The best river and coastal cruises in France

Would you like to explore France on a river or coastal cruise? Here are the best cruises in France.

A cruise aboard a sailboat, catamaran or RIB offers an unusual tourist experience, both soothing and exhilarating. For an itinerary on the water in complete confidence and freedom, we recommend renting boats from private owners via the specialist Samboat platform. Here you’ll find all types of boats, both skippered and non-skippered, so you can imagine the escapade that suits your needs and desires.

River cruise on the Garonne and Dordogne rivers

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The Garonne and Dordogne, two majestic rivers flowing in harmony, offer a unique adventure in the South-West.

Come aboard your boat and let yourself be guided along the river, discovering the hidden treasures of a region that never ceases to seduce. From its source in the Pyrenees to the Atlantic, the Garonne flows through emblematic cities such as Bordeaux, the pearl of Aquitaine, and Toulouse, the pink city.

Bordeaux, a jewel of classical architecture, is known for its exceptional historical heritage, notably the Port de la Lune, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can also drop anchor to taste its famous wines on the quayside. As for Toulouse, the city of violets, its cobbled streets and colorful facades are awe-inspiring.

Then it’s on to the Dordogne and its array of landscapes, including vineyards, perched medieval castles and picturesque villages such as Sarlat, a veritable medieval jewel.

The first of our best cruises in France is also an invitation to sample the region’s culinary specialties, from delicious cheeses to prestigious wines and famous ducks gras.

River cruise on the Canal du Midi

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The Canal du Midi, Occitanie’s river jewel, offers an unforgettable cruise through the typical landscapes of southern France. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the canal is a masterpiece of 17th-century engineering, built to link the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. Throughout your journey, beauty is everywhere: from lush vineyards to picturesque villages and sumptuous waterfront mansions.

A cruise on the Canal du Midi would not be complete without a visit to Toulouse, famous for its pink bricks and southern charm. Along the way, the canal’s other marvels are revealed, blending history with superb, tranquil landscapes. On one side and then the other: the archeological site of theOppidum d’Ensérune, the fortified town of Carcassonne and the medieval town of Minerve, perched on a rocky outcrop.

The Canal du Midi also offers a wide range of gastronomic delights. Along the quaysides, regional specialties create a symphony of delights: cassoulet, foie gras and wines from the Languedoc region.

River cruise on the Seine

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Did you think that the best cruises in France had to be far from the city? Not really, since we’re offering you the chance to embark on a majestic cruise along the Seine. From here, it’s impossible to resist the historic charms of the City of Light. The Seine, the emblematic river of Paris, offers a unique perspective on the capital, its must-see tourist sites and unsuspected points of interest.

As you cruise along, you’ll discover some of Paris’s finest monuments, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Musée d’Orsay. The cobbled streets, romantic bridges and lively quays take on a tranquil, almost nostalgic air. This cruise also gives you the chance to explore different districts in a more confidential way.

But the Seine is not exclusive to Paris. The river gently glides past the old town of Rouen and the châteaux of the Loire. These architectural jewels are one of France’s greatest treasures.

Cruise along the Côte d’Azur

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The sun-drenched Côte d’Azur rivals any other in terms of scenery and sparkling coastal towns. And what better way to discover this region than on a cruise along its famous French Riviera?

More than just one of the best cruises in France, this sea cruise offers the most beautiful views of the Mediterranean. Here, intense blue mingles with golden beaches. Rays sparkle on the cliffs. New horizons await you at every turn.

To start with, there’s Marseille, its lively old town, picturesque port and impressive panorama of the sea. Its Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica, perched on a hill overlooking the city, watches over you. Then there’s Nice, famous for its palm-fringed Promenade des Anglais and white-sand beaches. The city is packed with museums, restaurants and luxury boutiques. And let’s not forget the city of glamour and glitter, Cannes, and the city of chic and luxury, Saint-Tropez.

This sea trip also allows you to discover the natural beauty of the region, with stops on the islands of Lérins and Porquerolles, for example, or in the midst of secret coves and enigmatic sea caves .

Cruise along the Atlantic coast

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The crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean feel like the end of the world. With its majestic cliffs, endless beaches and picturesque towns, its coastline is an obvious choice for our ranking of the best cruises in France.

Buoyed by the golden light of the sun and the sound of the waves caressing the hull, your first port of call is La Rochelle. Most departures take place in this port city, rich in history and culture. A delight to stroll through, with its cobbled streets, ancient buildings and famous Port des Minimes.

You’ll also discover the magnificent island of Ré, with its white sandy beaches, sand dunes and fragrant pine forests. It’s a magical little rock, but also a very romantic one.

Afterwards, you can discover the lively city of Nantes, proud of its historic castle, Gothic cathedral and iconic Grand Elephant.

The cruise can even continue to the Basque country, which we’ll talk about below. Or maybe you’d prefer to cruise along the picturesque islands of Oléron or the majestic cliffs of the Charente-Maritime coast.

Cruise along the Pink Granite Coast in Brittany

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Brittany’s Pink Granite Coast is made up of stunning pastel rock formations, fine sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. The pink granite rocks are the result of centuries of work by the elements, and today form one of the most photogenic backdrops in France.

We recommend setting sail from Perros-Guirec, a picturesque town on the Brittany coast, dotted with stone houses and dotted with narrow streets. Take advantage of its charming marina and pick up a few seafood dishes to enjoy on your pontoon.

You’ll then pass emblematic natural sites such as the Ploumanac’h lighthouse and Île Renote, a small islet home to a colony of grey seals.

We also invite you to stop off in the charming town of Trébeurden – renowned for its pretty fishing port and cobbled streets – and the beautiful town of Lannion – charming with its medieval streets and lively market.

But what probably makes this itinerary one of the best cruises in France is its passage along the famous Île Grande beach. With its white sand and pink granite rocks, it looks like something out of a fairytale.

Cruise along the Basque Coast

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The Basque Coast is an enchanting destination, known the world over for its picturesque villages, sandy beaches and rugged cliffs. Secluded coves dot the coast, fishermen face the waves with as much fervor as surfers and seaside resorts welcome ocean lovers.

What if you were to set off from Biarritz? A lively town, popular with surfers and for its elegant belle époque architecture. Then set sail for the immovable cliffs of Pointe de Sainte-Barbe.

You can also stop off in charming towns like Guéthary, with its white houses and cobbled streets, or discover the beautiful city of Bayonne, with its medieval architecture and rich cultural history. And its ham, of course!

Finally, the magnificent bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz and its crown of green hills. Saint-Jean-de-Luz has inspired some of the world’s greatest poets and artists.

However, the highlight of your trip will undoubtedly be the sublime La Concha beach in San Sebastian, where the golden sand glides in incredibly crystal-clear water.

Cruise along the Normandy coast

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The sun rises over the Normandy coast, illuminating the white chalk cliffs battered by the sea. The fresh sea air blows gently, bringing with it the scent of iodine and salt. And you, aboard your boat. The experience is sublime.

A cruise along the Normandy coast includes a visit to Omaha beach, where Allied forces landed during the Second World War. Fascinating museums such as the Caen Memorial recall the tumultuous history of this region.

The Normandy coast also abounds in coastal towns so beautiful that you’ll land on them as if on a painter’s canvas. These include Honfleur, Deauville, Trouville and Cabourg. They are famous for their half-timbered houses, wooden churches, Art Deco villas, festivals, markets, pristine beaches and even gardens.

Seduced by the charm of a cruise aboard your sailboat, catamaran or RIB? Don’t hesitate to find out all about the possibilities and features offered by these boats before choosing your final itinerary.