The boulevards of Paris, the beaches of Normandy, the bistros of Lyon, the wineries of Bordeaux – a cruise down the winding rivers of France reveals all the storybook enchantment you have always imagined. Thankfully, Viking can turn this dream into a reality. Four incredible river cruises in France tell the whole story, weaving together tales from the little pockets of pure wonder to the grand icons of history – and everything in-between.
The eight-day Paris and the Heart of Normandy cruise deliver Parisienne marvels and Norman treasures, sailing down the celebrated Seine River. Walk Vernon's cobblestone streets, tour Rouen's Gothic architectural icons, hear stories of heroism at Juno, Gold, and Omaha beaches, and visit the gardens where Claude Money lived. This cruise offers the best of both worlds – urban modernity and pastoral tranquility – as you experience France's history, art, food, and traditions.
Natural beauty and endless French charm await on an eight-day Lyon and Provence cruise, where you will savor the culinary mastery in Lyon, take a painting class, hunt for truffles, learn how chevre cheese is made, and taste the finest Beaujolais wines. Beginning at the confluence of the Rhône and the Saône rivers in Lyon – the gastronomic capital of France – this cruise delves into the Roman history at Vienne, the deep gorges of Tournon, the 5th-century tales of Viviers, the Roman ruins at Arles, and the medieval walls of Avignon. This land inspired the likes of artists Paul Cézanne and Marc Chagall – now it is your turn to let it inspire you.
If you can’t decide between these two fantastic luxury river cruises in France, Viking offers its France’s Finest itinerary, which combines the Paris-Normandy-Lyon-Provence cruises into one marvelous 15-day river cruise down the Seine and the Rhône, with a tranquil train journey between Paris and Lyon. Experience 13 guided tours, see the most fabled landmarks of French history and witness the full French flair for life in some of the country’s most celebrated regions. Luxurious, sophisticated, serene, and surreal, this river cruise is a tour de force – the only way to see the real heart of France.
If an oenophile adventure is more to your taste, Viking’s eight-day Chateaux, Rivers, and Wine cruise through Bordeaux is just the ticket. Sail down the bucolic Garonne and Dordogne rivers, drinking in the stunning churches and citadels, the grand boulevards, the rich heritage, and, of course, some of the world’s most amazing wine. The culinary experiences in this part of France are legendary, as are the folkloric ports, vast vineyards, peaceful farms, and lush forests. Hunt for truffles in Périgord, blend your own cognac at Camus, savor oysters fresh from the bay at Arachon and sip Médoc while you are actually in Médoc. Beginning and ending in Bordeaux – itself a Little Paris – this luxury cruise is filled with one pinch-me moment after another.