FRANCE RIVER CRUISES 2025
France River Cruising
Write your own French tale, like Proust, Zola, and Hugo before you, on a journey through medieval cities, sweeping vineyards, and picture-perfect vistas. With an Emerald Cruises river voyage, you’ll uncover the captivating story of this alluring nation.
A country of artistic zeal, cultural sophistication, and world-class gastronomy—today, the Fifth Republic retains many of the values of the Belle Époque. Step ashore for riverside philosophizing in open-air cafés, peaceful saunters through the breathtaking
homes of artistic masterworks, and a chance to sample classic delights of haute cuisine.
Cruising the romantic Rhône and Saône rivers aboard our purposebuilt Star-Ship, Emerald Liberté, you’ll sail into the heart of stunning locales, uncovering immersing experiences and precious local insights. On board, your surroundings mirror the beauty of the French landscape, with stylish interiors profiting from incredible attention to detail and all the amenities of a world-class hotel.
So many comforts included...
Airport transfers
Stylish accommodation on board our fleet of Star-Ships and luxury yachts
On board pool†
All on board meals
Wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Bottled water restocked daily
Included excursions
Visits to UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites
†Amenities differ by ship
EmeraldPLUS and EmeraldACTIVE experiences and activities*
First-class service
Knowledgeable local guides
Wi-Fi on board
Bicycles on board†
Earn EmeraldEXPLORER loyalty points
All port charges
All gratuities
*EmeraldACTIVE weather dependent
A New Dimension in
River Cruising
Whether you’re meandering through the world-famous wine vineyards of Tournon or uncovering the historic Roman influence and architecture in Avignon, when you travel with us you can rest assured knowing that a generous list of inclusions is always available for every Emerald Cruises guest.
We include transfers and all gratuities in the price you pay, as well as delicious regionally inspired meals and selected drinks at meal times. On board Emerald Liberté, stylish accommodation comes complete with modern amenities, so whether you are spending time on board, or exploring onshore, we include a wealth of experiences and inclusions to help you make memories that last a lifetime.
Beaune
From the timber-framed houses of Chalon-sur-Saône, you’ll visit Beaune, the remarkable town at the center of the Burgundy wine region. Beaune is a pictureperfect image of the region’s wine trade, with the distinct architecture encircled by near-endless acres of rolling vineyards. Amidst the undeniable beauty of Beaune, you’ll find the flamboyant Hospices de Beaune. Beyond the colorful tessellating roof tiles and majestic medieval façade, the Hospices reveals a fascinating history spanning from its Middle Ages foundation as a charitable hospital for the disadvantaged totoday’s prominence a prodigious wine estate and auction space.
Arles
Arles, or “the good town of Arles” as once described in a letter penned by a certain Vincent van Gogh, is a sun-soaked city of Roman ruins and terracotta-tiled houses in Provence. Meander, as Van Gogh once did, through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman and Romanesque monuments, the countless local cafés and bars, and the characteristically traditional houses while placing yourself in the scene of the Post-Impressionist’s nearly 200 individual works created during his time in the city. Established by Ligurian tribes, Arles exchanged hands between the Roman Empire, the Visigoths, and the Moors and as such boasts an eclectic admixture of cultural influences today.
Lyon
France’s third-largest city and a cultural powerhouse, Lyon’s positioning at the confluence of the Saône and Rhône rivers determined the city’s import across the centuries. The Gauls, Romans, and revolutionaries all left their mark on Lyon, a city famed for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed architecture and, in modern times, a world-renowned culinary scene. Standing watchfully over the riverbanks, the hilltop Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière is an impressive 19thcentury construction overlooking the city’s medieval cathedral below. This architectural dynamic of new and old—perfectly summarises Lyon’s atmosphere of metropolitanism in age-old surroundings.
Beaune, France
Arles, France
Lyon, France
Explore France
Uncover La Belle France on a journey through fabled romantic cityscapes, historic winemaking country, and some of Europe’s finest natural scenery. As varied as it is beautiful and with a legendary history to match, each passing day in the French Republic brings innumerable charms and pleasures.
Cruising the Rhône and Saône Rivers is undoubtedly one of the finest ways to unveil the delights of the nation. Whether taking in the air among the vineyards of the Ardèche to sample the finest of wines; or strolling through celebrated galleries to observe famed works of art, in between your independent explorations, we’ll introduce you to immersing excursions for an in-depth look at local life.
