We’ll leave by coach for Saintes. Saintes has accumulated almost two thousand years of history, marked by its rich heritage and its Gallo-Roman and medieval ruins. We’ll visit the Roman Theater, one of the oldest from the era, which is still the best preserved on the Atlantic Coast and shows the importance that Saintes held at the time. The theater was started by Emperor Tiberius and finished under Claudius and was once able to hold up to 18,000 spectators. Looming behind the ruins is the Saint-Eutrope Basilica, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along the Way of St. James pilgrimage route. Its crypt has been described as fascinating and impressive through on-line tourist reviews describing startling contrasts between the Roman and Gothic style architecture and is considered a must-see visit for anyone in Saintes. After our excursion, we’ll return on board the ship.
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Departure by coach from Libourne for the excursion to Saint-Emilion. Guided tour of the underground monuments in Saint-Emilion village. Your guide will tell you all about the history of the medieval town. You will then visit an exceptional troglodytic site with, undoubtedly, its most original monument, the Monolithic church. Hewn entirely in limestone, it is the largest in Europe. You will then depart for a visit of a family-owned wine-growing estate, where you will be welcomed by the owner, who will explain the stages of the wine-making process in Saint-Emilion. A commented wine-tasting* session will complete the visit. Return to Libourne by coach.
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Opened in May 2016, this modern building - reminiscent of a lighthouse on the banks of the Garonne - is a unique invitation to voyage to the heart of wine and its traditions throughout the world. The Cité du Vin is a self-guided tour punctuated by 20 themed spaces explaining the culture of wine in an immersive, sensorial setting.
The grand finale of your visit will bring you to the upper level for a gorgeous 360° view of Bordeaux and a complimentary glass of wine.*
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You'll set out for a guided tour on foot of the hillsides in Cadillac. Departing from the port, we will walk along the Garonne River on the former towpaths and then climb up a slope crossing woods and vineyards. During your walk you can admire lovely fishing huts, a hail cannon, chartreuse homes typical of Bordeaux, a medieval castle and a magnificent panoramic view on the Garonne River valley, the Sauternes vineyard, the fortifide town of Cadillac and its ducal castle. The walk will finish up with a gourmet pick-me-up at a family farm, where you'll visit the cellars, taste a few wines* and indulge in matching dishes.
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Departure by coach for the Château de Roquetaillade. This magnificent and prestigious medieval castle is listed as a 12th and 14th centuries historic monument. You will see its medieval keeps, the first Renaissance chimneys in the region (1600), but above all the unique 19th century interiors, a masterpiece by Viollet-le-Duc today classified as a historic monument. Along the way, we will visit a vineyard in the Sauternes area where we'll enjoy a tasting of the famous Sauternes wine*. Return to Cadillac and guided tour of the town. Located on the right bank of the Garonne, the Grailly family, lords of Cadillac, founded this "bastide" (walled town) where the Duke of Epernon built his sumptuous castle. See its gates and ramparts listed as historic monuments, its central square surrounded by arcades, its antique houses and its 15th century church. Return to the boat by coach.
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Departure by coach from Pauillac to discover the Médoc, prestigious wine-growing region. A corner of the world that produces the most prestigious red wines on the planet, tightly wedged between an ocean and an estuary. A mild, humid microclimate which has been favorable to the development of the vines. We will go through most of the Médoc appellations (Saint Julien, Margaux, Haut-Médoc). On the famous Châteaux Route, we will stop to taste the famous wines of the region. On the way you will see major domains such as Châteaux Laffitte-Rothschild, Latour and Mouton Rothschild. Return to the boat at the end of the afternoon.
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We'll leave by coach with a tour guide for a journey along the Route de la Corniche Fleurie. You'll see the old, traditional fishing huts on stilts and the remarkable limestone cliffs. We'll also stop in Bourg to take in the impressive views and walk to the market center where you'll be able to taste the local figs. After we return to Blaye, we'll have a guided tour of the citadel built by Vauban, including the monastery and several army barracks. We'll finish up our tour with a tasting of the famous Blaye "praslines."
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We’ll leave by coach for Rochefort. Rochefort was originally chosen by Jean-Baptiste Colbert as a refuge, defense, and supply post for the French navy back in the mid-1660s. Its arsenal remained a naval base and dockyard until as late as 1926. The historical downtown area boasts lovely private mansions and beautiful homes where the legendary sailors and explorers lived and which still retain their air of adventure and glamor. We’ll then visit the Corderie Royale, a historical rope-making factory. Built between 1666 and 1669, it was the first industrial building in France, and the factory provided ropes for the French Navy and its ships for over three centuries. We’ll tour the main building and learn about the techniques used to produce the ropes used on the large sailing ships. Afterwards, we’ll head to La Rochelle. We’ll stop for lunch in a local restaurant. The over 1,000-year-old city of La Rochelle is the capital of the Charente Maritime. It’s tucked along the Bay of Biscay and contains some of the most beautiful natural and architectural heritage in the area. During a guided tour of the old town and port, you’ll learn about the Grosse-Horloge gate, the Renaissance arcades, the lovely half-timbered homes, finely sculpted facades of the private mansions, and the cathedral. Enjoy some free time before returning to the ship. At the end of our afternoon, we’ll return to Royan.
