Explore the Grandeur of France
"Ooh-la-la!" doesn't quite capture the fabulous experiences that await LGBTQ+ travelers on Grand River Cruises through France with AmaWaterways.
"Two-la-la!" is more like it: Two weeks, two regions, and two fabulous land package options make these river cruises among the most immersive and enriching ways to explore the culture, cuisine, and joie de vivre of France, one of queer travelers' favorite European destinations.
Set Your Sights on the Seine
AmaWaterways' 14-night Grand River Cruises through France all embark from the banks of the Seine in Paris. The City of Light is sparkling brighter than ever after welcoming the world for the 2024 Summer Games. And that makes next year a perfect time to visit: All the splendor with far fewer crowds.
If you're truly passionate about Paris, join their two-night pre-cruise land package and enjoy extra time to savor the city along with exclusive guided tours, including a visit to Montmartre, home of the Moulin Rouge.
From Paris, venture to Normandy for a moving visit to the beaches where heroic Allied forces landed and began the end of WWII. Later, you can stroll the cobbled streets of medieval Rouen — or explore the city by bicycle (a fleet of complimentary bikes travels aboard the ship).
Each day brings options, so you can choose your own adventure: Perhaps a visit to Monet's famous gardens in Giverny, a tour of an ancient castle, or a roving exploration of the region's culinary traditions. Whatever you like, the choice is yours: All AmaWaterways excursions are included in the price of your cruise.
After a scenic return to Paris, you'll travel by train, escorted by AmaWaterways guides, to begin the second leg of your journey on one of two iconic river routes.
Onward to Avignon and the French Riviera...
On AmaWaterways' Grand Seine and Rhône itinerary, you'll head southeast to Dijon, boarding a second luxury ship to cruise into the gastronomic heart of France.
Tastings of fine Burgundy and Beaujolais wines, a panoramic farmland hike, a truffle hunt led by highly-trained dogs, and visits to Van Gogh's Arles and the Papal Palace of Avignon are just some of the unforgettable experiences available to you as you cruise your way southward.
After bidding bon voyage to your captain and crew in Avignon, treat yourself to the extra indulgence of AmaWaterways' three night land package in the French Riviera, where you'll be guided through the highlights of Nice, Eze, and Monte Carlo in Monaco.
...Or perhaps to Bordeaux and the Castles of the Loire
Opt for a Grand Seine and Bordeaux itinerary and cruise on both the Dordogne and Garonne rivers while exploring vineyards, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the rocky Atlantic shore.
Guided walking tours, bike trips, and market visits provide close-up looks at daily life in historic cities including Cussac Fort Medoc, Cadillac, and, of course, majestic Bordeaux itself, where you can tour one of world's premier wine museums.
If you're up for a little more je ne sais quoi before your flight home from Paris, join AmaWaterways for a two-day extension, visiting some of the most spectacular châteaux in the Loire Valley and Clos de Lucé, where Leonardo da Vinci completed the Mona Lisa.
A Grand Experience on Board
Whichever Grand River Cruise you decide on, you'll have the warm and engaging attention of highly-trained, English-speaking Cruise Managers and crew. With an average of no more than 156 guests aboard and a crew-to-passenger ratio of nearly 3:1, you'll enjoy the highest standards of service.
AmaWaterways' state-of-the art river cruise ships offer a luxurious sense of spaciousness with roomy staterooms, many featuring French balconies, airy lounges, and ample deck chairs to stretch out on as you glide past the shoreline scenery. Small complimentary group exercise classes are offered daily, and a fitness room is available for guests who prefer to follow their own workout regime.
After each day of exploring on shore, a massage may be just the thing to help you wind down before a lively evening begins. And the ship's Sun Deck offers panoramic views, night and day.
AmaWaterways is a 2023 winner of a "Food & Wine" Tastemakers award for cruise dining. On their Grand France itineraries, the chefs spotlight local ingredients and regional French specialties including an array of locally-sourced cheese and charcuterie, but a wide variety of options is always available. Three meals daily (with unlimited wine and beer at lunch and dinner), a daily Sip & Sail cocktail hour, and all-day tapas are included in the price of every cruise.
Live entertainment on board includes musicians, dancers, and storytellers from towns and cities visited on the cruise to provide an extra element of cultural engagement. A resident piano player is on hand throughout the journey to play a wide range of music, including guests' requests.
Start Making a Grand Plan Today
Reservations for Grand River Cruises are currently available through 2026, along with dozens of other AmaWaterways cruises in Europe and worldwide. For detailed information on their itineraries, ships, and commitment to giving every guest an extraordinary experience, visit www.amawaterways.com.