France river cruises
Cruise the Rhône, Saône and Seine rivers and experience French cuisine, history, art and culture at its finest.
Cruise the rivers of Southern France
Discover the South of France - a region of character and charm, from historic cities and peaceful villages to rolling vineyards. As you cruise the Rhône & Saône rivers, wander cobbled lanes that whisper of the past, indulge in exceptional regional cuisine, and soak in the beautiful landscapes that surround you.
In the north, you’ll cruise along the Seine River from the iconic sights of Paris to the fishing village of Honfleur, where few ships can visit. Explore Normandy on a journey that captivates history, art, cuisine, and culture before returning to the vibrant “City of Lights” Paris.
A world of experiences
Enlightening experiences await on your France river cruise. Sample celebrated wines of Beaujolais, savour in the culinary sensations of Lyon, uncover the rich history of Avignon and follow in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh as you amble the charms of Arles.
Uncover Normandy’s charm as you stroll Monet’s gardens in Giverny, explore Rouen’s medieval heart, taste cider in the countryside, and visit historic D-Day landmarks in Honfleur.
Panoramic views of the Rhône in Viviers
Soak in the UNESCO-listed capital of Lyon
Wander the streets of Paris
Cafes and cobbled streets in Avignon
Roman architecture and history in Arles
Vineyards and views in Tournon
Cruise the Seine River, France
Launching in 2027, the brand new Emerald Lumi will take you on a luxury journey from the heart of Paris to Normandy. Cruise the Seine River and experience the rich history, artistic charm, and gourmet specialties this region is famed for.
With its innovative custom-built design, Emerald Lumi will unlock access to coveted ports such as Honfluer and Rouen, where you can step off the ship and wander through these charming towns. The itinerary is thoughtfully designed to immerse you in the culture and beauty of France with extended stays in key ports for deeper exploration and curated excursions that highlight the regions' art, history, and culinary delights.
Explore France
Embrace the style and rustic charm of France on a river cruise that winds through picturesque villages, renowned vineyards, and historic cities. Savour authentic French cuisine, immerse yourself in local culture, and explore at your own pace, with days designed to be uniquely yours.
Arles
Avignon
Honfleur
On Board Entertainment
Private Classical Concert
Explore on E-bikes
Rhône in Spring
Lavender Season
Autumn on the Rhône
Discover the waterways of Southern France
Cruise the Rhône River
Meet chef Fabien Morreale
On Board Emerald Liberté
Why choose Emerald Cruises?
At Emerald Cruises, your enjoyment comes first. Sail with the small cruise ship experts and benefit from our attentive service, as we bring you closer to some of Central Europe’s most exciting destinations.
Emerald Cruises specialise in providing a small cruise ship experience. You’ll notice how measured guest numbers, an excellent staff-to-guest ratio, and the purpose-driven design and layout of Emerald Liberté offers you a comfortable and luxurious France river cruise experience.
Award-winning Emerald Star-Ships
Emerald Liberté and Emerald Lumi are designed to cruise the waterways of France, guiding you through the twists and turns of the Rhône, Saône and Seine rivers. Revel in your sanctuary, where every touch and elegant flourish has been chosen to reflect French beauty and style.
Designed for luxurious comfort, your France river cruise provides an abundance of space for socialising and relaxing. Enjoy culinary delights in the Reflections Restaurant and join new-found friends for drinks at the Horizon Bar & Lounge. Head to the Sun Deck for a game of giant noughts and crosses or enjoy a dip in the indoor pool before it transforms into a cinema space on selected evenings.
Where you will travel
Explore the stunning rivers of France
Navigate the locks and bridges of France’s mesmerising rivers. You’ll pass rolling vineyards and plenty of charming villages, witnessing everyday life in France, as you cruise serenely along the water.
Your guide to Luxury Europe River Cruising 2026
Download your complimentary luxury Europe river cruising brochure to start planning your journey.
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