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Whether cruising down one of France's romantic rivers or cruising the French Riviera on the Mediterranean, we'll savor the flavors of French cuisine, wine and culture in style and comfort as we explore the countryside on foot and bike - with wine tasting glass in hand. From Paris, embark on a cruise of the Seine River all the way to the Beaches of Normandy. From Bordeaux board a river cruise through the world's most famous wine region. Sail the mighty Rhine River from Franco-German city of Strasbourg. From Lyon, sail on the Rhone and Saone Rivers all the way to the Mediterranean. Small ship cruises of the Mediterranean visit the Provençal hot spots of Cannes and Nice, and the French Island of Corsica. Contact one of our French cruise experts to start planning your dream cruise today.
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81 Best River Cruises in France for 2025-2026

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38 Best French Riviera Mediterranean Cruises

Trip Name From Days Next Departure Summary
Corsica & French Riviera $1,450 5 Jun 05, 2025 Experience this 5-day cruise starting and ending in the enchanting city of Cannes aboard the Royal Clipper. Discover the breathtaking ports of Calvi, Monaco, and St Tropez.
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Corsica & French Riviera $2,120 7 May 30, 2025 Experience this 7-day cruise starting and ending in the enchanting city of Cannes aboard the Royal Clipper. Discover the breathtaking ports of Portofino, Bastia, Bonifacio, Ajaccio, and St Tropez.
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Grand Voyage: Cannes to Rome $3,040 10 Jun 05, 2025 Embark on a 10-day cruise aboard the Royal Clipper through glamorous ports of the Mediterranean, including Cannes, Corsica, and Portofino. Enjoy luxury, culture, and stunning scenery on this unforgettable journey.
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Corsican shores, under Sail Aboard Le Ponant $12,220 8 May 17, 2025 Set sail on an 8-day cruise along the Corsican coastline aboard Le Ponant, departing from Nice. Explore the northern terrain of Balagne and Cap Corse with historic citadels and unspoiled villages. Experience the Gulf of Sant’Amanza. Visit the Gulf of Roccapina and Domaine de Murtoli before returning to Nice.
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Voiles de Saint Tropez $2,570 8 Sep 26, 2026 Set sail on an 8-day cruise aboard the Royal Clipper, exploring the stunning Mediterranean coasts of France, Italy, and Corsica. Journey from Nice to Lerici, Portoferraio, and St. Tropez, enjoying historical sites, breathtaking views, and vibrant local culture.
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Grand Prix Trials $2,570 8 May 30, 2026 Set sail on an 8-day cruise aboard the Royal Clipper, visiting charming coastal towns like Nice, Lerici, and Portoferraio. Explore stunning beaches and rich history, and witness the Monaco Grand Prix trials before returning to Nice.
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Ligurian Sea $2,570 8 May 02, 2026 Embark on an 8-day cruise aboard the Royal Clipper, sailing from Nice to Monaco while discovering beautiful coastal towns and rich cultural landmarks. Enjoy vibrant local cuisine, stunning beaches, and history in France, Italy, and Monaco.
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Corsica & French Riviera $2,570 8 May 23, 2026 Set sail for an 8-day cruise on the Royal Clipper, visiting Monaco, Portofino, Corsica, Sardinia, and St. Tropez. Experience stunning landscapes, rich culture, and gourmet dining before returning to Nice with lasting memories.
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Corsica & French Riviera $2,570 8 Sep 19, 2026 Set sail on an 8-day Royal Clipper cruise through the Mediterranean, exploring beautiful coastal towns in France, Italy, and Corsica. Enjoy vibrant markets in Nice, stunning views in Portofino, and relax on St. Tropez’s famed Pampelonne Beach.
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Ligurian Sea $2,570 8 May 16, 2026 Embark on an 8-day cruise aboard the Royal Clipper, sailing from Nice to Monaco while discovering beautiful coastal towns and rich cultural landmarks. Enjoy vibrant local cuisine, stunning beaches, and history in France, Italy, and Monaco.
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Top 50 Barge Cruises in France for 2025-2026

