French River Cruise Companies
From a Strasbourg family firm to the big international brands: who sails the rivers of France.
Get Free France River Cruise QuotesThe Lines on French Rivers
Most of the big international river lines run French itineraries, and France also has its own specialist. French river cruise companies differ less in where they go — the rivers are the same — than in ship style, what the fare includes, the nationality mix on board and the price level. Fleets and itineraries change each year, so treat the list below as a starting point; our advisors check what is sailing in your season.
| Company | Where it sails in France (examples) | Style |
|---|---|---|
| CroisiEurope | Seine, Rhône and Saône, Bordeaux, the Loire paddle-wheeler, canal barges | French family company; good-value, French on-board flavour |
| Viking | Seine (“Paris & the Heart of Normandy”), Rhône (“Lyon & Provence”), Bordeaux | Premium; Scandinavian design, adults-focused |
| Uniworld | “A Portrait of Majestic France”, “Brilliant Bordeaux”, Seine sailings | Luxury boutique ships, very inclusive |
| Avalon Waterways | “Burgundy & Provence”, Paris to Normandy, Bordeaux | Premium; wide panoramic windows |
| AmaWaterways | Rhône and Provence, Seine, Bordeaux | Premium; wellness and wine focus |
| Scenic | Rhône, Seine, Bordeaux | Luxury, highly inclusive |
| Tauck | Seine and Rhône | Luxury escorted touring |
| Emerald Cruises | Rhône and Provence | Premium, modern ships |
| Riverside Luxury Cruises | Southern France on the Rhône | Luxury, all-suite |
How to Choose Between Them
- What is included? Some include drinks, gratuities and all excursions; others charge for some.
- Who will you sail with? International lines carry mostly English speakers; CroisiEurope has a more mixed, often French, clientele.
- Ship size and style. Panoramic lounges, balcony cabins, suites, pools, bicycles.
- Itinerary detail. Two Rhône cruises can stop in different towns.
- Budget. Fares vary widely across lines for the same river.
For the luxury end, see Luxury Europe River Cruises; for ships and onboard life in France, France Rivers Cruising.
Booking Through an Advisor
Every company on this page sells through travel advisors, and booking that way costs you nothing extra. What it adds is comparison: one conversation instead of nine websites, an honest view of which ship suits you, and someone to call if plans change. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise also look for any offers you qualify for, such as past-guest savings or seasonal promotions, and can add flights, rail tickets and hotel nights in Paris or Lyon to the same booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a French river cruise company?
Yes. CroisiEurope is a family-owned French company based in Strasbourg, with a large fleet in France, including the Loire paddle-wheeler and canal barges. Its ships often carry a mix of nationalities, with a French flavour on board.
Which French river cruise companies are luxury?
Lines usually described as luxury include Uniworld, Scenic, Tauck and Riverside Luxury Cruises; AmaWaterways, Avalon, Viking and Emerald are typically described as premium. Our sister site Luxury Europe River Cruises looks at the luxury lines.
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