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River cruises in France

Travel like kings through the beautiful country between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean

For many travelers, France is the most beautiful country in Europe. Undoubtedly, it is the most diverse country on our continent. No other country has so many different landscapes, so diverse cities and so diverse climates to offer vacationers. France is a country of rivers, which is why the best way to discover the beauty of the country is on a river cruise. The range of VIVA Cruises in France is huge. Cruise from the unique Paris with its world-famous sights along the Seine through the picturesque countryside of Normandy and discover beautiful medieval towns full of cathedrals, castles and monasteries. On a river cruise through France, experience the castles along the Loire River, which will immediately enchant you with their fairytale beauty. On your trip, immerse yourself in Provence with its indescribably idyllic lavender fields and historic towns like Arles and Avignon. Feast on your cruise through Europe's best gourmet region. And enjoy some of the country's finest wines. A cruise on the rivers of France is always a journey for the senses and the palate. You can't experience more pleasure in any other country.

Lyon Rhône Avignon Arles Viviers Mâcon Tournus Chalon-sur-Saône Châteauneuf-du-Pape Mediterranean Tain-l'Hermitage Tournon Paris His Vernon Rouen Les Andelys Le Havre Air Channel Martigues

City Highlights

Paris

Paris

Paris is still probably the greatest place of longing for travelers from all over the world. And quite rightly so, as no other city in the world is such an epitome of love, seduction, art, culture and cuisine. Paris is the city for the finer things in life. This begins with the beauty of the French capital. The best way to experience it is from the panoramic terraces of the Eiffel Tower or the Montmartre hill. The city on the Seine offers so many beautiful perspectives that you won't be able to decide which way to point your camera first. But even up close, the beauty of the city's sights is hard to beat. The ornate Notre-Dame Cathedral; the mighty Arc de Triomphe; the sprawling Louvre; the magnificent Jardin des Tuileries; the magnificent Opéra Garnier and the impressive Place de la Concorde are just the tip of the iceberg of sights you can marvel at in Paris.
Les Andelys

Les Andelys

Les Andelys is a commune in France, located in the Normandy region. The city is divided into a large and small part (Le Petit Andely and Le Grand Andely). At the same time, the small part is located directly on the Seine River. The northern character of the country is also reflected in the architecture of the municipality. This can be seen, for example, in the 13th century Notre-Dame Cathedral. The amusement park Tolysland is popular with young and old.

Rouen

Rouen

The city of Rouen is the historic capital of Normandy and is best known for Joan of Arc. In the museum "Joan of Arc" you can find an insight into her life and her tragic death in Rouen. Also worth seeing are the botanical garden, the cathedral "Notre Dame" and the monastery "Saint-Georges de Boscherville". Very popular is also a visit to the clock tower in the charming downtown area of the town.

Le Havre

Le Havre

With more than 170.000 inhabitants, Le Havre is the busiest city in Normandy. Located directly on the English Channel, the metropolis is located in the northwest of France. Thanks to the work of the architect Auguste Perret, the city center was created due to its uniquegen architecture designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. In the heart of the city is located with the Church of St.-Joseph An imposing structure with several thousand incorporated glass blocks. Impressive is also the city hall of Le Havre with a more than 70 meters high tower. In all of Europe there is no larger town hall square than in this French city.

Vernon

Vernon

Midway between Paris and Rouen lies Vernon. Unnumerous half-timbered houses characterize the townscape. The most famous shows up during a walk across the Pont Clémenceau: the Old mill, gracefully perched on the remains of a medieval bridge. Already Claude Monet was so fascinated by Vernon's sight that he banned him on canvas. But that's not all: For more than 40 years, the artist lived nearby in a house, which he surrounded with a magnificent garden. What Monet once inspired world-famous works, is today a paradise for flower lovers and recreationists

Lyon

Lyon

To this day, Lyon, the second largest city in France, has been overshadowed by the French capital Paris in terms of tourism. However, this is completely unjustified. If you travel to Lyon in France, you will experience a wonderful mix of a historic old town, excellent cuisine, numerous festivals and picturesque surroundings. Strolling through the alleyways of Lyon's old town is a real pleasure. There is something new to discover around every corner in the medieval and Renaissance-style alleyways and streets. A special feature of Lyon are the so-called "traboules" - passageways and staircases that allow you to pass through buildings and courtyards from one street to another, and due to its extensive historical buildings, large parts of Lyon are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.



Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

The small municipality of Châteauneuf-du Pape is located around 2 km from the Rhône at an altitude of around 120 meters. The region is known for its excellent wine and the landscape of vineyards. The highlight of the small town is the ruins of the castle, which the popes of Avignon had built here in the 14th century as a summer residence. As you stroll through the picturesque town center with its enchanting historic buildings, the church Église Notre-Dame-de-l`Assomption from the 12th century catches the eye. The simple interior is rather unusual for a Catholic church and it is worth taking a look inside. During your walk, you will come across small, picturesque stores where you can buy the wine produced in the area.



Avignon

Avignon

Who doesn't know the French folk song "Sur le Pontd'Avignon", which has made the city on the left bank of the Rhône world-famous? However, Avignon gained its true significance in the 14th century when the Pope sought exile there due to warlike unrest. True to the motto "Where the Pope is, there is Rome", a glorious period of prosperity began, accompanied by the construction of Gothic monasteries and churches. With its jagged parapets and enormous towers, the monumental papal palace resembles a fortress and serves as a unique backdrop for an annual theater festival. However, the picturesque lavender landscape of Provence attracts not only art lovers, but also gourmets.

Arles

Arles

Roman relics, medieval evidence and romaniche architecture: Arles invites you to travel through the eras and stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the threshold to eternity. At the gates of the "little Rome" makes itself tothat the natural landscape Camargue with pink flamingos, white wild horses and wide sand dunes wide. Already van Gogh let himself be inspired by the color play of Provence and be seduced by the southern flair of the city. Art lovers can follow the traces of the master thanks to marked routes and stop at the famous "night café" at Place du Forum. Today the former seat of government of Emperor Barbarossa a place full of possibilities, where monumental buildings with motheir museums are in harmony.

Viviers

Viviers

Looking like a sleeping beauty, Viviers sits on the right bank of the Rhône-bank. The historic town center is preserved and forms a fabulous backdrop for a trip to times long past. Through winding alleys leads a walk from the subtown, where merchants and craftsmen lived in the Middle Ages, in The Upper Town, the former refuge of the well-heeled and spiritual. Here, the richly decorated facade of the Maison des Chevaliers always discover new detailscovers. From the smallest cathedral in France, the Cathédrale Saint-Vincent, it is not far to the Belvédère de Châteauvieux. The trip is rewarded with a fantastic view over the tiled roofs of the city and the Rhône Valley.

Tournon

Tournon

Tournon is a French commune in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region with about 10,000 inhabitants. The Rhône River is one of the longest rivers in the country, flowing through the town. Vernon Castle is partially listed and offers a museum. It was in the castle that François de France, heir to the French throne, died in the 16th century. Traces of the nobility can still be discovered in the old town, which invites visitors to stroll around. The Jardin d'Eden lives up to its name.

Tournus

Tournus

The town of Tournus is located in the department of Saône-et-Loire and has around 5,500 inhabitants. The municipality lies on the banks of the Saône and is therefore ideal for a stopover on a river cruise. The area is characterized by viticulture and beautiful river landscapes. Tournus, the starting point of a stage of the Tour de France in 2010, has, for example, a museum about the history of the development of the bicycle. Other highlights are the four restaurants, each with a Michelin star, and the Saint Philibert church, which has a history of more than a thousand years. This makes it the oldest surviving large Romanesque building in France. The "Hôtel-Dieu" is an old hospital in the town, which still has a fully preserved historical interior and a pharmacy from the 17th century. The complex also houses the town's museum of archaeology and art history.



Martigues

Martigues

Not without reason Martigues is also called the Venice of Provence. The small town of Martigues is located between Marseille and Alres and is composed of historical quarters on the north and south banks and also delights with a small island in the middle. Completing the beautiful southern French town are gleaming town houses and aesthetic fountains within the center, making the place a sunny experience.

