If you'd like to take a river cruise in France, you're in luck! There are four popular rivers to cruise in France. They are located in a few different regions throughout the country with each providing its own unique representation of France. 

1. River Cruises in France

2. If you'd like to take a river cruise in
France, you're in luck! There are four
popular rivers to cruise in France. They
are located in a few different regions
throughout the country with each
providing its own unique representation
of France.
We’ll explore the destinations that are
featured on river cruises, such as the
Burgundy, Provence, Bordeaux regions
and, of course, the city of Paris.

3. Saône River Cruises

Burgundy, France
In the Burgundy region, the Saône River
flows southward toward Lyon where it
meets the Rhone River. A cruise along
the Saone will probably include visits to
cities such as Chalon-sur-Saône, Beaune
and Lyon.

4. Burgundy is famous for its vineyards and
wine-production. Near the city of
Beaune, you’ll have a chance to visit
some of the vineyards and wineries and
to sample some of the different wines
unique to this region.
Did you know that Burgundy wine can be
either red or white? Interestingly, most
of what is produced in this region is
actually a dry, white wine.

5. Rhône River Cruises
 Rhône-Alps, France
The city of Lyon is located just south of
Burgundy in the Rhône-Alps region
of France. The 2,000 year-old city of
Lyon is where you’ll see many historic
structures built as early as 19 B.C.,
architecture from the Middle Ages and
Renaissance as well as buildings from the
modern era (17th century through the
present time). The Historic Site of Lyon is
a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

6. The Rhône and Saône Rivers form a
confluence in Lyon. Although, most
river cruise lines travel both of the rivers,
there are two that offer packages on just
the Rhône River - AmaWaterways and
CroisiEurope.

7. There are other destinations you’ll
probably visit in the Rhône -Alps region
on the Rhône River. A famous site in
Tournon is “ the Musee de Tain
‘Hermitage”, which means the “oldest
house in the region. This area is known
as the Côtes du Rhône or Rhône wine
region of France.

8. Provence, France
Provence is located in southern France
and is where the Rhône flows through
Avignon and Arles. There are two
UNESCO Sites along this part of the
Rhône River. The Historic Centre of
Avignon: Papal Palace, Episcopal
Ensemble and Avignon Bridge and
the Arles, Roman and Romanesque
Monuments.

9.  A few interesting sites in Avignon are the
Clock Tower Square, Pont d’Avignon and
Place de l’Horloge. You can also visit the
vineyards of Chateauneuf-du-Pape and
sample its famous wines.
 The city of Arles is well-known for one of its
former residents – the post-Impressionist
painter, Vincent van Gogh. The city was truly
an inspiration to his artistic spirit. He was
able to produce more than 300 paintings and
drawings over a 15-month period! Sadly, the
now-famous artist, was a struggling and
disliked artist during his own time.

10. Seine River Cruises
 Île-de-France
A cruise on the Seine River will begin and
end in Paris. Flowing in a northwesterly
direction, the Seine winds back and forth
and passes through several cities after
leaving Paris.

11. You’ll be able to spend some time in Paris
as part of your itinerary. And you can
also spend a few more days there if
you’d like to spend more time in this
fascinating and vibrant city.
The cities of Conflans and Paris are both
located in the Île-de-France region of
France. Paris, Banks of the Seine is a
UNESCO World Heritage Site.

12. A few famous sites in Paris include the
Eiffel Tower, Cathedral of Notre Dame,
and the Louvre. Plus many, many more!
The riverside town of Conflans is located
about 20 miles northwest of Paris. Your
trip might include a tour of the Palace of
Versailles or a visit to Auvers-sur-Oise,
where Vincent van Gogh lived the last
two months of his life.

13. Upper Normandy, France
In the Upper Normandy region of France,
there are several cities that you might
visit, such as Giverny, Vernon, Les
Andelys, Rouen, and Le Havre.
The famous painter, Claude Monet, lived
in the town of Giverny for more than 40
years until 1926. You’ll visit the beautiful
Monet Garden and his home where he
produced some of his most well-known
paintings.

