The 8 Most Beautiful River Cruises Around Europe

Updated Aug 30, 2024
Fact checked by
Marie-Ève Leclerc
Marie-Ève Leclerc

Marie-Ève Leclerc

Marie-Ève Leclerc
Marie-Ève, Web Director at Milesopedia, is an expert in budget travel and a slow travel enthusiast. Specializing in Aeroplan, Scene+, and Marriott Bonvoy programs, she spends nearly six months a year abroad, making travel her way of life. Constantly seeking the best waves to surf, excellent coffee, and strategies to extend her travels, she is often found in coworking spaces with fellow digital nomads or by the sea, watching the sunset.
All posts by Marie-Ève Leclerc
Croisière fluviale à Saint-Émilion
To the point Discover the most beautiful river cruises in France and Europe for a trip off the beaten track.

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.

River cruises in France

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.

River cruises in France with CroisiEurope - The Seine Valley

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.

Croisière fluviale sur la 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.

Price: 1479 euros (≈ 2200 CAD)
Duration: 8 days
Booking : on the CroisiEurope website

River cruise in France with CroisiEurope - From Lyon to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

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

Croisière fluviale à Avignon

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.

Price: 1129 euros (≈ 1700 CAD)
Duration: 6 days
Booking : on the CroisiEurope website

River cruise in France with CroisiEurope - The Oise valley

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.

Croisière fluviale dans l'Oise
Source de l’image : CroisiEurope

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.

Price: 2220 euros (≈ 3355 CAD)
Duration: 7 days
Booking : on the CroisiEurope website

River cruises in France with CroisiEurope - The Garonne and the Dordogne

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

Croisière fluviale à Saint-Émilion

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.

Price: 832 euros (≈ 1255 CAD)
Duration: 5 days
Booking : on the CroisiEurope website

River cruises in Europe

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.

River cruises in Europe with CroisiEurope - Venice

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.

Croisière fluviale à Venise

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.

Price: Between 735 and 2029 euros (≈ between 1100 and 3050 CAD)
Duration: Between 5 and 9 days
Booking : On the CroisiEurope website

River cruises in Europe with CroisiEurope - The Douro

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.

Croisière fluviale dans le Douro

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.

Price: 2049 euros (≈ 3100 CAD)
Duration: 8 days
Booking : on the CroisiEurope website

River cruises in Europe with CroisiEurope - The Danube

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.

Croisière fluviale à  Budapest

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.

Price: 1965 euros (≈ 2950 CAD)
Duration: 8 days
Booking : on the CroisiEurope website

Rhine and Moselle

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

Croisière fluviale sur le Rhin

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.

Price: 969 euros (≈ 1450 CAD)
Duration: 5 days
Booking : on the CroisiEurope website

Bottom Line

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's a river cruise?

A river cruise is a cruise that allows you to discover landscapes and cities by navigating inland waterways, such as rivers and canals.

What's the best river cruise?

The best river cruise depends on individual preferences and tastes. A cruise along the Douro Valley, from Lisbon to Porto, is a popular choice for its spectacular wine-growing landscapes. Others, however, might prefer a cruise on the Danube, offering a discovery of historic European cities, or one on the Seine Valley, for its rich cultural and artistic heritage.

What's the cheapest river cruise in France?

CroisiEurope offers a wide range of river cruises throughout France and Europe at bargain prices. Take a look at their website for current offers.

Which boats are used for river cruises?

River cruises generally take place aboard barges, flat-bottomed boats specially designed to navigate inland waterways such as rivers and canals, as well as lakes and ponds.

Come to discuss that topic in our Facebook Group!
Vicky Moreau

Vicky Moreau

Vicky Moreau
Canadian by birth and European at heart, Vicky now moves between France and Germany, where she settled five years ago. A lover of words and adventure, she explores new places by van or on foot, immersing herself in diverse cultures. An expert in Flying Blue and Membership Rewards programs in France, Vicky is also well-versed in French banking options, including BoursoBank.
All posts by Vicky Moreau
Region
Europe, Germany, Spain, Barcelona, France, Lyon, Paris, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Milan, Venice, Portugal, Lisbon, Porto

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