FRANCE: THE PLACE TO BE
Timeless. Iconic. Inimitable.
Bordeaux, France
There’s
EUROPE’S TOP DESTINATION
For centuries, poets, artists and travellers have been entranced by the spell of France. For those fortunate enough to cruise its winding rivers, France offers an alluring mosaic of history, culture and scenic beauty. It’s a nation where every cobblestone tells a story, where chateaus stand tall against azure skies, and where grapes ripen to perfection under the Provençal sun.
Wine, bread, cheese, art, architecture, philosophy... you name it, and France could make an excellent case for why its version is the best in Europe. Renowned in every arena, France beckons to the traveller who longs for a taste of the extraordinary.
Table of Contents
THE ULTIMATE WAY TO SEE FRANCE
On the rivers with Uniworld
Imagine drifting through the heart of France, not merely as a traveller, but as an honoured guest aboard a floating boutique hotel, where every detail is an elegant reflection of French style and culture. Endless pours of fine French wine, delectable cuisine, and immersive experiences are included in the price of your trip, so you can indulge in the best France has to offer without a concern in the world.
Uniworld presents not one, but three exquisite cruises, each unfolding the diverse tapestry that is France. These three itineraries line up perfectly to offer a panoply of further holiday options. Mix-and-match sailings or extend your trip to craft a French holiday tailored to your desires—think back-to-back weeks in Paris and Burgundy, punctuated with a luxe stay in Mediterranean Cassis before you head home.
JOIN
IMMERSED IN FRANCE ONSHORE
with a variety of curated experiences
When you choose to see France by river with Uniworld, you experience so much more. We work hard to uncover unique adventures and excursions that introduce you to the real France—beyond the monuments and museums that draw the crowds and into the quintessentially French moments and memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
Jardin du Luxembourg
FRANCE, THE FRENCH WAY
Our Do as the Locals Do and Village Day tours capture the essence of the French lifestyle. Walk the cobbled streets of quaint villages, shop in a farmer’s market, discover favourite local pastimes, and seek out bites most tourists don’t even know to look for.
ADVENTURE AWAITS
Set out to explore the picturesque landscapes of France with active outings. Take a swing at the clifftop course of Étretat, hike through vineyards for wine with a view, or pedal your way to Monet’s lush gardens at Giverny—the very same ones that inspired his “Water Lilies.”
WINING AND DINING
Get the full flavour of France with several food and wine tasting excursions. Snack on fresh Médoc oysters, sip the world-renowned wines of Hermitage, visit a camembert cheese farm in the Normandy countryside, and more.
OUR MASTERPIECE COLLECTION
Always dreamed of hunting for Perigord truffles? Learning to cook French specialties in a chateau kitchen? Or having a private tour of legendary cognac distillery Rémy Martin? Our Masterpiece Collection of optional add-on excursions will take your holiday to the next level.
CHARMED NIGHTS AND ENCHANTED INSIGHTS
See your destination in a whole new light with private evening experiences, such as a concert just for our guests at the Rouen Cathedral or a trip to a digital art installation at a former submarine bunker in Bordeaux.
IMMERSED IN FRANCE ONBOARD
Through every carefully designed detail
Because we don’t want your immersion into France to end when you step back onboard at the end of the day, we’ve designed each of our France ships as if they were boutique hotels in Paris, Burgundy, or Bordeaux. From the French cuisine our chefs prepare each day to the chic décor, you’ll feel the palpable connection to France every moment you’re onboard the S.S. Joie de Vivre, S.S. Catherine, or S.S. Bon Voyage.
Le Restaurant Pigalle, S.S. Joie de Vivre
WE KNOW WINE
It's easy to feel French when fine wine flows freely at any time of day onboard. Every Uniworld ship is staffed with an expert sommelier, who curates an impressive collection of regional and international wines served onboard. Each night, they’ll do a short presentation on two new bottles, carefully selected to pair with the evening’s dinner menu.
NEVER A DULL MOMENT
For a blissful holiday, our ships likely have just the activity for you. Early risers will appreciate our morning yoga sessions. Chill-on-the-sundeck types can soak in scenic riverscapes with their favourite cocktail. Foodies may want to join a cooking demo. And those looking to dance the night away will find local entertainment in the lounge.
