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WEEK 1: Postcards from Provence & Burgundy - July 22–29, 2026 (Lyon to Lyon)

WEEK 2: Postcards from Provence & Burgundy - August 5–12, 2026 (Arles to Lyon)

WEEK 1: Storybook Seine Paris: & Normandy -March 18–25, 2026

WEEK 2: Storybook Seine: Paris & Normandy-March 25–April 1, 2026
CRUISE IN BETWEEN
Helene in Between River Cruises in France!
Come travel with me as we sail through the most beautiful places in France on the Rhône and Seine rivers!
Let's Go!


Be the first in line!
I'll send an email as soon as the sale goes live!

Fairytale villages, grand châteaux, unforgettable French food, and wine tastings… it’s all here. After 10 years traveling Europe, we’ve crafted—
The cruise of a lifetime.

HOW TO SECURE YOUR SPOT:
On July 31st at 12pm central time, we will open the site for bookings. Please ensure you're on our email list!
When we go live, you will pick your itinerary, date, and room type - you will be able to select multiple booking types. (ex: one solo traveler and one double room) or a mix of rooms - State, Panorama rooms or Suites.
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The Ultimate River Cruise Experience

Handpicked Destinations
Join the travel-obsessed duo (and cruise connoisseurs), Helene and Michael Sula of @heleneinbetween, as we host our very own chartered river cruises through the heart of France.
We've hosted chartered river cruise trips for Christmas and knew we wanted to bring you the most amazing experiences in France for Spring and Summer.
We’ve handpicked every detail—from the dreamy destinations and storybook excursions to the ship itself, which will be just for our group. Think private cruise meets curated French escape.
Set sail with us:
🚢 Along the Seine River from Paris to Normandy, where we’ll walk in the footsteps of Van Gogh, sip cider in quaint villages, and stand where history was made on the D-Day beaches.
🍷 Or on the Rhône & Saône Rivers, through Provence and Burgundy, where lavender fields meet golden stone villages, and vineyard views pair perfectly with sunset sails and buttery pastries.
This is a custom journey made just for you. Whether you want to soak up every activity or sip wine in a shaded square, you’ll have plenty of time to explore at your own pace.
We’ll cruise through medieval towns, marvel at Roman ruins, taste world-famous wines, and explore cities like Paris, Lyon, Rouen, Honfleur, Avignon, Arles, and more—all while aboard our floating boutique hotel.
It’s the France you’ve dreamed of, brought to life—charming, flavorful, sun-soaked, and effortlessly beautiful.
And best of all? We get to experience it together.
What to know:

When?
Postcards from Provence & Burgundy:
- WEEK 1: July 22–29, 2026 (Lyon to Lyon)
- WEEK 2: August 5–12, 2026 (Arles to Lyon)
Storybook Seine: Paris & Normandy:
- WEEK 1: March 18–25, 2026
- WEEK 2: March 25–April 1, 2026

Where?
Postcards from Provence & Burgundy:
Sail through the sun-drenched landscapes of southern France on two beautiful routes—Lyon to Lyon or Arles to Lyon (the experiences are the same!). Along the way, explore charming towns like Avignon, Arles, Grignan, Beaune, Chalon-sur-Saône, and Viviers. Think dramatic vineyards, Roman amphitheaters, hilltop villages, and the lavender-scented air of Provence and Burgundy.
O
Storybook Seine: Paris & Normandy:
Begin and end your journey in Paris, then sail into the heart of Normandy, stopping in picture-perfect places like Ètretat, Rouen, Honfleur, Caudebec-en-Caux, and Les Andelys. Wander fairytale villages, explore Impressionist towns, stand on the historic D-Day beaches, and sip Normandy cider under apple trees.
✨ See the full itineraries below!

What's Included?
Your beautifully appointed double occupancy room, and all gourmet food and drinks (alcohol, soft drinks, beer, and wine are all included) on board, as well as an excursion each day. Gratuities are included, too! We tip on your behalf, removing the stress and anxiety of when and how much to tip.

