From the French Basque Country to Bordeaux - Fine French cuisine at the foot of the Pyrenees and a cruise to discover Bordeaux and its outlying areas (port-to-port cruise)

Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you'll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region's largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years).Bordeaux is, admittedly, a less exuberant city than many others in France, but lively and stylish elements are making a dent in its conservative veneer. The cleaned-up riverfront is said by some, after a bottle or two, to exude an elegance reminiscent of St. Petersburg, and that aura of 18th-century élan also permeates the historic downtown sector—“le vieux Bordeaux"—where fine shops invite exploration. To the south of the city center are old docklands undergoing renewal—one train station has now been transformed into a big multiplex movie theater—but the area is still a bit shady. To get a feel for the historic port of Bordeaux, take the 90-minute boat trip that leaves Quai Louis-XVIII every weekday afternoon, or the regular passenger ferry that plies the Garonne between Quai Richelieu and the Pont d'Aquitaine in summer. A nice time to stroll around the city center is the first Sunday of the month, when it's pedestrian-only and vehicles are banned.

Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you'll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region's largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years).Bordeaux is, admittedly, a less exuberant city than many others in France, but lively and stylish elements are making a dent in its conservative veneer. The cleaned-up riverfront is said by some, after a bottle or two, to exude an elegance reminiscent of St. Petersburg, and that aura of 18th-century élan also permeates the historic downtown sector—“le vieux Bordeaux"—where fine shops invite exploration. To the south of the city center are old docklands undergoing renewal—one train station has now been transformed into a big multiplex movie theater—but the area is still a bit shady. To get a feel for the historic port of Bordeaux, take the 90-minute boat trip that leaves Quai Louis-XVIII every weekday afternoon, or the regular passenger ferry that plies the Garonne between Quai Richelieu and the Pont d'Aquitaine in summer. A nice time to stroll around the city center is the first Sunday of the month, when it's pedestrian-only and vehicles are banned.

We will cruise down towards Cussac-Fort-Mdoc.In the afternoon, join us for the optional CLASSIC / DISCOVERY excursion proposed: Following the trail of the grands crus wines of Mdoc, a renowned region where the most famous of all red wines in the world are cultivated.We'll return on board for dinner and an evening of entertainment.

Blaye, France, is a picturesque town in the Gironde department, renowned for its historic Blaye Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning views of the Gironde estuary. The town boasts charming streets, vibrant markets, and renowned vineyards producing exceptional wines, including Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux. Blaye’s blend of historical architecture, scenic river views, and local wine culture makes it an inviting destination for history enthusiasts and wine lovers alike.

Blaye, France, is a picturesque town in the Gironde department, renowned for its historic Blaye Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning views of the Gironde estuary. The town boasts charming streets, vibrant markets, and renowned vineyards producing exceptional wines, including Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux. Blaye’s blend of historical architecture, scenic river views, and local wine culture makes it an inviting destination for history enthusiasts and wine lovers alike.

We'll cruise to Libourne, a town rich with history and full of character located at the confluence with the Isle and the Dordogne Rivers. Upon arrival, join us for the optional excursions proposed:CLASSIC: tour of Saint-Emilion.DISCOVERY: Libourne by bike and wine tasting.We'll return on board in Libourne. Tonight is our festive gala dinner and evening.

Cadillac, France, is a charming town in the Gironde department, known for its historic architecture and vineyards. Famous for its production of sweet white wines, especially Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux, the town features a well-preserved 18th-century château and picturesque streets. Set along the Garonne River, Cadillac offers scenic views and a rich heritage, blending historical charm with local wine culture. Its vibrant markets and serene atmosphere make it a pleasant destination for those exploring the Bordeaux wine region.

Cadillac, France, is a charming town in the Gironde department, known for its historic architecture and vineyards. Famous for its production of sweet white wines, especially Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux, the town features a well-preserved 18th-century château and picturesque streets. Set along the Garonne River, Cadillac offers scenic views and a rich heritage, blending historical charm with local wine culture. Its vibrant markets and serene atmosphere make it a pleasant destination for those exploring the Bordeaux wine region.

We'll cruise towards Bordeaux this morning. Join us on the optional excursions proposed:CLASSIC: The Chartrons District, Wine and Commerce Museum.DISCOVERY: The Bassins des Lumires.Enjoy an evening of entertainment.

Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you'll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region's largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years).Bordeaux is, admittedly, a less exuberant city than many others in France, but lively and stylish elements are making a dent in its conservative veneer. The cleaned-up riverfront is said by some, after a bottle or two, to exude an elegance reminiscent of St. Petersburg, and that aura of 18th-century élan also permeates the historic downtown sector—“le vieux Bordeaux"—where fine shops invite exploration. To the south of the city center are old docklands undergoing renewal—one train station has now been transformed into a big multiplex movie theater—but the area is still a bit shady. To get a feel for the historic port of Bordeaux, take the 90-minute boat trip that leaves Quai Louis-XVIII every weekday afternoon, or the regular passenger ferry that plies the Garonne between Quai Richelieu and the Pont d'Aquitaine in summer. A nice time to stroll around the city center is the first Sunday of the month, when it's pedestrian-only and vehicles are banned.

Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you'll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region's largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years).Bordeaux is, admittedly, a less exuberant city than many others in France, but lively and stylish elements are making a dent in its conservative veneer. The cleaned-up riverfront is said by some, after a bottle or two, to exude an elegance reminiscent of St. Petersburg, and that aura of 18th-century élan also permeates the historic downtown sector—“le vieux Bordeaux"—where fine shops invite exploration. To the south of the city center are old docklands undergoing renewal—one train station has now been transformed into a big multiplex movie theater—but the area is still a bit shady. To get a feel for the historic port of Bordeaux, take the 90-minute boat trip that leaves Quai Louis-XVIII every weekday afternoon, or the regular passenger ferry that plies the Garonne between Quai Richelieu and the Pont d'Aquitaine in summer. A nice time to stroll around the city center is the first Sunday of the month, when it's pedestrian-only and vehicles are banned.

Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. End of our services. For an optimal organization of the cruise, the organization of excursions can be modified according to the tide.Note to coach: double-decker buses are not allowed on many roads in Gironde, including Libourne, Saint Emilion, Blaye and Cadillac.