France Cruises

MSC Cruises offers France cruises all year long - and given the country's year-round beauty, this should come as no surprise. While summer is primetime for visiting the Côte d'Azur, especially the sandy beaches of Cannes and Toulon, the South of France's Mediterranean climate means it's beautiful and temperate even in winter. As an added bonus, those who embark on a France holiday at this time of year typically have much of the area to themselves. Take advantage of the low season to dig into some hearty Provençal specialties, like daube de boeuf, a beef stew perfectly paired with a local red wine, and marvel at the breathtaking landscapes that so inspired the Impressionists. Cruises to the northern ports in Normandy and Brittany are lovely during any time of year. In summer, crisp blue skies are the perfect backdrop to take in the picturesque cliffs overlooking the water. In autumn, don't miss a visit to Norman apple farms to taste specialties like cider or calvados, a local apple brandy.

France's climate is almost as varied as its landscapes. The Mediterranean is justly famous for its pleasant weather, with hot, dry summers and mild, dry winters. Rains tend to come in autumn and can transform the landscapes, while the infamous mistral winds, which have had a massive influence on local architecture, typically blow in winter and spring, adding a mysterious appeal. In northern and western France, the climate is moderate and seasonal, with warm summers and cool, damp winters. Temperature fluctuations nevertheless typically remain mild throughout these regions of France. Armed with a good umbrella and a jumper, visitors onboard a France cruise will be ready to explore, no matter the season.

MSC Cruises docks at eight French ports spread across the Mediterranean, the Atlantic and along the English Channel. It's no surprise to hear that the South of France is a popular choice for those on a France holiday - and with good reason. The port at Marseille is a cultural destination par excellence, boasting enviable vistas from the limestone Calanques (the cliffs surrounding the city). Nearby Cannes is known for its high-society glamour, but it's also home to some of the region's best sandy beaches. You'll find further sandy beaches in La Seyne-sur-Mer (west of the city of Toulon), known as a naval hub. And Napoleon Bonaparte's native Corsica is a feast for the senses - a must for any nature-lover wanting to explore its forests, thanks to the port at Ajaccio. To the north, Normandy's Le Havre is France's second-largest port, affording visitors easy access to Paris. From Cherbourg, on Normandy's Cotentin Peninsula, the historic D-Day beaches are within easy reach. Brittany's Brest is a cosmopolitan city dotted with medieval landmarks and known for its maritime history. Further south, La Rochelle has a long history as a fishing and trade centre. Today, its pretty streets, medieval timber structures and mix of Gothic and Renaissance buildings give this historic port city its visual allure.

Whatever budget you've allocated for a France cruise, MSC Cruises can provide you with the ideal getaway. Cruise prices vary depending on the length of the itinerary - for example, three-night cruises offer a budget-friendly choice, but week-long cruises are also a great option thanks to cruise deals in the low season, making these trips even more affordable.

Packing for France cruises doesn't need to be stressful. A few simple basics - good-quality walking shoes and comfortable trousers - should form the backbone of your wardrobe. While trainers may be useful for exercise or nature walks, be sure to pack at least one pair of dress shoes for smarter events both onboard the ship and potentially during port stops, too. Weather can be quite changeable in France, so pack an umbrella and a jumper for cooler weather. Whatever you pack for your France holiday, remember to leave enough room in your suitcase for souvenirs, as you'll likely be wanting to stock up on delicious French fare and wine.

France is a member state of the European Union and uses the euro as its currency.

France uses Central European Time (CET) in the winter and Central European Summer Time (CEST) in the summer, putting it one hour ahead of the UK.

France cruises can transport you to other fantastic destinations in Europe and North America, with diverse itineraries that allow guests to cover a lot of ground in a very short time. Embark on a Mediterranean cruise that sails beyond France to Malta, Tunisia and more. Or visit Italy, stopping at Genoa or Sicily's Taormina. Alternatively, choose a cruise that takes in the Iberian Peninsula - from Portugal's capital of Lisbon to sunny Alicante, or Barcelona, whose crowning glory - Gaudí's La Sagrada Família - towers above the city skyline. Northern European cruises stopping in France take full advantage of the proximity to neighbouring Belgium and the Netherlands, even venturing as far as Hamburg in Germany.

With so much to do, knowing where to begin with activities in France can be tricky. This is a country overflowing with culture and history, making it immediately appealing to a huge range of people embarking on France cruises. Then again, many visit France for beautiful beaches. On the sunny Côte d'Azur, Cannes and Toulon house sandy beaches and abundant beauty. To the north, beaches draw visitors due to historic links with the D-Day landings, which took place on the Cotentin Peninsula. As mentioned, history is another draw - and with highlights like the imposing Mont Saint-Michel and the Renaissance buildings of La Rochelle, it's easy to see why. Then there are the French coastlines - from Marseille's limestone Calanques to rocky Etretat, a must-see cliff formation that enchanted Impressionist painters and has been immortalised in works by Claude Monet and Gustave Courbet, among others. Naturally, art is another part of France's cultural identity - as evidenced in its numerous museums and galleries. Artists from across the centuries have been inspired by the country's landscapes and unmistakable southern light. Finally, no France holiday would be complete without at least some exploration of its world-class gastronomy. Village markets in Brittany and the Riviera, where local vendors sell artisanal products, are a feast for the senses, and it's never difficult to find a rustic restaurant to serve up local delicacies - and the perfect wine to pair your dish of choice.

Perhaps first and foremost, France is renowned for its cuisine, boasting over 1,000 varieties of cheese and more than 300 'protected' wines. Each region is rightly proud of its own local delicacies, as you'll undoubtedly discover on a cruise to France. Sample Normandy apple cider or Breton crêpes, Provençal rosé or Corsican charcuterie. France is also famous for its joie de vivre, which visitors will certainly find inviting. Many places in France embrace a slower pace of life - from lingering at cafes to leisurely lunch breaks, or simply spending weekends taking long walks in the beautiful countryside and through pretty villages. The artistic credentials of France are celebrated across the globe, and the country has produced genuinely legendary artists over the centuries, including artist Claude Monet, singer Edith Piaf, writer Victor Hugo and lots more. Their influence on the French cultural landscape remains strong even today, and you'll likely encounter some of their work during any France holiday.