Which French River Cruise

[Shawski]

Looking at river cruises in France for next year and have narrowed it down to either the Rhône or the Bordeaux area. Does anyone have any thoughts on which is the best?  
 

 

[Host Jazzbeau]

If you love Bordeaux wine, you might think that is the better choice – but I'd bet that taking a land package would be even better because there is so little cruising and the right land package would focus on even better châteaux.

 

If this is your first river cruise, my recommendation is even stronger for the Rhône itinerary:  it's an actual river [with a very strong current, so one of the few rivers called 'he'], the scenery is lovely, you start in Paris, Lyon is the culinary capital of France, you sail through several excellent wine regions [not Bordeaux and not really Burgundy, but Beaune, Beaujolais, Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Côtes du Rhône], have Roman ruins [the incredible Pont du Gard], Van Gogh in Arles, the lovely mountain town of Les Baux [with the first of the Carrières de Lumières immersive-art installations], and end on the Riviera where you can extend to Marseilles and east toward Nice, or west to Barcelona.

 

Most river cruise lines do both itineraries, so don't limit your research to the first one you have heard of.  Take a loot at the Stickies I made at the top of this River Cruising forum, especially New to River Cruising and River Cruise Lines.  Then please come back with more questions!

[pontac]

16 hours ago, Shawski said:

have narrowed it down to either the Rhône or the Bordeaux area

On what grounds?

 

I think that if you are not wine fixated then don't take the Bordeaux trip as the cruise pootles around Bordeaux calling in at the various appellations for visits and tastings. If you love Bordeaux wine, your heart thumps at the thought of being in St Emilion, Margaux, Pauillac etc, and want to get a feel for the area's terroir, then by all means (I love Bordeaux wines and have been on two Bordeaux cruises.)

 

Don't expect to get into the top Chateaux, although Viking has dinner in Margaux 3rd growth Ch Kirwan accompanied by their wines and a tasting before in another classified Chateau).

 

If you do want to visit the top Chateaux then a specialised land tour can arrange this - I did so with my American friend  and visited 1st growth Ch Mouton-Rothschild and tasted (well drank)  a half-bottle taken from barrel. No reason not to take cruise then follow that with specialist land tour.

 

The Rhone (I've also done twice, both with Viking) also has some tastings, these are of course of Rhone wines, and Viking had a very good included tour to Beaujolais.

 

Jazzbeaux says you start in Paris. First I'd say that river cruises usually go in alternate directions, when the boat reaches its destination passengers get off and a new crowd board to cruise back, second I didn't think it possible to cruise from Paris to Lyon. All the cruises I have looked at have Paris as an extension (at extra cost) and bus those opting to take it to/from Lyon at the start or end of their cruise.

 

The report on my most recent Rhone cruise will be posted in the next few days and my report on my recent Bordeaux cruise is here

[Host Jazzbeau]

1 hour ago, pontac said:

Jazzbeaux says you start in Paris. First I'd say that river cruises usually go in alternate directions, when the boat reaches its destination passengers get off and a new crowd board to cruise back, second I didn't think it possible to cruise from Paris to Lyon. All the cruises I have looked at have Paris as an extension (at extra cost) and bus those opting to take it to/from Lyon at the start or end of their cruise.

I didn't mean to imply you cruise from Paris to Lyon – you take the TGV.  But it allows an easy visit to Paris, which IMHO is always a great way to start a trip (as long as Paris isn't burning...)

[pontac]

Thanks for making that clear.

 

If the OP wants to visit Paris then a Rhone trip isn't a prerequisite. Paris is also offered as an extension to the Bordeaux trip on Viking and no doubt many more, and if one wants to do it on one's own then Bordeaux is a short flight from Paris CDG or a two hour train journey

[franski]

We did the Rhone with Avalon.  Our trip actually started in Monaco, and we went to Nice for 3 nights before taking the train over to catch up with the tour.  At the end, we went by TGV to Paris for 2 nights. 

 

I just checked Avalon's website.  They do not offer a tour that starts in Monaco anymore, but you can get one that has 2 nights in Nice.  We loved our time in Nice.  Took a bus out to Eze and spent part of a day there.  We wandered around the market and bought bread, cheese, fruit, sausage - then bought some wine - and headed up to the park overlooking the water for a picnic.  An awesome day!!

 

The hotel in Paris wasn't in the best location from a tourist perspective, but they did include a tour of the city (we didn't go as we had been to Paris a few times before...)  But, taking that itinerary allowed us to get to Paris so that our flight home was easy to plan. 

