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Grand France

France Indulgent from first to last

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.

HIGHLIGHTS

Landmarks
Paris, France

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.

Cuisine
Farmers market in France lifestyle

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.

Wine
Bordeaux, France

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.

Landscapes
Les Andelys, France

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.

TRAVEL TIPS

When to go: We sail all 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.

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.

Spring

MAR–MAY

Avg. Temp. 61º F / 16º C

Summer

JUN–AUG

Avg. Temp. 75º F / 24º C

Autumn

SEP–NOV

Avg. Temp. 71º F / 22º C

Winter

DEC–FEB

Avg. Temp. 45º F / 7º C

Currency

Euro (EUR, €)

Time Zone

Central European Time (CET)

Central European Summer Time (CEST)

Official Language

French

Electricity

European 230V

Plug types C and E

Onboard Team

Get to know this destination from the people who travel it every day, our incredible onboard crew.

What Our Guests Have to Say

An inside look at the Uniworld experience in France

Verified reviews by  feefo logo yellow

FEATURED CRUISES

A Portrait of Majestic France

A Portrait of Majestic France

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 (93 reviews)

From $10,499 per person

Learn more Get a Quote

Brilliant Bordeaux

Brilliant Bordeaux

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

4.4/5 (419 reviews)

From $3,799 per person

Learn more Get a Quote

Burgundy & Provence

Burgundy & Provence

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 (932 reviews)

From $5,399 per person

Learn more Get a Quote

Grand France

Grand France

Arles to Paris | 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

4.7/5 (129 reviews)

From $11,159 per person

Learn more Get a Quote

Paris & Normandy

Paris & Normandy

Paris to Paris | 8 days

Cruise from Paris through Normandy’s countryside, uncovering its many charms: Château de La Roche-Guyon, the medieval capital of Rouen, Monet’s beloved home in Giverny and the famed ...

Ship: S.S. Joie de Vivre

Country: France

River: Seine

4.7/5 (809 reviews)

From $5,699 per person

Learn more Get a Quote

Ultimate France

Ultimate France

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 (51 reviews)

From $18,809 per person

Learn more Get a Quote

Wine Roads of France & Portugal

Wine Roads of France & Portugal

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, Garonne, Douro

From $14,039 per person

Learn more Get a Quote

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