France Cruises

To see discounted cruises that visit France, use the Find a Bargain box on the left.

Ports strung along France's southeast coast frequently are incorporated into Western Mediterranean itineraries. These include Villefranche, a charming French Riviera town that serves as a gateway to Nice, Cannes and Monte Carlo. Marseilles is famous for its seafood restaurants and picturesque Vieux Port, or Old Port; the city also is a starting point for excursions to the villages and vineyards of Provence. From Port Vendres, passengers can travel to Collioure, where brightly colored fishing boats bob in a pretty harbor, or Banyuls, famous for its sweet wine.

Between France and Italy, the Mediterranean island of Corsica sports a rugged natural beauty and wild landscapes of lavender, honeysuckle and the thick, dry shrub known as maquis. Ships call at several ports here, where the attractions include Napoleon's birthplace, medieval towns and lovely beaches backed by pine forests.

Cities along France's Atlantic Coast and the English Channel often appear on Northern Europe cruise itineraries. Trips to the D-Day sites and memorials at the beaches of Normandy are offered from Cherbourg and Le Havre. Le Havre also is a gateway to Paris. From Saint Malo, tours leave for Mont Saint Michel, an imposing citadel that rises from tidal flats. From Bordeaux, you can join an excursion to nearby wine chateaux.

• Ports along the west coast of France are featured on Northern Europe cruises, which sail from late May through August. Destinations along France's southeast coast appear on Western Mediterranean itineraries. The Mediterranean cruise season lasts from late April to October, although a few ships cruise the region year-round.
   
• If you must fly a very long distance to reach your port of departure, we suggest that you arrive at the port city at least one or two days in advance of your cruise from France. This will give you time to rest and get oriented before boarding the ship. Most cruise lines offer pre-cruise hotel packages.

If you're looking for river cruises within France, click here.