France Cruises

Palais de la Bourse located at Bordeaux France
Palais de la Bourse located at Bordeaux France

Put simply, France is the promise of beautiful countryside, fine wines, stunning architecture, world-class galleries and museums and delicious food. The country represents a uniquely-refined chic that is especially true of its romantic capital, Paris, with its breathtaking monuments, charismatic Seine River and iconic history. [ReadMoreMob]

A cruise to this noble European land offers so much: vineyard tours, stunning beaches, soaring mountains and picture-perfect villages with cobbled streets, café terraces, cosy bistros, Bayeux Tapestries and the ubiquitous scene of people playing boules in shady squares. From Joan of Arc’s Rouen to UNESCO-listed Bordeaux, the republic’s heritage is never far away. The medieval island of Mont St Michel has 60 national heritage sites alone and the maritime past of Normandy lives on in towns like Honfleur.

The intimate rhythm of French life will get under the skin of every visitor that doesn’t resist it. Everyday rituals get transformed into unforgettable experiences, be that a croissant outside a street café, a stroll through Monet’s lily gardens, or blowing the cobwebs away on a Brittany beach awash with Celtic history.

Of course, French gastronomy goes beyond just eating well. The experimental spirit of the French means there is always something appetising to discover and try. From the crêpes of Lorient to the Cognac of La Rochelle, the nation’s culinary delights are endless. All of that coupled with the warm welcome proffered by the locals makes any cruise to France an unforgettable adventure.

Cruises to France

Closer Spain & Cruising the Seine

Closer Spain & Cruising the Seine

Departs: Liverpool • Sat 18 Apr 2020
10 nights • Black Watch • W2011

  • Discover the delights of some of Europe’s most beautiful, culture-rich regions as Black Watch takes you closer to a string of stunning cities in northern Spain and Normandy.
  • Straying off Spain’s ‘beaten track’, you’ll visit the gorgeous Galicia, Asturias and Cantabria regions for unspoilt coastal scenery, fascinating history, authentic flavours, legendary landmarks and much more.
  • Your time in France’s beautiful Normandy region will be spent exploring the River Seine, visiting historic Honfleur and Rouen, laden with historical and architectural treasures, and revelling in picturesque countryside scenes.

From £1,449pp

Fares Explained | What's Included

Offers available on selected fares and grades
Into the Heart of Spain & Bordeaux

Into the Heart of Spain & Bordeaux

Departs: Southampton • Sat 16 May 2020
8 nights • Braemar • M2012

  • A medley of rewards awaits you, from fine wine and culinary delights to diverse architecture and art, as Braemar takes you closer to the highlights of four culture-rich cities in Spain & France.
  • You’ll sail the gorgeous Gironde and Garonne rivers straight into Bordeaux, where you can explore the city’s UNESCO-listed centre and sample world-famous wine culture from the moment you step ashore.
  • In Spain, visit Santander, gateway to many of Cantabria’s treasures; Avilés, for contrasting architectural gems and delicious Asturian cider; and La Coruña, the jewel in Galicia’s crown.

From £1,099pp

Fares Explained | What's Included

Offers available on selected fares and grades
Waterways & Cities of Holland & Belgium

Waterways & Cities of Holland & Belgium

Departs: Dover • Mon 18 May 2020
7 nights • Boudicca • D2011

  • In typical Fred. Olsen fashion, you’ll get closer to the quintessential highlights of four charming Dutch and Belgian cities and experience hours of memorable scenic river cruising on this seven-night sailing.
  • In Belgium, sail the picturesque Western Scheldt River to Antwerp, with its legendary diamonds and chocolate shops; then visit medieval Ghent, renowned for its historic churches and mighty spires.
  • Two days in the Netherlands begins with a call at Amsterdam, home to world-famous canals, museums and galleries; before energetic Rotterdam brings a futuristic end to your rewarding adventure.