How?
Mark your calendar!
On July 31 at 12PM Central, bookings officially open for our French river cruises, and spots are limited.
To reserve your place, you’ll make a $650 deposit per person. These are private charter cruises, and each ship holds a max of 144 guests.
You’ll be able to:
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Choose your itinerary (Storybook Seine or Postcards from Provence)
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Pick your dates
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Select your room type (State Room, Panorama Room, or Suite)
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Mix & match booking types (traveling solo? want one solo room and one double?—you can do that!)
- PLUS! We've streamlined checkout! No longer having to enter in all contact information before checkout!
What's not included:
Flight not included.
Does not include travel insurance, but it is required. We recommend World Nomads or Travel Guard.

Why a river cruise?
Bottom line: we’re obsessed. This is hands-down our favorite way to travel through Europe (and we've spent our life traveling Europe!).
We’ve hosted group trips all across Europe, but there’s something truly special about cruising through the French countryside, exploring charming towns, sipping wine on the sun deck, and waking up somewhere beautiful every single day—without ever unpacking more than once.
We designed these cruises to give you the best of France with the least amount of hassle. No dragging luggage between trains or figuring out how to get to that tiny town you saw on Instagram. We cruise mostly at night, so you wake up each morning ready to explore somewhere new—fresh croissants included.
Every destination is personally handpicked by us—whether it’s a vineyard in Burgundy, a market square in Avignon, or a storybook village along the Seine. This is France done right: full of beauty, flavor, history, and ease.
And because this is our own private charter, you’re getting unmatched value, total comfort, and a one-of-a-kind group experience—all designed to make this your most unforgettable trip yet.
Be the first in line!
I'll send an email as soon as the sale goes live!

Postcards from Provence & Burgundy Full Itinerary
Dates:
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WEEK 1: July 22–29, 2026 (Lyon to Lyon)
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WEEK 2: August 5–12, 2026 (Arles to Lyon)
Day 1: Arrival in Lyon & Welcome!
Day 2: Mâcon and the Beaujolais Wine Region
Day 3: Chalon-sur-Saône & Burgundy’s Wine
Day 4: The Alps & Lyon
Day 5: Ardeche, Lavender & Truffle
Day 6: Avignon, Arles & Pont Du Gard
Day 7: Viviers and Olive Oil
Day 8: Lyon & Au Revoir!
**ARLES TO LYON ITINERARY**
Storybook Seine: Paris & Normandy Full Itinerary
Dates:
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WEEK 1: March 18–25, 2026
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WEEK 2: March 25–April 1, 2026
Day 1: Arrival in Paris & Welcome!
Day 2: Le Pecq and Versailles
Day 3: Rouen & Cidery
Day 4: Honfleur And Normandy Coast
Day 5: D-Day Beaches and Caudebec-en-Caux
Day 6: Les Andelys & Chateau La Roche-Guyon
Day 7: Paris
Day 8: Paris & Au Revoir!
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The Food
This is quite possibly the best part of the trip. France is known for food and we are VERY serious about bringing you the absolute best.
From breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner your plate reflects our passion for sophistication and exquisite French dining. Think five-star dining with five- and six-course meals, featuring a mix of timeless gourmet classics, modern culinary creations, and vegetarian options—all prepared with the highest quality ingredients. Each meal is paired with hand-selected wines, and delivered with attentive, first-class service. Dining on board isn’t just about eating—it’s about savoring. All food and drinks on the boat are unlimited. Want two appetizers? You got it. Want all 3 entrees? SURE. You can even order half portions so you can try as much or as little as you want!
Highlights: Daily cheese buffet (yes really!), artfully crafted meals, and local specialties from everywhere we go! The menu changes daily and we can fit your dietary needs. Want a break from fancy? There are staples served every day such as Caesar salad, chicken, and more.









Which trip is best for you?
Compare the two cruise itineraries!