AWARD-WINNING CHEFS
Thanks to the incredible bounty of France, it doesn’t take an expert hand to turn fresh French ingredients— rich butter, flavourful cheeses, world-famous wines and more—into something delicious, but our team of award-winning chefs create masterpieces with every dish.
BOUTIQUE IS BEST
Each ship in our fleet is unique, designed to reflect the destinations they sail. Custom fabrics, distinctive colour palettes, and walls filled with original works of art bring France’s passion for beauty alive onboard. Each of our three Super Ship vessels in France offers a completely different, yet equally luxurious, taste of French living.
Your introduction to NORTHERN FRANCE
Paris, often dubbed the “City of Light,” is a mesmerising blend of historic grandeur and modern elegance. From the cobbled alleys of Montmartre to the grand Champs-Élysées, Paris encapsulates a timeless allure. But the story doesn’t end here. Venture further to Normandy, where nature, history, and culture blend seamlessly. Cliffs loom over age-old harbours, ancient monasteries cast reflections upon tranquil waters, and every meadow and beach whispers tales of valour, from the Vikings to D-Day landing sites.
Champs-Élysées, Paris
THE NORMANDY BEACHES
Honouring history with our guests
Travel back in time to 6th June 1944, when the Allied forces launched their D-Day invasion of Normandy. On your full-day outing, you’ll visit Normandy’s beaches, with a choice to venture to either the American, British and Commonwealth, or Canadian beaches. After, you’ll partake in a private memorial ceremony—a sentimental remembrance of Operation Overlord.
THE S.S. JOIE DE VIVRE
A FEAST FOR THE SENSES
This ship highlights the culinary and viticultural heritage of France across multiple dining venues, including a casual café modelled after the ones lining Parisian sidewalks and a wine cave that serves up 7-course wine pairing meals.
Awash in rosy shades and dark-polished wood, the S.S. Joie de Vivre captures the refined and romantic side of Paris. Fine antiques, original artwork, and signature accents inspired by 20th-century Parisian design blend seamlessly with modern conveniences.
INNOVATIVE FEATURES
By day, Club L'Esprit is an onboard wellness centre with a spa, pool, smoothie bar and fitness equipment. By night, the pool disappears, a dance floor takes its place, and the whole room transforms into Claude’s, a glitzy bar and entertainment venue.
PARIS & NORMANDY
8 Days • Paris to Paris • S.S. Joie de Vivre
This cruise is designed for history buffs who want to see the best of France. Walk through the gardens that inspired so many of Monet’s paintings in Giverny. Spend an entire day on the famous Normandy beaches and partake in a private memorial ceremony. You’ll experience the indulgent world of French royalty on a tour of Versailles and French joie de vivre as you follow a local around the much-loved neighborhoods of Paris.
DAY PORT FEATURE
1 Paris Embark
2 La Roche-Guyon, Vernon, Giverny Let’s Go bike the countryside from Vernon to Monet’s Giverny gardens
3 Rouen Nights Out private concert at Rouen Cathedral
4 Caudebec-en-Caux Let’s Go golf on the cliffs of the seaside village of Étretat
5 Rouen (Normandy Beaches) Honour the heroes of D-Day at the Normandy beaches
6 Mantes-la-Jolie (Versailles) Explore the secret apartments of Versailles
7 Paris Wander the narrow streets of the Latin Quarter
8 Paris Disembark
UNIQUELY UNIWORLD
Tee off at the clifftop Golf d’Étretat, on a Let’s Go experience.
Tour Château La Roche-Guyon, a palace carved into the cliffs over the Seine.
