The problem with river cruising is that you are often caught off guard by the “star rivers”. There are many iconic waterways around the world that are must-travels, but you can reap the benefits if you shop around. Nowhere is this more true than in France.
A short ferry, train or plane ride will allow you to discover the castles of the Loire River and the wonders of Paris on the Seine, while a trip down the Rhône will allow you to visit Van Gogh’s favorite cafe and dance “sur le Pont d’Avignon” brings opportunity. for a small fee.
The problem is, stars come with the crowds, so it’s a good idea to look beyond the obvious. I defy anyone to look at the roof of the Hospices de Beaune in Saône and not be mesmerized by its geometric beauty, or to wander the streets of Strasbourg in Ill and believe that you have returned to the Middle Ages. Sail the big rivers, of course, but don’t forget the little guys.
1. River Seine
The Bayeux Tapestry is one of the highlights of this trip, containing a personal commentary on the Norman invasion of 1066 as you progress along its length. The Cathedral in Bayeux is also worth a visit, as is Rouen, the former capital of Normandy.
A visit to the D-Day beaches at Arromanches can be unwinded by a stroll along Honfleur harbour, with its narrow five-storey houses that appear to be crushed together like the keys of a piano. Try local Calvados.
Riviera Travel (01283 893924: rivieratravel.co.uk) has an 8-day ‘Seine, Paris and Normandy River’ cruise from £2,229 per person. Price includes Flights/Eurostar, Free Wi-Fi and drink/beverage package. I’m looking for Paris, Giverny, Rouen, Caudebec. Departure 2024 23third September.
2. Gironde, Dordogne and Garonne
Bordeaux is the world capital of wine, so as you can imagine, names normally associated with supermarket shelves, such as Saint-Emilion and Cadillac, are also part of the journey. Entered through one of seven medieval gates, St Emilion boasts a charming cobbled village where Grands Crus Classé wines and beautiful architecture blend perfectly.
Similarly, part of the central square in Libourne is surrounded by traditional arcades and is especially lively on market days. Vauban in Blaye is 17 years oldThis It is a military masterpiece from the 19th century, complete with castle, village and city walls to explore.
Scenic (0161 516 5548; Scenic.co.uk) has an 8-day ‘Bordeaux Affair’ cruise from £2,532 per person. Price includes Flights, Free Wi-Fi and drink/beverage package. I’m looking for Bordeaux, Lilbourne, Blaye, Cadillac, Bordeaux. Departure 2024 11This October.
3. Rhône, Saone and Seine
Exploring France by cruising its three rivers and staying longer in ports of call to explore its hinterland is a great way to truly discover the country. This cruise offers a private after-dark concert in Rouen cathedral and a visit to the beaches of Normandy.
You’ll also lock your eyes on the 2,000-year-old towering Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct and gaze into the private rooms at Versailles as Marie Antoinette did. In Beaune, taste some of the world’s best Chardonnay wines as well as local camembert cheese, and in Giverny, take a stroll through Monet’s beautiful garden, the house where the painter lived for over 40 years.
Uniworld (0808 168 9231; uniworld.com/uk) has a 15-day ‘Greater France’ trip from £5,849 per person. The price includes flights, free Wi-Fi and beverage/beverage package. I’m looking for Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Lyon, Mâcon, Rouen, Paris. Departure 2025 23third March.
4. Patient
Technically, you’ll see more Germany than France on this trip, but the River Ill, which borders the Unesco-listed Grande Île in the center of Strasbourg, is worth a mention.
The Gothic-style Strasbourg Cathedral’s pink sandstone facade stands out for its cache of ancient murals and astronomical clocks. Channels branching off from the main river bed create scenic walkways and bridges, increasing the appeal of the ancient city landscape. Explore the red, half-timbered houses of Bernkastel and play spotting the castle as you head south along the Rhine Valley.
Avalon Waterways (0330 0588243; avalonwaterways.co.uk) has an 11-day ‘Rhine and Mosel (Southbound)’ cruise from £3,620 per person. The price includes return flights, train travel, and complimentary wine and beers. I’m calling from Amsterdam, Cologne, Kobelenz, Speyer, Strasbourg, Breisach, Basel. Leaving on October 9, 2024.
5. Yonne and Loing
The waters of the Yonne north of Paris are too shallow for larger boats, so this cruise allows you to experience a quieter slice of French history and life. The Cathedral of Saint-Etienne in Sens was one of the first gothic cathedrals built in France; Moret-Loing-et-Orvanne, on the other hand, allows you to visit the magnificence and magnificence of Fontainebleau. Barbizon has a fascinating art museum bearing his name and the studios of Rousseau and Millet, who lived and worked there.
Great Rail Journeys (01904 734 152; Greatrail.com) has a 7-day ‘Barge Waterways of Yonne, Paris and Petite Seine’ cruise from £2,595 per person.
