Immerse yourself in the ‘joie de vivre’ with a French river cruise
From small seaside towns to iconic wine-making cities, this selection of French Riviera Travel itineraries will leave you wanting more with their abundance of unforgettable tours…
Wave au revoir to England and float along the French
Rhône, Seine and crystal-clear waters of Provence next spring and autumn. With
powder Normandy beaches, classic French architecture and vineyard visits, you
don’t have to travel far to encounter world-famous charms.
Can’t wait? With France being a neighbouring friend of the UK
and departure dates on offer this year too, there’s no reason not to book one
at the click of the button and take a break from the daily mundane
sooner…
Here are three of our top picks from Riviera Travel’s collection
so that you can live the French dream.
LYON, PROVENÇAL RHÔNE & THE CAMARGUE This 11-day escape sails aboard the stylish MS Lord Byron ship to
some of southern France’s most picturesque regions – all from a modest price of
£2,399 per person.
Riviera Travel’s Lyon, Provençal Rhône & the Camargue itinerary
also gives you the choice of different sailings in 2023. From April, witness
the famous natural arches from the Ardèche Gorges with surrounding grasslands
in full flowering mode. Or, wait until October for transforming autumnal river
views and warmly lit-up streets around Orange, Beaune, Lyon, Avignon and
more.
Plus, whether a sweet rosé or a rich glass of red tickles your
fancy, wine aficionados’ cravings won’t be bottled up as you cheers to wine
tasting experiences in the French gems of Mâcon and Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Enjoy
an array of wines ‘grape’ for every taste as you swirl, sniff and sip your
vino, gazing out onto sweeping vineyard landscapes.
This magical cruise also guides you through an Olive Oil farm in
the Les Baux-de-Provence, and takes you to the Ornithological Park of Pont de
Gau where you can spy on bright pink flamingos and herons wading through the
pools of this natural attraction.
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THE SEINE, PARIS & NORMANDY From your dive into the fast-paced city of romantic Paris, the
River Seine winds around beautiful cities such as Medieval Rouen with the
ethereal ruins of Jumièges Abbey and Honfleur – home to a serene
waterfront.
From just £1299 per person, join MS Jane Austen onboard for
eight-extraordinary days on this Seine, Paris and Normandy river
cruise, sailing from September to October this year, or from April to October
in 2023.
This itinerary is perfect for anyone who wants a big slice of
France’s famous Normandy region too where you can take advantage of some fascinating
and unique included excursions.
This encompasses a visit to the one and only Claude Monet House
in Giverny where you can venture to this French impressionist’s expansive
farmhouse and studio. It’s a feast for the eyes, particularly in springtime
when his famous flower garden is in full bloom!
More of a history buff? This route explores a whole lot of
France’s past too – just you wait for your trip to the Bayeux tapestry. This
distinctive, 11th-century artefact depicts the turbulent story of the Norman
conquest of England – all through an embroidered illustration stretched over a
linen canvas. Don’t forget your camera!
If you want to feed your love for artistic and historical
creations further, you can personalise your time away with an excursion to the
Louvre when in Paris. As the world’s largest museum with one of the most
remarkable art collections throughout history, you’re in for a worthwhile
treat.
BURGUNDY, THE RIVER RHÔNE & PROVENCEUnveil the must-see Popes’ Palace in Avignon. Indulge in a wine
sampling session in Beaune. Gawp at the ancient Roman Pont du Gard bridge
glowing in the evening sun, stretching across the River Gardon. Experience all
of this and more in one alluring Riviera Travel cruise.
To be or not to be aboard MS William Shakespeare, or if not on
MS Lord Byron, this trip has completely different visits in store for you over
the course of eight days. Again with versatile departure dates from September
to October in 2022, and from April to October in 2023, look forward to Burgundy, the River Rhône and Provence all from
just £1,399 per person.
More of a long-haul traveller? Extend your time in France and
add on an extra four days with a bed and breakfast hotel stay in Geneva with
this unmissable cruise line's Pass Extension.
As well as a three course-lunch along the glistening Lake
Geneva, these additional days will allow you to journey on the Golden Pass
Panoramic train from Gstaad to Montreux, reward you with a guided visit to
Chillon Castle and take you up to the highest peak of the Vaudois Alps by cable
car.
Oh, and did we mention the included return flights and transfers
from your hotel? So, what are you waiting for?
