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France by Sea: Boutique Small Ship Cruises

The French Riviera and Corsica demand a more intimate approach to cruising. We specialize in matching travelers with small ships and luxury yachts (carrying just 30 to 250 passengers) that easily navigate directly into ports like St. Tropez, Calvi, and Bonifacio. Partnering with premium cruise lines such as Ponant, Star Clippers, Windstar and Emerald, our team provides personalized recommendations to help you choose the ideal French Mediterranean sailing experience.

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Mediterranean Voyage from Lisbon to RomeMediterranean Voyage from Lisbon to Rome
Mediterranean Voyage from Lisbon to Rome
Star Legend
16 days
15 nights
  •  
  •  
  • 17 Mar - 01 Apr 2027
  • Lisbon
    Lisbon
  • Cádiz
  • Gibraltar
  • Málaga
  • Almeria
  • Cartagena
  • Rome
    Rome
From
6.064 $
More info

Must-Visit Places on France Cruises

Nice harbour
NICE
A perfect mix of city life and seaside charm, Nice is your gateway to the French Riviera. Wander the famous Promenade des Anglais, browse markets in the Old Town, or enjoy a view from Castle Hill. With sunshine, culture, and sea views, Nice is a highlight on every France cruise.
Saint Tropez
ST. TROPEZ
Once a quiet fishing town, St. Tropez now shines as a Riviera icon. Stroll its bustling harbor lined with yachts and cafés, explore cobbled lanes, or relax at famous beaches like Pampelonne. Its mix of relaxed pace and lively energy makes it unforgettable.
Ajaccio
AJACCIO, CORSICA
Birthplace of Napoleon, Ajaccio welcomes visitors with its pastel-colored buildings, a scenic harbor, and lively markets. Visit the cathedral, discover the Bonaparte family home, or relax on a nearby beach. Ajaccio offers a taste of Corsican life framed by history and nature.
Calvi
CALVI, CORSICA
Set between sea and mountains, Calvi features a grand citadel, waterfront cafés and long sandy beaches. Visit Notre-Dame-de-la-Serra for sweeping views or explore the nearby Revellata Peninsula. Calvi combines rugged beauty with a serene coastal atmosphere.
Monaco
MONACO
Monaco may be small, but it makes a big impression. See the royal palace, the famous Monte Carlo Casino, or the harbor filled with superyachts. High above the sea, the old town offers stunning views, lush gardens, and tranquil streets just steps from luxury.
Marseille
MARSEILLE
France’s oldest city mixes history with Mediterranean spirit. Wander the Old Port, admire views from Notre-Dame de la Garde, and get lost in the Panier district. Marseille’s layered past and vivid street life make it a cruise stop rich in atmosphere.

Cruising the French Riviera and Corsica

Beyond the typical tourist path, our carefully selected French coastal destinations invite you to explore charming towns, island ports, and historic harbors. While these cruises often include nearby Italy or Spain, each itinerary offers a strong French identity, from the glamor of the Riviera to Corsica’s untouched coves. Glide into ports like Calvi, Ajaccio, and Bonifacio, and stop in iconic places such as Marseille, Saint-Tropez, or Nice. French coastal cruises offer a unique blend of local life, Mediterranean culture, and picturesque scenery, making them ideal for travelers seeking variety and comfort. With clear waters, historic settings, and accessible towns, each day offers something new to enjoy both on land and at sea.

Bastia
Marseille harbour

Your Ship, Your Experience

Forget the crowds of large commercial liners. We specifically select small ships for cruises in France to ensure elegance, space, and comfort. These luxurious vessels include sleek yachts like Emerald Sakara, tall sailing ships such as Star Clipper, and refined expedition ships like Le Boreal. With fewer passengers onboard, the experience feels more personal and relaxed. Many itineraries reach boutique ports too small for mega-ships, bringing you closer to authentic local life. On board, expect refined comfort, ocean-view cabins, and easy access to quiet coves. Both our sailing vessels and motor yachts are perfectly sized for coastal navigation, keeping you close to the French shoreline.





Emerald Azzura docked in the port of Bonifacio
Star clipper

Boarding Ports: France and Beyond

Most French cruises begin or end in Nice or Civitavecchia near Rome. Both cities are not only fascinating destinations but also well-connected by international flights. Civitavecchia offers easy access to Rome’s landmarks and global travel hubs, while Nice is a stunning city on the French Riviera, perfect for a pre- or post-cruise stay. Whether you start in Italy or France, embarkation ports are easily accessible and well worth exploring. Arrive early to stroll, sightsee and ease into your Mediterranean adventure.

Start Your France Cruise Journey

France cruises let you discover famous ports and lesser-known treasures along the Mediterranean. With small ships, well-planned itineraries, and a relaxed pace, you’ll enjoy a smooth and rewarding journey from start to finish. Explore the Riviera, sail to Corsica, and enjoy every moment at sea and ashore.

Why Book With Us

35+ Years of Experience

35+ Years of Experience
Contact us directly for advice on ships and routes. Call or message us on WhatsApp.

30+ Small Cruise Ships

A cruise for every Style
Choose from a wide selection of small ship cruises, from standard to ultra-luxury ships.

Best Price Guarantee

Best Price Guarantee
Book directly with us. We will match any publicly available price for your chosen cruise.

No credit card or bank fees

No credit card or booking fees
The price you see is exactly what you pay. No surprises.

France Cruises FAQ

For the French Riviera and Corsica, the best months to sail are May, June, September, and October. This timing ensures beautiful weather while skipping the overwhelming tourist surges that hit the Côte d'Azur in July and August.

You can choose between two distinct styles. Modern luxury yachts provide a sophisticated, contemporary hotel vibe. Conversely, motor sailers evoke the golden age of sailing with their tall masts, though they depend on engines for reliable transit between French ports. Both guarantee a small-scale, uncrowded journey.

Start your day sailing toward a fresh Mediterranean port, perhaps dropping anchor in a quiet bay for a swim. After lunch on deck, you’ll disembark to explore historic French settlements or Riviera hotspots, then return to the vessel for a peaceful evening.

Small ships don't adhere to the strict 5:00 PM departures of massive liners. Our curated routes often include extended evening stops or overnights in harbors like St. Tropez or Nice, so you can enjoy waterfront bistros and the chic evening atmosphere.

Definitely, we structure these cruises to combine expertly guided walks with total freedom. You'll have abundant time to meander through Corsican streets, browse local shops, and sip espresso at a street café at your leisure.

The inclusion of shore trips varies. Some packages cover guided visits to major historical points of interest, while specialized activities incur a separate fee. Please consult your chosen France itinerary for precise inclusion details.

You can generally expect complimentary breakfast and lunch daily. Certain evenings feature hosted dinners aboard, but many nights are open for you to try local French gastronomy ashore. If you prefer an all-inclusive model (all dining, open bar, and internet), lines like Ponant are an excellent choice.

Pack lightweight, comfortable fabrics for daytime touring, plus bathing suits and supportive footwear for uneven paths in Corsica. The Côte d'Azur leans toward effortless elegance, so smart-casual is ideal for dinner. Don't forget a light layer for cooler maritime evenings.

Our small ship collection caters primarily to adults seeking a quiet, culturally rich vacation. Mega-ship amenities like youth coordinators or playrooms are completely absent. Families are welcome, but the refined, serene atmosphere suits older travelers or mature teens best.