 

That was our 1st Avalon cruise - and we have done a few more with them since. Our cruise with them on the Rhone was a jazz themed cruise - and the jazz was spectacular!!

 

Fran

[HappyTvlr]

This October I'm taking the Ultimate France (22 days) on Uniworld which includes Rhone River and Bordeaux as well as Paris and Normandy.  It can be broken down into three separate cruises.  Check out the Uniworld website for details.  I have not traveled with Viking, but I have been on Uniworld for 28 days from Amsterdam to Bucharest and a week in India on the Ganges. Uniworld is more expensive at first glance, but is more inclusive with unlimited beverages and multiple shore excursions most days (AM and PM).  Their wine program was something that stood out to me.  Each night they offered a white and red wine from the region in addition to other options.  I was worried about being in Germany for two weeks with local wines possibly being sweet, but Uniworld did an excellent job showcasing dry reds and whites. I compared daily schedules between Viking and Uniworld, and for the France trip Uniworld offered more wine experiences that were included and other premium experiences at an additional cost as part of their Masterpiece collection.  One exceptional experience I had with Uniworld was in Budapest.  We were there for a couple of days as part when some passengers left after the 15 day journey from Amsterdam and others joined us for the duration to Bucharest.  It wasn't on the itinerary, but they offered those of us continuing a trip to the country side for tastings at two wineries.  One included a delicious lunch and a session where we got into groups and created our own "Bull's Blood".  There was no additional charge for the outing.  They wanted us off the boat while they did their turnover, and it was a great alternative to free time in Budapest because we already had excursions there planned the next two days. 

As I said, my trip to France is next month and I will post a review.  I thought I would offer information on Uniworld so you can add them to your list of options.  I've included details about their wine program, but will add that their other excursions were also exceptional.  In India for example, we stayed at a hotel where every room had a view of the Taj Mahal. They also took us to both sunset and then sunrise at the Taj Mahal.  Once in a lifetime experiences.

[capriccio]

I was just about to recommend Uniworld's French river cruises.  In 2016 we didn't have enough time to take the "Ultimate" tour but instead did the Grand France tour of the Seine and the Rhone.  Both were excellent cruises, but especially the Rhone if interested in wine. 

 

One of our favorite excursions was the Truffle Farm & Chateauneuf du Pape Wine Tasting.  After the wine tasting, the guide said it would take a few minutes for the bus to be ready to leave.  We watched as staff brought out case after case of wine to put in the luggage section of the bus.  When we pulled up to the ship, the entire crew from the 2 Captains to the housekeeping staff were lined up from the parking area onto the ship and proceeded to unload all the cases passing them down the line.  We knew the Uniworld chefs frequently shopped in local markets and bakeries at stops but this was the first time we'd seen anything like this and we were very appreciative.

[HappyTvlr]

1 hour ago, capriccio said:

I was just about to recommend Uniworld's French river cruises.  In 2016 we didn't have enough time to take the "Ultimate" tour but instead did the Grand France tour of the Seine and the Rhone.  Both were excellent cruises, but especially the Rhone if interested in wine. 

 

One of our favorite excursions was the Truffle Farm & Chateauneuf du Pape Wine Tasting.  After the wine tasting, the guide said it would take a few minutes for the bus to be ready to leave.  We watched as staff brought out case after case of wine to put in the luggage section of the bus.  When we pulled up to the ship, the entire crew from the 2 Captains to the housekeeping staff were lined up from the parking area onto the ship and proceeded to unload all the cases passing them down the line.  We knew the Uniworld chefs frequently shopped in local markets and bakeries at stops but this was the first time we'd seen anything like this and we were very appreciative.

That's awesome!  We're already signed up for that excursion.

[Second seating]

We are booked on Uniworld Burgundy to Provence in May!

 

Second seating

[franski]

If you like chocolate (and are willing to pass on a wine tasting) you can visit the Valrhona factory in Tain L'ermitage.  It is walkable from where the boats moor - and a great place to visit.  I felt like the Pied Piper wandering through the streets as I ended up with quite a group following me over to the store. Lots of free samples...  And the chocolate is SO good.  I brought lots back as gifts.  (Well, not as much as I planned - quite a bit was devoured before we left the boat...🤣)

 

Fran

[Host Jazzbeau]

1 hour ago, franski said:

If you like chocolate (and are willing to pass on a wine tasting) you can visit the Valrhona factory in Tain L'ermitage.  It is walkable from where the boats moor - and a great place to visit.  I felt like the Pied Piper wandering through the streets as I ended up with quite a group following me over to the store. Lots of free samples...  And the chocolate is SO good.  I brought lots back as gifts.  (Well, not as much as I planned - quite a bit was devoured before we left the boat...🤣)

 

Fran

Or you can do as we did – stagger there after the wine tasting [ours was at M.Chapoutier, so just up the hill] and scarf up all the chocolate your pockets can hold!