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We'll leave on foot to visit the Blaye Citadel, built in the 17th century by Vauban in order to better protect the city of Bordeaux. You will explore the underground passages that soldiers once used and learn how the site was developed using older buildings that Vauban preserved and reused. After our tour, we'll walk a few more feet to a local vineyard and taste some regional products with an excellent glass of wine.*
PLEASE NOTE
We'll leave by coach with a tour guide for a journey along the Route de la Corniche Fleurie. You'll see the old, traditional fishing huts on stilts and the remarkable limestone cliffs. We'll also stop in Bourg to take in the impressive views and walk to the market center where you'll be able to taste the local figs. After we return to Blaye, we'll have a guided tour of the citadel built by Vauban, including the monastery and several army barracks. We'll finish up our tour with a tasting of the famous Blaye "praslines."
PLEASE NOTE
Departure by coach for the guided tour of Bordeaux "by night", taking in all the main monuments. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Bordeaux has been awarded the precious label in the "cultural site" category. Half of the city, from the boulevards to the banks of the Garonne has thus gained recognition for the quality of its architectural heritage.
PLEASE NOTE
Departure by coach from Libourne for the excursion to Saint-Emilion. Guided tour of the underground monuments in Saint-Emilion village. Your guide will tell you all about the history of the medieval town. You will then visit an exceptional troglodytic site: the cave of the monk Emilion, founder of the town, the Trinity Chapel built in his honor and the catacombs. Finally, undoubtedly the most original monument, the Monolithic church. Hewn entirely in the limestone, it is the biggest in Europe. You will then depart for a visit of a family-owned wine-growing estate, where you will be welcomed by the owner, who will explain the stages of the wine-making process in Saint-Emilion. A commented wine-tasting* session will complete the visit. Return to Libourne by coach.
PLEASE NOTE
Departure by coach from Pauillac to discover the Médoc, prestigious wine-growing region. A corner of the world that produces the most prestigious red wines on the planet, tightly wedged between an ocean and an estuary. A mild, humid microclimate which has been favourable to the development of the vines. We will go through most of the Médoc appellations (Saint Julien, Margaux, Haut-Médoc…) On the famous Châteaux Route, we will stop to taste* the famous wine of the region. On the way you will see major domains such as Châteaux Laffitte-Rothschild, Latour and Mouton Rothschild. Return to the boat at the end of the afternoon.
PLEASE NOTE
Leaving from the dock in Nantes, you'll set out to discover the magical world of the Machines de l'île. This totally unprecedented artistic project is a cross between the imaginations of Jules Verne and Leonardo da Vinci. After this exceptional tour, we'll continue on to explore Nantes through its hidden courtyards and covered passageways reflecting the glorious past of the city's grand families from the 15th century to today.
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Join us on foot for a tour of a typical French seaside village with tons of charm that is officially listed as one the most beautiful villages in the country. Talmont-sur-Gironde is lined with cobblestone streets that take you to the white tower on the coastline, up to its beautiful Romanesque church, and over to the quaint port. The lovely, small houses dotting the streets are full of boutiques selling wares by local craftspeople. We’ll then head to the steep cliffs of Meschers-sur-Gironde to learn about its past and current troglodyte abodes. After our excursion, we’ll return on board the ship.
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Join us for a panoramic tour of Royan, a seaside city and an official French “ville d’Art et d’Histoire.” Villas from the Belle Epoque and the charming “retro” homes from the 1950s line the waterfront. In the Foncillon District, we’ll have a look at the fascinating church and learn about its conception. Enjoy some free time before returning to the ship. This is the perfect time to stroll along the port and re-discover the city at your own pace. Some of the most popular sites include the covered market, the modern Palais des Congrès, or the shell auditorium (the spitting image of the famous Boston Hatch Shell). Or you could just decide to have a seat in one of the multitude of cafés along the boardwalk, do some shopping, and even enjoy a great meal!
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Departure by coach from Bordeaux for the Bassin d'Arcachon. We will start our tour with a visit of the Oyster Centre and Museum located in Larros Port in Gujan Mestras. A modern, interactive scenography will help you discover oyster farming and the history of the oyster. We will have lunch in a local restaurant. Then, we'll head to Arcachon for a boat trip on the Bassin d'Arcachon. You'll be able to see the Bird Island, the famous "Cabanes tchanquées" houses on stilts and the oyster beds. We will then go to the Great Dune of Pilat. Culminating at 107m, it is the highest sand dune in Europe. The view from the top is awe-inspiring. Return to Bordeaux at the end of the day.
PLEASE NOTE
Departure by coach for the guided tour of Bordeaux. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Bordeaux has been awarded the precious label in the "cultural site" category. Half of the city, from the boulevards to the banks of the Garonne has thus been recognised for the quality of its architectural heritage. Departure by coach for a panoramic tour of the city, taking in all the main monuments, followed by a walking tour of old Bordeaux. From the wide avenues of the neo-classical Les Quinconces quarter and the Grand Théâtre to the narrow lanes of the Saint Pierre quarter, this circuit will give you a good idea of the diversity of Bordeaux's heritage.
PLEASE NOTE
Departure by coach for the guided tour of Bordeaux "by night", taking in all the main monuments. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Bordeaux has been awarded the precious label in the "cultural site" category. Half of the city, from the boulevards to the banks of the Garonne has thus gained recognition for the quality of its architectural heritage.
PLEASE NOTE
With a tour guide, you'll leave from the port on your bike to explore the vineyards and prestigious châteaux in Pauillac. Get ready to discover the history, architecture and out-of-the-way places in this exceptionally beautiful area. What better reward for the effort than a lovely glass of grand cru and some regional cheeses served in a prestigious château in the heart of Pauillac? After our tasting*, we'll return to the ship by bike.
PLEASE NOTE
