France has long been shaped by its rivers, where villages grew, vineyards took root and daily life continues along the water’s edge. Following the Seine, Rhône or Garonne means tracing centuries of history past château-lined banks and wine country towns. Any journey through France is deepened by the country’s enduring relationship with food and wine, experienced through onshore tastings and thoughtfully crafted onboard dining.
Sailing This Itinerary
Regional Dishes Rooted in Tradition
Let us help you choose the right cruise. Our river cruise experts are here to help you find the perfect journey, tailored to your interests and travel dreams.
Featured Experiences in France
Visit Monet’s Home and Gardens in Giverny
Walk through Monet’s beautifully restored home and the water-lily gardens that inspired some of his most famous paintings just outside Paris.
Wine Tasting at a Bordeaux Château
Visit a historic estate for a guided tasting of the region’s renowned wines, learning about Bordeaux’s terroir and winemaking traditions.
Discover the Roman Heritage of Arles and Avignon
Tour ancient amphitheaters and medieval landmarks on guided tours of the Southern French towns of Arles and nearby Avignon.
Explore Lyon’s Old Town and Culinary Scene
Stroll through Lyon’s old town as your expert guide shares stories about the city’s silk trade, culinary reputation, and rich cultural traditions.
Hike the Blaye Citadel’s Historic Ramparts
Enjoy a scenic walk along Blaye Citadel, an impressive 17th-century fort, alongside a guided tour that brings this UNESCO-listed site to life.
Visit Festive Christmas Markets During the Holidays
During the holiday season, visit France’s charming Christmas markets. Enjoy mulled wine and handmade gifts while taking in the local festivities.
Testimonials
“We’ve told so many people about how river cruising with AmaWaterways is the best-kept secret in travel, and we are already talking about what river we will experience next.”
“Hats off and a bow down to the AmaSiena crew for providing a wonderful experience. I want to give a special shout-out to our Cruise Director. She was there for us all the time including pre- and post-cruise experinces. She is the best Cruise Director of any cruise we have ever been on! ”
“We had planned our river cruise during Christmas, but we didn’t even miss celebrating at home because AmaLucia was completely decked out with wreaths, ornaments, and lights and there were at least four Christmas trees on board. Our gift to the kids this year was the river cruise, but we did take advantage of the ship’s tradition of everyone putting their slippers out to sneak some trinkets into theirs. It was so fun; we may even start doing this at home! On board the ship, our family played a lot of board games in the lounge and danced to the live music each evening. We also spent some quiet time together in the stateroom watching Christmas movies. The gift of traveling with your family is that you don’t have constant distractions or activities to run to – you can just spend more time being together.”
“As a slightly disabled 80-year-old, I missed out on many included excursions with other companies. Then I found AmaWaterways and their gentle walker options and my world opened up.”
“From the moment we landed in Amsterdam for the pre-cruise until the last day of the post-cruise in Zurich, our tour manager, Florentin, made us feel welcome and safe. He remained with us throughout the trip and was extremely professional, knowledgeable and resourceful. Florentin always had a smile on his face and interesting details about the cities on our trip.”
Extra days in Paris will give you the chance to explore this iconic city more deeply. Whether soaking in café culture in Saint-Germain or visiting landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre, the city is yours to explore.
You Might Also Like
Newsletter sign-up form
By signing up, you declare that you have read our Terms & Conditions and consent to receive offers, information and content via current means of communication as per our Privacy Policy.