If France is calling your name, you're in good company. In a recent survey of 10,000 past guests, Avalon Waterways found that 35% named France as the destination they most want to visit next. And Avalon is answering — 2027 is shaping up to be their biggest France season yet.

If you're a first-time river cruiser who's never taken a river cruise (unlike larger ocean cruises), Europe is the easiest place to start. Small ship cruises have ports right in town, and you unpack once. Instead of racing between hotels, you wake up already near the day's sights.