France is a western European country stretching from the Mediterranean to the North Sea, from the Rhine River to the Atlantic Ocean. It borders Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, Andorra and Spain. The Rhône, Saône, Seine, and Rhine Rivers also flow through the country, giving visitors many opportunities to enjoy a relaxing France river cruise. Few countries can rival France for its contributions to world history, culture, language, literature, cinema, cuisine and viticulture. There are many reasons why the country is the #1 tourist destination in the world
A river cruise along one of the country’s rivers will allow visitors to experience the varied landscape, cities, and towns that make this area so special. A cruise along the Rhône River or the Saône River will bring cruise travelers through the heart of Burgundy and Provence, which features delicious food and wine, as well as beautiful scenery along the river. A popular Uniworld river cruise visits this region is the 8 day Burgundy and Provence
France’s Seine River will bring cruise visitors through Normandy, where grand monuments of established cities and medieval centers of bustling market towns and sleepy river villages await them. A wonderful itinerary for this region is Avalon Waterways Paris to Normandy's Landing Beaches.
Even if you have traveled to France before, a river cruise is a great way to see the country from a new perspective, allowing you to experience grand cities, vibrant market towns, and quaint river villages all in the same trip.
The River Cruise Lifestyle
Think of river boats as floating boutique hotels and you'll have a good idea of what they are like. The interiors have grace and style while the food and service is outstanding. They offer levels of luxury in line with cruise ships. You'll certainly be pampered as you sail serenely through France seeing all the highlights along the way.
Consider the many advantages of river cruising:
- Central locations - River boats dock conveniently downtown. Step ashore in the heart of town when you're ready to explore. Cruises from Paris include two overnights on board before you sail so you can visit Paris without having to book a pre-cruise hotel.
- Outstanding excursions - Included excursions are a real plus and a major advantage of taking a river cruise. Informative local guides lead complimentary sightseeing tours in each town. Additional excursions are available for purchase. Quietvox headsets ensure tour members can always hear the guide.
- English speaking staff & guides - Tour guides and staff speak English on the cruises offered by our preferred partners, Avalon Waterways, Uniworld and Viking River Cruises.
- Scenic cruising - Relax and enjoy the scenery away from busy highways and traffic noise. River boats feature plenty of picture windows in public areas and open deck space where you can sit back and take in the view. Many staterooms have picture windows while suites have French doors or wall-to-wall panoramic windows.
- No motion sickness - Since you aren't on the open sea and river boats are very stable, there's no problem with motion.
- Friendly companions - There is a great camaraderie on board these small vessels which in France carry from 132 to 150 passengers. River cruises are known for being very friendly.
- Convenience - Unpack once and the river boat is your floating hotel. This is one of the real pleasures of any type of cruising.