France is the quintessential destination for good reason. Whether you visit romantic Northern France, stunning Bordeaux, or charming Burgundy & Provence, you’ll find yourself enchanted by the best wines and cuisines the world has to offer. Come for the famous Château wineries of Bordeaux and cultural landmarks of Paris, then leave reminiscing about your stroll through Monet’s Giverny gardens and your kayak ride under the Pont du Gard.
Whether it be arts and culture, politics, philosophy, or science, France has found itself at the center of international conversation for centuries. You’ll find monuments to the country’s role in history everywhere you look: the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Normandy Beaches, Avignon’s Palace of the Popes, or the Médoc wine route, occupied by so many of the world’s greatest château wineries. The list goes on, so rest assured that there is a bucket list experience for every kind of traveller.
If you have a passion for great food, French cuisine will not disappoint. Regional differences abound, but at the core of French cooking is a passion for quality, local ingredients. It starts at small farms, of which there are many in the French countryside, where you might find flavorful herbs being grown or fresh milk being made into one of over 400 different varieties of cheeses. Then in the kitchens, it’s all about the craft: a perfectly roasted chicken, ultra-thin layers of pastry folded throughout with butter for a melt-in-your-mouth croissant, or a prime cut of brisket slowly braised for hours in a nice Burgundy red.
Widely considered the world’s best destination for wine, France is full of distinct wine regions, many of which are highly celebrated in their own rights. One of the finest of all: Bordeaux. Our Brilliant Bordeaux itinerary takes a deep dive into the wine culture here, giving guests endless opportunities to enjoy the artful red blends, sweet sauternes, and more produced here.
Burgundy has the highest number of unique AOC designations of any region in France, in large part due to the highly specific attention paid to the terroir of its vineyards. The most popular varietals grown here? Pinot noir and chardonnay.
While you’ll have no trouble finding truly excellent red and white wines produced from the syrah, cabernet sauvignon, and grenache (both noir and blanc) growing in the vineyards of Provence, another drink reigns supreme here. Ranging from bright pink to a subtle blush, rosé is as good as water in this region. During the warmer months, a chilled glass of rosé becomes the ultimate summer drink.
You’ll witness a range of idyllic landscapes on your French river cruise with Uniworld. Lush green valleys, thick forests, neatly manicured vineyards, and villages carved straight into rocky hilltops—picture-perfect scenes await around every river bend.
When to go: We sail most of our French cruises between the months of March and November for the best weather. Visit in the spring for fresh blooms and cooler weather, in the summer for sunshine and vibrant greenery, or in the fall for harvest season. To experience the French tradition of Nöel, join us on our Magical Parisian Holiday itinerary.
How to pack: We suggest comfortable, sporty, smart-casual daywear both onshore and onboard. Depending on your travel season, the weather can range from cool to quite hot. Check the weather before you go and pack accordingly. Layering clothing items is always your best bet, allowing you to adjust to most temperatures. Pack a lightweight waterproof jacket (preferably hooded) in case of rain, though we will also have umbrellas onboard. You may participate in a significant amount of walking over uneven terrain during your time ashore, so please bring comfortable walking shoes with good ankle support. Sturdy sandals are another good option.
Avg. Temp. 61º F / 16º C
Avg. Temp. 75º F / 24º C
Avg. Temp. 71º F / 22º C
Avg. Temp. 45º F / 7º C
Euro (EUR, €)
Central European Time (CET)
Central European Summer Time (CEST)
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European 230V
Plug types C and E
“I adore taking our guests to St. Emilion! Sauntering down cobble-stoned streets, passing quaint wine and cheese shops, before stepping into the iconic Monolithic Cathedral—it’s just like entering a fairytale! Seeing their smiles after our day out is magical!”
“I love spending Friday mornings exploring the local market in Libourne. Its fresh products, tempting smells, and colors in the main square entice our senses. Our guests then delight in tasting all those goodies I bring back onboard to create an authentic French meal.”
“I especially enjoy hosting our fascinating Progressive Dinner onboard. Welcoming our guests to the galley is such an exciting experience for them. It makes me proud to see how impactful the memories we create are for our guests.”
