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France Cruises
Cruise to France in 2024
A treasure trove of cultural attractions and iconic landmarks, world-renowned wine and a culinary reputation to match, France is a top cruise destination. A cruise to France promises cultural cities, centuries-old harbour towns and traditional villages.
If you’re looking for warmer weather with a dusting of French elegance and glamour, then a cruise to the south of France and the French Riviera is the perfect choice.
Cruises to France
Where could you visit on your boutique cruise?
Toulon
The French Navy has laid anchor in Toulon’s sheltered harbour since the end of the 16th century. The port’s oldest fortification, the squat Tour Royale, was used to store the French national gold reserves during the Franco German war of 1870. The lively markets, boutiques, squares and harbourside eateries of this French Riviera gem exude joie de vivre.
See the iconic 1950s red cable car making regular trips up Mount Faron which rears up behind the city – the ride affords outstanding views en route to the summit where a museum displays World War Two artefacts.
Sète
Full of authentic French charm, this down-to-earth port offers visitors a glimpse of traditional maritime life. The waterfront homes of the low town are divided from Mont St-Clair’s high town by a series of canals, earning Sète the epithet of the ‘Little Venice of Languedoc’. Perhaps explore the old fisherman’s quarter with its cosy cafes and galleries.
Ajaccio, Corsica
The mountainous island of Corsica has been a French island since 1768 that nevertheless has a distinctly Italian vibe. The legacy of Napoleon Bonaparte can be felt throughout Ajaccio. As the birthplace of the French Emperor, Napoleon’s memory has been preserved in a museum in his childhood home, the grand cathedral where he was christened and in the square named after him.
Explore the atmospheric squares and lanes of the old town, enjoy the relaxed air of the harbourside cafes or visit one of the fine museums, such as the Fesch which has paintings by Botticelli, Raphael and Titian.
Port Vendres
Port Vendres has been an active harbour town since the 6th century and was fortified by military architect Vauban in the 17th century on the command of Louis XIV. The Place de l'Obelisque features an 18th-century obelisk in homage to Louis XVI, while the Place Castellane is home to an exhibition relating to artist Rennie Mackintosh, who lived here for several years.
Top excursions on our cruises to France…
Choose from a variety of optional excursions on our cruises to France, bringing each destination to life.
Collioure and Royal Castle
Located in the south of France, Collioure enjoys a scenic setting and inspired famous painters such as Matisse, Picasso and Marquet. Enjoy a walking tour from the waterfront to the church, which has a golden sculpted wooded altarpiece dating from XVIII century, and on to the Royal Palace of Collioure, dating back to the 1200s and extended by Pierre IV of Aragon during the 14th century.
Bandol And Wine Tasting
The coastline of the south of France is bathed in both sunshine and natural beauty, the former of which has solidified Provence as an internationally recognised producer of high-quality wines. Begin your excursion with a drive to Bandol, a 3,800-acre appellation surrounded by sandy beaches and beautiful coves. Enjoy some free time, then visit a family-run winery where grapes have been cultivated since 1882. Row-upon-row of vines are overlooked by limestone ridges and the area bathes in around 2,000 hours of sunlight per year. Take a tour of the estate, learn more about wine-making techniques and enjoy a formal tasting of the wine and olive oil produced here.
Cassis And Calanques
Before exploring Cassis, you board a small boat to cruise among the Massif des Calanques, the steep-walled inlets and bays of the Calanques National Park. This network of canyon-like inlets is one of the geological marvels of southern France. Beneath the surface of these towering rock formations lie caves once inhabited by Neolithic man, now accessible only to divers. After your 45-minute boat trip, you have free time to explore the Provençal port of Cassis. A former Roman trading post, the fishing village of Cassis is now home to quays lined with cafes and restaurants, and a picturesque old town.
The Calanques of Piana
From Ajaccio, drive north to the ancient Greek village of Cargese, gently climbing up the San Sebastiano Pass – offering a panoramic view over the Sagone Gulf and up to the summit of Monte Cinto. On arrival, set off on a walking tour with a local guide who will share the history of this traditional 17th-century hilltop village of whitewashed houses. In the centre of the village there are two churches – one a Roman catholic church with ‘trompe l’oeil’, and the other a Greek Byzantine church. Next, visit one of Corsica’s natural wonders, the rose-coloured cliffs of ‘Calanches de Piana’ a UNESCO World Heritage site. Admire the view and enjoy a refreshing soft drink before making the scenic drive back to Ajaccio.