The price includes a return train journey from London, free Wi-Fi and a drinks package. Paris, Melun, Barbizon, Moret-Loing-et-Orvanne and Sens. It departs on September 4, 2024.
6. Rhône and Saone
There is something magical about Arles. Not only can you sit in the cafe where Van Gogh watched the world go by, walk a few meters and discover the almost intact Roman amphitheater, but the slow pace of life is everywhere.
Located on the banks of the river Saône, Mâcon has a cafe-lined promenade, while an overnight stay in Lyon lets you enjoy the city’s best restaurants and bars. In Avignon, you can explore the Palais des Papes as well as the large covered market for Provençal snacks.
Newmarket Holidays (0333 060 1339; newmarketholidays.co.uk) offers a 7-night ‘Rhone, Burgundy and Provence trip’ from £2,340 per person. The price includes flights, free Wi-Fi and a premium all-inclusive beverage package. I’m looking for Chalon-sur-Saone, Mâcon, Lyon, Avignon, Arles, La Voulte-sur-Rhône. Leaving on September 14, 2024.
7. Canal du Midi
Mediterranean part of 18This Built in the 19th century, the Canal du Midi is often referred to as both a technical innovation and a work of art. Only between Portiragnes and Béziers will you cross an aqueduct over the River Orb and ascend to seven locked floors of unique, oval passages. This journey takes you deep into Provence, including a visit to the double-walled city of Carcassonne as well as Pézenas, the ancient capital of the Languedoc, truffle hunting, private wine tasting and passage through Europe’s oldest canal tunnel.
European Waterways (01753 598555; europeanwaterways.com) has a 6-night ‘Classic Canal du Midi cruise’ from £4,850 per person. The price includes local transfers, all meals with wine on board, a 24/7 bar, excursions/entry fees according to the itinerary, bicycles and a spa pool. I’m looking for Marseillan, Portiragnes, Béziers, Capestang, Sallèles d’Aude, Le Somail. Leaving on September 22, 2024.
8.Saone
This journey through Burgundy, a wine region that needs no introduction, allows you to visit walled towns, including Beaune, with its 14 beautiful views.This Complete with Tournus featuring 19th-century nursing homes, glazed tile roofs and the remarkable Romanesque Priory of Saint-Philibert. You’ll dock in towns that resonate with the names found on sought-after red wine labels, and eventually arrive at Lyon’s culinary and architectural delight box.
AmaWaterways (0800 520 2250; amawaterways.co.uk) has a 7-night ‘Flavours of Burgundy Cruise’ from £2,754 per person based on Cat E Stateroom. The price includes flights out of London or Manchester and a savings of £1,000 per couple. I’m looking for Dijon, Seurre, Chalon-sur-Saône, Tournus, Mâcon, Lyon. Leaving on March 27, 2025.
9. Loire
The Loire chateaus will always be interesting, and although this trip involved an all-day excursion to explore them, Nantes is a gem in its own right. The castle of the Dukes of Brittany, giant mechanical elephants – yes really – and drinking coffee at the wonderful 19 La CigaleThis The 19th-century Belle Epoch Brasserie is a must-see.
Explore Angers with Terra Botanica, a plant-themed amusement park, Château d’Angers and the Apocalypse Tapestry, and the St Nazaire museum. MS Loire Princess, with a capacity of 96 guests, adds to the experience as a luxury paddle steamer designed specifically for the river.
CroisieEurope (01756 691269; croisieurope.co.uk) has a 6-day ‘Loire Valley, Royal Heritage Tour’ from £1,752 per person, including all meals, drinks and return flights from London Gatwick and overseas transfers. Shout out to St Nazaire, Nantes, Anciens, Chalonnes-sur-Loire, Nantes. Departure 2024 23third July.
10. Rhône and Rhine
This journey offers something special. A chance to experience and compare the Provençal lifestyle of Arles with the Franco-German culture of Strasbourg. In essence, it is a cultural journey along the Rhône and Rhine. Explore Avignon’s grand Palace of the Popes and Cologne’s majestic cathedral, both UNESCO sites.
Enjoy the rich culinary traditions of Lyon and the hearty flavors of the Rhineland, and marvel at the landscapes that inspired Van Gogh in the Netherlands and Provence.
Viking (0800 319 66 60; vikingrivercruises.co.uk) offers 14-day ‘Lyon, Provence and Rhineland’ tickets from £5,390 per person. The price includes all meals, drinks and return flights from Gatwick and international transfers. I’m looking for Avignon, Arles, Viviers, Tournon, Vienne, Lyon, Burgundy, Basel, Breisach, Strasbourg, Speyer, Rudesheim. Leaving 2025 on May 21st.
Fundamentals
If you’re traveling with Eurostar, many cruise lines now offer departures from the regional airport and train station. Therefore, the price stated on the site may differ from the price you actually pay. Plus offers come and go, so it’s always a good idea to look around before booking.