France has a way of capturing the imagination – from the elegant boulevards of Paris to the sun-drenched vineyards of Provence. And along its rivers, each region reveals a distinctly different side of the country's culture, cuisine, and history. In the north, the Seine flows from Paris to Normandy, where bucolic landscapes, medieval towns, and artistic landmarks like Monet's gardens set the scene – alongside powerful moments of reflection on the historic beaches of D-Day. In the south, the Rhône winds through Lyon, Burgundy, and Provence toward the French Riviera, where Roman ruins, vibrant markets, and world-renowned wine regions bask in a warmer, more sunlit rhythm of life. Tauck's river cruises bring these regions to life with exclusive experiences, from private château visits to curated tastings and special Tauck-only events. With several incredible ways to explore France by river, this guide will help you discover which journey – north or south – is just right for you.
| Cruise | All-Included Stays | Departs | Rivers | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Essence of the Rhone →
6 Days
|
5-Night Cruise | Mar, Nov | Rhône | Even with limited time, you can discover the many sides of France's Rhône River – from a private evening at the elegant Duchy of Uzès to time spent exploring medieval villages. Along the way, you'll discover a quieter side of the country, where historic towns, Provençal landscapes, and exclusive moments reveal enduring charm. |
|
Essence of the Seine →
6 Days
|
5-Night Cruise | Mar, Nov | Seine | Our newest cruise on the Seine gives you a choice of sightseeing in Paris plus a visit to one of its world-renowned museums, lets you experience D-Day history at Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, and the American Cemetery, and invites you to a Tauck Exclusive evening at Château du Taillis. |
| Cruise | All-Included Stays | Departs | Rivers | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
A Week On… the Rhône →
8 Days
|
7-Night Cruise | Apr-Nov | Rhône | Train rides through the countryside, chocolate tastings, charming villages, and visits to local wineries set the tone for this weeklong journey along the Rhône. Discover the flavors, landscapes, and essence of this region as you cruise through the heart of the Rhône. |
|
A Week On… the Seine →
8 Days
|
7-Night Cruise | Apr-Nov | Seine | Explore timeless stories that define Northern France – including the beaches of D-Day, an early-opening visit to Monet's gardens, a private tour and dinner at the breathtaking Château du Taillis, tastings along the Cider Route, and two nights in fabulous Paris. |
| Cruise | All-Included Stays | Departs | Rivers | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Barcelona, Burgundy & the Rhône →
13 Days
|
9-Night Cruise 3 Nights Barcelona |
Mar-May, Jul, Sep-Nov | Rhône | Experience the vibrant culture of Spain alongside the timeless beauty of France. Spend three nights in Barcelona, taking in the city's distinctive architecture, cuisine, and energy, before journeying along the Rhône for a leisurely cruise past charming towns and scenic landscapes of southern France. |
|
Cruising the Seine Plus Paris & London →
12 Days
|
2 Nights London 9-Night Cruise |
Apr-May, Jul-Oct | Seine | Journey from London to Paris, winding through medieval towns and ports along the way, uncover WWII history on the beaches of Normandy and after-hours in the Churchill War Rooms, and walk in the footsteps of the Impressionists at Auvers-sur-Oise, where van Gogh spent his last days. |
|
Bordeaux, Paris & The Seine →
11 Days
|
3 Nights Bordeaux 7-Night Cruise |
Apr-Nov | Seine | Spend three nights in Bordeaux with a choice to savor estate-produced wine in an elegant château or visit La Cité du Vin wine museum for a wine workshop and tastings, enjoy a choice of sightseeing in Paris, explore the palace of Versailles with a private guide, discover the beaches of Normandy, and step into a Monet masterpiece with an early opening to his gardens at Giverny. |
|
Savoring France: Paris, Lyon & Provence →
10 Days
|
7-Night Cruise 2 Nights Paris |
Apr-May, Jul-Oct | Rhône | Sail the Rhône Valley roundtrip and visit Paris. Savor regional specialties and local vintages with a wine tasting at a Châteauneuf-du-Pape estate and an exclusive dinner in a private château. In Arles, explore Roman ruins and scenes once painted by van Gogh. And end in Paris with a two-night stay featuring a curated culinary tour and a farewell dinner to remember. |
|
French Escapade: The Riviera to Paris →
14 Days
|
2 Nights Monte Carlo 9-Night Cruise 2 Nights Paris |
Mar, May-Jun, Aug-Oct | Rhône, Saône |
Begin along the sun-kissed French Riviera, where Provençal charm meets Mediterranean beauty. Then journey north to discover Roman ruins in Arles, the papal legacy of Avignon, and the medieval streets of Uzès. Cruise through the heart of Burgundy, tasting wines and exploring historic towns like Beaune and Chalon-sur-Saône, before ending in Paris with a visit to the Louvre. |
|
La Belle Vie: Geneva, Provence & Marseille →
14 Days
|
2 Nights Geneva 9-Night Cruise 2 Nights Marseille |
Apr-Oct | Rhône, Saône |
Begin in lakeside Geneva, then cruise through Burgundy's celebrated wine region with exclusive tastings and lunch at a private château. Along the Rhône, discover the UNESCO-listed Pont du Gard, stroll medieval streets in Avignon, and visit a Provençal ranch in the Camargue before ending with two nights in Marseille. |
| Cruise | All-Included Stays | Departs | Rivers | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Rendezvous on the Seine: Paris to Normandy →
10 Days
|
9-Night Cruise | Apr-Nov | Seine | Cruise round-trip from Paris and delve deeper into Normandy, visit the Louvre, gain insight into WWII at Mémorial de Caen, the D-Day beaches, and the American Cemetery, discover Joan of Arc's legacy in Rouen, a chance to explore Honfleur's nautical charm, savor the region's cider traditions, and more. |
| Cruise | All-Included Stays | Departs | Rivers | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Holiday Spirit: Cruising the Seine →
8 Days
|
7-Night Cruise | Nov-Dec | Seine | Visit Paris at one of the most wondrous times of the year as it glows with the joys of the holiday season, visit a Christmas market in Normandy and take in its medieval charms, and enjoy a visit to spectacular Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, dressed in its holiday best. |
| Cruise | All-Included Stays | Departs | Rivers | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Holiday Magic: Seine Family River Cruise →
8 Days
|
7-Night Cruise | Dec | Seine | From dazzling light shows to festive markets and holiday displays, this journey brings the spirit of the season to life. Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year surrounded by loved ones, creating memories together amid the joyful charm of France. |
|
Family Fun Along the Seine: Paris to Normandy →
8 Days
|
7-Night Cruise | Jun-Jul | Seine | Cruise through the heart of France where history and beauty intertwine, experience Paris like the locals, visit the Louvre, see Monet's gardens without the crowds, honor the heroes of D-Day, discover Joan of Arc in Rouen, and embark on a royal escapade at Versailles. |
|
Bon Voyage! The Rhone & Provence →
8 Days
|
2 Nights Paris 5-Night Cruise |
Jun-Jul | Rhône | Medieval villages, scenic mini-train rides, and flavorful food are just the beginning of your family's journey through France's Rhône River Valley and Provence. |