Small Ship Cruises
Small Ship Cruises in France
From the glamorous French Riviera to the rugged beauty of Corsica, experience the French coastline through the lens of an intimate small ship cruise. Indulge in culinary excellence and coastal elegance.
About Small Ship Cruising in France
Cruising the French coastline on a small ship is an invitation to experience the art of living—the 'art de vivre'—at your own pace. While large ships are forced to dock at industrial ports far from the city center, our intimate vessels are designed to slip into the chic marinas of the French Riviera or drop anchor in the turquoise bays of Corsica. With only 30-70 passengers, you are treated to a personalized journey where the itinerary is as flexible as the tides. Spend your mornings wandering through the pastel-hued markets of Nice or Antibes, and your afternoons lounging in the shadow of limestone cliffs that plummet into the sapphire sea. On board, the experience is equally refined; enjoy curated wine tastings featuring the finest local vintages and menus crafted by chefs who prioritize regional terroir. Small ship cruising in France allows you to escape the frantic pace of typical tourism and instead savor the quiet corners of the Mediterranean. Whether you are anchored off a private beach or pulling into a historic harbor, you will find that these smaller vessels offer an unparalleled connection to the land, the culture, and the timeless elegance of the French coast.
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Small Ship Cruises in France
15 cruises available
Cruise Ships
Ships Operating in France

Riverside Ravel
110 passengers
MS Rhone Princess
CroisiEurope Cruises
MS Beethoven
CroisiEurope Cruises
MS Symphonie
CroisiEurope Cruises
MS Douce France
CroisiEurope Cruises
MS Mona Lisa
CroisiEurope Cruises
MS Van Gogh
CroisiEurope Cruises
MS L'Europe
CroisiEurope Cruises
MS Camargue
CroisiEurope Cruises
MS Modigliani
CroisiEurope Cruises
MV La Belle des Océans
130 passengers
Cruise Companies
Cruise Companies in France
Why Smaller Ships
Why Cruise France on a Smaller Ship?
Boutique Accessibility
Access smaller, prestigious ports like Saint-Tropez and Bonifacio that large liners cannot enter.
Gourmet Onboard Dining
Enjoy menus tailored to the freshest regional ingredients and local French wines.
Relaxed Itineraries
Spend more time in each port with less time wasted on long disembarkation queues.
Highly Personalized Service
A crew-to-guest ratio that ensures every whim is attended to throughout your voyage.
Places Visited
France Highlights
Saint-Tropez
A glamorous former fishing village turned jet-set hotspot, perfect for watching the world go by in a harbor café.
Corsica
A breathtaking island featuring dramatic mountains, pristine beaches, and a distinct French-Italian cultural blend.
Antibes
Famous for its old town, the Picasso Museum, and its beautiful, historic deep-water harbor.
Porquerolles
A car-free island in the Hyères archipelago known for its turquoise water and pine-shaded cycling paths.
Seasonal Advice
Best Time to Cruise France
The best time is late spring (May to June) or early autumn (September) to enjoy the warmth of the French sun without the intense crowds of the July-August peak season.
Suitability
Who Is This Destination Suitable For?
Departure Ports & Pre-Cruise Planning
The main embarkation ports for France small ship cruises are:
- Nice
- Monaco
- Ajaccio
Travel Tips for Australian Travellers
- Pack a chic, casual wardrobe suitable for elegant harborside dinners.
- Brush up on basic French greetings—politeness is highly valued.
- Book shore excursions early to secure spots at popular cultural sites.
- Keep a camera ready for the stunning views arriving at Corsican ports.
- Carry some cash for small local markets.
- Stay hydrated while exploring the sun-drenched southern coast.
Please consult the Australian Government's Smartraveller website for current visa, entry and travel advisory information.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Cruise Smaller is owned and operated by the Sun Island Tours team, trusted Australian travel specialists with more than 35 years of experience. Learn more about us.
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