“For me, Bordeaux is the most elegant French City. Breathtaking promenades, side streets and tiny squares, genuine patisseries, antique shops, designers’ galleries, and authentic brasseries with an abundance of food and wine choices make Bordeaux the perfect destination.”
“When I am not traveling or with my family and friends, I am on the ship, so it is for me like a second home. This is how I would like my guests to feel: at home.”
Verified reviews by 
"Everything was curated beautifully. The excursions, walking tours, and guides. The ship was stunning and food delicious. Wine choices were lovely."
– Trusted Customer (Brilliant Bordeaux)
"No detail left unattended. Room was impeccable, spacious, and luxurious. Food and beverage over the top."
– Karen Whitman (Burgundy & Provence)
"Just beautiful countryside. The off boat experiences were educational and fun. Having local staff lead the walks was perfect. They know their history of the area and the personal approach made it even better."
– Kathleen Garrity (Burgundy & Provence)
Bordeaux to Paris | 15 days
This picture-perfect journey blends your passion for the good life—art, culture, and gastronomy—with a broad sweep of lovely French landscapes. Travel from beautiful Bordeaux and delight...
Ships: S.S. Bon Voyage, S.S. Joie de Vivre
Country: France
Rivers: Dordogne, Garonne, Seine
4.5/5 (121 reviews)
From $15,899 per person
Bordeaux to Bordeaux | 8 days
Set sail along three stunning rivers, the Garonne, Dordogne, and Gironde, on one fascinatingly historical and invigorating journey. Explore the country’s breathtaking backdrops, wines, and...
Ship: S.S. Bon Voyage
Country: France
Rivers: Dordogne, Garonne
4.5/5 (873 reviews)
From $6,199 per person
Arles to Lyon | 8 days
Cruise the Rhône and Saône rivers, enjoying the region’s incomparable wine and cuisine and discovering its many treasures. Stroll the very streets of Arles made famous by Van Gogh....
Ship: S.S. Catherine
Country: France
Rivers: Rhône, Saône
4.6/5 (1540 reviews)
From $6,649 per person
Basel to Arnhem | 8 days
Cruise along the Rhine—Germany on one side, France on the other. Discover Alsace, whose dual French and German heritage has given it fabulous food and a winemaking tradition that goes back to...
Ships: S.S. Antoinette, S.S. Elisabeth, S.S. Emilie, S.S. Victoria
Countries: France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland
River: Rhine
4.7/5 (2676 reviews)
From $6,299 per person
Basel to Amsterdam | 10 days
Cruise along the Rhine—Germany on one side, France on the other. Discover Alsace, whose dual French and German heritage has given it fabulous food and a winemaking tradition that goes back to...
Ships: S.S. Antoinette, S.S. Elisabeth, S.S. Emilie, S.S. Victoria
Countries: France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland
River: Rhine
From $7,549 per person
Istanbul to Paris | 15 days
Majestic Istanbul, imperial Vienna, romantic Paris ... we’ve composed an exceptional journey by private train and luxury river cruise to highlight these legendary cities and a plethora of...
Ship: S.S. Joie de Vivre
Countries: Austria, Bulgaria, Turkey, France, Switzerland, Slovenia, Serbia
River: Seine
From $56,199 per person
Paris to Istanbul | 14 days
Romantic Paris, imperial Vienna, majestic Istanbul ... we’ve composed an exceptional journey by luxury river cruise and private train to highlight these legendary cities and a plethora of...
Ship: S.S. Joie de Vivre
Countries: Austria, Bulgaria, Turkey, France, Switzerland, Slovenia, Serbia
River: Seine
From $54,499 per person
Geneva to Amsterdam | 19 days
Begin amidst the snow-capped peaks of the alps for an indulgent land tour of Switzerland’s greatest highlights. Travel from Zermatt to Saint Moritz via the iconic Glacier Express. Relish a...
Ship: S.S. Elisabeth
Countries: France, Germany, Liechtenstein, Netherlands, Switzerland
River: Rhine
From $26,949 per person
Edinburgh to Paris | 17 days
Journey by land to experience Great Britain in all its glory as you explore Alnwick and Edinburgh Castles. Join the Yeoman Warder for a Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London. Partake in a...