Included Excursions
Led in small groups and at different paces to suit all our guests’ needs, our itineraries through the heart of France all offer a selection of included excursions, each giving in-depth and expansive experiences so you have the opportunity to see the very best of each destination we visit.
Designed to show the destinations we visit in a different light, our EmeraldPLUS program will enable you to see places from a different perspective bringing memorable experiences that go above and beyond that of the ordinary traveler. Exclusive to Emerald Cruises, you can enjoy an extra-special Provençal-influenced dinner hosted by local Chef Fabien Morreale.
For the more active Emerald Cruises guests, we have our amazing EmeraldACTIVE program. Venture off Emerald Liberté and participate in a guided hike through the vineyards of Tournon, enjoy a guided bike ride around Lyon, and experience canoeing in Avignon. Even join our activity managers or wellness coach for classes on board, and with our on board gym you can continue your own fitness regimen.
Avignon, France
Chef Fabien Morreale Pont du Gard, Nimes
Uncover the best of each breathtaking destination as you cruise along the Rhône and Saône Rivers. Our hand-crafted itineraries and EmeraldDISCOVERY program provide the perfect platform to explore France in style. Discover the intimacies of destinations with our EmeraldPLUS program, explore the landscape from a different perspective with EmeraldACTIVE , and enjoy an in-depth and often exclusive look at your surroundings with our optional DiscoverMORE excursions and experiences.
Should you wish to explore independently, each port of call brings a wealth of
cultural experiences ready to uncover. The summer months bring celebrations and festivities across the nation. Those traveling in July may arrive in the French capital at the time of the Tour de France’s culminating stage, allowing guests to join the celebrations along the Champs-Élysées.
Those traveling our 8-Day Sensations of Lyon & Provence itinerary departing in July may catch some Bastille Day celebrations, where firework displays, music, and traditional dress define the day’s celebrations.
We offer a selection of DiscoverMORE optional excursions designed to enable you to see and do even more. Available at an additional cost, these immersive experiences present opportunities to delve deeper into each destination and acquaint yourself with each destination’s natural beauty, history and culture. See pages 22 & 23 for more information.
*DiscoverMORE excursions are available at an additional cost.
2025 France River Cruise Offer
This is your opportunity to sail along the picturesque Rhône and Saône rivers this year. Book your French adventure now and take advantage of our fantastic offer.
Our award winner Emeralde Liberté
Suites & Staterooms
Boasting some of most stylish suites and staterooms available on Europe’s rivers, our Star-Ships are worthy of a standard you would expect from a world-class hotel.
Pool & Evening Cinema†
Have a leisurely swim with incredible views thanks to floor to ceiling windows. On select evenings, this space transforms into an evening cinema with a retractable roof.
Wellness Area
Take care of mind, body and soul as you enjoy a range of spa treatments* or maintain your fitness in our well-equipped center. *Available at additional cost.
Horizon Bar & Lounge
Enjoy a glass of wine, a beer or a hot drink as you unwind in this plush open seating area/ contemporary meeting place.
Sun Deck
Enjoy the best views of the river from this spacious vantage point. Bask in the sunshine as you enjoy a drink or challenge a fellow guest to some putting.
The Terrace
Take full advantage of the passing views as you enjoy a light breakfast or lunch in the indoor/outdoor terrace separated by floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
Reflections Restaurant
Marvel at the beautiful views of the river while experiencing our dining menu designed to celebrate seasonal and regional flavors.
Your EmeraldDISCOVERY highlights unique to this itinerary:
3 EmeraldPLUS activities including a Provençal-influenced dinner hosted by local Chef Fabien Morreale.
CRUISE
FACTS
4 EmeraldACTIVE experiences including a guided hike to the vineyards of Tournon.
6 EmeraldEXCURSIONS included, with visits to UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites.
4 DiscoverMORE excursions, available at an addition cost — see pages 22-23
Tain L’Hermitage Vineyard, Touron, France
8-Day
Sensations of Lyon & Provence
France’s
gastronomic heartbeat, enjoy
delights both culinary and cultural
Witness the unrivaled beauty of French 15th-century architecture, Roman ruins, and sun-soaked vineyards at the foot of colossal mountain massifs. Journey to Chalon-sur-Saône, the picture-perfect birthplace of photography and Lyon, the country’s gastronomic beating heart, before enjoying an authentic Provençal dinner hosted on board by French Chef Fabien Morreale. Towers of the grand St. Stephen’s Basilica, while in Breisach, the festivities occur beneath the 131-foot-tall Ravenna Viaduct.
