France is a beautiful country known for its excellent cuisine, rich culture, stunning landscapes and intriguing activities and attractions. Visitors choose this destination for the plethora of incredible towns, cities and villages, alongside endless countryside, providing guests with lots to see and do during their visit.
When looking to see all that France has to offer, there’s no better way to explore the country than by river cruise. This unique way of travelling allows you to see the highlights of this outstanding destination, all while enjoying a different type of adventure.
There are plenty of incredible places to go river cruising in France and if you’re looking for your next break here, we’ll share some of the favoured options. Keep reading to learn more about a holiday cruising experience in this gorgeous part of Europe.
River cruising in France is an excellent way to see more of the country’s highlights all while travelling in style. Cruise along iconic waterways including the Loire, Seine and more where you will discover endless natural beauty and cultural exploration at every twist and turn.
When embarking on a river cruise in France, you’ll also find plenty of hidden gems and unique excursions during your trip. Visit historical sites, indulge in mouthwatering cuisine or explore some of the iconic landmarks throughout this lovely country.
Whether you’re travelling with family, friends or your partner, there’s something for all when booking a river cruise in France.
Before planning your river cruise in France, it’s important to assess the best time to visit this fantastic destination. The weather can affect several aspects of your trip, so we recommend planning your time depending on what you aim to do during your stay.
The cruising season in France often starts in April and ends in October and the busiest months tend to be June and July. During this time, you can expect more crowds and a bustling atmosphere in many of the favoured destinations.
If you’d prefer to enjoy a quiet atmosphere, you’ll want to visit in either April, May, September or October. With fewer crowds and a peaceful aura, these months are great for those looking to get out and active without the hustle and bustle. Explore the beautiful towns or hike in the countryside without other tourists. Plus, you’ll also find that the cruises are quieter during the low season, great for those seeking a little serenity.
Paris is an exception to the seasons above though, as the capital tends to attract visitors all year round. River cruises on the Seine tend to be the busiest due to the amount of attractions on this route. However, when planning your trip, you’ll find plenty of tranquil areas to unwind.
Those looking for a festive break can also enjoy Christmas cruising on Rhine river cruises. This is an excellent choice for those planning to visit the vibrant markets and experience France during this lovely season.
No matter when you decide to enjoy a river cruise in France, you’re sure to find an array of things to see and do. Great for families, friends and couples, river cruising has something for all.
If you’re ready to start planning your next getaway, you’re likely looking for the best river cruises in France. With so many to choose from, you might find yourself stuck for choice.
Browse the varying destinations below and get ready to enjoy an unforgettable adventure while cruising on the pretty waterways.
When planning a river cruising holiday in France, there’s no better choice than the Seine River. This beautiful journey takes you to some of the country’s best attractions, allowing you to explore many of the favoured destinations here.
Visit ancient cathedrals, uncover historical sites and relax in the serenity of the stunning surroundings. A river cruise on the Seine is great for anyone interested in French cuisine, World War 2 Heritage, the natural beauty in France and much more.
Travellers will have the opportunity to visit noteworthy destinations on their Seine River cruise including Paris, Giverny, Rouen, and the D-Day Beaches. If you’re looking for a laid-back break or just want to explore at a slower pace, cruising the Seine is an excellent option.
Another of the best French river cruises includes a trip on the Rhone and Saone rivers. If you’re looking to enjoy an array of historical landmarks, culinary highlights and unique experiences, you’re sure to be impressed by all that this cruise has to offer.
Cruising on the Rhone has much to offer an array of travel itineraries. However, some of the noteworthy attractions include a trip to the outstanding vineyards, exploring Gothic palaces, or visiting the beautiful town of Arles with its Roman heritage and artistic history.
When travelling on the river Saone, you’ll find plenty of impressive destinations to explore. Visit some of France’s favoured places such as Lyon, Macon, Tournus, Chalon-sur-Saone and more. Uncover historic sightseeing, and UNESCO World Heritage sites, or simply sit back and taste the fine wines on offer throughout these stunning areas in France.
The Garonne, Gironde and Dordogne river cruises are great for visitors looking to immerse themselves in the wine, historic towns and culture throughout France. With opportunities to visit Bordeaux, Saint Emilion, Libourne, Blaye and more, you’re sure to find an abundance of incredible things to do and see during your cruise.
