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France Cruises

See the Eiffel Tower & the French Riviera

Iconic landmarks, glittering coastlines, and diverse culture are just some of the many reasons why France is one of the most-visited destinations in the world. This fascinating Europe gem is an art and history lover’s dream, with an abundance of rich culture to offer through the museums, art galleries, landmarks, and tantalising cuisine. Discover the wine-making villages nestled in the countryside, the gorgeous castles dotting the regions, and  the luxurious ski resorts on the French Alps. 

Côte d'Azur, also known as the French Riviera, makes an excellent starting point for voyages across France or on an extensive Mediterranean cruise. From the seaside resorts and endless pristine beaches in Nice and Cannes to the quaint hilltop villages of Èze, a myriad of experiences await in this region on summer cruises beyond. Perhaps one of the most well-known attractions for romantic cruises is the Eiffel Tower, the legendary symbol of love soaring above central Paris. Paris holidays are never complete without visiting the Louvre Museum, hosting a treasure trove of artworks, including the world-renowned piece of Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle in the French capital, soak up the serenity amidst the beautiful landscapes of Provence, featuring rolling vineyards and vast purple lavender fields. 

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France Cruise Highlights

The Eiffel Tower

This wrought-iron lattice monument was built to honour the centennial of the French revolution, standing proudly over the City of Lights. A masterpiece by Gustave Eiffel, this 300-metre silhouette is a proud example of architectural and engineering feat - now a picturesque backdrop of countless proposals, weddings, and other romantic moments, making it a timeless testament of love and romance. The Eiffel Tower is already a magnificent sight during daylight but the dusk transforms it into an even more captivating spectacle! Once darkness falls over Paris, the structure glows and sparkles with the thousands of installed illuminations for a full five-minute light display every hour.

Promenade des Anglais

Set along the Mediterranean coast of Nice, Promenade des Anglais is a smooth paved stretch overlooking the Mediterranean. This stunning promenade, colloquially called The Prom, is more than just a grand walkway as it’s already embedded in the city’s life. Strolling along the promenade, you’ll see 19th-century palaces lined on the eastern side and the remains of the Casino de la Jetée-Promenade right over the waters. From the Promenade des Anglais, you can also reach Castle Hill and enter the Old Town of Nice, two of the major points of interest for history buffs in the coastal city.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a tidal island and mainland commune has served as an ancient stronghold for the duchy of Normandy as well as a detention centre for dissidents. It’s been listed as a UNESCO Heritage site, including the bay surrounding the island. The awe-inspiring abbey, being the rocky islet’s crown jewel, has become a religious destination drawing numerous Christian pilgrims every year. The structure is perched on a rock but floats like an island during the high tide, creating a staggering sight from a great distance — especially when the sun bathes the fortress in golden glow.

History and Culture

History and Culture

An impressive abundance of historical and cultural sites are spread over France. French culture encompasses luxury fashion, fine cuisine, and their love for the arts. The French art and media contributions are world-class; painters such as Claude Monet and cinematic works like Les Misérables and Amélie are among the prime examples.

Paris is often regarded as the “fashion capital of the world,” with the reign of  King Louis XIV marking the beginning of its high fashion culture thrusting France into the spotlight. The French capital is the cradle of the top fashion brands that are patronised across the globe, such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior and Hermès. The Eiffel Tower is one of the first things that come into mind when one mentions France — plausibly its most recognizable historical landmarks designed as the centrepiece of the 1889 World's Fair. Another attraction steeped with historical heritage is the Palace of Versailles, a UNESCO-listed architectural marvel in the opulent suburb of Paris where French kings and royal families lived for generations.

Things To Do in France

See the Mona Lisa painting at the Louvre Museum

Priding itself on being the world’s largest museum, the Louvre in Paris is one of the dream destinations of many art aficionados around the world. Guests are welcomed by a stunning glass pyramid sitting on the Napoleon Courtyard, which is considered to be the museum’s main entrance. This museum is home to over 380,000 art pieces, with around 30,000 on display in the eight curatorial departments. About 25% of Leonardo Da Vinci’s paintings are stored here, including the world-renowned portrait of Mona Lisa. With the museum’s staggering collection size, it’s almost impossible to see all of it in one visit, so you may want to take a themed museum tour or prioritise the artworks you want to see!

Be in awe of the lavender fields in Provence

Endless seas of lavender fields cap the region of Provence. The beautiful rows of lavender are best viewed and smelled during the summer when the flowers are in their full glory and the fragrant scent is the strongest. There are two types of lavenders that grow in the region - the fine lavender and lavandin. Fine lavenders are species that are exclusive in Provence, while the latter can be found anywhere in the world. Some of the best spots to admire these sweet purple blooms are in Valensole, a small village argued to be the region’s lavender capital, and the Sénanque Abbey in Luberon Valley, with outdoor grounds swathed in outlying lines of lavender.

Get lost in the cobblestone streets of Èze

Èze is a quaint coastal commune along the French Riviera with an acclaimed mediaeval namesake village. Get lost in the meandering, cobblestone streets, featuring traditional stonework and colourful boutiques. Lovely wrought-iron street lamps light the steep passages at night and pastel shutters soften the ambience in the mornings. The precinct is for pedestrians only, so you can enjoy its tranquillity and immaculateness at every turn. Dose yourself in nostalgia as you wander along the slender alleys, musing over the peaceful and laidback lives of the people that once dwelled here. What bliss that is!

Food and Drinks

Food and Drinks

Mealtimes in France are the peak time to socialise, so food is always prepared and served with great care and flair. According to UNESCO, the formal French gastronomic meal starts with an apéritif and ends with a liqueur. Four courses are to be taken in between, comprising a starter, fish and/or meat with vegetables, cheese and dessert. Wine, cheese, olive oil, and seasonal vegetables are the staples included in French cuisine. Meanwhile, bread is a quintessential part of French breakfast - pop into the boulangerie and you’ll find the classic baguette, crêpes and croissants.  Savour these classic dishes and pair it off with a glass of wine for a nice finish:

 

  • Ratatouille, a French Provençal vegetable stew made up of fresh local produce, such as aubergine, tomatoes, zucchinis and bell peppers.

  • Bouillabaisse is a deeply flavoured French soup originating from Marseille — the hearty seafood broth has a tomato base mixed with a variety of seafood or shellfish.

  • Embodying the technique of French slow-cooking, the Boeuf Bourguignon is a beef stew braised with enriched Burgundy red wine sauce and nestled with veggies.

France Cruises FAQs

What cruise lines go to France?

Several mainstream and luxury liners offer itineraries featuring ports throughout France, including Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, MSC Cruises, Holland America, Princess Cruises, and of course the French operator, PONANT.

When is the best time of year to visit France?

The best time to visit France is during spring, particularly in the months of April and May when the weather is delightfully warm and pleasant, ideal for walks and sightseeing. Meanwhile, autumn is the shoulder season and ideal if you want to view the vibrant landscapes as the leaves change colour.

What is the main currency used in France?

The official national currency used in France is Euro. ATM machines, located all over France and open 24 hours a day, offer a convenient option if you need to exchange currency. MasterCard and Visa are accepted in almost every ATM while American Express has its own ATM’s in the major cities.

Can you go to Paris from a cruise ship?

Le Havre is the gateway to Paris for mega ships, which is about 2 and a half hours away from the City of Lights. This port is the closest large cruise vessels can get to Paris, making it one of the major ports of call in France.

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