WHAT MAKES OUR CRUISE SPECIAL?
The ultimate cruise experience.
We are doing it again! We are hosting FOUR incredible cruises to the best places in France.
We hand selected each destination, excursion, and the ship, which will be all our own.
We love cruises (and we live in France!). Michael and I have personally explored every destination, handpicked the excursions, and tailored the itinerary based on our favorite markets, towns, cafés, and hidden gems. There is simply no other cruise like it!
All-inclusive, with customized experiences and TIME to enjoy every aspect of a destination.
We've been on dozens of river cruises - we love them! But we didn't love that we had to pay extra for tips, drinks, and excursions. So we made sure to include that. While giving you MAXIMUM time at a destination.
It’s a Private Charter—Just Us!
Unlike standard river cruises open to the public, this ship is exclusively for our group. That means a community of like-minded travelers, personalized experiences, and the freedom to make this journey uniquely ours.
Extras!
Not only are your food, drinks, and an excursion each day included we also have amazing perks. Like... free bike rental to explore as you like, unlimited cheese buffet every night, all tips included! We thought of EVERYTHING so you can truly enjoy.
Cheers to discovering your next adventure!
The Ship
Michael and I have taken dozens of cruises over the years, and river cruising remains our absolute favorite way to travel—especially in France.
You’re not dealing with big crowds, waves, or motion sickness. Instead, you're on an elegant floating luxury hotel that glides along scenic rivers, docking right in the heart of storybook towns. These ships are intimate (just 146 passengers!) but spacious enough to include multiple lounges, restaurants, and places to unwind.
For our spring and summer French cruises, we’ve partnered with Amadeus, one of the best in European river cruising, to create custom itineraries highlighting our favorite destinations and excursions—plus inclusive drink packages, of course!
Both ships are beautifully modern and thoughtfully designed:
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Your floating hotel includes panoramic lounges, stylish dining areas, and an expansive sun deck—perfect for sipping wine as you sail past vineyards, villages, and Roman ruins.
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Rooms are bright and comfortable, featuring large windows (or French balconies), king beds that convert into two twins, and private bathrooms.
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There’s no dress code, and the onboard atmosphere is relaxed, welcoming, and just the right amount of luxurious.
Both ships features a spa and fitness area with a sauna, while Provence offers a heated sun deck pool and wellness area—ideal for a refreshing dip after a day exploring French markets or medieval castles.
Whether you're wandering through the lavender fields of Provence or toasting with a glass of cider in Rouen, your ship is the perfect, relaxing base to return to each night.
This is travel done right!

The Rooms
Stateroom, Panorama Room, and Suite
The suites are the largest rooms (50% larger than panorama rooms) and offer a walk out balcony for the Storybook Seine: Paris & Normandy cruises and a French exterior balcony on the Postcards from Provence and Burgundy cruises. Both include luxurious bathroom with a shower and high-quality Rituals® bathing products, walk-in wardrobe, flat-screen TV, Espresso machine with complimentary selection of coffee, cabin safe, bathrobe and slippers, hair dryer, direct dial telephone, individual climate control, and a minibar for your convenience. Perfect for those who want to relax in style while soaking up the stunning river views.
Panorama rooms come with French balconies with operable glass wall window, these cabins let you enjoy incredible views. They feature a spacious bathroom, walk-in wardrobe, and all the same amenities as the suites. You'll find the drop-down panoramic window for uninterrupted river views, a spacious bathroom with a walk-in shower and premium Rituals® bathing products, walk-in wardrobe, flat-screen TV, individual climate control, in-room safe and hair dryer.
State Rooms come with a small panoramic window (fixed) and provide a more intimate option without sacrificing comfort. Each cabin features a spacious bathroom with a walk-in shower, luxurious Rituals bath products, and a hair dryer, along with a fixed panoramic window that fills the space with natural light. Thoughtful touches like a comfortable king bed (can be turned into double!), generously-sized wardrobe, secure in-room safe, flat-screen TV, individual climate control, and direct dial telephone ensure a restful and well-equipped stay.
All rooms come with climate control, en-suite bathroom (with Ritual bath products), a wardrobe, and all the essential amenities like a flat-screen TV, hairdryer, and in-room safe.
When you purchase, you can either select Solo (and you will be paired with a roommate) OR Double if you're traveling with a friend or family member and you will put down a deposit for both of you. You can choose to have the beds together or separated.
All of our trips have offered double occupancy rooms. It's the best to get to know each other and so fun! And, of course, you can travel solo!
Peek into Provence:
Peek into Paris & Normandy:
Read reviews from our guests!






