Excursions on the Gironde

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.*

Duration: approx. 4:00

• Times are approximate.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes.
• *Alcohol can be harmful to your health. Please drink in moderation.
• These excursions are not proposed for all the cruises and depend on the itinerary.
• If the minimum of 25 participants is not reached, the excursion may be either cancelled or proposed at another rate, depending on the number of participants (to be paid for on board).
• The excursions on the first evening and the morning following boarding are only guaranteed for the passengers who have booked the excursion before the cruise.

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.

Duration : approx. 3:00

• Good walking shoes are recommended.
• Visit by coach and on foot.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• These excursions are not proposed for all the cruises and depend on the itinerary.
• If the minimum of 25 participants is not reached, the excursion may be either cancelled or proposed at another rate, depending on the number of participants (to be paid for on board).
• The excursions on the first evening and the morning following boarding are only guaranteed for the passengers who have booked the excursion before the cruise.

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.

Duration:  approx. 4:00

• Times are approximate.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes.
• These excursions are not proposed for all the cruises and depend on the itinerary.
• If the minimum of 25 participants is not reached, the excursion may be either cancelled or proposed at another rate, depending on the number of participants (to be paid for on board).
• The excursions on the first evening and the morning following boarding are only guaranteed for the passengers who have booked the excursion before the cruise.
   

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. 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.

Duration : approx. 10:30 

• Good walking shoes are recommended.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• Lunch included (without drinks)
• Alcohol can be harmful to your health. Please drink in moderation.
• These excursions are not proposed for all the cruises and depend on the itinerary.
• If the minimum of 25 participants is not reached, the excursion may be either cancelled or proposed at another rate, depending on the number of participants (to be paid for on board).
• The excursions on the first evening and the morning following boarding are only guaranteed for the passengers who have booked the excursion before the cruise.

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.

Duration : approx. 4:00

• Visit essentialy by coach.
• Alcohol can be harmful to your health. Please drink in moderation.
• Valid only if pre-booked.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• These excursions are not proposed for all the cruises and depend on the itinerary.
• If the minimum of 25 participants is not reached, the excursion may be either cancelled or proposed at another rate, depending on the number of participants (to be paid for on board).
• The excursions on the first evening and the morning following boarding are only guaranteed for the passengers who have booked the excursion before the cruise.

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."

Duration : approx. 4:00

• Comfortable shoes are recommended.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• These excursions are not proposed for all the cruises and depend on the itinerary.
• If the minimum of 25 participants is not reached, the excursion may be either cancelled or proposed at another rate, depending on the number of participants (to be paid for on board).
• The excursions on the first evening and the morning following boarding are only guaranteed for the passengers who have booked the excursion before the cruise.

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.

Duration : approx. 2:00

• Visit by coach.
• The order of the visits can change.
• These excursions are not proposed for all the cruises and depend on the itinerary.
• If the minimum of 25 participants is not reached, the excursion may be either cancelled or proposed at another rate, depending on the number of participants (to be paid for on board).
• The excursions on the first evening and the morning following boarding are only guaranteed for the passengers who have booked the excursion before the cruise.

You’ll be transferred by coach to Saint-Seurin-de-Cadourne, in the heart of the Médoc Region. This is an easy hike that allows you to discover the charms of the area located between the ocean and the estuary. If you're a nature lover, you'll fall under the spell of the vineyards, countryside, marshes, and estuary, as well as the charming small port in La Maréchale. You'll be transferred back to the ship from Saint-Saint-Seurin-de-Cadourne to Paulliac.

PLEASE NOTE

• Please wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes.
• Hike: Approx. 6.8 miles (11 km); no altitude difference.
• The times and orders of the visits are for informational purposes only and can change.

You’ll be transferred by coach to Bourg. Although the hills surrounding Bourg, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are well-known by wine lovers, they are also a great place for hikers to get fantastic views of the estuary, valleys, vineyards, and old ruins. After your hike, we'll stop in the village of Bourg for a brief visit and then enjoy a guided tour of the Blaye Citadel.

PLEASE NOTE

• Please wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes.
• Hike: Approx. 6.2 miles (10 km); 492-foot altitude difference (150 m).
• The times and orders of the visits are for informational purposes only and can change.

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.

Duration : approx. 4:30

• Good walking shoes are recommended.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• These excursions are not proposed for all the cruises and depend on the itinerary.
• If the minimum of 25 participants is not reached, the excursion may be either cancelled or proposed at another rate, depending on the number of participants (to be paid for on board).
• The excursions on the first evening and the morning following boarding are only guaranteed for the passengers who have booked the excursion before the cruise.
• *Alcohol can be harmful to your health. Please drink in moderation

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."

