A slow journey through France's heart by river, with Christmas markets, châteaux, wine villages, and the comfort of unpacking just once. Erin’s mom’s dream is to take “the kids” here Christmas 2027, so we are busy researching now.
A slow journey through France's heart by river, with Christmas markets, châteaux, wine villages, and the comfort of unpacking just once. Erin’s mom’s dream is to take “the kids” here Christmas 2027, so we are busy researching now.
In the holiday season, the river bank route fills with lights, mulled wine, and markets selling gingerbread and ornaments. During the rest of the year, the same waterways pass vineyards, Gothic cathedrals, and villages that look unchanged since the Impressionists painted them.
It's an easy way to travel with family or a small group — every day brings a new town, but your room travels with you. Some cruise lines have offerings for kids and three-person berths – ideal for a 12 year old niece and her folks (aka my niece and brother and sister-in-law). The pace is relaxed, the dining is built in, and the scenery is constant.
We can pair a Seine, Rhône, Loire, or Bordeaux cruise with a few nights in Paris or Lyon, or build an entire trip around the water.
Trip highlights
- Holiday markets in Strasbourg and Colmar
- Wine tastings in Burgundy and Bordeaux
- Château visits along the Loire
- Normandy's D-Day beaches and Mont-Saint-Michel
- Unpack once and wake somewhere new
Where to stay
Tauck — France Christmas Markets River Cruise — Rhine & Moselle river routeA festive, all-inclusive river cruise through France's best Christmas markets. Book through Fruition Travels and you'll receive special perks and our hands-on planning support from start to finish.