France River Cruises

Embark on a river cruise along the Seine, Rhône and Bordeaux regions of France. Delight in fresh produce and French cuisine and enjoy a glass of local wine on the deck or amidst the neat rows of vines. Glide past the lavender fields of Provence, visit historic sites including the Landing Beaches of Normandy, and take in Paris from the water on a river cruise of France.

Popular River Cruises View all

8 Days Paris to Paris

Operator: Avalon River Cruises

From 2,843pp
Save 1,608pp

8 Days Arles to Chalon Sur Saone

Operator: Avalon River Cruises

From 3,227pp
Save 1,644pp

8 Days Chalon Sur Saone to Arles

Operator: Avalon River Cruises

From 3,323pp
Save 1,628pp

15 Days Paris to Arles

Operator: Avalon River Cruises

From 8,278pp
Save 2,324pp

France's Rivers View all

France's Rivers

Featured River Cruise OperatorsFeatured Operators View all

Emerald Cruises
From culture-rich cities to world-famous wine regions, Emerald Cruises represents a new chapter in the world of river cruising. Our deluxe fleet of revolutionary more Star-Ships promise contemporary comfort and unique on-board innovations, while our generous offering combines affordability with great dining, exceptional service and immersive itineraries across Europe and Asia.

With return flights, transfers, all on-board meals, complimentary drinks, tips and much more included in the price of an Emerald Cruises river cruise, we’ve taken care of everything. Our attentive team of crew, sommeliers and personal butlers are available day and night to ensure every minute on-board the Emerald Cruises fleet is as enriching, enjoyable and relaxing as possible.
France Rivers299
Budget:Premium
Known For:Affordable Luxury
Fleet Size:10
Scenic
With Scenic, it’s more than a 5-star river cruise...it’s a seamless journey from start to finish that places you, our guest, at the heart of everything more we do. It’s taking you to extraordinary regions and immersing you in meaningful and enriching experiences. It’s exquisite cuisine, indulgent wellness, and a world-class team who will anticipate your every need. You'll find the difference is in the details with Scenic: the innovative ship design, expertly trained crew, immersive journey, and an unrivalled focus on health and safety protocols.
France Rivers283
Budget:Premium & Luxury
Known For:Luxury Cruising
Fleet Size:14
Amadeus
Why pay for other people’s drinks? Why pay for shore excursions that don’t interest you? Family-owned Amadeus has spent 40-years' perfecting the balance more without compromising quality. Beer, wine and soft drinks at lunch and dinner, but not during the day. Only pay for the shore excursions you want. Book an excursion package in advance for a discount or book individual excursions as you go. Gourmet dining, wi-fi, bottled water in cabins and of course one of the most luxurious five-star fleets on the European waterways. To quote a regular repeat guest “Amadeus are fantastic. A really great product and the crew are all so beautiful”. We look forward to welcoming you aboard.
France Rivers19
Budget:Premium
Known For:Austrian Heritage
Fleet Size:10

Discover Must do's to experience onboard your France river cruise

Monet’s Gardens at Giverny
Monet’s Gardens at Giverny

Claude Monet’s artworks leap off the canvas here, where you can wander the gardens that inspired some of his masterpieces. A truly beautiful experience.

Normandy’s Landing Beaches
Normandy’s Landing Beaches

Take a moving excursion to the WWII landing beaches where you can learn about the region’s sombre past and pay your respects at the war cemeteries.

Palais des Papes, Avignon
Palais des Papes, Avignon

Europe’s largest Gothic palace and once the pope’s residence, this sprawling monument is impressive in its grandeur, history, architecture and artistic frescoes.

The City of Light
The City of Light

Explore Paris by night, when it is illuminated by the warm glow of ornate street lamps. See the Champs-Élysées lit up in all its glory and watch as the city lights dance along the streets.

The French Art of Gastronomy
The French Art of Gastronomy

Join a chef at the Bordeaux markets to handpick produce that you’ll transform into delicious French fare under expert guidance. Pair it with some local wine and violà, a meal to remember. Bon appétit!

Recent France River Cruise Reviews What our clients are saying about their river cruises through France

River Cruise through South of France Burgundy & Provence (Southbound) , ON, Canada, Oct 2025
We greatly enjoyed our river cruise. The staff on Poetry II were top-notch. We thank those who were especially helpful, like Matheus in reception, Marya in the dining room, and Carmen in housekeeping. Some really went out of their way to help me when I got sick during the cruise, such as Adrian who was super-accommodating in adjusting local tour arrangements, read more and Margarida who diligently served me a special medicinal drink using a very effective Portuguese recipe. This was a very positive experience and we look forward to joining another Avalon river cruise in the not too distant future.
Historic South of France by River Cruise Nice to Paris & Sensations of Lyon and Provence , QLD, Australia, Sep 2025
This river cruise with Emerald, through the south of France, was most enjoyable and very good value. It was not as inclusive as previous river cruises I have taken, but it did allow me to question if the unlimited alcohol and extra tours included in the fully inclusive cruises, are really worth the extra cost. The trip was chosen, due to the Nice read more extension at the start and the Paris extension at the end. The ship was spotlessly clean; staff was extremely attentive and obliging and the food was excellent. The daily programme and excursions were well organised and ran to schedule. Also included, was an evening performance by a small orchestra, at a local cathedral. The bathrooms were smaller than usual, but the facilities around the ship were spacious and well maintained.

A special feature was a small, infinity pool at the rear of the ship, that converted to a movie theatre at night. The ship was fully booked, with 134 passengers from USA, Canada, UK, NZ and Australia. Thanks again to the ever efficient, knowledgeable and pleasant Georgie for handling our booking. As usual, Georgie delivers the highest service. Well done!
Avalon River Cruise Active & Discovery on the Rhône (Southbound) , Australia, Sep 2025
The ship, the crew, the food, the Cruise Director were fantastic. Interaction with the Global team was also first class and happy to recommend you to our friends. xox
Luxury all the way Brilliant Bordeaux , New Zealand, Aug 2025
Food and wine superb and consistant. Staff were excellent and very obliging. Interesting progamme of excursions spoilt for choice. Overall best river criusing company we have used.

Explore More Explore more Your guide to traveling through France

Celebrate France! Lyon: Gastronomic Capital of the World

09 July, 2024

Celebrate France! Lyon: Gastronomic Capital of the World

To celebrate France Month, Scenic is shining a spotlight on their collection of luxury France river cruises. Not only do these itineraries explore the rich history and...

Burgundy & Provence by River

13 November, 2023

Burgundy & Provence by River

Journey through Burgundy and Provence on a scenic river cruise along the Saône and Rhône rivers. This extraordinary journey is filled with remarkable food, world-class...

Bordeaux's Waterways & Wine

07 November, 2023

Bordeaux's Waterways & Wine

Nestled in the southwest of France, lies Bordeaux - a region renowned for its gastronomic prowess and world-class wines. Be treated to breathtaking views of lush vineyards,...

Sailing Along the Seine

07 November, 2023

Sailing Along the Seine

Embarking on a river cruise along the Seine is the perfect way to explore the heart of Paris and the northwest region of France. Offering travellers a unique and...

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