(19 Reviews)
100% Recommended

Leslie Nelson

Overland Park, KS
Luxury and Ultra Luxury Travel Agent Specialist

With a wealth of experience spanning the entire spectrum of travel, I now specialize in curating the ultimate luxury and ultra-luxury experiences. Need a private jet, a lavish villa, or a majestic yacht? Consider it done.

Just retired after...
Learn more about me.

France River Cruise Travel Agent Specialist

Barge Cruising in France
Barge Cruising in France

A river cruise through France is a journey into the soul of one of Europe’s most iconic and beautiful countries, and when you book with me, you’ll experience it in a way that’s tailor-made just for you. Whether you dream of gliding down the Rhône and Saône through the heart of Burgundy and Provence, or cruising the Seine from Paris to Normandy, I will ensure your adventure is filled with personalized touches and unforgettable experiences.


France’s rivers offer a range of rich experiences, each one unique. The Rhône and Saône rivers take you through some of the world’s finest wine regions—Burgundy and the Rhône Valley—where private vineyard tours and wine tastings await. I’ll make sure your time here is filled with expert-led tastings of top wines, visits to charming local markets, and exclusive culinary experiences with renowned chefs. As you drift past lavender fields, Roman ruins, and picturesque towns like Avignon and Arles, you’ll be immersed in the beauty and history of Provence.


A cruise along the Seine offers a blend of urban and rural charm. Starting in Paris, the City of Light, your voyage may include private art tours of the Louvre, gourmet dining in hidden gems, and even a romantic night cruise past the glittering Eiffel Tower. As you journey toward Normandy, you’ll explore medieval towns, the D-Day beaches, and the stunning cliffs of Étretat, all customized to your interests.


For something truly intimate and exclusive, consider a luxury barge cruise on France’s smaller waterways. Barge cruising offers a slower, more personalized way to explore France’s countryside. You’ll sail along canals through Burgundy’s rolling vineyards or the sun-drenched landscapes of Provence, stopping at quaint villages and hidden gems along the way. These boutique vessels, often hosting just a handful of guests, provide a cozy, immersive experience with opportunities for bespoke excursions, such as cooking classes, private château visits, and local artisan tours. With my expertise, I can ensure you enjoy all the luxuries of a river cruise while discovering a more intimate side of France.


Traveling in the holiday season? France’s Christmas markets, especially in towns like Strasbourg and Colmar, add festive magic to your cruise. Twinkling lights, handcrafted gifts, and mulled wine will make your holiday season unforgettable. I can arrange visits to the most beautiful markets, ensuring you experience the best of France’s holiday traditions.


No matter the season, I’ll work with top river cruise and barge companies like AmaWaterways, Uniworld, and luxury barge lines to offer you the finest accommodations, exclusive perks, and custom shore excursions. Whether you want to indulge in world-class wines, stroll through medieval streets, or immerse yourself in French art and history, I’ll create a journey that’s uniquely yours.


With over 35 years of experience in luxury travel, I’ll handle every detail of your trip—from arranging bespoke excursions to extending your journey with a stay in a private villa or luxury hotel before or after your cruise. Let me take care of everything so you can relax and enjoy the beauty, culture, and flavors of France on a river or barge cruise tailored to your every wish.

My Reviews

Custom tour takes all the hassle out of traveling
Leslie helped me craft a personal tour in Costa Rica, with excellent accommodations, activities and transport. Her advice was invaluable in helping me decide how and where to spend my time, and her travel partners in the US and on the ground provided fantastic and seamless service.
By  Margaret M  from  Portland Oregon USA
Traveled to  Costa Rica | Central America
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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cancum trip
she is the best and has friendly communication and knows how to interact
By  benesasar  from  cancum
Traveled to  Cancun | Quintana Roo | Mexico
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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Helped during a storm!
I was on a trip a friend booked and unable to get back home due to a blizzard. I knew Leslie and called her- she was able to help me quickly secure a hotel near my airport and get me situated for another night!
By  Sullivanaxid  from  Overland Park, KS
Traveled to  New York (La Guardia) | New York | USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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Our Italian trip of a lifetime!
Leslie was awesome and we put her through a lot. She planned a custom trip to Italy (Venice, Florence, Sorrento, Pompeii, Capri,Amalfi,Positano & Rome) for our family group of 11 and it was spot on! She booked all hotels, tours and transportation and it all went smoothly. We were all very happy with the outcome. She provided a lot of expertise and made key recommendations on hotel locations and tours that made our trip run smoothly. She was always available and I felt very confident in her guidance and advice. She's now planning our next family trip to Greece!
By  dd311  from  Delray Beach, FL
Traveled to  Italy | Europe
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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Tropical north Queesland, a dream destination
We wanted to get to Queensland before the Olympics makes it too crowded. Leslie knows the area and helped arrange a tour of the "best of the best" hotels in northeastern Australia. Can't say enough about how great this trip was.
By  Reef, rainforest and Outback travelers  from  Los Angeles, CA
Traveled to  Australia & New Zealand
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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Go to my main profile

Destination Expert:

  • France
  • Burgundy
  • Provence
  • Avignon
  • Normandy

Travel Specialist:

  • River Cruises
  • Groups
  • Culinary & Foodie
  • Couples & Romance
  • Wine Country Vacations

Top Travel Partners:

  • Abercrombie & Kent
  • Belmond

Certifications/Awards:

  • CTC
  • Certified Travel Counselor, CTC
  • Silversea Ultra-Luxury Specialist
  • Aussie Specialist
  • New Zealand Specialist

Industry Affiliations:

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