Includes at least one MTM Experience
Uniworld.com/Paris-Normandy
Paris, France
English Channel
ÉTRETAT
HONFLEUR
NORMANDY
CAUDEBEC-EN-CAUX
VERNON ROUEN
NORMANDY BEACHES
Seine River
MANTES-LA-JOLIE
GIVERNY
English Channel
LA ROCHE-GUYON
VERSAILLES
ÉTRETAT
HONFLEUR
CAUDEBEC-EN-CAUX
VERNON ROUEN
Seine River NORMANDY
GIVERNY
LA ROCHE-GUYON
VERSAILLES MANTES-LA-JOLIE
PARIS E
ATHENS & SANTORINI E
SNAPSHOT
7 Nights Cruising
18 Included Excursions
1 Private Experience
DEPARTURES
March – November
OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS
2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites 19 Meals (including 1 Welcome Dinner and 1 Farewell Dinner)
Athens & Santorini (6-Day, post-cruise)
Athens (4-Day, post-cruise)
Paris (3-Day, pre-cruise)
Visit Uniworld.com/Extensions for more information. Additional fees apply.
Hall of Mirrors, Palace of Versaille
Restaurant of S.S. Joie de Vivre
Provence, France
Your introduction to
BURGUNDY & PROVENCE
The romance of Burgundy is woven with verdant vineyards, historic monasteries and iconic dishes like coq au vin and escargot. Further south, Provence beckons with its sun-kissed charm. Think azure skies, fields ablaze with golden sunflowers and purple lavender and ancient towns where cobblestone lanes echo with age-old legends. From Avignon’s Palais des Papes, a vestige of a time when popes resided outside Rome, to Arles, which once captivated Van Gogh with its beauty, the tapestry of experiences is endlessly enchanting.
HERMITAGE VINEYARDS HIKE
Wine tasting with a view
The vines producing the world-famous Hermitage wines grow on terraced slopes above the Rhône River. Hike along the paths that parallel the rough courses of stone through the vineyards, each one situated to catch the afternoon sun. After you’ve seen how the grapes—primarily Syrah—are grown, taste the fruit that has been transformed by the vintners’ craft into legendary wine.
You’ll never want to leave
THE S.S. CATHERINE
AN ODE TO ARTISTRY
The south of France has long been a hub of fine art, and our ship captures this culture with such spectacular commissioned for Uniworld by ceramic artist Jane duRand, and a lounge that feels pulled straight from the canvas of an impressionist’s garden painting.
If the monarchs of France had ever commissioned a ship, we imagine it would look something like the S.S. Catherine . With enough gold to suit the Sun King and reflective surfaces to rival the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles, this ship embraces French opulence in every detail.
ENCLOSED CONSERVATORIES
Deluxe Balcony staterooms and Suites on the Camargue Deck have a special feature: a sectioned-off area where you can draw the curtains and lower your window to create a fully enclosed, open-air balcony.
BURGUNDY & PROVENCE
8 Days • Arles to Lyon • S.S. Catherine
Experience the richness of French culture and cuisine as you sail through the heart of this famous wine region. You’ll follow in the footsteps of Van Gogh on a walking tour of Arles, passing the cheery yellow subject of his Café de Nuit. Learn about the gastronomic history of Lyon as you taste French specialties. This cruise will give you an authentic view of France, with visits to small villages to introduce you to the local way of life.
DAY PORT FEATURE
1 Arles Embark (transfer from Marseille airport)
2 Arles Stroll by medieval houses and ancient ruins in Arles
3 Avignon Visit the impressive Palace of the Popes
4 Viviers Ardèches Village Day
5 Tain-l’Hermitage Hike the terraced vineyards of Hermitage for a wine tasting
6 Lyon Take a Lyon panoramic tour with traboules visit
7 Mâcon (Beaune) Browse the wares at the market outside colourful Hôtel-Dieu
8 Lyon Disembark
UNIQUELY UNIWORLD
Immerse yourself in nature and view an ancient Roman aqueduct from a unique angle when you kayak the Gardon River.