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Tain-l'Hermitage

Tain-l'Hermitage

Tain-l'Hermitage is a town of 6000 souls located directly on the Rhône in France and is therefore ideal for a stop on a river cruise. The name of the town is already written in large letters on the bank wall and welcomes every visitor. Especially culinary Tain-l'Hermitage has a lot to offer.
Wine connoisseurs and lovers come here at their expense, the beautiful village is located directly at the foot of the vineyards of well-known winemakers such as Chapoutier and co.
So it is not surprising that there are many opportunities for wine tasting throughout the village and the whole Tain-l'Hermitage in the evening resembles an open-air bar.
Fittingly, Tain-l'Hermitage is also home to the chocolate manufacturer Valrhona and invites especially sweet tooth to discover delicacies from the finest chocolate.
Who prefers it culturally, for the painting school of Tain-l'Hermitage is just right.
The appropriate conclusion offers afterwards a hike through the village, past the small churches and chapels, which invite every passing to linger.



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Our France river cruise highlights
something for everyone!

On this river cruise, you'll discover the beauty of the Seine as you sail from Paris to where the river meets the English Channel. It's not hard to take the capital of France to your heart. Where else can you find so many world-famous buildings, museums, streets and gardens in one place? The city of love delights its visitors again and again. From Paris, head to the small town of Les Andelys in Normandy, which has a wonderful medieval flair with its castle, cathedral and Norman houses.

Followed by a visit to Rouen, the historic capital of Normandy. The city is best known for its beautiful cathedral and its numerous other churches and monasteries. Le Havre, at the mouth of the Seine River on the English Channel, is an architectural counterpoint to Rouen. The city center was completely redesigned in the 1950s, but is no less impressive. On the return trip to Paris, you will visit on this river cruise through France still the town of Vernon, which with its countless half-timbered houses and its old mill already inspired the impressionist painter Monet.

Click here to get to the voyage: Seine to Atlantic | River Cruise | VIVA GLORIA | VIVA Cruises (viva-cruises.com)

Let yourself be enchanted by beautiful Provence on this trip. Visit beautiful towns like Viviers and the once Roman province of Arles, where many preserved remains from Roman times still take you back in time some 2,000 years. Enjoy the wide Mediterranean Sea in Martigues and sweet temptations in the cozy Tournon. As a conclusion, you can still enjoy the metropolis of Lyon with its beautiful old town and its culinary specialties at your leisure.

Click here to get to the voyage: Mediterranean Rhône | River Cruise | VIVA VOYAGE | VIVA Cruises (viva-cruises.com)

Contrasting landscapes, the most famous wine-growing areas in the world, fields of sunflowers, orchards, Provençal lavender fields and high-altitude, small villages on impressive rocky outcrops - that the river landscapes on the Rhône and the Saône have been a great source of inspiration for many impressionist painters can be understood by anyone who has once had the opportunity to observe this natural spectacle from the water.

We cast off in Arles and set sail for Avignon, where we will anchor until the next day and you can enjoy the poetic flair of this city. The following day you will continue your journey - cruising along the very romantic river landscapes that have given this trip its name. Passing through the sleepy medieval town of Viviers, the cruise on the Saône continues via Macon and Tournus to Chalon-sur-Saône, the second largest city in Burgundy. After a day stay in the birthplace of photography and a visit to the photography museum, we weigh anchor in Chalon-sur-Saône in the evening and set off for Lyon, where you finally disembark refreshed and inspired.

Click here to get to the voyage: Rhône Romance | River Cruise | VIVA VOYAGE | VIVA Cruises (viva-cruises.com)

Travel two of France's most beautiful and majestic rivers: the Saône and the Rhône. In Lyon, you'll first set course for Chalon-sur-Saône on the Saône, as the impressive and vineyard-influenced riverscapes in Tournus and Mâcon are a must-see. Back in Lyon, we continue our journey on the Rhône south to Arles. This much in advance: this trip will leave you in awe, especially (river) scenery: in the Rhône Valley (Vallée du Rhône) you will glide past vineyards, sunflower fields, orchards, Provençal lavender fields and high, small villages on impressive rocky outcrops.

