regional French and English flavors across multiple venues. The Avalon Poetry II features the main Panorama Restaurant casual Panorama Lounge and outdoor Sky Grill. Special events include wine pairings with Master Sommeliers cheese tastings and French pastry demonstrations. Breakfast combines buffet and made-to-order selections while dinners offer multiple courses with regional wines included. One TourRadar traveler noted: "The culinary experience was exceptional - from fresh croissants at breakfast to gourmet French dinners paired perfectly with local wines."
What kinds of shore excursions are offered during England and France river cruises?
Tours range from guided walks through medieval towns like Les Andelys to visits at D-Day beaches and Somme Battlefields. Activities include wine tastings in Beaujolais painting workshops in Arles and French cooking classes. Scenic's program offers active options like hiking and biking alongside cultural Discovery tours. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The variety of excursion choices was excellent - one day we could be visiting a Norman abbey the next cycling through vineyards all with knowledgeable local guides."