France River Cruises
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10 best river cruises through France
Compiled by

SteffFrance travel expert at TourRadar
- Treasures of Burgundy and Provence: Rhône & Saône (Lyon - Lyon) (including Beaujolais)
- Lyon to the Tip of Provence on the Rhône and Saône Rivers
- La Belle France: Paris, Normandy and the River Seine (Paris - Paris)
- Rhône Route Provence 2026 - A-ROSA STELLA
- Colors of Provence 2026 Start Arles, End Lyon
- Paris & Normandy (2026) (Paris to Paris, 2026)
- The Must-see Sights of the Seine Valley (port-to-port cruise)
- Treasures of Burgundy and Provence: Rhône & Saône (Lyon - Lyon) (including Chalon sur Saone)
- La Belle France: Paris, Normandy and the River Seine (Paris - Paris)
- The Loire Valley, a Royal legacy (port-to-port cruise) (8 destinations)
Treasures of Burgundy and Provence: Rhône & Saône (Lyon - Lyon) (including Beaujolais)
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The cruise boat accommodation is very comfortable. You will cruise without feeling that you are in sailing.”
Maria, traveled in October
The luxury AMADEUS vessel, adorned with panoramic windows, weaves through France's historic waterways. The route connects Lyon to Avignon via the Rhône and Saône rivers, stopping at UNESCO sites with regional wine tastings at scheduled ports.
Duration 8 days Destinations Lyon, Macon, Beaujolais, Tournus, Avignon, Pont du Gard, Arles, Châteauneuf-du-Rhône, Le Pouzin Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, German Operator Lueftner Cruises From $4,667
25% Off- NZ$3,500You save $1,167
Lyon to the Tip of Provence on the Rhône and Saône Rivers
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I really enjoyed this trip and am now considering another French river cruise with this company for next year.”
GARRY, traveled in September
French historic waterways open up aboard premium ships like MS Van Gogh or MS Camargue II. From Lyon's illuminated cityscape to Provence's ancient ports, the route includes legendary vineyards. French balcony cabins, regional cuisine, and professional crew service highlight this 7-day voyage.
Duration 7 days Destinations Lyon, Macon, Beaujolais, Tain-l’Hermitage, Avignon, Arles, Martigues Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From $2,663
23% Off- NZ$2,055You save $608
La Belle France: Paris, Normandy and the River Seine (Paris - Paris)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The food was excellent. The tours were well planned, and even though there were a few technical problems, the staff worked very hard to make things go as smoothly as possible.”
Kimberley, traveled in April
AMADEUS Diamond's spacious Mozart Suites offer French balcony views of France's waterways. The itinerary includes Caudebec-en-Caux's medieval port, Vernon's artistic heritage, and onboard French culinary demonstrations.
Duration 8 days Destinations Paris, Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, Rouen, Le Havre, Caudebec-en-Caux, Les Andelys, Vernon, Mantes-la-Jolie Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, German Operator Lueftner Cruises From
23% Off- NZ$4,181
Rhône Route Provence 2026 - A-ROSA STELLA
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Overall we had a wonderful time. Thanks Desley.”
Desley, traveled in October
The A-ROSA STELLA sails France's Rhône, offering staterooms with balcony options and comprehensive amenities. The route takes you from Lyon's UNESCO Old Town to Avignon's Palais des Papes, with visits to Tournon's Le Jardin d'Eden and Roman Arles. Regional cuisine and unlimited beverages included.
Duration 8 days Destinations Lyon, Beaujolais, Avignon, Arles, Viviers, Vienne Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, German Operator A-ROSA From
23% Off- NZ$1,942
Seven historic ports dot this route from Arles to Lyon, featuring specialty dining experiences including La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs dinners and wine pairings at Château de Tournon, with multiple daily expert-guided excursions.
Duration 8 days Destinations Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Vienne, Beaujolais, Lyon Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator AmaWaterways From
23% Off- NZ$6,605
The intimate S.S. Joie de Vivre sails the Seine River from Paris to Honfleur. Guests select between Normandy beach visits, golf at Étretat cliffs, or tours of Château de La Roche-Guyon. The journey features gourmet French cuisine and premium beverages.
Duration 8 days Destinations Paris, La Roche-Guyon, Vernon, Giverny, Rouen, Caudebec-en-Caux, Honfleur, Normandy Beach, Mantes-la-Jolie, Versailles Age Range up to 100 year olds Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $7,499
10% Off- NZ$6,749You save $750
The Must-see Sights of the Seine Valley (port-to-port cruise)
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I was kept informed & on promptly basis. A very professional approach by your staff.”
Paul, traveled in August
The historic Seine beckons aboard MS Botticelli from Paris to Normandy's coast. Luxurious moments await at Versailles Palace, while Honfleur's 16th-century port and Rouen's Gothic architecture captivate visitors. French cuisine, wines, and scenic cruising included.
