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France River Cruises 2023/2024

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France Travel Guide

Since Paris is the most popular destination in Europe, France river cruises allow you to see the French capital for several days while immersing yourself in the charming villages and towns of France. You can go on several France river cruise, as each river cruise package will provide you with different views of the French countryside. You can select from among Seine River cruise journeys, Rhine River cruises, Saone and Rhone river cruise trips, and France river cruises that cover the Bordeaux region of France and the Loire valley. Classic France river cruises generally include journeys up or down the Seine River. With river cruise volume buys plus our low everyday prices you can save up to 50% versus the brochure price! Book your France river cruise today with AffordableTours.com, your discounted river cruise headquarters.

France Travel Guide
Showing 1 - 40 River Cruises

River Cruises

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Showing 1 - 40 River Cruises

Sail Date Operator Ship Departs Returns Length Price
Oct 15, 2023AmaWaterwaysAmaDolceBilbaoParis15$6,579
Oct 15, 2023AmaWaterwaysAmaSienaZurichAmsterdam12$5,579
Oct 15, 2023Avalon WaterwaysExpressionLucerneAmsterdam10$4,478
Oct 15, 2023Avalon WaterwaysPoetry IIParisNice12$4,877
Oct 15, 2023Avalon WaterwaysPoetry IIParisArles10$4,198
Oct 15, 2023UniworldSS Bon VoyageBordeauxBordeaux8$3,899
Oct 15, 2023ScenicScenic JewelParisBudapest18$18,640
Oct 15, 2023ScenicScenic JewelParisPrague21$19,560
Oct 15, 2023UniworldSS CatherineArlesLyon8$4,599
Oct 15, 2023VikingViking FjorgynParisParis8$5,199
Oct 15, 2023VikingViking HermodAvignonLyon8$2,699
Oct 15, 2023UniworldSS Joie de VivreParisParis8$5,399
Oct 16, 2023AmaWaterwaysAmaSerenaAmsterdamBasel8$3,899
Oct 16, 2023TauckMS GraceZurichAmsterdam10$5,990
Oct 16, 2023AmaWaterwaysAmaCelloGenevaBarcelona14$5,409
Oct 16, 2023Gate1Monarch CountessAmsterdamParis12$3,349
Oct 17, 2023AmaWaterwaysAmaLyraParisParis10$4,899
Oct 17, 2023AmaWaterwaysAmaLuciaAmsterdamZurich14$6,329
Oct 17, 2023AmaWaterwaysAmaCertoLuxembourgBasel8$3,899
Oct 17, 2023Avalon WaterwaysExpressionBaselAmsterdam8$3,549
Oct 17, 2023Avalon WaterwaysTapestry IIParisLondon11$4,603
Oct 17, 2023Avalon WaterwaysPoetry IIChalon-Sur-SaoneNice10$3,928
Oct 17, 2023Avalon WaterwaysTapestry IIParisParis8$3,349
Oct 17, 2023Avalon WaterwaysPoetry IIChalon-Sur-SaoneArles8$3,249
Oct 17, 2023Avalon WaterwaysPanoramaLake ComoAmsterdam12$4,848
Oct 17, 2023VikingViking RadgridParisParis8$5,399
Oct 18, 2023ScenicScenic JadeBudapestAmsterdam15$16,790
Oct 18, 2023TauckMS InspireAmsterdamMilan11$6,590
Oct 19, 2023AmaWaterwaysAmaDolceBordeauxBordeaux8$3,999
Oct 19, 2023AmaWaterwaysAmaLyraParisParis8$3,999
Oct 19, 2023AmaWaterwaysAmaSienaBaselAmsterdam8$3,899
Oct 19, 2023AmaWaterwaysAmaLuciaAmsterdamBasel8$3,899
Oct 19, 2023TauckMS EspritLondonParis12$7,790
Oct 19, 2023AmaWaterwaysAmaCelloChalon-Sur-SaoneArles8$3,999
Oct 19, 2023Gate1Monarch CountessParisParis9$2,599
Oct 19, 2023VikingViking GersemiBaselAmsterdam8$5,499
Oct 19, 2023ScenicScenic CrystalZurichAmsterdam12$10,980
Oct 20, 2023AmaWaterwaysAmaCertoZurichPrague15$6,379
Oct 20, 2023ScenicScenic SapphireLyonLyon11$17,190
Oct 20, 2023AmaWaterwaysAmaSerenaZurichAmsterdam12$5,239

France Travel Guide

France River Cruises Highlights

  • See the magnificent sites of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower, the Palace of Versailles, the Louvre Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Musee d'Orsay (which features Impressionist art).
  • Stroll down the wide boulevard of the Champs-Elysees and browse Paris stores and boutiques. 
  • Witness the massive Arch de Triumph monument, which features the final resting place and tomb of the Unknown Soldier of World War I.
  • Savor the culinary masterpieces of Lyon – the gastronomic capital of France.
  • Visit Normandy's American military cemetery.
  • Pass by the scenic terrains and bodies of water that inspired Impressionist paintings.
  • Sample the fine wines of Beaujolais, Burgundy, and Bordeaux.
  • Visit the quaint and charming villages of Provence.
  • See the City of Popes – historic Avignon.
  • Pay a visit to the grand cathedral in Rouen.