Trip Name From Days Next Departure Summary
Normandy & Gems of the Seine $14,990 11 May 20, 2025 Board the luxurious Scenic Gem on this 11-day Seine River cruise. Experience some of the highlights of the Seine from the glittering lights of Paris, to historic Normandy, to charming riverside villages dating back centuries.
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Southern Burgundy Cruise $6,850 7 Mar 30, 2025 Board L’Impressionniste for this 7-day cruise which will take you on a tour that starts and ends in Paris. View the beautiful French countryside from the ship, explore medieval villages, and taste the local goods produced in the region.
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Spectacular South of France $13,690 11 Apr 06, 2025 Enjoy this 11-day luxury round-trip cruise from Lyon aboard Scenic Sapphire. Visit Lyon, Avignon, Viviers and Beaune to explore the centuries-old architecture of Southern France. Sample the celebrated wines and other gastronomic delights for a full South of France experience.
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Highlights of Normandy & The Seine $10,390 8 Apr 06, 2025 A journey on the Seine River is an experience you’ll never forget, from the glittering lights of Paris to riverside villages dating back centuries.
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Paris & Normandy $4,099 8 Mar 23, 2025 The best way to see historic buildings and the beaches of Normandy is on a river cruise from Paris through the countryside. Visit Claude Monet's house and gardens, Honfleur's harbor, and Utah Beach on Normandy. Traveling on the enchanting S.S. Joie de Vivre for eight days is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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Paris & the Heart of Normandy $2,999 8 Mar 19, 2025 This river journey from Paris through the countryside of Normandy is the best way to uncover the region's numerous charms, historic landmarks, and Normandy beaches. This eight-day tour on the enticing Viking River Cruises visits La Roche Guyon, Giverny, Rouen, Les Andelys, and more.
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Idyllic Rhone $11,590 8 May 03, 2025 Enjoy an exceptional Scenic Culinaire experience as you sail from Tarascon to Lyon along the Rhône and Saone rivers aboard the luxurious Scenic Sapphire. Visit the Notre Dame Basilica in Lyon for breathtaking views over one of the most beautiful regions of France, renowned for its art and food.
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Southern France and the Italian Riviera by Sea – with Smithsonian Journeys $7,450 8 Oct 02, 2025 Explore the French and Italian Rivieras on an 8-day cruise aboard Le Laperouse. Visit UNESCO sites and cultural landmarks in Sete, Marseille, Nice, Portofino, Porto Venere, and Livorno. Enjoy expert-guided excursions from Carcassonne’s medieval fortress to Pisa’s Leaning Tower, experiencing the art, history, and coastal landscapes of the Mediterranean.
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Idyllic Rhône $11,590 8 Apr 26, 2025 From Lyon to Avignon, cruise along the Rhône and Sâone rivers aboard the luxurious Scenic Sapphire and enjoy an exclusive Scenic culinaire experience. Explore Provence, one of the most beautiful regions of France, known for its art and cuisine.
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Sensations of Lyon and Provence $7,590 8 Mar 29, 2025 Sail from Marseille to Lyon for another fun and exciting 8-day cruise along the Rhone and Saone Rivers. Emerald Liberté offers comfortable accommodations before exploring different cities.
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50 Best Luxury Cruises to France for 2025-2026

