If you’re approaching retirement or are already in your golden years, river cruising makes a great holiday option. It provides the perfect mix of sightseeing, relaxation and activities while giving you the chance to discover some of the finest waterways in France. But, which are the best river cruises for over 60s and what should you look for when choosing your trip?
In this guide, we recommend the best rivers to cruise in France and list our top picks for the companies who sail on them. We also look at the best excursions to join while you’re cruising the river and provide tips to ensure your river cruise sails as smoothly as possible.
Our top tips for river cruises for seniors
Let’s start with the basics and some advice on river cruising in your golden years:
- Choose river cruise lines or a sailing that is adults only, with no children on board. In our experience, the absence of families gives a better cruise experience – less noisy and slower paced.
- Book during the off-peak tourist season; May to June and September to October are popular but many still want to cruise in July and August. April and November can be still be warm in the southern regions, and attractions (and the waterways) will be quieter.
- Think twice if you have mobility issues because river ships aren’t particularly accessible. Avalon cruises ships have lifts between the decks but some don’t, and usually most accommodation is below the top deck. In any case you’d need to access the top deck using the stairs, and unaided, if there’s an emergency. Sometimes, if the ship is stacked in port (not the first at the landing pier), you’ll have to cross over or through other ships to get to yours.
- Pace yourself on excursions. There is usually a choice of daily programme and these indicate the physical ability required but always remember that we’re not spring chickens anymore!
- You can always add a land package before or after your cruise for a special extra on your holiday. For example, AmaWaterways has options to visit the Loire Valley, Paris, St Malo, Reims and the Champagne region, and even the French Riviera.
Which are the best river cruises for seniors in France?
France is home to several of Europe’s most beautiful rivers and therefore makes an excellent choice for a river cruise in Europe. We’d particularly recommend the following trio for seniors.
A river cruise on the Garonne
A cruise on this waterway takes you to the magnificent city of Bordeaux as well as other architectural gems such as Saint Emilion, Cadillac and Blaye.
Why choose the Garonne? We like this river cruise for seniors because it offers fine wining and dining, it’s a quieter route and you’ll find the sailing smoother.
Find out more about Garonne and Bordeaux river cruises
A river cruise on the Rhone
The only major river in France reaching the Mediterranean is the Rhône. A cruise on the Rhône includes a sightseeing feast of destinations with excursions to Beaune and Macon in the northern stretches, and Lyon, Avignon, Viviers and Arles further south.
Why choose the Rhône? It is one of the most diverse European rivers in terms of what it offers visitors. Its broad reaches lead to eye to the Alps in the east and the landscapes change from lush Burgundian to the sun-baked vistas of Provence on your way south. And then, of course, there’s the foodie scene.
Find out more about Rhône river cruises
A river cruise on the Seine
The river running through Paris needs no introduction, but as well as the City of Light, a cruise on the Seine will also take you to the delights in Normandy, such as Giverny and Rouen, as well as the poignant war-time beaches.
Why choose the Seine? This cruise packs in plenty sightseeing and history, from ancient to modern and just about everything in between!
Find out more about Seine river cruises
Which excursions would we recommend for seniors on river cruises in France?
All river cruises provide a full programme of things to do and see, both onboard and on shore. Our highlights on French river cruises include:
- Food and wine tours – those in Bordeaux and Lyon are particular feasts, but because you’re in France, any food and wine tour will be a foodie treat!
- A tour of a château – or several, seeing as we’re in France! Like these châteaux that you’ll discover in the Rhône Valley.
- Monet’s Garden – even if you’re not a horticultural enthusiast, Giverny with its extraordinary colours and charming atmosphere, is a must-see. And yes, those lilies are exactly as Monet painted them!
- Normandy sightseeing – this part of a Seine river cruise includes visits to war memorials, museums and the iconic beaches of WW2.
- Walking tours – they will probably suit you better than something more active, such as the popular cycling tours. Our favourite walkabouts are a tour of the walled city of Avignon and a trip to Lake Annecy.
Which are the best cruise lines for seniors in France?
Our long track record of experience at French Waterways has shown us that certain companies deliver time and time again as excellent purveyors of river cruises. When it comes to seniors, we’d recommend the following:
All offer the finest sailings around and you can book with any of them through our website
What would you highlight for seniors on river cruises with these companies?
Each has different aspects that stand out, both in their promotions and the sailings themselves.
Search for the promos
In terms of special deals, check out upgrade options or promotional packages. They may mean you get a balcony as an extra or enjoy one of the best suites for the same price as a regular cabin.
Check out these sailings
As for specific routes and ships, we love these (in alphabetical order):
AmaWaterways – for us, the absolute highlights are their Paris & Normandy and Colours of Provence sailings.
Avalon – their Burgundy & Provence cruise option is particularly delightful.
Emerald – we love the Sensations of Lyon & Provence sailing.
Scenic – our top pick with this cruise line is the Normandy and Gems of the Seine sailing.
Uniworld – highly recommended are two sailings: Brilliant Bordeaux on the S.S. Bon Voyage – watch this video for more insight – and Grand France, combining the Rhône and Seine in two weeks, on board the S.S. Joie de Vivre or the S.S. Catherine.
What about themed river cruises for seniors?
If you’re more interested in a specific topic rather than the waterway itself, how about choosing a themed river cruise? This type of trip will give you the chance to focus on your particular interest as well as enjoying fabulous riverscapes along the way.
Suggestions include:
Beer fests – we know France is obviously about the vin, but the French are also very fond of their bière. Some river cruises include beery destinations in their itinerary and those on the Rhine incorporate Munich for the Oktoberfest.
Christmas markets – get in some early Christmas shopping and soak up the festive atmosphere. See our pick of the five best Christmas market river cruises
Music festivals – many locations in France hold world-class annual music festivals – the Avignon arts festival in July is an example – and some river cruises make them their central focus.
For some inspiration, take a look at our year-round calendar of festivals in France
Photography bonanzas – use your river cruise as the opportunity to learn how to make the most of a camera or to brush up on your picture-taking skills.
Storyteller rides – if you love a good yarn, take a look at the Avalon cruises that carry authors on board.
Book an over 60s river cruise in France with French Waterways
Be sure to get in touch with one of our specialists who’ll be delighted to help you choose the best seniors crsuie for you. We have a wide selection, cruising the waters on the best known rivers in France. All you need to do is pick your dates, choose your destination, select your sailing class and click to reserve your place. Take a look and book yours now