France River Cruises Travel Tips

  • Make sure you wear cushioned and comfortable shoes for walking over cobblestones and navigating over difficult or hilly terrains. The shoes should also have good slip-resistant treads.
  • Make sure you have all your travel documents in order. While you won't need a Visa for your France river cruise, you will need to be carrying a passport that will still be good 6 months after you take your trip. Check to make sure your name and other details are correct.
  • Convert your currency to Euros to ensure that you can easily pay for meals or tip drivers or waiters.
  • Always pack light on a France river cruise and carry up to two travel bags – preferably a carryon and a small and soft duffle bag that comes with a telescopic handle and wheels.
  • Pack so you can easily access travel documents or items that you need.
  • Carry a universal travel adapter so you can always stay connected while traveling.
  • Don't leave home without a waterproof jacket, windbreaker, or umbrella.
  • If you cannot read a French menu, refer to Google Translate for help.
  • Most France river cruises that sail the Seine are easier to book for Paris holidays, as the 482-mile river runs through the French capital.

France River Cruises Things To Do

  • Paris
    Paris

    You can see plenty of amazing sites in the City of Light. However, because you only have about three days to see the French capital, you will need to plan your time wisely. One must-do activity is a visit to the Eiffel tower, where you can view Paris from upon high. You also want to set some time aside to shop along the Champs-Elysees, or to people-watch from a sidewalk café.

    Best Time To Visit

    According to U.S. World Travel, you should visit Paris from June to August or September to October. The weather from June to August is idyllic if not parfait, as the average temperature hovers around 78 degrees Fahrenheit.   

     

    You Should Know

    When the Eiffel Tower was built, it was designed to stand temporarily for 20 years, as it was erected for the 1889 World's Fair. Travelers who visit the Eiffel Tower can either climb 1,665 steps to get to the top or take the elevator. By comparison, visitors only need to climb 270 steps to get to the entrance of the Basilica del Sacre Coeur. Three replicas of the Statue of Liberty can be found in Paris, with the most famous replica positioned on an isle in the middle of the Seine River. It is pointed toward the Statue of Liberty in New York.
  • Vernon
    Vernon

    Sitting between Paris and Rouen, the Seine River town of Vernon endears its visitors with its chateaux and half-timbered homes. Some of the town's sights were painted by the French painter, Claude Monet, who resided across the river. The intimist painter, Pierre Bonnard, immortalized many of Vernon's landmarks as well. 

    Best Time To Visit

    Travel from June to August to enjoy the shade and greenery along the Seine River.

     

    You Should Know

    Try the chocolate mousse at La Halle Aux Grains in Vernon. The town's timbered frame houses date back to the 12th century. The newer residential areas of the town provide a nice shaded walk in the summer. A quiet place to view the Seine River is the Quai Garnuchot, a peaceful lane that runs along a grassy bank of the stream.
  • Giverny
    Giverny

    Located in the Normandy region, the village of Giverny is located in northern France and offers anyone interested in Monet paintings a chance to learn more about the painter. The Impressionist painter, Claude Monet, made Giverny his home from 1882 until his passing in 1926. Anyone who takes France river cruises along the Seine to the Normandy beaches will want to make sure Giverny is included on their itinerary.

    Best Time To Visit

    Giverny is best visited during the shoulder season in April or October if you wish to avoid the crowds. During the summer, the destination attracts a throng of tourists.

     

    You Should Know

    Monet created his famous water lilies at his home and gardens in Giverny. They are now a part of the Foundation Claude Monet Museum. The Musee des Impressionnismes Giverny showcases Impressionist art.
  • Rouen
    Rouen

    Another stopover along the Seine is Rouen, France. Known as the "city of 100 bells chiming in the air," Rouen is famous for its cathedrals. Some of the churches include the Cathedrale Notre-Dame and the Gothic churches of Saint-Ouen and Saint-Maclou.

    Best Time To Visit

    Mark your calendar for a France river cruise to the port city of Rouen in April or October. You will spend less money and enjoy a slower pace.

     

    You Should Know

    The spires of Cathedrale Notre-Dame can be seen when entering the city of Rouen. The church was the subject of several Monet paintings. The cobblestone pedestrian center in the city features half-timbered homes built during the medieval period. A cross marks the spot where Joan of Arc was martyred.
  • Caudebec-en-Caux
    Caudebec-en-Caux

    Situated on the right bank of the Seine estuary, Caudebec-en-Caux often serves as a hub for different day trip excursions. Many river cruise-goers land at this port to venture to nearby Honfleur or to play golf at Etretat.

    Best Time To Visit

    For reduced river cruise rates and to experience fewer crowds, it is always better to visit Caudebec-en-Caux during April or October.