Visit the frequented vineyards in Bordeaux, scour the quaint cobblestone streets of Grands Crus Classe, or simply sit back while taking in the neverending natural beauty and intriguing architecture along the way. You can also hop off your cruise and enjoy a guided biking tour, an excellent way to get out and active during your time in France.
Now you know a bit more about some of the best river cruises in France, let’s next look at some of the favoured places to explore during your time here.
The Loire is an excellent place to explore when enjoying a river cruise in France. There are plenty of amazing things to do and see throughout this fantastic destination making it great for an array of travel itineraries.
Explore beautiful estates such as the Chateau d’Azay-le-Rideau or Villandry in Loire where you will uncover royal history and stunning architecture. However, those looking to unwind in utter serenity will also discover an array of picturesque vineyards, great for sampling fine wines while taking in impressive surroundings.
When stopping off at Loire on your river cruise, this beautiful part of France offers an array of mediaeval towns, pretty gardens, impressive wildlife and lots of culinary highlights. If you’re seeking an immersive French adventure, a trip to Loire won’t disappoint.
Brittany comprises scenic beauty, family-friendly attractions, culinary delights and much more. This makes it an excellent place to explore when enjoying a river cruising holiday in France.
Scour the scenic countryside surrounding Brittany where you will discover an array of biking or hiking opportunities. Visit historic castles, lush forests and charming villages in this lovely part of France, making it a great option for families exploring the country.
Plus, for those who would prefer to spend their time indulging in French cuisine, there are more than enough options in Brittany. There will be endless opportunities to try a selection of mouthwatering plates and sweet treats when visiting this outstanding destination.
Burgundy has much to offer an array of cruisers, making it a great stop-off for those travelling on the rivers in France. Hop off and experience the endless vineyards where you can sample local wines in a beautiful setting or scour the historic towns and villages for a fantastic insight into the heritage of France.
Those planning a peaceful break in France will also find a ton of natural landscapes to explore in Burgundy. Visit Roman remains or the 14th-century Palace of the Popes, a favoured UNESCO World Heritage Site in the country.
With its exceptional network of canals, you’ll also find plenty of places to explore on foot in Burgundy. Stop off and trek on the many towpaths here, all while taking in the breathtaking natural surroundings.
Located just 2.5 hours from Paris, Anjou is an excellent destination for those looking for somewhere to explore near the capital. There are around 300 km of rivers here, making it a wonderful choice for those planning a river cruising getaway as you’ll uncover more than enough fantastic places to see.
With its rich heritage including castles, mills and pretty villages, you’re sure to enjoy exploring Anjou when embarking on a river cruising adventure. Browse the lovely locks filled with vibrant flowers, or simply enjoy the view from the comfort of your cruise.
No trip to France is complete without visiting the impressive capital, Paris. This iconic destination continues to attract visitors each year and for good reason. With its romantic atmosphere and impressive attractions, it’s an excellent place for all types of travellers.
When planning a river cruise in France, aim to stop off in Paris to see the endless sightseeing options including the Eiffel Tower, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum and more. However, despite being a vibrant city, there are also a ton of natural wonders surrounding Paris, especially near the Seine River.
Learn more about history, art and architecture when visiting Paris or try some of the tasty eateries scattered throughout the city. No matter how you spend your time here, you’re sure to be impressed by all that Paris has in store.
When looking to experience the natural wonders of France, there’s no better place to do this than Provence. This stunning destination provides visitors with opportunities to see the iconic lavender fields, the landscapes coated in sunflowers, pretty vineyards and more.
There are also options to explore some of the historic towns in Provence, a great way to see the ancient ruins and mediaeval architecture. Places like Lyon, Avignon and Arles are not to be missed, perfect for anyone looking to immerse themselves in this gorgeous part of France.
Sample some of the fine wines in France when visiting Provence or taste the incredible cuisine on offer. With options to see art, cultural heritage and more, there are more than enough amazing places to explore and experiences to enjoy here.
With so many incredible places to visit in France, it comes as no surprise that people choose river cruising in this beautiful part of Europe. Whether you’re looking to explore some of the favoured destinations with ease or would just prefer to unwind while taking in the attractions from the waterways, cruising in France has something for everyone.
If you’re a keen adventurer looking for your next voyage, you’ve come to the right place. Backpacker Boy has an array of travel guides in a plethora of destinations. These resources are jam-packed with recommendations, helping you plan your next getaway with ease.
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