The 8 Most Beautiful River Cruises Around Europe
- Honeymoon
For your next vacation, why not opt for something different? Rather than hopping on a plane to Spain, Greece, or Thailand, choose to embark on a river cruise, whether in France or Europe. CroisiEurope, a major player in the field of cruises, offers many itineraries, from the Seine Valley to the Douro. Here are our favorites.
River cruises in France
Sailing on French rivers aboard a CroisiEurope river cruise offers an exceptional travel experience in the heart of France. The company offers a selection of captivating routes, giving travelers the opportunity to discover the hidden treasures of French waterways, while enjoying unparalleled 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.
Departing from Paris, the adventure begins with a nocturnal navigation in the capital, offering breathtaking views of Paris’s illuminated monuments. In the following days, the cruise continues to La Roche-Guyon and Vernon, where an unmissable visit to Claude Monet’s house in Giverny immerses us in the world of the famous Impressionist painter.
History buffs will appreciate the stops in Honfleur and Rouen, two Norman cities 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 inspired several painters, notably Monet.
River cruise in France with CroisiEurope – From Lyon to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
Looking for sunshine? We set sail south for a cruise on the Rhône that takes us from Lyon to Saintes-Marie-de-la-Mer.
On board, you are sure to be amazed by the lush vineyards, picturesque villages, and historic sites that line the riverbanks. Unforgettable stops await you in Avignon, birthplace of the Popes’ Palace and its rich medieval past, as well as in Les Baux-de-Provence, considered one of the most beautiful villages in France.
River cruise in France with CroisiEurope – The Oise valley
Located north of Paris, the Oise Valley is a true haven of peace offering green landscapes, picturesque villages, and fascinating cultural richness. To discover it differently, don’t hesitate to embark on the seven-day CroisiEurope cruise that begins (and ends!) in Paris.
This cruise is the ideal opportunity to explore historical gems such as Compiègne, famous for its imperial palace and its history linked to Napoleon Bonaparte, as well as the Château de Chantilly, an architectural masterpiece surrounded by breathtaking gardens.
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.
During the five-day CroisiEurope cruise, we admire the renowned vineyards of Bordeaux, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and marvel at the elegant châteaux that line the banks of these two emblematic rivers. Wine lovers will be particularly delighted by the optional excursion, which involves taking part in a tour to discover the great wines of Médoc (not to mention the tasting!). Stops in Saint-Émilion, Blaye, and Libourne allow you to explore enchanting medieval villages and savor the culinary delights of the region.
River cruises in Europe
Whether you dream of sailing on the majestic Danube, the romantic Rhine, or the tranquil charm of the Douro, CroisiEurope offers 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 will thus be immersed in the cultural and historical richness of each place.
River cruises in Europe with CroisiEurope – Venice
A true open-air museum, Venice is one of those metropolises that never ceases to enchant. One can only be captivated by a river cruise on the Venetian lagoon aboard the MS Michelangelo to discover the Queen of the Adriatic differently.
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.
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.
The most popular itinerary is the one that departs from Lisbon and arrives in Porto, crossing the Douro Valley. For eight days, we are led to discover emblematic cities where beauty and uniqueness promise unforgettable moments.
River cruises in Europe with CroisiEurope – The Danube
Whether you depart from Strasbourg for a trans-European cruise to Budapest or leave from Hungary to discover Serbia and Romania via the Black Sea, CroisiEurope offers different options that will satisfy travelers eager to explore the second-longest river in Europe.
Our favorite? The Prague and the Beautiful Blue Danube cruise which, for eight days, takes us to discover some of the most beautiful cities in Europe, from Prague to Vienna, via Budapest.
Rhine and Moselle
The Rhine Valley offers us a unique sailing experience, punctuated by magnificent castles, picturesque vineyards, and numerous enchanting villages that reveal themselves along the water.
Our favorite cruise? The cruise exploring the Romantic Rhine Valley which ends its adventure on the Moselle, where the cities of Koblenz, Alken, and Cochem are revealed.
Conclusion
For original vacations, river cruises in France and Europe offer a captivating alternative to classic destinations. Whether exploring the cultural riches of the Seine Valley, the wine landscapes of the Douro, or the treasures of Venice, each itinerary presented allows you to discover Europe from a new perspective.
Finally, if you’re a Canadian resident, read our guide to learn how to save on your next cruise with rewards points.
If you’re looking for a guided, all-inclusive package, check out our guide to Luxury Escapes tours and cruises, which features several itineraries in Europe.
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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 many river cruises throughout France and Europe at bargain prices. It is advisable to check their website to see what offers are currently available.
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.
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