The Seine and the Rhone are two very popular European destinations for river cruises. Both of them are located in France and are probably two of the more famous rivers popular with river cruising in this fascinating country. After all the Seine passes through Paris, the most romantic city in the world while cruising the Rhone will allow you impressive views of the Swiss Alps and of cities as Lyon, Avignon and Arles. Both are can’t miss experiences!
| Seine | Rhone | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 777 km | 813 km |
| Main Attraction | Eiffel Tower | Provence |
| Weather | 5-20 °C | 3-21 °C |
| Currency | Euro | Euro |
Seine VS Rhone River Cruises: Pros and Cons
Pros Seine Cruise
- Impressive views of Paris
- A different way to discover Paris and France
- You can add other rivers to your journey
- You’ll stay in only one country, making your trip easier in terms of currency exchange, border controls, etc.
- France is one of the most beloved European destinations
- France is easily reachable by a variety of transporation methods
Cons Seine Cruise
- Be ready for the heat
- You don’t have the chance to discover different countries
Pros Rhone Cruise
- Provence is one of the most fascinating regions in France
- If you love wildlife, Camargue is what you’re looking for
- In summer, you’ll enjoy the warmMediterranean temperatures
- You’ll stay in only one country, which is much easier in terms of border controls, currency exchange, etc.
- France is charming
- You’ll discover some sites different from the “classic” Eiffel Tower and Arc di Triomphe
Cons Rhone Cruise
- In summer, the Mediterranean warmth can be TOO warm
- You don’t have the chance to discover different European countries
Companies and Tours
Companies and Tours for a Seine Cruise
The companies providing river cruises in Seine river are: Avalon, CroisiEurope, Lueftner, Scenic, Uniworld .
Generally speaking the river cruises last a couple of weeks.
Here some of the most popular tours in Seine river: Paris Normandy, Grand France – Cruise Only Northbound, A Portrait of Majestic France – Paris to Bordeaux, From the Côte Fleurie beaches to Paris, Gems of the Seine & Unforgettable Douro (from Paris to Porto).
Companies and Tours for a Rhone Cruise
The companies providing river cruises in Rhone river are: Avalon, CroisiEurope, Lueftner, Scenic, Uniworld .
Generally speaking the river cruises last one or two weeks.
Here some of the most popular tours in Rhone river: Grand France – Cruise Only Northbound, Burgundy & Provence – Cruise Only Northbound, Treasures of Burgundy and Provence, The Magic of the Provençal Rhône and the Camargue, Burgundy & Provence – Avignon to Lyon.
Seine VS Rhone River Cruises: Attractions
Attractions on a Seine Cruise
- Paris
- the capital of France, known also as “the city of love”
- Eiffel Tower
- the world famous French monument
- Notre Dame
- one of the most famous and iconic churches in Europe
- Rouen
- where you can visit the famous cathedral, painted also by Claude Monet
Attractions on a Rhone Cruise
- Provence
- the more colorful and romantic France region
- Camargue
- the wild side of France
- Lyon
- the second biggest French city, charming and culturally rich
- Avignon
- a city that every Middle Age enthusiast can’t miss
So which is best?
- A Seine river cruise gives you the chance to get under the skin of not only Paris but France as a whole. It’s definitely a trip that’s better to take during warmer seasons, in order to enjoy the region at its best.
- The Rhone, however, runs through the south of the country, an enchanting area full of history and natural attractions. As a rule of thumb, if you want to discover Paris and its landmarks, go for a Seine cruise. If you are more fascinated by a typically Southern Europe region, choose Rhone.
