Excursions on the Gironde

12 excursions available

Excursion to the museum of fine arts in Libourne

Departure towards the Museum of Fine Arts in Libourne. Located in the heart of the town, the museum invites you to a rich and elegant exploration of art history. The museum has been officially designated a “Musée de France” by the Ministry of Culture and presents a wide range of works from the 16th to the 20th century. You will discover numerous artists and a variety of techniques in an intimate setting, offering a privileged experience that highlights the diversity of styles, techniques, and artistic movements, while providing accessible insights for all visitors. Among the museum’s collection are works by local Libourne artists such as René Princeteau, Théophile Lacaze, and Alphonse Giboin. Return on board. PLEASE NOTE Schedules are given for information purposes only.

2h00Authentic

Included

The Museum of Traditional Trades of Saint-Laurent-de-la-Plaine in Anjou, Mauges-sur-Loire

Early morning departure by coach (approx. 1 hour 30 minutes’ journey). Step into this place of exchange housed in a former convent, dedicated to the preservation and transmission of French artisanal heritage. Created with the aim of promoting traditional trades, true pillars of French craftsmanship, the visit to the Museum of Trades will introduce you to around thirty traditional professions, including blacksmiths, carpenters, shoemakers, saddlers, weavers, as well as trades linked to agriculture and rural life. A life-size reconstruction featuring a 12-metre-long cobbled street immerses you in the heart of a village from the past, offering a clearer understanding of these professions, many of which have now disappeared or evolved over time. The visit also highlights the ingenuity, precision, and physical demands of manual labor, while emphasizing the transmission of skills and the evolution of techniques through the centuries. A discussion with the guide will provide the opportunity to explore certain aspects in greater depth and to share memories and anecdotes. Return on board by coach (approx. 1 hour 30 minutes’ journey). PLEASE NOTE Schedules are given for information purposes only. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

5h00Experience

Included

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Libourne by bike and wine tasting

Libourne by bike and wine tasting.Guided tour of Libourne. Discover this former English bastide. Located at the confluence of the Isle and Dordogne Rivers, Libourne expanded around its port. We'll see the Saint John the Baptist Church, Abel Surchamp Square, and the imposing clock tower in the grand harbor. Then, we'll hop on our electric bikes and head over to the Pomerol wine-growing area. We'll enjoy a tasting of wine.* PLEASE NOTE Please wear sturdy shoes *alcohol abuse is dangerous to your heath, consume with moderation. The order of visits can be modified. Times are approximate. Electrically assisted bicycles available Helmets are provided on all our cycling tours.

4h00Experience

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The Conquest of Fort Medoc

Head off to conquer the FortMedoc and dive into the history of this emblematic monument. Since the site isnear where our ship will be moored in Cussac-Fort-Médoc, you'll set off on footwith a certified youth leader. This hike gives you a good view of the structurebuilt by Vauban under Louis XIV. As part of a unique triptych of defensestructures in France—along with the Blaye Citadel and Fort Paté—it haswitnessed many military events, from Viking raids to battles during the HundredYears' War. The initial project's goal was to protect and preserve Bordeauxfrom enemy attacks. Recognizing the structure's historical importance, UNESCOdeclared it a prominent World Heritage Site as one of 12 Vauban fortifications. Explore Fort Médoc's historyby following the footsteps of the soldiers who once walked its stairs. Duringthe outing, you'll see the Porte Royale guard house with its wooden entryway;an exhibit about Vauban inside; the traditional game room covered in wood; theguard house defending the estuary's left bank (which also served as a type oftoll booth and customs location for ships traveling to Bordeaux); the chapelbuilt specifically so that the soldiers would not interact too much with theinhabitants; the gunpowder house; and the bakery. After your adventure, you’llreturn to the ship on foot. PLEASE NOTE The order of the visits can change. Please wear sturdy walkingshoes for this excursion. Remember to wear a hat andsunglasses and use sunscreen! Bring a water bottle to stayrefreshed and hydrated.

