| | | | | Arrive | Depart |
| 18th18 | NovNov | 202525 | Bordeaux, France, embark on the MS Cyrano de Bergerac | 18:00 | |
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. Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 6:00 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabin, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. |
| 19th19 | NovNov | 202525 | Bordeaux, France | | 09:00 |
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. Morning spent cruising towards Cussac-Fort-Mdoc. Onboard conference. Youll sail along the Garonne River to the Bec dAmbs, then follow the northern islands of Bouchaud and Patiras before arriving in Cussac-Fort-Mdoc.Arrival in late morning. In the afternoon, included excursion: the Mdoc, between vineyards, estuary and ocean, with a tasting at a classified grand cru chteau.Return to Cussac-Fort-Mdoc. |
| 19th19 | NovNov | 202525 | Cussac-Fort-Médoc, France | 11:30 | |
| 20th20 | NovNov | 202525 | Cussac-Fort-Médoc, France | | 07:30 |
Morning cruise on the Gironde Estuary, offering spectacular views of the shores and a deep dive into the regions natural beauty. Onboard tasting of canels, the iconic Bordeaux pastry. Legend has it that the caneloriginally known as canaulwas created in the 18th century by the nuns of the Annonciades convent, who had a passion for baking. Today, the canel is a proud part of Aquitaines culinary heritage.In the afternoon, included excursion: Blayes citadel, underground passages, and a wine tasting. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
| 20th20 | NovNov | 202525 | Blaye, France | 14:15 | |
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. |
| 21st21 | NovNov | 202525 | Blaye, France | | 09:00 |
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. Morning cruise towards Libourne. A wine professional will host a fun and informative quiz, with finalists selected for a blind tasting. The lucky winner will be crowned Bacchus of the cruise and awarded a gastronomic cruise(3) on the Rhine with Michelin two-star chef Marc Haeberlin.In the afternoon, included excursion: Saint-milion, the medieval town and its vineyards, birthplace of world-renowned grands crus.Meet a local winemaker, and enjoy a guided tasting to conclude the visit.Return to the ship. Gala evening on board. |
| 21st21 | NovNov | 202525 | Libourne, France | 13:00 | 18:00 |
Libourne, France, is a historic town in the Bordeaux wine region, renowned for its vibrant market and beautiful architecture. Located along the Dordogne River, it features a charming blend of medieval and Renaissance buildings, including the striking Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste. Libourne is a gateway to prestigious wine estates, including Pomerol and Saint-Émilion. The town's bustling market and scenic riverside setting offer a delightful experience for visitors interested in wine, history, and local culture. |
| 21st21 | NovNov | 202525 | Bourg, France | 22:00 | |
| 22nd22 | NovNov | 202525 | Bourg, France, disembark the MS Cyrano de Bergerac | | |
Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 10:00 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. |