Includes at least one MTM Experience
Uniworld.com/Burgundy-Provence
Lyon, France
Bay of Biscay
VIVIERS ARLES PARIS E
Rhône River
BURGUNDY FRANCE AVIGNON
Saône River PROVENCE
BURGUNDY FRANCE AVIGNON LYON
TAIN-L’HERMITAGE
MARSEILLE
Rhône River
Saône River PROVENCE
ARLES CASSIS 1 4 7 5 7 6 1 3 E
TAIN-L’HERMITAGE
MARSEILLE VIVIERS
SNAPSHOT
7 Nights Cruising
10 Included Excursions
4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
19 Meals (including 1 Welcome Dinner and 1 Farewell Dinner)
DEPARTURES
March – November
OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS
Paris (3-Day, pre- or post-cruise)
Cassis (4-Day, pre- or post-cruise)
Visit Uniworld.com/Extensions for more information. Additional fees apply.
S.S. Catherine Suite Lyon, France Click to play video
Your introduction to
BORDEAUX
The Bordeaux region, crowned by its eponymous city, is a testament to the timelessness of French elegance. Gothic cathedrals, grand estates, and medieval ruins dot a landscape blanketed by some of the world’s most revered vineyards. From the legendary Saint-Émilion to the picturesque Pomerol, Bo rdeaux is where viniculture becomes artistry. The region’s towns, like Cognac and Libourne, are a beautiful weave of historic streets and squares, all with their unique tales and flavours.
Cathédrale Saint-André, Bordeaux
THE BASSINS DES LUMIÈRES
A private Nights Out experience
Bordeaux’s Port de la Lune is home to a submarine base with a checkered past. Originally built during the German occupation of France in WWII, and later the target of allied bombings, this building has since attracted artists who wish to reclaim the site for beauty and culture. Its stark walls and history have served as a poignant backdrop to artistic installations for decades.
Find serenity aboard THE S.S. BON VOYAGE
DINNER IS SERVED
Travel through the exceptional culinary heritage of the Bordeaux region across several onboard dining venues, including an intimate wine cave, an elegant main restaurant and a more casual cafe on the sun deck.
The S.S. Bon Voyage epitomises the elegance and high style of France. Polished wood, shining brass accents, and beautiful tilework can be found throughout the ship. The main lounge is a stylish bar salon inspired by Yves Saint Laurent’s personal villa.
THE ONLY INFINITY POOL ON THE RIVERS
Cool off in the summer sunshine by taking a dip in the eye-catching blue tile pool on the sun deck. The water goes right up to the edge, creating the illusion that the pool blends into the river upon which you are sailing.
BRILLIANT BORDEAUX
There is no region in the world that is richer in cuisine, more abundant in wine, and more stunning in scenery than Bordeaux. If you want to experience the best kept secret in France, this is the cruise for you. For those who love wine, enjoy some of the best in the world at the critically acclaimed Grand Cru wineries. You’ll feast on traditional French cuisine, from foie gras to oysters. This is truly a trip of indulgences.
UNIQUELY UNIWORLD
Delight in an optional Masterpiece Collection cooking lesson and lunch at Château Ambe Tour Pourret.
Venture on a Nights Out after-hours visit to Les Bassins des Lumières in Bordeaux.
7 Bordeaux Let’s Go bike through the backstreets of Bordeaux, stopping to try out local treats
8 Bordeaux Disembark
Uniworld.com/BrilliantBordeaux
Saint-Émilion, France
Gironde Estuary
CUSSAC-FORT-MÉDOC
MÉDOC
BORDEAUX BLAYE
SAUTERNES
BOURG-SUR-GIRONDE 1 5 4 2 3 4 4
Garonne River
Bay of Biscay
Dordogne River
Gironde Estuary
BORDEAUX BLAYE
MÉDOC
CADILLAC LIBOURNE SAINT-ÉMILION
SAUTERNES
BOURG-SUR-GIRONDE 1 5 4 2 3 4 4
Garonne River
CUSSAC-FORT-MÉDOC FRANCE
Dordogne River
SNAPSHOT
7 Nights Cruising
13 Included Excursions
2 Private Experiences
3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
19 Meals (including 1 Welcome Dinner and 1 Farewell Dinner)
DEPARTURES
March – October
OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS
Biarritz (4-Day, pre-cruise)
Paris (3-Day, post-cruise)
Visit Uniworld.com/Extensions for more information. Additional fees apply.