Departing:
April - October 2025
Lyon, France Viviers, France
Arles, France
Day 1 Lyon
On the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, Lyon can be found set across twin hills. Here, you will be met and transferred from the airport to the comfort of your Emerald Liberté Star-Ship.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 Chalon-sur-Saône – Beaune
Chalon-sur-Saône is known for its art and history. Today, you will have the opportunity to witness the area’s architectural heritage and peaceful surroundings as you travel to the quaint village of Beaune and visit the Hospices de Beaune, originally a hospital for the poor, and now home to one of Burgundy’s most popular wine auctions.
Visit to the Hospices de Beaune
Cheese and olive tasting on board
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 3 Lyon
France’s third-largest city, Lyon is a former Roman capital, steeped in history and considered to be the gastronomic heartbeat of the country and the home of traditional Lyonnaise cuisine.
Today, enjoy a guided tour of Lyon, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Basilica NotreDame de Fourvière, part of the inscribed historic site of Lyon. Wander through the city and soak in its vividly illustrated history, as buildings from all time periods can be seen adorning narrow cobblestone streets.
Alternatively, embark on an EmeraldACTIVE guided bike tour of Lyon.
Guided tour of Lyon
Bike tour of Lyon
Excursion to Pérouges
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4 Tournon
The picturesque village of Tournon borders the gently meandering Rhône, dominated by a 16th century castle that overlooks the village and a number of iconic landmarks, including a set of ancient watchtowers.
Your guided tour of the village will showcase its intangible cultural heritage, granting every opportunity for you to immerse yourself in your surroundings. Alternatively, embark on an EmeraldACTIVE hike through some of the local vineyards.
Later, a guided bike tour to Glun will showcase rural life in the French countryside.
Guided tour of Tournon
Regional wine lecture on board
Guided bike tour to Glun
Guided hike through the vineyards
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5 Viviers
Arrive in Viviers, a town with much Middle Age flair and home to one of France’s oldest cathedrals. Your included walking tour of Viviers will showcase its numerous listed monuments, along with their ornate windows and lavish façades.
Guided tour of Viviers
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 6 Avignon
Avignon has a rich history, from Celtic beginnings to being the residence of the Pope and central to the French Revolution.
Your included walking tour of Avignon will take you past the ornate beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Palais-des-Papes, as well as Pont d’Avignon, an ancient stone bridge crossing the Rhône. This afternoon is yours to explore at leisure.
This evening, enjoy a delightful EmeraldPLUS Provençal dining experience, expertly prepared by Top Chef finalist, Fabien Morreale.
Guided tour of Avignon
Provençal dining experience hosted by Chef Fabien Morreale
Canoeing excursion in Avignon
Guided tour of the Pont du Gard
Classical concert in Avignon
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 7 Arles
The past is yours to discover in Arles, once an important Phoenician trading port that was captured by the Romans, who peppered the city with iconic monuments. Today, your included tour of the city will showcase some of the UNESCO World Heritagelisted Roman and Romanesque monuments of Arles.
Visit the 2,000-year-old Arles Amphitheater and follow in the footsteps of world-renowned artist, Vincent van Gogh. The rest of the day is yours to explore at leisure.
Guided tour of Arles with arena visit
Excursion to Les Baux de Provence
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 8 Arles – Marseille
After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and disembark Emerald Liberté, taking memories of the idyllic French countryside and delightful cuisine with you.
Meals: Breakfast
2025 River Cruises 2 for 1 Fares from
Emerald Stateroom
$3,795 pp
Panorama Balcony Suite
$4,645 pp
2 Night
Paris
City Stay
France’s capital city, Paris, has a proud ancient history with spectacular architecture and monuments, and more recently has become the global center of fashion and gastronomy. As an Emerald Cruises guest, you’ll have the opportunity to spend two nights in the luxury Crowne Plaza Republique - a centrally based hotel perfect for you to explore the cities world-famous attractions, such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum and the stunning Musée d’Orsay, as well as a number of World Heritage-listed sites.
If you are looking for something other than the tree-lined boulevards and bustling streets, enjoy our included coach tour of the city and a cruise along the glistening waters of France’s secondlongest river, the Seine.
