The Prices of River Cruises to France
Jump to: Best Tours | Tour Prices
There's something magical about exploring a destination by river. River cruises combine the relaxation of smooth sailing with the excitement of visiting iconic towns, cities, and natural wonders along the way. From breathtaking landscapes to charming villages and cultural landmarks, these cruises through France offer a front-row seat to the beauty and history of each destination - all without having to repack your bags. In this article, we'll explore the costs of river cruises in France, highlight some of the best options available, and share insights into popular routes that make these tours such a special way to travel.
To help you find the perfect river cruise, we've analyzed a variety of cruise options around France to uncover the typical price ranges and identify the ones that offer the best value. By comparing cost, destinations, cruise quality, and included amenities, we've pinpointed river cruises that blend comfort, culture, and affordability. So, whether you're a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, sit back, relax, and let the river lead you to your next unforgettable journey through France.
Why does France appeal to river cruise passengers?
River cruises in France appeal to travelers for their relaxed pace, scenic views, and access to culturally rich, often less-touristed destinations. Paris, Versailles, and Mont-Saint-Michel offer plenty of amazing museums and sights to explore. Paris is known for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. Paris, Bordeaux, and Cannes are foodie destinations with fantastic cuisine and world-class restaurants. With easy, all-inclusive travel arrangements and immersive stops in culturally rich areas, river cruises provide a convenient and enriching way to explore multiple regions in comfort and style.
How much do River Cruises in France cost?
The average price per day for river cruises in France is $389, based on our analysis of 169 tours. While the overall prices can vary greatly, when we look at the daily price of these tours, the costs range from $122 to $980 per day.
Budget-friendly tours average around $190 per day, while higher-end luxury tours average about $617 per day.
Budget tours will usually provide less luxurious accommodation, have larger group sizes, and visit less expensive destinations. They will also sometimes have you pay for more activities on your own instead of including everything up front.
Mid-range tours often provide a step up in accommodation and transportation, and include more guided activities.
Luxury tours usually provide the highest levels of service, luxury hotels, more gormet food choices, comfortable transportation, and offer more all-inclusive payment options.
We partner with TourRadar because they offer the world's largest selection of multi-day organized tours, offering seamless travel experiences while supporting local businesses. It's the perfect way to explore new destinations with ease and confidence.
The Best Cruises in France
Budget-Friendly Cruises
Budget-friendly and affordable river cruises in France average $190 per day, with daily prices from $122 to $243. Budget tours usually include hotels, meals, and activities that are not quite as nice as other tours. Often, they might only include transportation, lodging, and some activities, leaving you on your own to pay for meals and other attractions during the tour. This can be a very convenient and economical way to visit France without spending too much money, as it gives you control over the amount you spend on meals and extra services. If you're looking for a really great option, check out From Paris, the City of Light, to the shores of Normandy, a festive and gourmet cruise on the Seine aboard a paddlewheel boat (port-to-port cruise) here.
Mid-Range Cruises
For typical river cruises in France that fall in the middle range of prices, the average cost is $348 per day. Daily prices range from $243 to $495. Taking this step up in price from the cheaper tours to mid-range will often get you plenty of extra amenities and service for a great price. These tours usually include very comfortable hotels, meals at delicious local restaurants, comfortable transportation, knowledgable guides, and entry to many of the top attractions. One of the best tours is Authentic Normandy: Charming Villages, Traditional Food, and Classic Sites (port-to-port cruise).
Luxury Cruises
Luxury river cruises in France average around $348 per day, with daily costs ranging from $500 to $980. At this price, you'll be very well taken care of and pampered on your journey through the scenic destinations. Knowledgable guides, the best accommodation options, the finest restaurants, comfortable transportation, and quick entry into attractions are all part of the itinerary. Every luxury and detail has been planned and thought about so that you don't have to deal with any hassle, you simple show up and enjoy your vacation. One of the best luxury tours here is Hiking cruise - Corsica reveals its hidden treasures.
Which tour companies offer these trips?
A number of fantastic tour companies offer river cruises in France. These are a few of the best, because they offer the highest rated service, provide the best overall quality, and have the most five-star guest reviews to prove it.
CroisiEurope River Cruises
Focusing on river cruise tours through France, Germany, Cambodia, and Vietnam, CroisiEurope River Cruises is a well established tour provider. Most participants on their tours are adults and their tours range in length from 2 days to 3 weeks. Some of their offerings cater to families with children. This company's tour offerings are generally priced lower than others, which makes them attractive for budget travelers.