14. A few other stops on your river cruise
journey might include Vernon, where you
can visit the Maison du Temps Jadis – the
oldest house in the city.
Les Andelys features the Chateau
Gaillard – a 12th century castle built by
Richard the Lionheart.
And in Rouen you’ll be able to see the
Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral and the
Gros Horloge, which is a 14th-century
astronomical clock.

15. Le Havre is another city in Upper
Normandy located on the northern banks
for the Seine River. It has the 2nd largest
port in France after Marseille and also
another UNESCO World Heritage Site - Le
Havre, the City Rebuilt by Auguste
Perret.

16. Lower Normandy, France
In Lower Normandy, you’ll have a chance
to visit the famous Normandy Beaches. If
you love WWII history, you’ll find this
part of the trip very interesting. There
are several landmarks from that era
including Omaha Beach - where the Allies
Invaded the German-occupied France on
June 6, 1944.

17. Honfleur is also located in Lower
Normandy. One of the most frequently
painted scenes in the city, Honfleur
Harbour definitely has its own unique
charm.

18.  Dordogne & Garonne River Cruises
(& Gironde Estuary)

Aquitaine, France
River cruises in this part of France begin
and end on the Garonne River in
Bordeaux. The Dordogne and Garonne
Rivers flow almost parallel to each other.
They are joined together in Bordeaux
forming the Gironde Estuary as a result.

19.  Known as the "City of Art and History",
Bordeaux has 362 historic monuments! The
second highest number in France. Paris holds
the number one spot.
 Bordeaux, Port of the Moon is a UNESCO
World Heritage Site.
 The Gironde Estuary and the Dordogne River
are located to the north of Bordeaux. As you
travel north from Bordeaxu, you’ll visit a
couple of cities along the Gironde Estuary.
The city of Pauillac is the capital of the Medoc
Region. Medoc Region. Here you’ll see rolling
hills of vineyards.

20. While you’re in Pauillac, you’ll visit the
Chateaux d’Arsac and winery where you’ll
be able to sample wine. You might also
have the option to take a bike ride
through the Medoc Vineyards.

21. The city of Blaye is also located on the
Gironde Estuary southeast of Pauillac.
It’s a rather small town only about 2 ½
square miles in size. One of the main
attractions is another UNESCO World
Heritage Site the Fortifications of Vauban
http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1283 It’s
actually only a part of the UNESCO Site
which includes12 groups of fortified
buildings located throughout France.

22. As you journey eastward, you will begin
traveling along the Dordogne River where
you’ll visit the town of Bergerac, which
produces some of the finest wines in
Bordeaux.
The city of Saint-Émilion features several
historic vineyards and architectural
structures. The Romans were the first to
plant grapes in the city dating back to the
2nd century. These historic vineyards are
now protected by UNESCO . The Jurisdiction
of Saint-Emilion includes the vineyards and
other historical structures.

23. You’ll also be able to sample some of the
best red wines in the world at Premier
Grand Cru estate where Château Ausone
and Château Cheval Blanc are produced.
Closer to Bordeaux, the city of Cadillac is
yet another area where you can sample
wine. The vineyards of Sauternes produce
Chateau d’Arche, which is a sweet, white
wine. Chateau d’Yquem is another sweet,
white wine that is produced in Cadillac.
During certain years, a dry, white Chateau
d’Yquem is also available.

24. River cruises along these waterways
round trip from Bordeaux are offered by
a few suppliers. Uniworld and Viking
River Cruises offer an 8-day itinerary and
CroisiEurope has a 7-day itinerary.

25. Which River Cruise is Recommended?
It just depends on what you would like to
see. Each river cruise region is very
different; although, you’ll notice common
themes. In Bordeaux, Burgundy and
Provence, vineyards and wine-tasting is
very much a part of the experience. Not so
much along the Seine River.
There are UNESCO Sites featured in each
of the regions. Most of them are
designated as historical structures dating
back to Roman occupation.

26. You won’t find cities that compare to the
magnificence and unique ambiance of
Paris. Only Paris has that theme. And
Giverny and Arles share an artistic theme
based on famous artists Claude Monet
and Vincent van Gogh. But you will find
some unique cities in each of the regions
if “big and brilliant” isn’t what you’re
seeking.

27. About Lauri Wakefield
Lauri is a travel writer
who specializes in river
cruises in Europe and the
U.S. Connect with her
on Twitter andGoogle+.