     

    You Should Know

    An excursion to Honfleur from Caudebec will give you a chance to see more of the French countryside and see why the coastal town served as an inspiration for artist Claude Monet's paintings. The colorful and bright houses in the port area welcome guests, even on blustery and cloudy days. Listen to an organ recital at the Caudebec-en-Caux Cathedral while admiring the church's stained-glass windows. Caudebec lies near the stunning seaside resort of Deauville.
  • Le Havre
    Le Havre

    No France river cruise that includes Paris is complete without a visit to Le Havre. This Seine River port city sits at the mouth of the River Seine. The city was extensively rebuilt after the Second World War. Because of the architectural expertise of Auguste Perret, who showed new ways of working with concrete, Le Havre was cited as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2005.

    Best Time To Visit

    Book a France river cruise to Le Havre during the spring (April or May) or in the fall (October).

     

    You Should Know

    Le Havre is a great place to enjoy a repast in one of the restaurants that line the city's promenade. In 1872, Claude Monet painted the morning sun rising through the smokestacks of Le Havre. The artist called his painting, "Impression Sunrise." A negative art critic derided the artist's style as "Impressionism," a term that caught hold and led to a new art movement.
  • Les Andelys
    Les Andelys

    The small town of Les Andelys basks in the shadow of Chateau-Gaillard, one of the most imposing sites in the Seine River Valley. The fortress, which was built in 1196 by Richard the Lionhearted, was constructed to ward off attacks by Philip Augustus, King of France, and protect the city of Rouen.

    Best Time To Visit

    Plan to visit Les Andelys in May or October to get a better river cruise rate and to avoid the heavy peak season crowds of summer.

     

    You Should Know

    Ascending to the Chateau-Gaillard allows visitors to see picturesque views of the Seine River, as it flows along the lovely bank of Petit-Andely. Limestone cliffs create a memorable and scenic view as they flank the Chateau-Gaillard fortress. The Notre Dame Collegiate Church, in Les Andelys, dates back to the 1200s.
  • The Normandy Beaches
    The Normandy Beaches

    One of the great attractions to see at the end of a classic France river tour along the Seine are the beaches of Normandy – the sites for the D-Day landings and invasions. This is where the Seine River empties into the English Channel.

    Best Time To Visit

    Schedule a trip to Normandy beaches when the weather is more temperate, or during May or October.

     

    You Should Know

    On June 6, 1944, the beaches of the departements of Calvados and Manche became the designated sites of the famous Normandy Landings. This military maneuver took place to liberate and restore peace to Europe. You can see memorials, dedicated to D-Day activities at sites, such as Utah Beach in Manche, and the Omaha, Sword, Juno, and Gold shorelines in Calvados. Military cemeteries in the area as well as the remains of the Arromanches-Les-Bainsport bear witness to the scale of operations conducted by the military.

France River Cruise Packages

Quick Facts

France has both large cities and beautiful nature in the provinces, so there is no wrong time to visit France. However, you have to consider the Mistral, which can blow fiercely in Provence during the early spring. Although the strong wind normally visits France in the winter, it can still roar through the area of Provence as late as March. 

  • Spring/Autumn - March to May & September to November

    The best time to take a France river cruise will depend on where you plan to travel. While a classic Seine cruise trip can be taken from March through November, you may want to take a river cruise along the French Riviera when it is cooler, or during March/April or October/December. Because it can get quite warm in the south of France during the summer, you need to consider the geography.

  • Summer - June to August

    If you plan to visit Beaujolais or Burgundy and take a river cruise through wine country, you might want to book your cruise in the summer, or during the times when wine festivals generally take place. Therefore, the best time to embark on France river cruises depends on where you plan to travel in France and how much you can afford to spend. Naturally, peak season prices are the highest with shoulder season rates giving your wallet or bank account a break.

France River Cruises Frequently Asked Questions

  • What Are France River Cruises?

    Classic France river cruises begin in Paris and run along the Seine River to the English Channel and Normandy. However, you can also take France river cruises in the wine region of Burgundy, or in the Loire Valley. The river cruise ships featured for France river cruises offer deluxe all-inclusive accommodations and amenities, so you know what you will be getting on your river cruise trip. Some of the amenities include daily off-shore excursions, free meals, and onboard activities that relate to the theme of the river cruise.

  • What’s Included on France River Cruises?

    France river cruises mainly provide all-inclusive river cruise packages that allow river cruise-goers to immerse themselves in the French culture and history. During your river cruise journey, you can enjoy free meals during the length of the trip, off-shore excursions, and premium accommodations.

  • What’s the Best River Cruise for a France River Cruise?

    The best France river cruise for you to take will depend on where you wish to travel, the length of the France river cruise, and how much you want to spend. When you consider these options, you can more easily narrow your choices and find the right river cruise package that aligns with your travel plans. To start your river cruise journey, check out some of the offerings of premium France river cruise providers, such as Viking River Cruises, Scenic Tours, or Amaway River Cruises.

  • How Much Do France River Cruises Cost?

    What you will pay for a France river cruise will depend on the date you want to go and the length of your river cruise journey. Prices can start as low as $3,999 per person for guided luxury river cruises of at least a week.

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