40 years of perfection: Riviera’s best French River cruise deals for 2024

There are certain English words with no direct French equivalent. Words such as ‘cheap’ or ‘shallow’ are not employed by native French speakers for good reason – they only tolerate the crème de la crème. And nothing showcases that seductive mantra quite like a French river cruise with Riviera Travel.

Riviera understands that the ultimate French experience extends beyond iconic landmarks and chic café terraces. The real France can be discovered in the bustling villages and historical landscapes that have played host to thousands of love stories, complimented by an astounding array of culinary traditions and a commanding sense of bespoke occasion.

River cruises remain the definitive way to explore hidden pockets of heartfelt French heritage and values, providing an exclusive landscape unobtainable by any other fashion. You don’t get panoramic views of the Seine, or direct access to tranquil ports that radiate an intoxicating blend of affability and je ne sais quoi, when landlocked in a hotel.

A French river cruise with Riviera defines poetry in motion, providing serenity and calm away from those overwhelming crowds that swarm across the nation’s tourist traps, yet ensuring that no cultural staple is bypassed. It’s an opportunity to avoid a cheap, or shallow, travel experience in a country famed for aesthetic perfection and an enriching lifestyle.

Riviera has showcased the crème de la crème of society since 1984, tailoring their enviable French river cruises to suit the tastes of each generation. As the neon shadows of bouffant hair and shoulder pads gave way to contemporary trends, Riviera has provided exquisite exploration amid a backdrop of culinary excellence and personalised service.

The river cruise specialist has gained wisdom with age, demonstrated by each grand itinerary that broadens your horizons. Seeking to absorb the celebrated idiosyncrasies of France’s greatest destinations, from the comfort of luxury accommodation? Riviera is your gateway to the perfect cruise holiday, and there’s never been a better time to book.

2024: Your chance for an uber-French River Cruise

It's a big year for la République. Besides welcoming the summer Olympics and recognising the 80th Anniversary of D-Day, 2024 marks the 150th anniversary of France’s impressionist movement and will witness the resurrection of Notre-Dame de Paris.

It's a big year for Riviera Travel, too. Celebrating four decades of exemplary travel and river cruising, Riviera has pushed the boat out – offering handsome deals on sophisticated cruise holidays. How does 7-nights in paradise sound? That’s what £1,899pp gets you, if you opt for the Gardens and Natural Beauty of the Rhône.
This exclusive package brings the vine-clad slopes of Burgundy to your feet, summoning the fragrant lavender fields of Provence to your senses. Each moment of the French river cruise boasts an unrivalled splendour, following the tranquil Rhône on a sun-kissed route from Lyon to Avignon, gawping in awe at the Ardèche Gorge on route and its’ suspended gardens.

You’ll also step ashore to bathe in vivid floral displays before exploring a stunningly restored historic garden, taking in the soulful vistas and romantic parks once frequented by Vincent Van Gogh, and getting close to nature through Riviera’s recent expansion of the cruise inventory.

Besides colourful excursions to tranquil city parks during this French river cruise – including the Parc de la Tête d'Or’s botanical garden in Lyon, Jardin des Villes in historic Vienne and Rocher des Doms in Avignon – you’ll enjoy the finest fare and wines available.

The cost per person includes return flights and transfers, free Wi-Fi and full board dining – allowing you to chill and immerse yourself in the real France, while knowing that Riviera’s 40-years of expertise ensures 5-star service on all accounts. Superbe!

Paris and Normandy – as you’ve never seen it before

Ah, gay Paree. The French capital summons more than 30 million tourists per year, and those legendary Parisian streets can become a congested deluge of oversubscribed cafes, restaurants and scenic spots. However, Riviera Travel can offer the perfect solution – The Seine, Paris and Normandy River Cruise.

Rather than fighting against the incoming tide of rabble and noise, Riviera’s idyllic exploration of the Seine provides an undisturbed base for enjoying the chic allure of Paris, yet without the need to wrestle through the infamous Parisian turnout. However, there’s a less-travelled world of French delights to appreciate first.

Riviera’s stylish French river cruise travels through the heart of Normandy and along the distinguished Seine waterway, visiting a plethora of historic sites that have shaped our contemporary world. You’ll benefit from direct access to the medieval city of Rouen and its gorgeous cathedral, before mooring in the jaw-droppingly picturesque village of Caudebec. As the perfect place to enjoy an evening stroll following a succulent 5-star meal, Caudebec remains unchallenged.

Not enough culture for you? Bayeux is the next port of call, home to the renowned Bayeux tapestry; an embroidery of 58 scenes displaying the events that led to the Norman Conquest of England and subsequent Battle of Hastings. More modern wartime sacrifices are then acknowledged by numerous thought-provoking monuments and tributes, dedicated to the courageous and selfless actions of June 6, 1944.

The remarkable story of the allied D-Day landings is forever immortalised in our society, and Riviera’s inventory permits a close-up comprehension of events without the Hollywood-esque glamour of motion picture retellings.

A visit to Gold Beach and the remnants of Mulberry Harbour will undoubtedly educate the soul and stir emotions; connecting you to those who stood there on that fateful day. With less than 1% of those serving during World War II still with us today, Riviera joins a proud roster ensuring that we never forget – ever more poignant in 2024; the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

Prior to arrival in Paris on the French river cruise, there’s an excursion to visit Claude Monet’s home - arguably, the world’s most famous garden – and traverse the elegant streets of Vernon. Once back onboard, the shimmering aurora of a Parisian skyline grows closer with each sip of wine, as the stylish metropolis intensifies upon the riverbank.

Benefiting from a central docking location within the city, Riviera’s dedication to service brings you into the cultural heartland of Paris – from the Eiffel Tower to the Arc de Triomphe, and the Pompidou Centre to the Louvre, the City of Lovers never fails to inspire.

It's not too late to join Riviera’s 40th birthday party!

It's the big 4-0 for Riviera this year, stemming out of humble beginnings from a handful of tents in the south of France. Founder Michael Wright lived for travel and history. His passion gave birth to Riviera Travel, with the first coach tour to Paris opening a new chapter on March 8, 1984.

The operation has grown since those humble days, with all forms of travel nestling into Riviera’s mantra. For 2024, to celebrate Riviera’s 40th year, the river cruise specialist has launched two new signature tours, exploring Italy and Switzerland by rail, alongside sterling deals on river cruises along the Rhine and Moselle. Booking a French river cruise with Riviera remains akin to a sound investment for your well-being and soul.

If it’s a taste of the Orient that you yearn for, then a tour of the Mekong, under Riviera’s expert guidance, would make the trip of a lifetime. Then there’s an expedition down Egypt’s River Nile, for those seeking to appease their inner Indiana Jones – without skimping on the comforts of 5-star luxury travel. After all, he’d never put up with ‘cheap’ or ‘shallow’.

Of course, you only turn 40 once. These deals won’t last forever, and we’d heartily encourage you to book your dream cabin to take part in history, rather than reading about it later when the fun has been had...