Trip Name From Days Next Departure Summary
Mediterranean Island Voyage: Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, and Elba – with Smithsonian Journeys $7,340 8 May 26, 2025 Explore the heart of the Mediterranean on this 8-day Mediterranean Island Cruise with Smithsonian Journeys from Valletta to Nice aboard Le Bougainville. Discover Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, and Elba's historical civilizations that left mark on these islands' language, cuisine, art, and architecture.
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Southern France and the Italian Riviera by Sea – with Smithsonian Journeys $6,720 8 Apr 26, 2025 Explore the French and Italian Rivieras on an 8-day cruise aboard Le Bougainville. Visit UNESCO sites and cultural landmarks in Port Vendres, Marseille, Nice, Portofino, Porto Venere, and Livorno. Enjoy expert-guided excursions from Carcassonne’s medieval fortress to Pisa’s Leaning Tower, experiencing the art, history, and coastal landscapes of the Mediterranean.
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Bordeaux Affair $9,590 8 Apr 19, 2025 Enjoy this 8-day luxury round-trip cruise from Bordeaux aboard Scenic Diamond. Visit Saint-Emilion, Medoc and Cadillac to explore the enchanting castles and idyllic vistas of southwestern France. Sample the renowned wines and cuisine of the region and wander through the stunning château-dotted countryside.
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London to Lisbon: Cruising Europe's Western Shores – with Smithsonian Journeys $6,780 10 Sep 05, 2026 Set sail on a 10-day Le Champlain cruise along France, Spain, and Portugal's coasts, starting in London and exploring historic sites like Caen's castle and Normandy's Omaha Beach. Visit Saint-Malo, Bilbao, A Coruña, Santiago de Compostela, Porto, and end in Lisbon, experiencing stunning architecture, rich history, and cultural landmarks.
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Fjords and Glaciers of Spitsbergen $10,620 8 Jun 15, 2025 During this unforgettable 8-day expedition, Le Boreal will sail to latitudes of 80° north and you will discover that unique feeling of having reached the top of the world. Experience something exceptional by discovering the Far North and the immense open spaces of the polar Arctic and its ice floes that extend to the North Pole.
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Castles along the Rhine $4,699 8 Apr 25, 2025 During this 8-day cruise aboard the S.S. Victoria, cruise along the impressive Rhine River —Germany on one side, France on the other. Discover Alsace, whose dual French and German heritage has given it fabulous food and a winemaking tradition that goes back to the Romans.
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Rhine Christmas Markets $9,090 8 Dec 06, 2025 Admire festive decorations and twinkling lights along streets and squares, and even the Scenic Crystal will be decked out in all its Christmas finery. See the beautiful cities of Strasbourg, Baden-Baden, and Heidelberg. Admire the Rhine Gorge, enjoy Cologne's Christmas markets, and wander Amsterdam's canals.
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Jewels of the Rhine $7,990 8 May 16, 2026 Embark on an 8-day river cruise from Amsterdam to Zurich aboard the Emerald Dawn. Discover Alkmaar’s cheese traditions, Cologne’s Gothic cathedral, the Rhine Gorge’s castles, and the Black Forest’s culinary delights.
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Jewels of the Rhine $7,990 8 May 23, 2026 Embark on an 8-day river cruise aboard the Emerald Dawn, starting in Basel and exploring Europe’s cultural gems. Highlights include Strasbourg, Heidelberg, Cologne, and Alkmaar, each offering rich history and charm.
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Jewels of the Rhine $7,390 8 May 13, 2025 Discover the Rhine region's architecture, history, and natural beauty on this delightful cruise from Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland. Explore the Black Forest region, wander through Strasbourg, visit Cologne, and much more on this 8-day cruise aboard Emerald Sky.
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France Cruising Tips & Travel Guide

Cruising The Rivers and Waterways of France

From cosmopolitan Paris to the glamorous coastal French Riviera to the ancient and beautiful borderlands with Germany, the rivers and waterways of France wind through all corners of this country and offer excellent opportunities for classic European river cruises.
  • Seine River- Embark in Paris en route to the cliffs and beaches of Normandy. Along this historic cruise, you will pass through the quaint towns of Giverny, Les Andelys, Honfleur, Duclair and Jumièges, where you'll see the birthplace of impressionism along with royal châteaux. 
  • Rhine River - Cruise into the scenic heart of Europe from the French city of Strasbourg on the border with Germany. From here, your cruise will take you through a land of sweeping green valleys, castles, and traditional cuisine, passing through Germany, Switzerland, and Amsterdam.
  • Rhone & Saone Rivers - There's no better river for wine lovers to cruise than the Rhone, originating high in the Swiss Alps and eventually joining the Saone at Lyon to flow into the Mediterranean. On these relaxed-pace river cruises, the smells of lavender and savory flavors of wine highlight the itinerary.
  • Bordeaux - Get a taste of the old-fashioned way of life and sample some of France's best vintages cruising the Gironde, Dordogne, and Garonne Rivers from Bordeaux visiting PauillacMacon, Cadillac, Saint-Émilion and Libourne and Bourg. These are great cruises for active travelers hoping to hike and bike along the way!
  • Moselle River - The romantic Moselle river winds through forested landscapes that reveal castles, quaint villages and terraced hillsides as it makes its way from the Vosges mountains, through French wine country, along the border of Luxembourg and thorough Germany where it flows into the Rhine River at Koblenz.
  • French Mediterranean - Take a luxurious Mediterranean cruise along the sun-kissed and celebrity filled beaches of the coast and explore NiceCannes, or St Tropez where you can embark on an unforgettable cruise of the French Riviera, just like the rich and famous have done for centuries, since British monarchs came to these shores to escape the cold northern winters!
  • Corsica - Join us on a cruise to Corsica, a breathtaking island in the center of the Mediterranean between France and Italy that has a unique culture combing both French and Italian characteristics.
Best Times to Visit France

The late spring and early fall months of May and September are considered ideal as they tend to have the best mix of good weather and lighter crowds than the peak summer travel season.