Inclusions:
Two nights in a centrally-located hotel
Breakfast daily
Guided bus tour of Paris and Seine cruise Transfers to and from the airport
Extend Your Stay
A popular choice for guests wishing to extend their vacation and discover a new city, our pre- and post-cruise city stays are perfect for those looking to explore independently and delve further into local life. With our immersing Sensations of Lyon and Provence itinerary, you have the option of adding a few extra days to explore the romantic French capital of Paris, the quaint charms of Aix-en-Provence, or the sun-soaked Côte d’Azur.
Stay in luxury hotels hand-selected for their superior location and exceptional level of service. Our city stays include breakfast as standard, along with a guided tour before plenty of time to explore independently at a pace that suits you.
Nice City Stay 3 Night
Known for its stunning seaside views, year-round sunshine and colorful buildings, Nice is one of the most iconic spots along the French Riviera. Enjoy three nights in this vibrant coastal city – the fifth most populous in France – walking the shoreline, people watching on the Promenade des Anglais or enjoying local Niçois cuisine.
During your city stay, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of nearby Monte Carlo, the South of France’s famed luxury hotspot. And you’ll have plenty of free time to explore Nice itself, wondering its winding alleys full of shops and authentic French cafés, immersing yourself in the local arts and culture on offer.
Inclusions:
Three nights in a centrallylocated hotel
Breakfast daily
Guided tour of Monte Carlo
Transfer to and from the airport
Transfer to and from Emerald Liberté in Arles
Optional DiscoverMORE - Visit to St. Paul de Vence (extra expense)
2 Night
Aix-en-Provence City Stay
Known for being the birthplace of PostImpressionist artist Paul Cézanne, peaceful and relaxing Aix-en-Provence will be your home for three fantastic nights. Take to the streets and explore the leafy boulevards and public squares which are lined with 17th and 18th century mansions, separated by grand moss-covered fountains.
Included in your stay, a local guide will provide a wealth of knowledge as you stroll along cobblestone squares, and after a day of discovery, why not reside in one of many local cafes, enjoy an espresso, and
watch the world go by. A ‘must see’ when visiting Aix-en-Provence is the Musée Granet, a museum devoted to painting, sculpture and archaeology of France.
Inclusions:
Two nights in a hotel in Aix-en-Provence Guided tour of Aix-en-Provence Breakfast daily
Transfers to and from the airport
Immerse yourself further into local life during your river cruise with one or more of our optional DiscoverMORE excursions and experiences. Available at additional cost and with limited places available, it’s a good idea to pre-book these before travel.
Guided Tour of the Pont du Gard
In the heart of Provence, you’ll visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Pont du Gard aqueduct, one of humankind’s greatest masterpieces. Technically and architecturally impressive, this three-level Roman aqueduct is 902 feet long and 157 feet high and served as an aqueduct until the 6th century transporting thousands of gallons of water per day. Later, it was used as a toll gate, before being transformed into a road bridge.
As well as marveling at this wonderful feat of engineering, you’ll visit the small Roman town of Uzes. Its circular streets once protected the medieval castle in the 11th and 12th centuries.
L’Occitane Factory
Discover the magic behind our creations with a guided tour of our enchanting factory. Wander through the laboratories, witness the artistry in the production workshops, and marvel at the meticulous packing lines. This captivating journey includes moments to indulge in the unique scents that set our products apart. Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Mediterranean Garden and Boutique Museum.
Please note, this tour must be pre-booked.
From $67 per person
From $79 per person
From $60 per person From $79 per person
Excursion to Les Baux de Provence
Set in the heart of the Alpilles regional country park Les Baux de Provence is a World Heritage-listed site, recognized for being ‘one of the most beautiful villages in France’. Situated at a fortified rocky site between Arles and St. Remy-de-Provence, visit the Old Village with its narrow cobblestone streets and grey medieval stone buildings. Compact, with plenty of shops and restaurants, the village retains its traditional style, while being an outstanding attraction. The high, rocky pinnacle of ChâteauFortress des Baux extends to the southwest of the village and the incredible views make the trip very much worthwhile.
Excursion to Pérouges
Located on a small hill overlooking the Ain River Valley, head north from Lyon to the beautiful medieval town thriving on its local wine and weaving industries. Considered one of the most beautiful villages in France, a variety of fascinating buildings, including a fortified church and the house of the princes of Savoy, encourage many to walk the cobblestone streets. Explore from the upper gate to the 15th-century church, the main street ‘Rue des Rondes’, passing the 108-foot-deep well, and the Maison du Sergent de Justice, with its round tower. A lovely place to sit and relax with a drink, you’ll soon understand why this picturesque location has been used as the backdrop for many films, including 1973’s The Three Musketeers.