See All Tours from CroisiEurope River Cruises
Emerald Cruises
Emerald Cruises is a large company with a focus on river cruise tours through France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. Most participants are adults and the tours range in length from 5 days to 4 weeks. The tours offered by Emerald Cruises are usually luxurious, high-end, and provide a top-tier level of service. The company's adventures often highlight activities such as wine tasting, island hopping, and snorkelling.
See All Tours from Emerald Cruises
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
Focusing on river cruise tours through Germany, France, Hungary, and the Netherlands, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours is a well established tour provider. Most participants on their tours are adults and their tours range in length from 5 days to 12 weeks. Most of the tours provided by Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours are high-end and luxurious with a top-tier level of service.
See All Tours from Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
Terranova Touristik
Terranova Touristik is a large company with a focus on bicycle tours through Germany, France, Italy, and Spain. Most participants are adults and the tours range in length from 4 days to 10 days. A large number of their tours fall within in the mid-range price category. Terranova Touristik specializes in bike tours to fantastic destinations.
See All Tours from Terranova Touristik
Departure Destinations in France
Wondering where tours launch from in France? With a variety of stops and destinations along the way, there's something for everyone.
Strasbourg
Strasbourg is located in the northeastern part of France near the German border. You'll find both French and German influences in the food, architecture, and culture and the city is considered on of the most beautiful in the region. It is also filled with impressive landmarks, many of which are found in the old town.
It is a charming and beautiful city that is filled with gardens, parks, pedestrian streets, and impressive architecture.
Lyon
Lyon is a beautiful city with a long history. It has one of Europe's best old towns, which climbs the hills above the River Saône and is filled with character. There are many traditional restaurants where you can try the local cuisine. The city is also known for its Marionette puppets and there is a museum as well as places to watch a production.
The city climbs beautifully into the hills and offers spectacular views and charming character.
Arles
Arles is located on the Rhône River in Provence. It is famous as an inspiration for paintings by Vincent Van Gogh and it is filled with Roman ruins and fascinating history. Today the town regularly hosts plays and concerts that visitors can enjoy.
This small city is famous for inspiring works by Vincent Van Gogh.
Avignon
Avignon is a town in the region of Provence that dates back to the 1300s. It sits along the Rhône River and is filled with history and beautiful landmarks.
More
Other popular destinations for river cruise tours through France include Viviers, Colmar, Vienne, Macon, and Libourne.
Which is cheaper?
Are guided river cruises worth the money compared to independent travel? It depends on the specifics. Tours combine accommodations, meals, transport, tickets, and activities into a single cost, while independent travelers manage and pay for these individually. To determine which is more affordable, compare the tour's total price with what you'd spend booking everything separately. Preferences like staying in low-cost lodging or indulging in fine dining can influence whether a tour costs more or less. Make sure to check out the tour package to see what is included, or not, very carefully before deciding.
Also, before booking a tour, make sure you know exactly what is included as tour companies sometimes change their itineraries or included amenities to keep them updated with seasonal changes and customer interests.
More Tour Options
See also The Best Family-Friendly Tours to France, The Best Wildlife Tours to France, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, The Best 3-Day Tours in France, The Best 2-Week Tours in France, The Best Extended Trip Tours in France, One Month or Longer, The Best Bicycle Tours in France, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France, The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in France, The Best Christmas Market Tours in France, The Best Coach Bus Tours in France, The Best Adventure Tours to France, The Best Eco Tours in France, The Best Train & Rail Tours in France, The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in France, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in France, The Best Art History, Museums, and Cultural Tours Tours in France, The Best Sightseeing Tours in France, The Best Cultural Tours in France, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France, The Best Music Tours in France, The Best Photography Tours in France, The Best Camping Tours in France, The Best Educational Tours in France, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in France, The Best Self Drive Tours in France, The Best Walking Tours in France, The Best Honeymoon Tours in France, The Best Tours Under $1000 in France, The Best Luxury Tours to France, The Best Budget Tours to France, The Best Tours for Seniors to France, The Best Contiki Tours to France, or The Best G Adventures Tours to France for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.
Also, if you're departing from a specific destination, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 3-Day Tours from Strasbourg, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Lyon, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Nice, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Arles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bordeaux, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Avignon, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Strasbourg, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Marseille, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Blois, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Chamonix, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Dijon, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tours, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bastia, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Chalon sur Saone, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Toulouse, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 10-Day Tours from Arles, The Best 10-Day Tours from Nice, The Best 10-Day Tours from Lyon, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Arles, The Best 2-Week Tours from Nice, The Best 2-Week Tours from Chamonix, The Best 2-Week Tours from Bordeaux, The Best 2-Week Tours from Marseille, or The Best 2-Week Tours from Lyon for more package tour options.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.