Duration 5 days Destinations Paris, Les Andelys, Rouen, Honfleur Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
10% Off- NZ$1,652
Treasures of Burgundy and Provence: Rhône & Saône (Lyon - Lyon) (including Chalon sur Saone)
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelersDuration 8 days Destinations Lyon, Macon, Chalon sur Saone, Tournus, Avignon, Arles, Châteauneuf-du-Rhône, Le Pouzin Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, German Operator Lueftner Cruises From $2,702
15% Off- NZ$2,297You save $405
La Belle France: Paris, Normandy and the River Seine (Paris - Paris)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelersDuration 8 days Destinations Paris, Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, Rouen, Le Havre, Caudebec-en-Caux, Les Andelys, Vernon, Mantes-la-Jolie Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, German Operator Lueftner Cruises From $3,189
13% Off- NZ$2,789You save $399
The Loire Valley, a Royal legacy (port-to-port cruise) (8 destinations)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelersThe Loire River beckons aboard MS Loire Princesse, with contemporary cabins featuring floor-to-ceiling windows. Nantes' mechanical masterpieces, Saint-Nazaire's shipyards, and majestic Brissac Castle await. This six-day adventure includes French cuisine, drinks, and entertainment.
Duration 6 days Destinations Nantes, St-Nazaire, Ancenis, Bouchemaine, Angers Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
13% Off- NZ$2,860
River Cruises in France Reviews
- Treasures of Burgundy and Provence: Rhône & Saône (Lyon - Lyon) (including Beaujolais)
This was our second Amadeus tour, and it did not disappoint. However, a few of the optional tours were over priced and disappointing for what was included. This included the local guides. I would recommend this trip to others.
- Lyon to the Tip of Provence on the Rhône and Saône Rivers
This was an absolute highlight of our two months in Europe. From the moment we stepped on board, early, to our final departure the crew could not have been more welcoming and accommodating. The boat is gorgeous, our room with the ranchslider was bliss, the food is amazing - Chef Samuel and the team - wow! Favourites, the duck (5 star plus) and the Baked Alaska (style plus). Quentin's announcements, hilarious, especially at mealtimes. Bar staff are friendly, helpful and have great memories. Wait staff - ditto. The only thing they undersell is the excursions. "Four and a half hours with three stops" does not describe how truly extraordinary the trip to the Ardèche gorges and the Chauvet-Pont-d'Arc Cave is. Do not miss it!
- A trip to admire the beautiful scenery of the Rhône valley (port-to-port cruise)
Wonderful trip, clean boat, satisfied our needs. Great food, excellent service all round. There were 5 Australians and they sat us together so we could share our experiences in Aussie English!
What our customers ask about France River Cruises
What are the main rivers and regions covered by France river cruises?
France's river cruise network spans four key waterways: the Seine Rhône Saône and the Bordeaux region's Garonne and Dordogne rivers. Seine cruises connect Paris with Normandy taking passengers through historic Rouen Les Andelys and Monet's Giverny. Southern routes along the Rhône and Saône showcase Provence and Burgundy with stops in food-centric Lyon medieval Avignon and artsy Arles. The Bordeaux routes weave through celebrated wine territories including Saint-Émilion Médoc and Cadillac. As noted by a TourRadar traveler: "Our Seine cruise from Paris to Normandy offered the perfect mix of city countryside and coastal experiences with each region having its own distinct character and charm."
What is the typical length and price range for France river cruises?
Standard France river cruises last 7-8 days with prices starting at $1,276 and reaching $5,799 USD. Budget-conscious travelers might consider CroisiEurope's 5-day Loire Valley journey while high-end operators like AmaWaterways and Uniworld offer 8-day Seine or Bordeaux trips with premium services. Ships such as the S.S. Joie de Vivre and AmaCello provide accommodations ranging from standard rooms to deluxe suites featuring French balconies. As noted by a TourRadar traveler: "The ship is absolutely beautiful the food was consistently great and the staff couldn't be nicer and more accommodating."
What's the best time of year for a river cruise in France?
River cruising in France peaks from April through October. Spring fills Giverny's gardens with color while summer brings extended daylight perfect for evening cruises past Paris landmarks. Fall attracts wine enthusiasts to Bordeaux and Burgundy during harvest season. Major operators focus on these months though some vessels run in March and November. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "September was perfect - warm days for excursions but cool evenings for dining on deck."
What are the typical shore excursion options on France river cruises?
French river cruise excursions blend local culture history and food experiences. Programs often feature walking tours through Avignon's Papal Palace bicycle rides along riverbanks wine sampling sessions at estates like Château de la Brède and visits to regional markets. More active guests can hike Burgundy's Cirque du Bout du Monde or cycle through vineyard paths. As one TourRadar traveler noted on their AmaWaterways cruise: "The variety of excursions was impressive - from e-bike rides through Provence's lavender fields to private tastings at family-owned wineries and guided tours of Van Gogh's Arles."
What is the best French river cruise for wine enthusiasts?
Wine-focused travelers should consider Bordeaux or Burgundy routes. Bordeaux itineraries explore Saint-Émilion and Médoc with visits to distinguished wine estates. Burgundy cruises access the Côte d'Or vineyards and Beaune's historic wine cellars. Select vessels like AmaWaterways' AmaKristina employ wine experts for onboard education. A TourRadar traveler who sailed with Avalon shared: "The Bordeaux cruise was perfect for wine lovers - we visited five different wine regions and had exclusive tastings with local vintners including a memorable visit to Château Lafite Rothschild."
What are the main embarkation points for France river cruises?
Major departure points include Paris for Seine voyages Lyon or Chalon-sur-Saône for Rhône/Saône trips and Bordeaux for Garonne/Dordogne sailings. These cities connect to international flights and France's high-speed rail network. Ships dock centrally with Paris vessels often mooring near the Eiffel Tower at Port de Grenelle or Port Javel Bas. A TourRadar traveler noted: "Embarking in Paris was incredibly convenient - we could walk from our hotel to the ship which was docked right in the heart of the city."