From £999pp

Fares Explained | What's Included

Offers available on selected fares and grades
Closer Spain & Cruising the Seine

Closer Spain & Cruising the Seine

Departs: Liverpool • Thu 28 May 2020
10 nights • Black Watch • W2015

  • Discover the delights of some of Europe’s most beautiful, culture-rich regions as Black Watch takes you closer to a string of stunning cities in northern Spain and Normandy.
  • Straying off Spain’s ‘beaten track’, you’ll visit the gorgeous Galicia, Asturias and Cantabria regions for unspoilt coastal scenery, fascinating history, authentic flavours, legendary landmarks and much more.
  • Your time in France’s beautiful Normandy region will be spent exploring the River Seine, visiting Rouen, with its rich history and spectacular architecture, and revelling in picturesque countryside scenes.

From £1,549pp

Fares Explained | What's Included

Offers available on selected fares and grades
Closer Spain & Cruising the Seine

Closer Spain & Cruising the Seine

Departs: Dover • Thu 11 Jun 2020
9 nights • Boudicca • D2014

  • Step on board Boudicca for this nine-night French and Spanish city discovery and you’ll unravel the rewards of some of Europe’s most beautiful, culture rich regions.
  • Visiting northern Spain’s Galicia, Asturias and Cantabria regions, you can marvel at unspoilt coastal scenes, learn about prehistoric caves, sample traditional regional flavours, see famous landmarks and much more.
  • Two visits to France’s beautiful Normandy region include a call at historic Honfleur; an unforgettable meander along the River Seine; and an overnight stay in Rouen, laden with historical and architectural treasures.

From £1,299pp

Fares Explained | What's Included

Offers available on selected fares and grades
Into the Heart of Spain & Bordeaux

Into the Heart of Spain & Bordeaux

Departs: Southampton • Mon 20 Jul 2020
8 nights • Braemar • M2018

  • A medley of rewards awaits you, from fine wine and culinary delights to diverse architecture and art, as Braemar takes you closer to the highlights of four culture-rich cities in Spain & France.
  • You’ll sail the gorgeous Gironde and Garonne rivers straight into Bordeaux, where you can explore the city’s UNESCO-listed centre and sample world-famous wine culture from the moment you step ashore.
  • In Spain, visit Santander, gateway to many of Cantabria’s treasures; Avilés, for contrasting architectural gems and delicious Asturian cider; and La Coruña, the jewel in Galicia’s crown.

From £1,199pp

Fares Explained | What's Included

Offers available on selected fares and grades
Into the Heart of Spain & Bordeaux

Into the Heart of Spain & Bordeaux

Departs: Southampton • Wed 19 Aug 2020
8 nights • Braemar • M2021

  • A medley of rewards awaits you, from fine wine and culinary delights to diverse architecture and art, as Braemar takes you closer to the highlights of four culture-rich cities in Spain & France.
  • You’ll sail the gorgeous Gironde and Garonne rivers straight into Bordeaux, where you can explore the city’s UNESCO-listed centre and sample world-famous wine culture from the moment you step ashore.
  • In Spain, visit Santander, gateway to many of Cantabria’s treasures; Avilés, for contrasting architectural gems and delicious Asturian cider; and La Coruña, the jewel in Galicia’s crown.

From £1,199pp

Fares Explained | What's Included

Offers available on selected fares and grades
French River Cruising in Five Nights

French River Cruising in Five Nights

Departs: Dover • Thu 27 Aug 2020
5 nights • Boudicca • D2022

  • A five-night, French flavoured journey of discovery combining scenic river cruising through breathtaking countryside with visits to three inspirational cities, this is an enriching short break.
  • See the River Seine’s gorgeous scenes of rolling hills and pretty villages; then stop overnight in Rouen, allowing time to delve into famous French history, marvel at spectacular architecture, or even tour to Paris.
  • Elsewhere, you can unravel the charms of Honfleur, an inspiration for many poets and painters; and marvel at the iconic spired abbey of fairytale-esque Mont St Michel on tour from St Malo.

