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As the Seine River winds its method through Paris and the captivating north, it passes Gothic cathedrals and storybook towns that motivated the Impressionists. On the other hand, the Rhône River journeys past the lush vineyards, ancient Roman ruins, and Provençal towns of the south.

With such abundant contrasts, it’s no easy option between the 2. Thankfully, you can’t go wrong with either– both offer mouthwatering cuisine, fascinating art, and exceptional landscapes.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of these renowned waterways!

Setting the scene

The metropolitan buzz of Paris, the glamour of the French Riviera, the historic middle ages streets, and the rolling fields each add their own magic– making every region in France a journey of its own.

NORTHERN SOUTHERN
  • The bustling avenues of Paris
  • Rich green forests
  • Gothic cathedrals
  • Ageless middle ages towns
  • The meandering Seine
  • Roman history and ruins
  • Sun-kissed vineyards
  • Charming Provençal charm
  • The glamour of the French Riviera
  • A laid-back speed of life inspired by the Mediterranean sun

The environment

Similar to its surroundings, France’s climate can differ, but no matter the season, the weather condition just adds to its beauty.

NORTHERN SOUTHERN
  • Cooler, temperate maritime climate
  • Milder summers and crisp, chilly winters
  • Hot, dry summers and moderate, comfortable winter seasons
  • Abundant sunlight year-round– especially along the Riviera

Food & white wine

Whether you’re savoring a rustic meal in a northern town or enjoying the fresh seafood from the south, France provides fresh, delicious dishes throughout every region.

NORTHERN SOUTHERN
  • Hearty regional fare with Alsatian influences
  • Classic meals: coq au vin, buckwheat galettes, duck confit
  • Lyonnaise specializeds: quenelles, charcuterie
  • Mediterranean tastes: olive oil, herbs, seafood
  • Provençal & seaside favorites: bouillabaisse, ratatouille, and tapenade
  • Champagne: champagnes
  • Loire Valley: crisp whites & dry reds (Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadet)
  • Normandy & Brittany: standard apple cider and Calvados (apple brandy)
  • Alsace: Elegant, dry white (Riesling, Pinot Gris)
  • Rhône Valley: strong reds (Syrah, Grenache)
  • Provence: world-renowned rosés
  • Burgundy: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
  • Bordeaux: Full-bodied reds (Red wine, Cabernet Sauvignon)

Regional highlights

From the grandeur of Paris and Normandy’s WWII memorials to the Roman ruins and sunlit coastlines of the south, there’s no scarcity of culture, history, and landscapes throughout the country.

NORTHERN SOUTHERN
  • Paris’ renowned Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame
  • The grandeur of Château de Versailles
  • Monet’s charming gardens and lily ponds in Giverny
  • The significant ruins of Château Gaillard
  • Honfleur’s lovely old port
  • The spectacular chalk cliffs and seaside views in Étretat
  • The effective history of Omaha Beach’s WWII museums and memorials
  • The Joan of Arc memorials and the rich history of Rouen
  • Lyon’s history and Renaissance architecture
  • Tain l’Hermitage’s world-class Rhône Valley white wines and landscapes
  • The stunning medieval Papal Palace in Avignon
  • Provençal gems where Van Gogh painted his most iconic work of arts
  • The unspoiled Roman aqueduct at Pont du Gard
  • Ancient Roman ruins and artistic heritage in Arles
  • The attractive Mediterranean coastline– Marseille, Nice, and Monte-Carlo

The experience

Tauck provides remarkable journeys by both river and land. Private galas and special early access at cultural landmarks are only some of the highlights. While river cruises offer a streaming, immersive journey along the riverbanks, land journeys take you to countryside towns, cultural centers, and landscapes beyond the beaten path.

RIVER LAND
  • Travel with no more than 130 visitors, making sure a relaxed, uncrowded experience.
  • Assisted by one Cruise Director and approximately three Tauck Directors for smooth service.
  • Fully inclusive: adventures, fine dining, regional red wines and spirits, and gratuities.
  • Unpack when– your drifting hotel relocations with you.
  • Maximize your time by waking up in a new port each early morning.
  • Select your perfect group size: classic, little (avg. 24.), or intimate (avg. 15).
  • Directed by one dedicated Tauck Director offering individualized care throughout.
  • Extensive and attentively paced for deep cultural immersion.
  • Stay in a curated mix of leading city-center hotels and countryside retreats.
  • Experience numerous regions with comfy coach travel and brief remain in each.

Included tours

Southern France

Savoring France: Paris, Lyon & Provence 10 Days Taste your method through southern France and Paris as you partake in an exclusive Cordon Bleu pastry class, embark on a food walking tour, and taste local truffle. French Experience: Paris to the Riviera

14 Days

Get a taste of the northern area as you begin your journey in the “City of Light,” before drifting through the scenic Rhône and Saône Rivers in southern France to experience the soul of Provence and the glittering seaside city of Monte-Carlo.

< img width ="1024"height ="597"src ="https://blog.tauck.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/FC_25_banner-1024x597.jpg" alt=""/ > Paris, Dordogne & Bordeaux 2 week Experience the historic monoliths of Paris, marvel at the grand châteaux of Dordogne, and take in the vineyard landscapes of Bordeaux– discovering the most stunning
highlights of northern France. Northern France
Rendezvous on the Seine 10 Days Flowing through the heart of the City of Love,

the Seine welcomes you to discover lovely towns, romantic gardens,

and culture in every corner.< img width="1024"height ="597"alt =""data-src ="https://blog.tauck.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/RK_22_banner-1024x597.jpg" src= "image/gif; base64, R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw=="/ > Cruising the Seine, plus Paris & London 12 Days Check out two nations abundant in genuine experiences– from personal tastings of regional specials to an early-opening see to Monet’s Giverny and a special night at the Château du Taillis, this journey is

loaded with remarkable minutes. Normandy, Brittany, Paris & the Loire Valley

13 Days

Be transferred through time– wandering a 1,000-year-old village, revealing the storied landmarks of Paris, and experiencing time-honored customs and spectacular medieval artistry.

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