The 8 Most Beautiful River Cruises Around Europe

For your next vacation, why not choose something a little different? Instead of hopping on a plane toSpain, Greece or Thailand, why not take a river cruise, either in France or Europe? CroisiEurope, a major player in the cruise business, offers a wide range of itineraries, from the Seine valley to the Douro. Here are some of our favorites.

Cruising the French rivers with CroisiEurope is an exceptional way to experience the heart of France. The company offers a selection of captivating itineraries, giving travelers the chance to discover the hidden treasures of France’s waterways, while enjoying incomparable comfort aboard their barges.

Croisieurope‘s eight-day Seine Valley: art, history and nature cruise takes us on a long journey along one of France’s most emblematic rivers, the Seine.

Departing from Paris, the adventure begins with a night cruise through the capital, offering a breathtaking view of the illuminated monuments of Paris. On the following days, the cruise continues to La Roche-Guyon and Vernon, where a must-see visit to Claude Monet’s house in Giverny immerses us in the world of the famous Impressionist painter.

History buffs will appreciate the stopovers in Honfleur and Rouen, two Normandy towns marked by centuries of history and art. In Honfleur, passengers can explore the Côte Fleurie or hike the cliffs of the Côte d’Albâtre, immortalized by the greatest artists. In Rouen, the guided tour reveals the architectural and artistic treasures that have inspired painters such as Monet.

Looking for some sun? Head south for a cruise on the Rhône, from Lyon to Saintes-Marie-de-la-Mer.

On board, you’re sure to marvel at the lush vineyards, picturesque villages and historic sites that line the river’s banks. Unforgettable stopovers await you in Avignon, cradle of the Popes’ Palace and its rich medieval past, and in Les Baux-de-Provence, considered one of the most beautiful villages in France.

Located north of Paris, the Oise valley is a haven of peace, with lush green landscapes, picturesque villages and a fascinating cultural wealth. To discover it in a different way, don’t hesitate to climb aboard the six-day CroisiEurope cruise, which starts (and ends!) in Paris.

This cruise is the ideal opportunity to explore historic gems such as Compiègne, famous for its imperial palace and its history linked to Napoleon Bonaparte, and the Château de Chantilly, an architectural masterpiece surrounded by breathtaking gardens.

The Garonne and Dordogne rivers reveal the timeless charms of south-west France, and are a joy to explore.

During CroisiEurope’s five-day cruise, you’ll admire the renowned vineyards of Bordeaux, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvel at the elegant châteaux lining the banks of these two emblematic rivers. Enthusiasts of wine will be particularly delighted by the optional tour of the Médoc’s Grands Crus (not forgetting the wine tasting!). Stopovers in Saint-Émilion, Blaye and Libourne allow you to explore enchanting medieval villages and savor the region’s culinary delights.

Whether you’re dreaming of cruising the majestic Danube, the romantic Rhine or the tranquil charm of the Douro, CroisiEurope offers you a range of destinations to discover the enchanting landscapes of the Old Continent. Each day, your itinerary will lead you to new discoveries, whether in lively cities like Vienna, Budapest and Prague, or in charming villages such as Cochem, Mantua and Como. You’ll be immersed in the cultural and historical richness of each location.

Venice is an actual open-air museum. It’s one of those metropolises that never ceases to amaze. A river cruise on the Venetian lagoon aboard the MS Michelangelo is a truly unique way to discover the Queen of the Adriatic.

Whether you opt for the five-night cruise called The Treasures of Venice, with scheduled stops in Mazzorbo and Chioggia, or a cruise alongItaly‘s rivers, such as the nine-day cruise that departs from Milan and crosses the iconic Lake Como before heading to Mantua and Venice, dolce vita is guaranteed.

CroisiEurope seduces wine lovers with its cruises through the vine-covered valleys of northern Portugal to the Spanish border in the small village of Barca D’Alva.

The most popular route is from Lisbon to Porto, through the Douro valley. Over the course of eight days, we discover emblematic cities where beauty and uniqueness promise unforgettable moments.

Whether you’re setting off from Strasbourg on a trans-European cruise to Budapest, or departing from Hungary to discover Serbia and Romania by way of the Black Sea, CroisiEurope offers a range of options to suit travelers wishing to explore Europe’s second longest river.

Our favorite? The Prague and the Blue Danube cruise takes us on an eight-day tour of some of Europe’s most beautiful cities, from Prague to Vienna, via Budapest.

The Rhine Valley offers a unique boating experience, punctuated by magnificent castles, picturesque vineyards and numerous enchanting villages that unfold along the water.

Our favorite cruise? The cruise through the Romantic Rhine Valley, ending on the Moselle, where the towns of Koblenz, Alken and Cochem come into their own.

For an original vacation, river cruises in France and Europe offer a captivating alternative to classic destinations. Whether you want to explore the cultural riches of the Seine Valley, the wine-growing landscapes of the Douro, or the treasures of Venice, each itinerary presented allows you to discover Europe from a new angle.

Finally, if you’re a resident of Canada, read our guide on how to save on your next cruise with rewards points.