DAY 1 : Bordeaux - Cussac-Fort-Médoc
Boarding begins at 6pm. After discovering your cabin, the captain invites you to a welcome cocktail to introduce you to the crew. It is then time to cast off to Pauillac, the capital of the Médoc wine region. After a few miles on the Garonne, you will reach the Gironde estuary and sail alongside some of its islands (Macau, Bouchaud, Patiras...). You will arrive at Cussac-Fort-Médoc (located on the left bank of the Gironde) in the evening. Dinner and night on board.
Day 2 : Cussac-Fort-Médoc – Royan
After breakfast, we offer an optional excursion (about 4 hours):
- A discovery of the Grands Crus of the Médoc: you will reach this magnificent wine region by bus and cross different appellations (such as: Saint-Julien or the Haut-Médoc...). You will also discover some renowned castles, including the Lafite-Rothschild, Latour and Mouton-Rothschild, and enjoy a wine tasting* in one of the estates.
Back on board, the boat resumes its course on the estuary of the Gironde towards Royan. You will pass Meschers-sur-Gironde and its famous caves. Upon arrival in Royan (in the afternoon), you will be invited to participate in a (free) excursion to explore this seaside resort.
- Royan and its waterfront to explore this "city of art and history". After a panoramic tour through a mix of 50s architecture and 19th-century villas, you'll have time for yourself.
Enjoy dinner on board and a dance party.
DAY 3 : Royan - Libourne
Today, our optional excursion (about 10 hours) takes you to two maritime cities:
- The maritime cities of Rochefort and La Rochelle; Rochefort is a city with an exciting history. It was built by Colbert at the request of Louis XIV to become the "largest arsenal of the Ponant". Explore Rochefort's historic centre, its arsenal, its royal rope factory... You then leave for La Rochelle. During your guided tour of the old town and the port, you will see the Grosse Horloge, the Saint-Louis cathedral, the 19th century market and many others. Then take advantage of your free time to explore La Rochelle at your leisure.
A bus will take you back to the ship at the end of the day. You will have dinner while the boat sails on the Dordogne river to Libourne. Night on board.
Day 4 : Libourne – Bordeaux
This morning’s program includes two optional excursions (about 3-4 hours):
- Saint-Émilion, a guide will take you through the village’s underground passages while telling you the exciting story that has linked people and wine for centuries. You will then go to the sublime monolithic church, built in the 12th century in limestone. It is easily recognizable thanks to its bell tower 68 meters high. Will you have the courage to climb its 196 steps to admire the view of the city? Your visit continues in a vineyard where you will discover the different stages of wine making. You will finish with a wine tasting*.
- Libourne by bike and wine tasting. Enjoy a guided tour of Libourne, the former English royal bastide where you can admire the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church and the tower of the great port. Then, discover by bike a wine estate of the Pomerol appellation where you will participate in a wine tasting.
Back on board and sailing to Bordeaux with an arrival scheduled for late afternoon.
Free evening in Bordeaux.
DAY 5 : Bordeaux - Cadillac - Bordeaux
This morning, you are sailing on the Garonne river in the direction of Cadillac. Relax on the sun loungers on the sun deck or sip a cocktail at the bar. When you disembark, you can choose between two optional excursions (approximately 4 hours):
- The guided tour of the Roquetaillade Castle, a medieval fortress classified as a historical monument. You will be won over by the decoration and the choice of furniture in the flats, made by Viollet Le Duc in the 19th century. It was also the location for the shooting of illustrious films such as "Fantomas contre Scotland Yard" (with Jean Marais and Louis de Funès) and "Le Pacte des Loups" (with Vincent Cassel and Jean Yanne). You will stop in Sauternes for a wine tasting*. You will then return to Cadillac, for a guided tour of this town founded in the 13th century by Jean de Grailly (seneschal of Aquitaine).
- The gourmet walk in Cadillac is a guided walking tour (about 8 km) along the banks of the Garonne. During this tour you will see the bastide town of Cadillac, fishermen's huts, the unmissable Ducal Castle and some vineyards. Afterwards, you will enjoy a small wine tasting* with local specialties in a family run business.
In the afternoon, you will sail along the Garonne to Bordeaux.
Dinner, followed by a gala evening.
Day 6 : Bordeaux - Arcachon Bay – Bordeaux
Three optional excursions are offered today.
- The escapade in the Arcachon Bay (day trip) allows you to discover the oyster world thanks to the visit of the Maison de l'huitre and its museum located on the port of Larros. Lunch at the restaurant, then departure to Arcachon. You will board a small boat for a relaxing stroll on the basin. You will then climb the 102 meters that lead to the top of the Dune du Pilat and enjoy a superb panoramic view of the basin.
- Bordeaux, the Chartrons district, the Wine and Trade Museum and wine tasting. Stroll through the charming Chartrons district, an emblematic place that combines bourgeoisie and bohemian spirit. Then, you will discover the Wine and Trading Museum which is full of valuable information on the history of Bordeaux and its wines. The tour will conclude with a wine tasting.
- Les Bassins des Lumières.
A guide will show you the Bassin des Lumières, the largest digital art centre in the world. They offer impressive immersive digital exhibitions highlighting the great artists of art history as well as contemporary creation.
In the evening, oyster tasting on board. Lively evening.
DAY 7 : Bordeaux
Your disembarkation is scheduled after breakfast at 9:00 am.
Please note :
- For an optimal organization of the cruise, the organization of the excursions can be modified according to the tide.
- Depending on the availability of the landing stages, the stopover initially planned in Libourne can be replaced by that of Bourg.
*Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health, consume in moderation.