BIARRITZ
BIARRITZ
Saint-Émilion, France
Bordeaux, France
Click to play video
GRAND ITINERARIES
Cruise pairings for a longer trip
Explore France from north to south on one of our Grand Itineraries, showcasing multiple beautiful Super Ship vessels and a variety of France’s most attractive destinations—all on one carefree trip!
Our exceptional service and attention to detail will travel with you as you make your way from one cruise to the next. Escorted by a Uniworld representative the entire way, we’ll transport you via first-class high-speed rail and ensure your luggage reaches your room without you having to lift a finger.
A PORTRAIT OF MAJESTIC FRANCE
15 Days • Bordeaux to Paris • S.S. Bon Voyage & S.S. Joie de Vivre
This grand itinerary is a combination of Brilliant Bordeaux and Paris & Normandy
For more information, visit Uniworld.com/MajesticFrance
GRAND FRANCE
15 Days • Paris to Arles • S.S. Joie de Vivre & S.S. Catherine
This grand itinerary is a combination of Paris & Normandy and Burgundy & Provence
For more information, visit Uniworld.com/GrandFrance
ULTIMATE FRANCE
22 Days • Bordeaux to Arles
S.S. Bon Voyage , S.S. Joie de Vivre & S.S. Catherine
This grand itinerary is a combination of Brilliant Bordeaux , Paris & Normandy and Burgundy & Provence
For more information, visit Uniworld.com/UltimateFrance
NEW 2025 – WINE ROADS OF FRANCE & PORTUGAL
18 Days • Bordeaux to Lisbon • S.S. Bon Voyage & S.S. São Gabriel
This grand itinerary is a combination of Brilliant Bordeaux and Portugal, Spain & the Douro River Valley
For more information, visit Uniworld.com/France-Portugal
Douro
River
PORTO PORTUGAL
Palace of Versailles, France
English Channel
Gironde Estuary
CUSSAC-FORT-MÉDOC
Bay of Biscay
Garonne River
NORMANDY BEACHES FRANCE
GIVERNY HONFLEUR ÉTRETAT VERNON ROUEN VERSAILLES
Seine River
MANTES-LA-JOLIE LA ROCHE-GUYON
SPAIN
LISBON
PORTO
GUIMARÃES
CASTELO RODRIGO RÉGUA
PINHÃO
CALDAS DE AREGOS POCINHO
BARCA D’ALVA
VEGA DE TERRÓN
SALAMANCA
BOURG-SUR-GIRONDE
LIBOURNE SAINT-ÉMILION
Dordogne River
English Channel
TAIN-L’HERMITAGE MÂCON LYON
SPAIN
Gironde Estuary
MARSEILLE AVIGNON VIVIERS
BLAYE
CUSSAC-FORT-MÉDOC
ARLES
Bay of Biscay
BORDEAUX
CADILLAC
Balearic Sea
Saône River
Rhône River
Atlantic Ocean
Balearic
Atlantic Ocean
Garonne River
Douro River
Douro Valley, Portugal
CRUISE & RAIL: ISTANBUL TO PARIS
15 Days • Istanbul to Paris • S.S. Joie de Vivre & Golden Eagle Danube Express
Wind your way by private train through 7 countries on the way to Paris from the inimitable city of Istanbul, then indulge in the luxuries of French living on a Seine River cruise. We’ve composed an exceptional journey by luxury river cruise and private train to highlight these legendary cities and a plethora of lesser-known marvels in between.
DAY PORT
FEATURE
1 Istanbul Arrive
2 Istanbul Embark the train
3 Sofia
4 Belgrade
Descend into the Crypt of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Sample an array of Rakija, Serbia’s beloved elixir, at Belgrade’s oldest brewery
5 Postojna, Vienna Visit the enchanting Postojna Caves before arriving in Vienna for an evening private concert
6 Vienna
7 Champagne, Paris
Explore the splendours of Vienna in the morning
Take an exclusive vineyard tour before disembarking the train for a hotel stay in Paris
8 Paris Transfer to the ship and embark
9 La Roche-Guyon, Vernon, Giverny
10 Rouen
11 Caudebec-en-Caux
Let’s Go cycle the countryside from Vernon to Monet’s Giverny gardens
Nights Out private concert at Rouen Cathedral
Let’s Go golf on the cliffs of the seaside village of Étretat
12 Rouen (Normandy Beaches) Honour the heroes of D-Day at the Normandy beaches
13 Mantes-la-Jolie (Versailles)
14 Paris
15 Paris
Explore the secret apartments of Versailles
Let’s Go bike along the riverbanks of the Seine
Disembark the ship
UNIQUELY UNIWORLD
Tee off at the clifftop Golf d’Étretat, on a Let’s Go experience.