From £799pp

Fares Explained | What's Included

Offers available on selected fares and grades
French & Belgian River Cruising

French & Belgian River Cruising

Departs: Newcastle • Tue 01 Sep 2020
8 nights • Balmoral • L2022

  • Let Balmoral whisk you away to Belgium and France for a spellbinding late summer escape filled with the highlights of three enchanting cities and unforgettable scenic cruising of gorgeous rivers.
  • You’ll sail the picturesque River Seine, passing through beautiful countryside, then visit Rouen – harbouring fascinating links to French history – and Honfleur, with its rich maritime heritage.
  • Two days in Belgium begins with river cruising too, sailing the winding Western Scheldt, before the elaborate architecture, authentic Belgian chocolates and legendary diamond district of Antwerp await.

From £1,099pp

Fares Explained | What's Included

Offers available on selected fares and grades
Cruising to the Heart of Seville & Bordeaux

Cruising to the Heart of Seville & Bordeaux

Departs: Southampton • Wed 09 Sep 2020
13 nights • Braemar • M2024

  • With Braemar able to dock closer to the heart of each destination, you can explore some of Spain and France’s finest cities, including beautiful Bordeaux and stylish Seville, with ease on this rewarding cruise.
  • Step ashore in Seville for a feast of Moorish architecture, iconic landmarks and sultry flamenco, and in Bordeaux, explore the UNESCO-listed historic centre or perhaps tour to the famous Medoc vineyards.
  • Your five days on Spanish shores also includes time in the authentic cities of La Coruna, gateway to Santiago de Compostela; Vigo; and ancient Cadiz, where fascinating history and tempting tapas await.

From £1,899pp

Fares Explained | What's Included

Offers available on selected fares and grades
French River Cruising in Five Nights

French River Cruising in Five Nights

Departs: Southampton • Thu 24 Sep 2020
5 nights • Balmoral • L2025

  • An autumnal adventure delivering the classic ingredients of a short Fred. Olsen break, this five-night cruise includes exquisite scenic river cruising and time to explore two enchanting destinations.
  • You’ll enjoy extended stays in Rouen, famed for links to Joan of Arc and a spectacular Gothic cathedral; and historic Honfleur, with its 16th century cobbled streets and colourful, lofty harbour.
  • The pièce de résistance is a full day of scenic cruising along the picturesque Seine, passing through countryside scenes of gorgeous green fields, rolling valleys and pretty communes en route to Rouen.

From £699pp

Fares Explained | What's Included

Offers available on selected fares and grades
Into the Heart of Spain & Bordeaux

Into the Heart of Spain & Bordeaux

Departs: Southampton • Sat 03 Oct 2020
8 nights • Braemar • M2026

  • A medley of rewards awaits you, from fine wine and culinary delights to diverse architecture and art, as Braemar takes you closer to the highlights of four culture-rich cities in Spain & France.
  • You’ll sail the gorgeous Gironde and Garonne rivers straight into Bordeaux, where you can explore the city’s UNESCO-listed centre and sample world-famous wine culture from the moment you step ashore.
  • In Spain, visit Santander, gateway to many of Cantabria’s treasures; Avilés, for contrasting architectural gems and delicious Asturian cider; and La Coruña, the jewel in Galicia’s crown.

From £1,099pp

Fares Explained | What's Included

Offers available on selected fares and grades
Western Mediterranean Closer Cruise

Western Mediterranean Closer Cruise

Departs: Southampton • Sun 11 Oct 2020
15 nights • Braemar • M2027

  • As the autumn takes hold back home, you’ll swap the seasonal gloom for October warmth and get closer to the highlights of sun-dappled islands and historic cities in the western Mediterranean.
  • On Spain’s Mediterranean coast, you can immerse yourself in Cartagena’s rich Roman history; and revel in the vibrant atmosphere and stunning architecture – including the iconic Sagrada Familia – of Barcelona.
  • Ibiza and Menorca offer inviting beaches, unspoilt scenery and historical sites, while Marseille – with its trendy boutiques, galleries and architectural gems – adds a French flavour to your adventure.