France stretches from the mild Mediterranean all the way into central Europe, bordering Germany and just across the canal from the United Kingdom, so depending on where you plan to visit the temperature could be very different. 

In the northern part of the country, from Paris all the way to Strasbourg, the summer months tend to be warm with sunny days and occasional showers. Evenings can be a bit chilly even in summer. Winters here are cold and snowy. 

Along the Mediterranean coast, temperatures are chillier in the winter and hot in the summer, but do tend towards mild year round. 

Most river cruises in France are planned during the late spring, summer, and fall months. Mediterranean cruises might have more flexible itineraries later into the year.
 
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France Cruise FAQs

Why should I choose a France cruise?
Cruises are quickly becoming the most popular way to explore Europe, and France is no exception. With options to cruise the Mediterranean, the Rhone River, and the Seine River, you'll be able to see all that France has to offer from the comfort of a cruise ship or riverboat. The advantage to the cruise is that for the all-inclusive price, you will get lodging, meals, and all daily excursions and tours at a tremendous value. Plus, since your hotel is your transportation, you won't have to pack and unpack every time you visit a new city and you will awake each day with wonderful new views of the French countryside right from your cabin window. 

What should I look for on a cruise ship in France?
It all depends on whether you're looking for a ship that explores the coastal regions and Mediterranean or a river ship. The sea-going boats are larger mega-yachts that are often between first class and luxurious. River ships feature fewer amenities due to the size restrictions, but you can count on comfortable cabins, a spacious bar & lounge, and a panoramic sun deck.

Are there 5-star river vessels in France?
Some of our yachts could be considered five-stars, but the river vessels have more confined space constrictions, limiting the amount of social areas and amenities, which means that they generally don't qualify as 5-star vessels. At least not yet – remember that river cruising is a new trend in European tourism, so it's probable that in the next few years, they will debut several world class five star vessels.

Should I get a room with a balcony?
Not necessarily. Some travelers feel that a balcony is a "must" for their cruise experience – if you're in this group, then go for it. Otherwise, consider a room with floor-to-ceiling windows or a sliding glass door that opens up to the fresh air. This will save you considerable money and might even afford you more floor space in your cabin. Plus, you can always go to the sundeck to take in the panoramic views and crisp French air.

What is dining like?
It's no secret that one of the highlights of a French vacation is the cuisine, and our Adventure Life tours are no exception. No matter which part of France you are visiting, you will find gourmet cuisine prepared by local chefs.

Do river cruises ever visit destinations that aren't on the river?
Usually. The truth is, the waterways of France already provide access to some of the best sites, like the Seine River which winds from Paris through Normandy and the Rhone River in the southern part of the country. And French Mediterranean cruises stick to the sea. If there is a destination that is not on the river or sea route, you will dock in the closest port so that you can transfer to the site by luxury coach. 

Will my vessel have WiFi?
You will probably have internet access throughout most of your cruise, but it's possible that your vessel will not be equipped or that you will be out of range at some point in your cruise too. 

What kind of power outlets are there? Will I need a converter?
European plugs are either British style (three flat prongs) or European style (two round prongs), different from the two flat prongs in North America. Power is 220v, not 110v like in North America, but this usually isn't a problem since most devices can handle the difference.

How can I save money on a France cruise?
A great way to save money on your France cruise is to browse our deals and promotions or by letting us know which places you'd like to see so we can keep you in the loop for all new travel deals. Don’t go cheap on the cabin selection to save money since this will also result in less space or maybe even less comfort.

Are cruises in France a good family vacation?
Yes! If you are traveling with younger children then avoid the wine tasting cruises, but otherwise we feature some very active options that are great for families. Check out our family travel article for more information.

Do Americans and Canadians need a passport and visa to travel to France?
All citizens of North America traveling to Europe need a passport that is valid for at least 6 months. In recent years, it has not been necessary to apply for a visa before traveling to Europe if you plan to stay less than three months, however, this situation may change in the future. See current travel requirements on the U.S. Department of State website.

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