Ship: S.S. Joie de Vivre
Countries: France, United Kingdom
River: Seine
From $22,649 per person
Paris to Arles | 15 days
For Francophiles in love with the culture, history, cuisine, and romance of France, this grand voyage is a dream come true. Soak up the joie de vivre that makes France one of the most adored...
Ships: S.S. Catherine, S.S. Joie de Vivre
Country: France
Rivers: Rhône, Saône, Seine
4.6/5 (196 reviews)
From $15,999 per person
Paris to Paris | 8 days
For a holiday season experience that will truly take your breath away, embark on a luxury cruise on the Seine during Advent. It should come as no surprise that the City of Lights pulls out all the...
Ship: S.S. Joie de Vivre
Country: France
River: Seine
From $6,899 per person
Paris to Paris | 8 days
Cruise from Paris through Normandy’s countryside, uncovering its many charms. Allow us to treat you to a private evening concert at the medieval cathedral of Rouen. Walk across Monet’s...
Ship: S.S. Joie de Vivre
Country: France
River: Seine
4.7/5 (1328 reviews)
From $7,629 per person
Paris to Prague | 12 days
This trip by land and river is a beautiful study of contrasts. Allow the rich splendor of Paris and the bohemian grandeur of Prague to take your breath away. In between, small towns across Germany...
Ship: S.S. Audrey
Countries: France, Germany, Czech Republic
Rivers: Rhine, Moselle
From $11,199 per person
Amsterdam to Basel | 11 days
Dive deep into the region’s culture, natural wonders, traditions, and historical significance in a one-of-a-kind experience along the Rhine. Delve into the region’s world-renowned...
Ships: S.S. Antoinette, S.S. Audrey
Countries: France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland
River: Rhine
4.5/5 (449 reviews)
From $6,899 per person
Basel to Cologne | 8 days
Discover the roots of our Christmas traditions as you explore some of Europe’s most charming towns. Browse for unique ornaments in Basel’s Christmas Market. Sip vin chaud as you stroll to ...
Ships: River Duchess, S.S. Antoinette, S.S. Victoria
Countries: France, Germany, Switzerland
River: Rhine
4.4/5 (243 reviews)
From $7,399 per person
Basel to Brussels | 15 days
Soak in as much of Central Europe’s fantastic cities and culture as possible in just two weeks. Snack on classic Dutch treats in the Netherlands, enjoy the fruits of Germany’s excellent...
Ships: S.S. Audrey, S.S. Victoria
Countries: Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, France, Switzerland
Rivers: Moselle, Rhine
4.5/5 (53 reviews)
From $12,899 per person
Basel to Paris | 10 days
From Moselle Rieslings to Alsatian wines, and from verdant riverscapes to iconic cityscapes, this journey is crafted for lovers of culture, cuisine, and natural beauty. Savor freshly baked bread ...
Ship: S.S. Audrey
Countries: France, Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland
River: Rhine
From $12,299 per person
Zurich to Paris | 12 days
From Moselle Rieslings to Swiss cheeses, and from verdant riverscapes to alpine views, this itinerary is for the connoisseurs of wine, food, and natural beauty. Savor freshly baked bread at a...
Ship: S.S. Audrey
Countries: France, Germany, Switzerland, Luxembourg
Rivers: Rhine, Moselle
From $11,149 per person
Bordeaux to Arles | 22 days
This triumvirate of France brings you the very best of each region—Paris and the Normandy coast in the north, vineyard-rich Bordeaux in the southwest, and the sun-drenched Mediterranean...
Ships: S.S. Bon Voyage, S.S. Catherine, S.S. Joie de Vivre
Country: France
Rivers: Dordogne, Garonne, Rhône, Seine
4.4/5 (74 reviews)
From $23,299 per person
Bordeaux to Lisbon | 18 days
The Southern European climates and historic towns of both Bordeaux and Portugal are as complimentary as their palettes—expect bold reds and excellent dessert wines, from Sauternes to Port....
Ships: S.S. Bon Voyage, S.S. São Gabriel
Countries: France, Portugal, Spain
Rivers: Dordogne, Douro, Garonne
4.6/5 (17 reviews)
From $17,299 per person