Nanocrystalline CeF3 and CeF3 doped with Dy3+, Tb3+ and Eu3+ ions have been successfully synthesized via a mild ultrasound assisted route from an aqueous solution of cerium nitrate and potassium borofluoride. The nanoparticles obtained were characterized extensively by techniques like powder X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and selected area electron diffraction. Their luminescence properties have also been studied. The nanoparticles showed characteristic emission of respective dopants (Dy3+ and Tb3+) when excited at the 4f --> 5d transition of Ce3+. The chromaticity coordinates for these samples were calculated and it was observed that the CeF3 co doped with Dy3+ and Tb3+ gave an emission very close to white light.