Grand Cruise of France
About This Cruise
Combining two of our favourite French river cruises, this 14-night journey along the Seine, Saône and Rhône takes in the very best of France’s historic cities and picturesque landscapes, combining culture with natural beauty.
This itinerary really showcases France’s multi-faceted culture, including historic highlights, art, architecture and pristine countryside.
History lovers will be in heaven as you follow the path that has been favoured by traders and invaders since ancient times. Along the way, you'll encounter numerous reminders of the Roman Empire. Some of the highlights include the amphitheatre at Arles, the impressive Pont Du Gard aqueduct, the Papal Palace of Avignon, and the D-Day beaches of Normandy.
When it comes to art, you’ll be exploring Provence, where Van Gogh created some of his best-loved works of art, as well as Giverny, where you’ll visit Claude Monet’s home and one of the world’s most famous gardens. And that's all before we consider romantic Paris, a work of art of its own – see the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Pompidou Centre and more.
When it comes to natural beauty, there’s no shortage as you sail from culture-filled cities to medieval towns. Sit back on your luxury ship and soak up the scenery of green rolling hills and vineyards.
Type
River, Luxury
Ship
MS Lord Byron
Departure Date
18 September 2026
Cruise Line
Riviera Travel
Duration
14 Nights
Select Your Cabin Type
Call Us at 01 6874149Overview
Combining two of our favourite French river cruises, this 14-night journey along the Seine, Saône and Rhône takes in the very best of France’s historic cities and picturesque landscapes, combining culture with natural beauty.
This itinerary really showcases France’s multi-faceted culture, including historic highlights, art, architecture and pristine countryside.
History lovers will be in heaven as you follow the path that has been favoured by traders and invaders since ancient times. Along the way, you'll encounter numerous reminders of the Roman Empire. Some of the highlights include the amphitheatre at Arles, the impressive Pont Du Gard aqueduct, the Papal Palace of Avignon, and the D-Day beaches of Normandy.
When it comes to art, you’ll be exploring Provence, where Van Gogh created some of his best-loved works of art, as well as Giverny, where you’ll visit Claude Monet’s home and one of the world’s most famous gardens. And that's all before we consider romantic Paris, a work of art of its own – see the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Pompidou Centre and more.
When it comes to natural beauty, there’s no shortage as you sail from culture-filled cities to medieval towns. Sit back on your luxury ship and soak up the scenery of green rolling hills and vineyards.
Deluxe Suite - Diamond Deck
For the ultimate in space and river cruise luxury, on the Diamond (top) deck there are four deluxe suites, at 22.5 square metres (242 square feet) a full 50% larger than a standard cabin, beautifully appointed and incredibly comfortable, plus for a final homely touch, soft cotton bathrobes and slippers. You will love them.
Features
- Individual climate control
- Floor to ceiling windows with French style balcony
- Twin beds which can be configured as double
- Tea and coffee making facilities
- Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
- Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
- Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
- EU plug sockets
- Table and chairs
- Telephone, radio and flat-screen TV
- Safe & mini fridge
- Turn down service
Superior Stern Suite - Diamond Deck
For more space you can upgrade to a suite available on all decks, featuring the same facilities as standard cabins but being larger at 18.5 square meters (199 square feet). The extra space is purely devoted to the living area, so you really notice the difference.
Features
- Individual climate control
- Floor to ceiling windows with French style balcony
- Twin beds which can be configured as double
- Tea and coffee making facilities
- Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
- Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
- Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
- EU plug sockets
- Table and chairs
- Telephone, radio and flat-screen TV
- Safe & mini fridge
- Turn down service
Superior Suite - Ruby and Diamond Decks
For more space you can upgrade to a suite available on all decks, featuring the same facilities as standard cabins but being larger at 18.5 square meters (199 square feet). The extra space is purely devoted to the living area, so you really notice the difference.
Features
- Individual climate control
- Floor to ceiling windows with French style balcony
- Twin beds which can be configured as double
- Tea and coffee making facilities
- Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
- Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
- Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
- EU plug sockets
- Table and chairs
- Telephone, radio and flat-screen TV
- Safe & mini fridge
- Turn down service
Superior Suite - Emerald Deck
Features
- Individual climate control
- Fixed window
- Twin beds which can be configured as double
- Tea and coffee making facilities
- Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
- Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
- Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
- EU plug sockets
- Table and chairs
- Telephone, radio and flat-screen TV
- Safe & mini fridge
- Turn down service
Standard Cabin - Ruby and Diamond Decks
At 15 square metres (161 square feet), your luxuriously appointed cabin is amongst the largest, most comfortable and best appointed on any European river cruise vessel - with all the high quality facilities you would expect from a top hotel, and more.
Features
- Individual climate control
- Floor to ceiling windows with French style balcony
- Twin beds which can be configured as double
- Tea and coffee making facilities
- Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
- Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
- Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
- EU plug sockets
- Table and chairs
- Telephone, radio and flat-screen TV
- Safe & mini fridge
- Turn down service
Standard Cabin - Emerald Deck
Features
- Individual climate control
- Fixed window
- Twin beds which can be configured as double
- Tea and coffee making facilities
- Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
- Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
- Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
- EU plug sockets
- Table and chairs
- Telephone, radio and flat-screen TV
- Safe & mini fridge
- Turn down service
Main Restaurant
On the Ruby Deck is the main restaurant. Here, against a breath-taking scenic backdrop through the magnificent tinted panoramic windows, the chefs will amaze you with fine dining of the highest order, using freshly prepared seasonal produce to create the very best of European cuisine. The sumptuous breakfast buffet, with omelettes and fresh eggs prepared to order, ensures a great start to the day and a lunchtime buffet allows you to opt for a hearty lunch or something lighter such as a fresh, simple salad – just as you desire. A four-course dinner is excellently executed with silver service, enhanced by fine table linen, china and sparkling glassware whilst our ‘open seating’ policy ensures a relaxed dining experience which you will always look forward to.
Bistro
More information coming soon.
Observation Lounge & Bar
On the Diamond Deck is the magnificent panoramic observation lounge, the heart of the ship with wonderful views through floor to ceiling windows of the ever-changing landscape as you move along the river. This is where the ships superb design really is so evident. You’ll love the quality feel, the genteel ambience, the rich carpeting, the marble-tiled bar and the choice of sumptuous leather armchairs and soft modern settees. What could be better than to lose yourself in conversation with like-minded new friends, sip a coffee, perhaps play chess or bridge, or just relax whilst admiring the incredible scenery? And after a delicious dinner, appreciate our pianist, a gentle dance on the purpose-designed dance floor, or just enjoy a quiet read in the peaceful La Brasserie at the rear of the ship, ideal to while away an hour on a comfortable terrace absorbing the sights and sounds of Europe’s great rivers.
Sun Deck
The Sun Deck – and especially the forward viewing area - is perfect for watching the historic riverside villages, steep vine-clad valley sides and other scenic wonders glide serenely by. It’s well equipped with plenty of comfortable outdoor chairs and sun loungers, deck games and a golf putting green, a small splash pool where you can cool off, and a full bar service. Sometimes we hold barbecues here too, weather dependent of course – a great way to meet new people over a glass of wine.
Reception and Boutique
The Reception and Boutique are located on the Emerald Deck
Wellness Area
The Emerald Deck boasts a very special feature of the Lord Byron - its purpose-designed and extensive spa and wellness area You can reserve the spa for your private use to take a sauna or use the steam room, or perhaps visit the on-board hairdresser (small additional fee).
Please note: The Emerald Deck is only accessible by stairs.