Pricing: Postcards from Provence and Burgundy
Payment plans available!
State Room
$3,799 per person ($650 deposit per person)
Panorama Room
$4,299 per person ($650 deposit per person)
Suite
$5,199 per person ($650 deposit per person)
Pricing: Storybook Seine: Paris and Normandy
Payment plans available!
State Room
$3,799 per person ($650 deposit per person)
Panorama Room
$4,299 per person ($650 deposit per person)
Suite
$5,199 per person ($650 deposit per person)
This is a great price, not only for the cruise, which includes your food/drink, accommodation, tip, transportation, and guided tours every day, but also the chance to have a trip with a community of incredible people from around the world!

frequently asked questions
What are the dates?
How can I secure my spot?
Is there a payment plan?
What is included?
What are the types of rooms?
Can I go solo?
Can I book with my friend/husband/mom?
I want to go with a group/my family/friends!
What about free time?
What are the age limits?
What if I am Vegan? Vegetarian? Gluten Free?
Can I extend my trip or come before the date?
What is not included?
Will there be a waiting list?
Will I get to know the other passengers?
Do I get to spend time with Helene and Michael?
What about refunds?
Still have questions?
Email us at [email protected] — we’d love to help!

Hi! We're Helene and Michael!
And we've crafted more than just a cruise—
It’s a once in a life time experience.
We've lived in France (as well as Germany and England!), and after 10+ years of exploring Europe—this country has truly stolen our hearts.
As full-time travel bloggers, we've spent the better part of a decade uncovering Europe’s most beautiful corners. From hilltop villages to riverside vineyards, we’ve crafted these itineraries to showcase the very best of France—with ease, charm, and unforgettable experiences.
Michael and I are originally from Dallas, Texas, but we lived in Heidelberg, Germany, from 2016 to 2019. Now we're in France with our dog Millie. I recently published my debut memoir (here!), inspired by the places and stories we’ve collected along the way.
We can’t wait to share the warmth, wonder, and magic of France with you—from the Rhône to the Seine, and everywhere in between.

Why did we charter a ship?
The truth is, Michael and I have been traveling through Europe for over a decade—and after all our adventures, river cruising has become our favorite way to explore. There's just something about unpacking once, floating through storybook landscapes, and stepping off the ship right into charming towns that makes everything feel effortless.
But we found that many itineraries didn’t quite match how we like to travel. We want to truly experience each place—maximize our time, explore independently, and have the option to do more than one excursion in a day.
I’ll never forget one woman on a cruise who was nearly in tears because she had to choose between a wine tasting in Burgundy or wandering the medieval streets of Beaune. Honestly? I wouldn’t want to choose either! That’s why we spent years personally designing these itineraries—so you don’t have to miss a thing.
These spring and summer river cruises through France are everything we dreamed of: lavender fields, vineyards, castles, market days, and sunsets on the water. We can’t wait for you to experience it—this truly is a trip of a lifetime.

Paris and Normandy
Provence and Burgundy









All About The Ship
Ship Amenities
Food and Drink on Board
Below you'll see the rooms on the ship. From left to right:
Suite, Panorama and State



On board the ship!









More scenes on board!









Last year's Cruise At a Glance!






The fine print:
$650 deposit is non-refundable once the trip is confirmed. No spot is guaranteed until I, Helene, email you from [email protected]. Ports subject to change based on weather and unforeseen circumstances. You will be responsible for booking your flight and travel insurance. 50% of your balance is refundable until 11/15/2025 for Storybook Seine or 1/15/2026 for Postcards from Provence. No refunds will be issued after that.
Be the first in line!
I'll send an email as soon as the sale goes live!
Questions? Email: [email protected]
River Cruise Goes on Sale:
Sale Goes Live In:
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