Best cruise tours in France

New tourist trend, the river cruise is an original way to discover a region, its culture, its hidden landscapes and its gastronomy. Why not try this quiet way of traveling during a stay in France? The country has an extensive river network and it can be difficult to choose among the different options… To help you, here are ten great ideas for river cruises in France.

The Canal du Midi, a must for river cruises in France

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Canal du Midi has linked Toulouse to the Mediterranean Sea since the XVIIᵉ century. Lined with plane trees, it meanders peacefully through the heart of vineyards and villages to offer you a relaxing cruise. During your navigation, discover the locks of Fonseranes (a water staircase of eight locks), the tunnel of Malpas and canal bridges. Visit Toulouse, Narbonne and the medieval cities of Béziers and Carcassonne. Don’t forget to taste the local specialties (wines, cassoulet…) !

The Rhine, between heritage and gastronomy

A cruise on the Rhine, between Alsace and Germany, is one of the boat trips in France that allows you to discover both the historical heritage of the region and its gastronomy. Admire castles and charming villages and take time to visit Strasbourg, its magnificent gothic cathedral, its half-timbered houses, its covered bridges… Appreciate the wine-making know-how of the region and taste the famous wines of Alsace.

The Loire, discovering its famous castles

With its 300 km of navigable rivers lined with exceptional historical sites, the Loire is certainly one of the most beautiful river cruises in France. Along the water, visit the shipyard of Saint-Nazaire, the city ofAngers and especially the castles of the Renaissance (Ussé, Azay-le-Rideau, Villandry). The Loire Valley is also known for its incredible gastronomic heritage. Take advantage of your river cruise to taste the local goat cheese with a good glass of wine (Pouilly, Sancerre…) !

The Seine, in the wake of the Impressionists

From Paris, it is possible to go down the Seine to the beaches of Normandy and the Côte Fleurie (Deauville, Honfleur…). Don’t miss a stop in Giverny to visit the house of the impressionist painter Claude Monet and its beautiful gardens. In the Seine valley, you can also explore Les Andelys and the famous Château-Gaillard or Rouen with its gothic churches, its medieval half-timbered houses and its Notre-Dame cathedral so often painted by Monet…

The Marne-Rhine canal, to admire technical prowess

Link Nancy to Strasbourg thanks to the Marne-Rhine canal and cross the regional natural park of Lorraine, the Vosges and the plain of Alsace. Discover along the way remarkable structures such as the big lock of Réchicourt, the inclined plane of Arzviller or the tunnels of Niderviller. You will also have the opportunity to admire impressive landscapes and typical villages like Lutzelbourg. Make a stop to visit Saverne, its port and the Rohan castle, but also Nancy and its mythical Stanislas square.

The Burgundy canal, for a country cruise

For a bucolic stay, sail peacefully on the Burgundy canal which crosses the Côte-d’Or from the Yonne to the Saône. Drive between green pastures and small authentic villages and discover magnificent tourist sites (Cistercian abbey of Fontenay, Renaissance castles of Ancy-le-Franc…). Stop in Dijon, the capital of the Dukes of Burgundy and visit the medieval cities of Châteauneuf-en-Auxois and Semur-en-Auxois. Take the opportunity to taste the regional products and the famous Burgundy wines!

The Nantes-Brest canal, another vision of Brittany

The beauty of Brittany is not limited to the coastline! Immerse yourself in the heart of a preserved nature by sailing on the Nantes-Brest canal. By crossing the Breton region from one side to the other, you will discover contrasting landscapes in the heart of the Black Mountains and small towns of character (Pontivy, Redon…). Visit also the splendid castle of Josselin, the city of Châteaulin or the famous roadstead of Brest.

The Garonne, discovering the great Bordeaux wines

Take a cruise on the Garonne River and discover the magnificent landscapes of the Gironde estuary, in the heart of one of the largest wine-producing regions in France. Admire the Vauban citadel in Blaye and enjoy gourmet stops to visit castles and vineyards. The little extra of this river cruise? The possibility of tasting great Bordeaux wines: Pauillac, Saint-Émilion, Pomerol…

The Rhône of Provence, between history and wilderness

From Avignon, the City of the Popes, go down the Rhône to the Mediterranean Sea. Are you a history buff? Marvel at the Roman remains of Arles, the fortified medieval town ofAigues-Mortes and the Salins du Midi. You are sensitive to the beauty of the fauna and flora? Explore the wilderness of the Camargue with its horses, flamingos and bulls. One of the cruises in France that ensures a total change of scenery!

The Lot, a boat trip in a picturesque valley

Among the boat excursions in France, the river cruise on the Lot is one of the most charming. Sail onone of the most beautiful rivers in France, bordered by cliffs and vineyards. Discover the pretty village of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie or the city of Cahors and its Valentré bridge, a medieval bridge with three towers. Taste its intense red wine and visit its old town with its half-timbered houses, its narrow streets and its cathedral.