AmaWaterways’ 2024 France Itineraries

Known for its food, wines, architecture, romanticism, and so much more, France is a charming country that is high on many travelers’ must-visit lists. Though I had spent a few days in Paris here and there, it wasn’t until I cruised the Rhone for the first time that I discovered the magic of France, but as soon as I did I knew I had to go back again – soon.

AmaWaterways’ offers six itineraries in France, sailing the Rhone, Seine, Saone, Garonne, and Dordogne. The impressive lineup of itineraries allow guests to explore many different regions of France, including Bordeaux, Burgundy and Provence – all onboard a comfortable river cruise ship without having to pack and unpack bags as they travel along.

Ama’s Six 2024 Itineraries:

Paris & Normandy – 7-nights roundtrip Paris

Stops in: Paris, Les Andelys, Le Havre, Caudebec-en-Caux, Rouen, Vernon

Overnight docking in Paris and Le Havre.

A visit to Paris on a river cruise is always special, but two visits is even better. This 7-night itinerary is bookended with stops in Paris, including an overnight in the City of Light. In Rouen, guests will learn about the city’s historic figures, like Joan of Arc and Victor Hugo, and the architecture from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. One of the most significant excursions on the itinerary, however, is a visit to the beaches of Normandy, where guests can either visit the American, or the Canadian and British sectors of the beaches.

Impressions of the Seine & Paris – 7-nights from Paris to Le Havre

Stops in: Paris, Mantes-la-Jolie, La Roche-Guyon, Vernon, Rouen, Caudebec-en-Caux, Le Havre

Overnight docking in Paris and Le Havre

Though this itinerary is similar to the one above, the itinerary does not operate roundtrip from Paris, allowing guests to visit a few more cities along the way. In Mantes-la-Jolie guests will either visit a Renaissance chateau, take a tour of the city and end with a visit to a bee farm, or go on a tasting tour to sample the region’s famous cider and cheeses. Passengers will also have the opportunity to visit Bayeux, home to the famous Bayeux Tapestry.

Colors of Provence – 7-nights from Lyon to Arles

Stops in: Lyon, Vienne, Tournon, Avignon, Arles

Overnight docking in Lyon, Vienne and Arles.

Perhaps my favorite river cruise itinerary of all time, guests sailing this 7-night itinerary will explore the lower Rhone valley. In Lyon, guests can either take a guided tour of some of the city’s UNESCO designated regions, visit Le Halles Market to indulge in rich cheeses, meats, and fresh bread and pastries, or cycle through the streets of Lyon on a guided tour. In Tournon, passengers have the option to hike, take a steam train ride through the stunning Gorges du Doux, or attend a presentation (and tasting) on chocolate and red wine pairings. Other highlights include a visit to the Pont du Gard and a special walking tour in Arles showcasing Van Gogh’s legacy.

Flavors of Burgundy – 7-nights from Dijon to Lyon

Stops in: Dijon, Beaune, Chalon-Sur-Saone, Tournus, Macon, Lyon

Overnight docking in all ports.

This itinerary sails the Saone River to, or from, its confluence point with the Rhone in Lyon. For wine enthusiasts, there is a wine tour offered in every port of call on the itinerary. Those wishing to get active can partake in one, or more, of the four bike tours offered. Guests will have the chance to explore the culturally rich cities of Dijon and Lyon as well as the smaller vineyards and wine producing towns along the way. Highlights of the itinerary include a visit to the Hospices de Beaune, a hospital founded in the 15th century; a stop off at a medieval fortress in Chalon-sur-Saone; and a day exploring Lyon, known for its cuisine and gastronomy as well as its historic landmarks.

Essence of Burgundy & Provence – 7-nights from Dijon to Arles

Stops in: Dijon, Chalon-sur-Saone, Tournus, Macon, Lyon, Vienne, Viviers, Avignon, Arles

Overnight docking in Tournus, Macon and Arles.

Okay, so I might have spoken too soon about having favorites. This 7-night itinerary combines the best of the above itineraries and adds a stop in the charming town of Viviers. In Viviers, guests will have a chance to visit a truffle farm and take a late-night “Ghost Walk”, where you are visited by the former residents of Viviers to share the town’s history with you in an exciting, and perhaps even chilling, way.

Taste of Bordeaux – 7-nights roundtrip Bordeaux

Stops in: Bordeaux, Libourne, Blaye, Bourg, Cussac Fort Medoc, Cadillac

Overnight docking in Bordeaux and Libourne.

Bordeaux is quite possibly France’s most well-known wine region, so naturally this itinerary includes quite a few wine tours. Actually, AmaWaterways takes it one step further with an exclusive wine festival where guests can meet local wine growers and enjoy French music and dancing. Bordeaux is not only known for its wine, however. Other highlights of the itinerary include a visit to the Castle of Roquetaillade, a piece of medieval military architecture owned by the same noble family for 700 years.

Article ID: ART5078

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