Spotlight on France

France is officially the most visited country in the world, welcoming over 89 million visitors each year. Home to a number of stunning waterways, such as the Rhine, Rhone, Seine and Garonne, a luxury river cruise through the heart of France is an unforgettable experience.

France is without a doubt the perfect destination for wine tasting connoisseurs, cheese lovers, avid historians, and nature enthusiasts. Soak up centuries of culture in Paris, the city of love, marvel at countless beautiful chateaux as you cruise past the cobblestone towns of the Dordogne, and cycle through the endless rolling vineyards of the south.

Just a short, cheap flight, ferry journey, Eurostar ride, or a trip through the Channel Tunnel, France is a fantastically convenient and accessible holiday destination for us Brits. It's the perfect place for a variety of experiences and landscapes, virtually on our doorstep. And with considerably better weather (particularly in the south) throughout the Spring and Summer months, France is absolutely worth a visit for any type of holiday, but especially for a deeply relaxing and sun-soaked river cruise.

Not sure where to go on a river cruise through France? Take a look at each river below for more information...

Seine

The Seine is possibly the best-known river in northern France, running through the centre of the most beautiful and romantic city in the world, Paris. Start your relaxing river cruise holiday with a few nights in this striking cosmopolitan city, exploring popular cultural attractions such as the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and Arc de Triomphe. Enjoy sailing away from the city towards the English Channel, via the quieter and more authentic French towns of Giverny, Rouen, and Vernon. Take a tour of Monet’s home and gardens in Honfleur and learn about the historical significance of the D-Day Landings on Normandy’s beaches.

Browse our range of luxury Seine cruises.

Garonne

The Garonne is a river of southwest France and northern Spain. It flows from the central Spanish Pyrenees to the Gironde estuary at the French port of Bordeaux. Indulge in the region's world famous wines at lush vineyards or head out to the petite rural village of St Emilion, where wine cultivation dates back to medieval times. With some of the most beautiful views in the whole of France, from jaw-dropping gorges to rolling hills and tiered vineyards, the Garonne is an incredibly unique river for a luxury cruise. Watch a video from our Cruise Ambassadors Rich & Helen as they cruised the Garonne with Uniworld.

Browse our selection of cruises along the Garonne.

Rhine

The famous Rhine river flows through six countries; Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, Liechtenstein and the Netherlands. The river forms the French-German border in the east and flows north from the Swiss Alps, through the beautiful towns of Strasbourg and Alsace, up to the German Rhineland. Immersive tours and excursions give you the opportunity to visit picturesque French towns and villages, as well as providing the opportunity to tick off multiple European countries in one enchanting cruise journey.

The mysterious Moselle also flows through north-eastern France and Luxembourg to western Germany and is one of the lesser-known rivers of France but a magnificent one nonetheless. Combine a cruise along the Moselle with a Rhine voyage and you have the ultimate European river cruise adventure.

Peruse our collection of Rhine sailings.

Rhone

Flowing from Switzerland towards the Mediterranean Sea, the Rhone River meanders between charming villages and medieval cities on the French Riviera. From the mountains of the French Alps to the glitz and glamour of Marseille and other coastal cities, there is a stunning range of diversity on a Rhone river cruise. The beauty of Rhone cruises is you get to explore at your own pace and find a balance between enjoying the views on board and immersing yourself in a new destination every day. One day you might be exploring roman ruins, whilst the next you could be sampling the region’s wines at a local vineyard. There are plenty of opportunities to discover the traditions and cultures of each place you visit, including Lyon, Avignon and Viviers. 

The Saone rivers meets the Rhone in the centre of Lyon in eastern France, so extend your voyage for further exploration of the region.

View our assortment of Rhone voyages.

Fancy exploring the stunning French waterways in style? Get in touch with us.

Want to experience this? Give the Panache Cruises team a call on 0161 513 8200 and they'd be happy to help!