Tour Château La Roche-Guyon, a palace carved into the cliffs over the Seine.
Visit a vineyard in Champagne for a tasting of the town's eponymous sparkling wines.
Includes at least one MTM Experience
Uniworld.com/CR-Istanbul-Paris
Istanbul, Turkey
SNAPSHOT
7 Nights Cruising
5 Nights by Train
2 Nights Touring
22 Included Excursions
3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
39 Meals (including 1 Welcome Dinner and 1 Farewell Dinner)
DEPARTURES May 2025
CRUISE & RAIL: PARIS TO ISTANBUL
14 Days, Paris to Istanbul
Running in the opposite direction, this itinerary begins with our Seine River cruise before continuing by rail to Istanbul.
Visit Uniworld.com/CR-Paris-Istanbul to learn more.
ISTANBUL
Postojna, Slovenia
Golden Eagle Danube Express cabin
STAY A WHILE
Pre- and post-cruise/tour extensions
PARIS
2 nights at the Hôtel du Louvre (or similar)
Opera Garnier discovery walk
Available on all France itineraries
ATHENS
3 nights at the Divani Caravel (or similar)
Home-hosted dinner, highlights of Athens city tour, and taste of Greece walking tour
Available on Paris & Normandy and Burgundy & Provence
ATHENS & SANTORINI
2 nights at the Divani Caravel in Athens (or similar)
3 nights at the Orama Hotel or Majestic Hotel in Santorini (or similar)
Highlights of Athens city tour, Santorini walking tour with local dinner, Caldera cruise, and Santorini villages with wine tasting
Available on Paris & Normandy and Burgundy & Provence
Enhance your trip with a 5-star hotel stay, accompanied by a Uniworld tour manager and opportunities to explore with a local guide. Whether you’re looking to start your holiday early or not ready to go home, make it unforgettable with Uniworld.
New 2025
MEDITERRANEAN CASSIS
2 nights at the Hôtel Les Roches Blanches (or similar)
Cassis walking tour and vineyard tour with wine tasting
Combinable with Burgundy & Provence
BIARRITZ BASQUE COUNTRY
3 nights at the Hôtel du Palais Biarritz (or similar)
Biarritz walking tour with market visit, Biarritz lighthouse, Bayonne and St. Jean de Luz
Combinable with Brilliant Bordeaux
Credit: Shirnett Fleet
Credit: Pierre Yves
Credit: Wesley Bosnic
Credit: Grace Whiteside
See
the best of France
THROUGH THE EYES OF OUR GUESTS AND CREW
Get firsthand insights into what it’s like to sail the rivers of France with Uniworld! Take a look around this page for photos and feedback shared by our guests and crew.
“It was beyond our expectations! Service was consistently outstanding; staff professional and doting; food delicious and plentiful; rooms extremely comfortable; tours and guides in each location superb…..just a fantastic all-around vacation. We’re ready to hop on another boat now!"
– DENA C., PARIS & NORMANDY
“Brilliant cruise from start to finish. Lovely boat with amazing staff providing faultless service of amazing food. Every one of the included excursions were first class. Having taken previous river cruises with several other operators, I can’t wait to sail again with the best, Uniworld."
– ALLISTER B., BRILLIANT BORDEAUX
“Uniworld exceeded our expectations. The staff and service were beyond excellence. The rooms are spacious, beautiful and comfortable. The entire cruise team was professional, courteous, respectful, friendly and overall aimed to please by offering the best guest experience. We will be planning our next Uniworld river cruise very soon."
– SUSAN R., BURGUNDY & PROVENCE