Duration : approx. 4:00

• Comfortable shoes are recommended.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Time are approximate.
• These excursions are not proposed for all the cruises and depend on the itinerary.
• If the minimum of 25 participants is not reached, the excursion may be either cancelled or proposed at another rate, depending on the number of participants (to be paid for on board).
• The excursions on the first evening and the morning following boarding are only guaranteed for the passengers who have booked the excursion before the cruise.

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.

Duration : approx. 3:00

• The tour will take place entirely on foot. Good walking shoes are recommended.
• The visit of the underground sites involves certain rooms which may be poorly lit and confined.
• Alcohol can be harmful to your health, please drink in moderation.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• These excursions are not proposed for all the cruises and depend on the itinerary.
• If the minimum of 25 participants is not reached, the excursion may be either cancelled or proposed at another rate, depending on the number of participants (to be paid for on board).
• The excursions on the first evening and the morning following boarding are only guaranteed for the passengers who have booked the excursion before the cruise.

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.*

Duration: approx. 4h

• *Alcohol can be harmful to your health. Please drink in moderation.

You’ll be transferred from Libourne to Saint-Laurent-des-Combes by coach, where you’ll set out on a hike through the gorgeous valley in the middle of forests and vineyards. These precious hills, which produce some of the most fantastic wines in the world, have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site! To top it all off, you’ll enjoy a tasting of some of those wines and a tour Saint-Emilion's underground monuments. You’ll be transferred back to the ship.

PLEASE NOTE

• Please wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes.
• Hike: Approx. 3.1 miles (5 km); 1,312-foot altitude difference (400 m).
• The times and orders of the visits are for informational purposes only and can change.
• *Alcohol can be dangerous to your health. Please drink in moderation.

Enjoy an urban hike through the city to discover its out-of-the-way spots. You’ll see the famous sites, of course—such as the Place des Quinconces and the Grand Théâtre—but we’ll also bring you well off the beaten path for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

PLEASE NOTE

• Please wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes.
• Hike: Approx. 4.3 miles (7 km); no altitude difference.
• The times and orders of the visits are for informational purposes only and can change.

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.

Duration : approx. 4:00

• Visit mostly by coach.
• Alcohol can be harmful to your health. Please drink in moderation.
• Valid only if pre-booked.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• These excursions are not proposed for all the cruises and depend on the itinerary.
• If the minimum of 25 participants is not reached, the excursion may be either cancelled or proposed at another rate, depending on the number of participants (to be paid for on board).
• The excursions on the first evening and the morning following boarding are only guaranteed for the passengers who have booked the excursion before the cruise.
  

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.

Duration : approx. 3:00

• The tour will take place entirely on foot, so wear sturdy shoes
• The visit of the underground sites involves certain rooms which may be poorly lit and confined.
• *alcohol abuse is dangerous to your heath, consume with moderation.
• The order of visits can be modified.
• Times are approximate.
• These excursions are not proposed for all the cruises and depend on the itinerary.
• If the minimum of 25 participants is not reached, the excursion may be either cancelled or proposed at another rate, depending on the number of participants (to be paid for on board).
• The excursions on the first evening and the morning following boarding are only guaranteed for the passengers who have booked the excursion before the cruise.

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.

Duration : approx. 2:00

• Visit by coach.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.
• These excursions are not proposed for all the cruises and depend on the itinerary.
• If the minimum of 25 participants is not reached, the excursion may be either cancelled or proposed at another rate, depending on the number of participants (to be paid for on board).
• The excursions on the first evening and the morning following boarding are only guaranteed for the passengers who have booked the excursion before the cruise. 

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.

Duration: approx. 4:00

• Times are approximate.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes.
• *Alcohol can be harmful to your health. Please drink in moderation.
• These excursions are not proposed for all the cruises and depend on the itinerary.
• If the minimum of 25 participants is not reached, the excursion may be either cancelled or proposed at another rate, depending on the number of participants (to be paid for on board).
• The excursions on the first evening and the morning following boarding are only guaranteed for the passengers who have booked the excursion before the cruise.
• Attention: children are under the responsibility of their parents and must be autonomous by bike.

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.

PLEASE NOTE

• Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes and appropriate clothing.
• Length: approx. 8 km/5 miles and an altitude difference of 58 m/0.04 miles.
• Times are approximate.
• The order of the visits can change.
• If the ship is not moored in Cadillac, be prepared for an additional fee for the return trip.
• *Alcohol can be harmful to your health. Please drink in moderation.