From £1,999pp

Fares Explained | What's Included

Offers available on selected fares and grades
Cultural Cities with the River Seine

Cultural Cities with the River Seine

Departs: Liverpool • Fri 16 Oct 2020
9 nights • Black Watch • W2029

  • You’ll uncover diverse rewards – cultural treasures, architectural wonders and much more – as Black Watch brings you closer to four fascinating cities on this enriching journey of discovery.
  • Revel in the futuristic architecture and thriving maritime industry of Rotterdam; and discover the gems of Antwerp, including the city’s elaborate guildhouses, legendary diamonds and traditional chocolate shops.
  • In France, you can immerse yourself in the rich history of Rouen and the seafaring heritage of Honfleur, while daytime scenic cruising of the River Seine adds stunning countryside scenes to the mix.

From £1,199pp

Fares Explained | What's Included

Offers available on selected fares and grades
Five Night Seine

Five Night Seine

Departs: Southampton • Sat 24 Oct 2020
5 nights • Boudicca • D2025

  • Soon after departing Southampton, you’ll be immersed in the delights of the River Seine during four days of exploration along one of France’s most beautiful waterways aboard Boudicca.
  • Wake to views of gorgeous countryside en route to Rouen, where a two-night stay will afford ample time to explore links to Joan of Arc; see the spectacular Gothic cathedral; and even tour to nearby Paris.
  • At the end of your journey along the Seine, you’ll also visit Honfleur, an historic city famed for its rich maritime history, charming cobbled streets and its lofty, colourful fishing harbour and marina.

From £699pp

Fares Explained | What's Included

Offers available on selected fares and grades
Highlights of France, Belgium & Holland

Highlights of France, Belgium & Holland

Departs: Southampton • Thu 29 Oct 2020
7 nights • Boudicca • D2026

  • Featuring five captivating cities, you’ll find this deeply enriching itinerary packed with highlights, from eye-catching architecture and world-famous museums to picturesque canals and legendary diamonds.
  • Be charmed by the cobbled streets and colourful harbour of Honfleur; delve into Amsterdam, with it’s renowned museums and iconic waterways; and revel in Rotterdam’s modern architectural marvels.
  • Zeebrugge is your gateway to Bruges, home to some of Belgium’s finest landmarks; while an extended stay in Antwerp affords plenty of time to explore the city of diamonds, cathedral and chocolates.

From £899pp

Fares Explained | What's Included

Offers available on selected fares and grades
French River Cruising in Five Nights

French River Cruising in Five Nights

Departs: Southampton • Thu 17 Dec 2020
5 nights • Balmoral • L2032

  • If you’re after a short, yet immensely rewarding and relaxing pre-Christmas break, this escape to two historic, highlight-filled French cities is just the ticket.
  • Sail the beautiful River Seine to Rouen, where an overnight stay will afford time to connect with French history, marvel at the city’s stunning gothic cathedral, and even tour to romantic Paris.
  • There’s an overnight stay in Honfleur too, famed for its picturesque harbour and the historic Vieux Bassin quarter, which is fronted by colourful, towering timber buildings and spires.

From £599pp

Fares Explained | What's Included

Offers available on selected fares and grades
Closer Spain & Cruising the Seine

Closer Spain & Cruising the Seine

Departs: Dover • Thu 08 Apr 2021
9 nights • Boudicca • D2107

  • Step on board Boudicca for this nine-night French and Spanish city discovery and you’ll unravel the rewards of some of Europe’s most beautiful, culture rich regions.
  • Visiting northern Spain’s Galicia, Asturias and Cantabria regions, you can marvel at unspoilt coastal scenes, learn about prehistoric caves, sample traditional regional flavours, see famous landmarks and much more.
  • Two visits to France’s beautiful Normandy region include a call at historic Honfleur; an unforgettable meander along the River Seine; and an overnight stay in Rouen, laden with historical and architectural treasures.

