France is a river cruiser’s dream: the Seine from Paris to the Normandy beaches, the Rhône and Saône through Burgundy and Provence, and the Garonne and Dordogne around Bordeaux’s famous vineyards. Expect superb food and wine.
Here are the best lines for French rivers.
You’ll find on this page
- A comparison table of every cruise line in this guide
- Eight lines for French rivers
- Which French river?
- Answers to the questions we’re asked most
- How to book or get expert advice at the end of the page
At a glance: compare the cruise lines
| Cruise line | Style | Fleet | Best for | Included highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uniworld Boutique River Cruises | River cruises | 13 Super Ships in the fleet | Luxury | All drinks, Daily excursions, Airport transfers |
| CroisiEurope | River cruises | 50+ River ships | Most French rivers | All meals + drinks with meals, Open-bar in lounge before/after dinner, Daily excursions |
| AmaWaterways | River cruises | 27 River ships | Bordeaux and wine | All meals, Wine, beer and soft drinks, Daily shore excursions |
| Avalon Waterways | River cruises | 15 Suite Ships | Views | All meals, Drinks with meals, Daily excursions |
| Viking | River and ocean | 15 Ocean ships | All-rounder | Wi-Fi, Excursion in every port, Beer & wine at lunch and dinner |
| Scenic | River and ocean | 17+ Space-Ships | All-inclusive | All meals, All drinks, all day, Daily excursions |
| Tauck | River cruises | 11 River ships | Touring depth | All gratuities, All meals, All excursions |
| A-Rosa | River cruises | 13 River ships | Relaxed value | All meals, Drinks with meals, Indoor pool and spa |
Fleet sizes and inclusions are from each line’s own information and can change; inclusions often depend on the fare you book.
Quick verdicts
Eight lines for French rivers
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
- River cruises
- 13 Super Ships in the fleet
- 110-160 Guests per ship — boutique scale
Boutique Super Ships on the Seine and Rhône, all-inclusive with statement interiors.
Best for: Luxury
CroisiEurope
- River cruises
- 50+ River ships
- 200 Max guests / ship
Strasbourg-based and family-owned, sailing the Seine, Rhône, Saône, Loire, Garonne, Gironde and Dordogne, with great value.
Best for: Most French rivers
AmaWaterways
- River cruises
- 27 River ships
- 196 Max guests / ship
The Rhône, Saône, Seine, Garonne and Dordogne, with active excursions and wine with meals.
Best for: Bordeaux and wine
Avalon Waterways
- River cruises
- 15 Suite Ships
- 166 Max guests / Suite Ship
Panorama Suites on the Rhône and Seine.
Best for: Views
Viking
- River and ocean
- 15 Ocean ships
Adults-only Longships on the Seine and Rhône with an excursion in every port.
Best for: All-rounder
Scenic
- River and ocean
- 17+ Space-Ships
- 169 Max guests / Space-Ship
All-inclusive Space-Ships on the Rhône and Saône.
Best for: All-inclusive
Tauck
- River cruises
- 11 River ships
- 130 Max guests / ship
Premium inclusive cruises on French rivers with exclusive access at major sites.
Best for: Touring depth
A-Rosa
- River cruises
- 13 River ships
- 186 Max guests / ship
Relaxed German river cruising on the Rhône, Saône and Seine.
Best for: Relaxed value
Which French river?
The Seine: Paris, Monet’s garden at Giverny, Rouen and the D-Day beaches of Normandy. The Rhône and Saône: Lyon’s gastronomy, Burgundy’s vineyards, Avignon and Arles in Provence. Bordeaux (Garonne, Dordogne and Gironde): world-famous wine châteaux and Saint-Émilion. The season runs from March to November.
How we chose these cruise lines
We featured lines whose own information includes French rivers. Itineraries and seasons change every year, so check the sailings available for your dates, or ask a Travel Designer to compare them for you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best river cruise in France?
The Rhône for Provence and food, the Seine for Paris and Normandy, and Bordeaux for wine.
Which line sails the most French rivers?
CroisiEurope, the French family-owned line.
Do Seine cruises start in Paris?
Most do, sailing to Normandy and back.
When is the best time for a French river cruise?
May to June and September to October.
Find your cruise
Browse every cruise line we sell, or ask a Travel Designer to compare ships, cabins and itineraries for you.
Keep planning
Updated October 2026. Cruises can be booked through Travelisto, with flights and hotels added where you need them.