[Canal archive]

Took all my Districts Guides and Brownies to Cadbury World one Christmas and insisted that they put all of their ill gotten gains into the coaches luggage hold for the return journey. Our coach drivers said that I was a spoil sport and I informed them that the didn’t have enough buckets, it was over a two hour drive!

[Second seating]

Valrhona is on my list!  I have used their cocoa for years and have gifted their chocolate.

 

Second seating

[Shawski]

Thanks everyone for all your replies. Sorry it took me so long to get back her after my original post. My friends and I have decided on the Rhône. It just seems more interesting with more of a variety than the Bordeaux area. We’ve decided to book on Scenic and hoping it lives up to its reviews. 

[Canal archive]

Shawski we enjoyed it so much we did it again. So much to see, so many beautiful places my DH decided that if he moved to France or bought a French bolt hole it would be in Viviers so really enjoy your experience.

 

Avignon you could almost touch the bridge from the boat.

[HappyTvlr]

16 hours ago, Shawski said:

Thanks everyone for all your replies. Sorry it took me so long to get back her after my original post. My friends and I have decided on the Rhône. It just seems more interesting with more of a variety than the Bordeaux area. We’ve decided to book on Scenic and hoping it lives up to its reviews. 

Looking forward to hearing how it goes.  I traveled with Scenic to Egypt/Jordan and Argentina/Brazil (Iguazu Falls), and they did an outstanding job.  You're likely to have lots of Aussies on your trip which will add to the fun!

 

[franski]

On 9/13/2023 at 8:07 AM, Second seating said:

Valrhona is on my list!  I have used their cocoa for years and have gifted their chocolate.

 

Second seating

You won't be disappointed!!  Not only are there +++ samples as you wander the shop, but - after we checked out - the cashier reached down behind her till, and dumped 2 or 3 large handfuls of product into our bag... No charge!!

 

Fran

[Host Jazzbeau]

On 9/17/2023 at 8:31 PM, Shawski said:

Thanks everyone for all your replies. Sorry it took me so long to get back her after my original post. My friends and I have decided on the Rhône. It just seems more interesting with more of a variety than the Bordeaux area. We’ve decided to book on Scenic and hoping it lives up to its reviews. 

In addition to its regular Rhône itineraries, Scenic also does a Culinary-focused variation a few times a year.  It looks so good that I'm thinking of repeating the Rhône!  One of the extra excursions:  Once the doors have closed to the public, you’re invited to an exclusive interactive workshop at the Valrhona Cité du Chocolate museum. https://www.scenicusa.com/tours/tastes-of-southern-france/13542

 

[Canal archive]

It’s because of the variety of excursion choices that we’ve doubled up on two of scenic cruises and on the third we did the longer version. I must admit to eyeing the South of France yet again if a certain French chef is on board.

Edited October 1, 2023 by Canal archive

[jpalbny]

On 9/12/2023 at 3:46 PM, capriccio said:

One of our favorite excursions was the Truffle Farm & Chateauneuf du Pape Wine Tasting. 

 

On 9/12/2023 at 5:08 PM, HappyTvlr said:

That's awesome!  We're already signed up for that excursion.

 

That excursion was a lot of fun!

 

Truffle sniffing... So you know what you're looking for!

 

 

Our farmer Serge laments the big truffle that got away...

 

 

And Evée, the "Lamborghini of truffle hunting" AKA a Lagotto Romagnolo. The pigs can't be trusted to not eat the truffles.

 

 

 

Have fun!

[Canal archive]

Truffle hunters come in all shapes and sizes this was ours a few years ago a real bitza but he resembled my very first dog - ahhhhhh!
 

[Host Jazzbeau]

18 hours ago, jpalbny said:

Our farmer Serge laments the big truffle that got away...

We had Serge on the truffle excursion on AMA's Provence and Spain cruise in 2015, and I think the dog was called Aimée at that time.  Which river cruise were you on for that excursion?

 

[jpalbny]

Probably Aimée. I may have had a truffle stuck in my ear when he said her name!

 

We were on Uniworld, SS Catherine, March 2015.