From £1,249pp

Fares Explained | What's Included

Tulips & Chocolates

Tulips & Chocolates

Departs: Southampton • Fri 09 Apr 2021
7 nights • Braemar • M2108

  • Stimulate your senses on this indulgent springtime cruise, with chances to smell seasonal floral scents, indulge with sumptuous chocolates and see iconic sights, as Braemar takes you closer to stunning cities.
  • After a short foray to Honfleur, stop overnight in Antwerp to explore the legendary diamond district, revel in the city’s architecture, arts and culture and sample wares from artisan Belgian chocolatiers.
  • You’ll also visit futuristic Rotterdam and Amsterdam where you can tour the Dutch capital’s famous canals and marvel at the seasonal splendour of millions of tulips in spring bloom at the Keukenhof Gardens.

From £899pp

Fares Explained | What's Included

Islands of the Mediterranean

Islands of the Mediterranean

Departs: Liverpool • Tue 04 May 2021
18 nights • Black Watch • W2109

  • Sail into the Mediterranean in the spring and succumb to the scenic, historical and cultural charms of sun-bathed Spanish, Italian and French destinations on this enchanting island-hopping adventure.
  • Uncover Menorcan highlights such as impressive Monte Toro and glorious beaches; and take advantage of time in Mallorca to explore charming Palma, or take a scenic train ride to beautiful Sóller.
  • Marvel at the dramatic Prunelli Gorges on the fabulous French Island of Corsica; enjoy the scenery, wines and traditions of Sardinia, Italy; and revel in the rich history of Valletta, Malta’s ancient capital.

From £2,499pp

Fares Explained | What's Included

Into the Heart of Spain & Bordeaux

Into the Heart of Spain & Bordeaux

Departs: Southampton • Thu 20 May 2021
8 nights • Braemar • M2111

  • A medley of rewards awaits you, from fine wine and culinary delights to diverse architecture and art, as Braemar takes you closer to the highlights of four culture-rich cities in Spain & France.
  • You’ll sail the gorgeous Gironde and Garonne rivers straight into Bordeaux, where you can explore the city’s UNESCO-listed centre and sample world-famous wine culture from the moment you step ashore.
  • In Spain, visit Santander, gateway to many of Cantabria’s treasures; Avilés, for contrasting architectural gems and delicious Asturian cider; and La Coruña, the jewel in Galicia’s crown.

From £1,149pp

Fares Explained | What's Included

French River Cruising in Five Nights

French River Cruising in Five Nights

Departs: Dover • Sat 29 May 2021
5 nights • Boudicca • D2113

  • A five-night, French flavoured journey of discovery combining scenic river cruising through breathtaking countryside with visits to three inspirational cities, this is an enriching short break.
  • See the River Seine’s gorgeous scenes of rolling hills and pretty villages; and enjoy a full day in Rouen, allowing time to delve into famous French history, marvel at spectacular architecture, or even tour to Paris.
  • Elsewhere, you can unravel the charms of Honfleur, an inspiration for many poets and painters; and marvel at the iconic spired abbey of fairytale-esque Mont St Michel on tour from St Malo.

From £699pp

Fares Explained | What's Included

Five-Night Celtic Cruise

Five-Night Celtic Cruise

Departs: Liverpool • Sat 29 May 2021
5 nights • Black Watch • W2111

  • Uncover historical, architectural and natural highlights aplenty on this enlightening Bank Holiday escape to three of the six Celtic nations: Ireland, Cornwall and Brittany.
  • In Dun Loghaire, you can visit the James Joyce Tower and Museum, known for its appearance in the novel Ulysses, while Falmouth is your starting point for discovering attractions along the Cornish coast, such as the beautiful Lizard Peninsula.
  • A full-day in St Malo allows time to explore the dramatic fortifications of Mont St Michel, or the ruins of the Celtic Aleth Cathedral in nearby Saint-Servan, before Black Watch sails among the spectacular Isles of Scilly.

From £749pp

Fares Explained | What's Included