Experience France’s Finest with AmaWaterways

Experience France’s Finest with AmaWaterways 

AmaWaterways has long set the gold standard for river cruising with their commitment to immersive and authentic itineraries, exceptional service, and culinary excellence. AmaWaterways’ French itineraries—including Taste of Bordeaux, Colors of Provence and the new 14-night Grand Seine & Bordeaux and Grand Seine & Rhône—offer a uniquely enriching way to experience France’s legendary rivers and diverse regions. 

The AmaWaterways Difference 

From the moment you step aboard an AmaWaterways ship, you’re enveloped in a warm, inviting atmosphere. The ships are thoughtfully designed to be spacious and uncrowded, ensuring panoramic views and a sense of tranquility. The attentive crew and charismatic Cruise Managers are renowned for their personalized service, consistently earning glowing reviews from guests who praise the comfort, hospitality and attention to detail that define every AmaWaterways journey. 

Onboard your ship, the amenities abound. Relax by the sun-deck whirlpool, join complimentary host-led group fitness classes and reminisce on the day’s adventures during the daily Sip & Sail complimentary cocktail hour. As the first river cruise line to join La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, AmaWaterways brings the flavors of each region to your plate, from locally sourced cheeses and wines to the Chef’s Table specialty restaurant, where an indulgent multi-course tasting menu awaits. 

AmaWaterways’ commitment to authentic exploration shines through its array of daily shore excursions—all included in the cruise fare. You can choose from up to six included excursions each day, ranging from guided hikes and bike tours to walking tours at varying activity levels to culinary demonstrations and wine tastings. All excursions are conducted in small groups, typically fewer than 25 guests, ensuring a personalized experience and meaningful engagement with local culture and history. 

Taste of Bordeaux: A Wine Lover’s Dream 

The 7-night Taste of Bordeaux cruise is a celebration of France’s most storied wine region. Cruising the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, this itinerary is a must for oenophiles and foodies alike, featuring visits to historic châteaux, interactive wine experiences and timeless vineyards. Guests can also look forward to epicurean excursions such as a hands-on bread-making workshop at an ancient watermill in Libourne. With the addition of the pre-cruise land package in Spain’s Basque Country, home to a constellation of Michelin-starred restaurants, you can savor Europe’s finest flavors over four nights before your cruise. 

During the holiday season, Taste of Bordeaux becomes a charming year-end escape as a Festive Delights cruise, complete with tree trimming, cookie decorating and seasonally inspired dining, all set against the backdrop of Bordeaux’s magical winter charm. 

Colors of Provence: Art, History and Gastronomy 

The 7-night Colors of Provence itinerary along the Rhône River is a feast for the senses. Cruising between Arles and Lyon, the gastronomic capital of France, this cruise is perfect for travelers passionate about art, history and cuisine. Highlights include exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Avignon, tracing Van Gogh’s footsteps in Arles and indulging in regional specialties such as truffle-infused dishes and Beaujolais wines. 

For those cruising during the holidays, the Colors of Provence (Festive Delights) itinerary offers a uniquely French festive atmosphere, with opportunities to shop for traditional santons (petite nativity figurines) and savor mulled wine in elegantly decorated towns like Lyon and Avignon. 

Grand Seine & Bordeaux and Grand Seine & Rhône: The Ultimate French River Journeys 

New for 2025, AmaWaterways’ 14-night Grand River Cruises—Grand Seine & Bordeaux and Grand Seine & Rhône—are designed for travelers seeking a comprehensive exploration of France’s diverse regions. 

Grand Seine & Bordeaux begins in Paris, where guests cruise the Seine to Normandy, visiting the poignant D-Day landing beaches and Monet’s gardens at Giverny. After returning to Paris, a train journey whisks guests to Bordeaux for a second week of wine tastings, château visits and culinary adventures in the world-renowned region. Exclusive experiences, such as a private wine festival in Bourg and hands-on macaron-making workshops, deepen your connection to French culture and gastronomy. 

Grand Seine & Rhône also starts in Paris, with a cruise to Normandy and historic Rouen before transferring by train to Dijon. From there, guests board a second AmaWaterways ship and continue south along the Rhône, visiting truffle farms, savoring Burgundy’s wines and exploring the artistic heritage of Arles. This itinerary seamlessly blends the best of northern and southern France, from the iconic landmarks of Paris to the sun-drenched vineyards of Provence. 

Both Grand River Cruises include ship-to-ship luggage service for a seamless transition between regions and optional land packages in Paris, the Loire Valley, or the French Riviera for those wishing to extend their stay in France even longer. 

Exclusive Offer  

Receive up to $300 per stateroom in onboard credit when you reserve select AmaWaterways cruise departures. This credit can be used for gratuities, spa treatments or boutique purchases, adding extra value to an already exceptional journey. 

Discover France with AmaWaterways 

Whether you’re drawn to the vineyards of Bordeaux, the stunning landscapes of Provence or the historic landmarks of Normandy and Paris, AmaWaterways’ French river cruises promise an immersive, luxurious and unforgettable experience. With expertly curated itineraries, award-winning service and exclusive amenities, there’s never been a better time to discover the heart of France by river. For more information or to reserve your journey, contact your travel advisor today.