As you continue, you will encounter the rivers Ardèche, Isère, Drôme and further south, Aigues and Ouvèze. After the commune of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, world famous for its excellent wine, you will reach Avignon, where you will also anchor until the next day. The following day, you will head to Arles, where many preserved remains will give you a picture of the Roman Empire.

Click here to get to the voyage: Charming South of France | River Cruise | VIVA VOYAGE | VIVA Cruises (viva-cruises.com)

Every river cruise through France is a journey into a unique world of beauty and pleasure. The cities and landscapes of France are hard to beat in terms of history and sights. There is something new to discover in every town and around every bend in the river. Accordingly, a trip on one of France's many rivers is an experience for every traveler - whether sightseer, wine lover, gourmet or romantic.

VIVA Cruises guarantees its guests unique shore excursions and experiences on a river cruise through France. The VIVA Cruises team also assists all passengers with their arrival and departure. Whether you want to travel by your own car, train or plane, we will find the best arrival and departure options for you.

VIVA Lifestyle Shoot 2022 (20)

VIVA All-Inclusive:
for you only the best

At VIVA Cruises, "all-inclusive" means that you can sit back, relax and enjoy yourself. Your physical well-being is taken care of with selected food and drinks. We also offer you relaxing care products. And if you do need a good connection, you can use our WLAN. The included tip ensures other good connections - especially with our on-board staff.

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Welcome with a
welcome sparkling wine - here's to a wonderful
stay on board

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Full board with breakfast buffet,
lunch, dinner (multi-course
gourmet menus, served on the spot) and
snacks with free choice of table and flexible
meal times

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All-day high-quality, cold and hot
non-alcoholic beverages, as well as a
exquisite selection of alcoholic beverages;
take a look at our bar menu.

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High Tea: once per trip a selection
of sweet and savory treats such
as scones, sandwiches,
cupcakes, chocolates and macarons. In addition
be suitably diverse teas
offered.

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Daily freshly stocked minibar and
reusable water bottle in the
cabin

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Selected beauty products from
RITUALS

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Free WiFi on board - for undisturbed
reception

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Trips for the entire crew

The right excursions to go with your river cruise

The guests on board our floating premium hotels are all different. That's why we devise an equally diverse excursion program for each of our fascinating itineraries. Whether you're an epicurean, a nature lover, or an art enthusiast, our selection of experiences will open up new perspectives on every voyage.

Arrival and departure to your VIVA ship

Arrival and departure to your VIVA ship

With VIVA Cruises you enjoy the feeling of being in the best hands from the very beginning. That's why our service is not limited to life on board, but begins with the preparation of your trip. 

You need a parking space for your vehicle, plan a convenient arrival and departure by train or would like assistance for a suitable flight? 

If you wish, we will gladly take care of your stress-free arrival and departure as well as transfers. Call us: +49 211 274 032 50 or write us an e-mail to : info@viva-cruises.com

LYON

Our berth in Lyon is usually located at Quai Claude Bernard or Quai Rambaud. You will receive further information with your travel documents.

Near Quai Claude Bernard we recommend the following parking garage:

Lyon, Quai Claude Bernard
Parking garage Parc Berthelot
99 rue de Marseille
F- 69007 Lyon

Berthelot | Lyon

The local authorities do not allow vehicles directly in front of the ship. Please stop above the dock and bring your luggage and fellow passengers on board before continuing to the parking garage.

Since January 2017, all vehicles that want to enter the environmental zone in Lyon require an environmental sticker, the vignette "Crit'Air". This can be ordered under the following link 
Order | Environmental Vignette Crit'Air 

Further information can be found at:
Crit'Air Environmental Vignette Lyon

Our berth in Paris is usually located in the Ports de Paris, Issy-les-Moulineaux. You will receive more information with your travel documents.

If you travel to Paris by your own car, we recommend the following parking lots: 

Q-Park Val de Seine
5 Rue Rouget de Lisle
92130 Issy-les-Moulineaux

For more information visit: Q-Park Val de Seine | Paris.


Zenpark 
61 Rue Camille Desmoulins
92130 Issy-les-Moulineaux

For more information, visit: Zenpark | Paris.

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