1h00Authentic

Included

Historic gems: a royal wedding and monastic treasures

Departure by coach to the Château de Langeais. This majestic castle in the heart of the Loire Valley will immerse you in the life of a 15th-century prince. This unique site opens its doors to the discovery of its seigneurial apartments, its grand reception hall, and its richly furnished chambers. The tapestries and decorated floors recreate an authentic atmosphere, making this visit a vivid and immersive experience. Your guide will recount the history of the castle, its strategic role along the Loire River, and the great historical figures who stayed there, notably on the occasion of the famous marriage of Charles VIII and Anne of Brittany. Enjoy a relaxing lunch break in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, continue exploring the finest treasures of the Loire Valley with a visit to the Abbey of Notre-Dame de Fontevraud. Equally impressive as the Château de Langeais, the Abbey of Notre-Dame de Fontevraud stands out for its architectural style blending Romanesque, Gothic, and Classical influences. You will discover, among other highlights, the abbey church and the Romanesque kitchens, listed as a Historic Monument since 1840. Return on board for dinner. PLEASE NOTE Schedules are given for information purposes only. The order of visits may be subject to change. CRUISE OF 17/11/2026: Visit of the Royal Fortress of Chinon. Continuation to Chinon where you will discover a former underground quarry converted into an ageing cellar. You will walk through these impressive galleries and uncover the secrets of Chinon’s finest wines. After lunch, visit of the Royal Fortress of Chinon. Overlooking the town, the fortress built by Count Thibaut I of Blois recalls the period when the histories of France and England were closely intertwined. Return on board for dinner.

11h00Experience

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Médoc excursion and wine tasing

The Médoc between vineyards, estuary and ocean, with a tasting at a Grand Cru Classé château.Between sea and river, you will explore this peninsula where vines rise between the polders to the east and the pine forest to the west. Surrounded by the ocean and the estuary, the mild and humid microclimate has favored vine cultivation.Arrival at Château Giscours(2), a prestigious estate on Bordeaux's Left Bank. Château Giscours boasts a rich heritage, with vines first planted in the 16th century.Over the vintages, this illustrious property has revealed wines of captivating finesse and elegance, with a refined and distinguished expression, characteristic of the great terroirs of Margaux. The château oversees a 300-hectare estate, with the soul of the property residing in its exceptional 95-hectare vineyard, featuring carefully selected grape varieties perfectly suited to the terroir.A wine tasting is a must. PLEASE NOTE Château Giscours or a similar estate. In case of unavailability, visit to another château. Alcohol can be harmful to your health. Please drink in moderation. The order of the visits can change. Times are approximate.

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Saint Emilion excursion and vineyard

Saint-Émilion, the medieval town and its vineyard, cradle of great wines. This extraordinary medieval town, nestled in a sea of vineyards, has preserved all the charm of its origins: golden-hued stone buildings, Roman tile rooftops, and winding lanes with breathtaking views over the surrounding vines. Then, head to the Saint-Émilion vineyard. In the heart of the Libournais region, the Saint-Émilion vineyard stretches over sunlit hillsides where vines share space with exceptional heritage, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Cradle of prestigious grands crus, this unique terroir — a blend of clay-limestone, gravel, and sand — gives rise to deep, elegant, and complex wines dominated by Merlot. Renowned for its harmony between power and finesse, Saint-Émilion wine embodies the Bordeaux art of living, shaped by tradition, craftsmanship, and passion. Meet a winemaker, and to delight the senses, the visit will conclude with a guided wine tasting. PLEASE NOTE Alcohol abuse is dangerous to your heath, consume with moderation. The order of visits can be modified. Times are approximate.

Authentic

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Guided tour of the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany and Nantes Cathedral (exterior)

Departure by coach to the prestigious Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, a true jewel of Nantes’ heritage. This former residence of the dukes bears witness both to the power of Brittany and to its gradual integration into the Kingdom of France. Behind its impressive ramparts and elegant white-stone buildings, the castle now houses the Nantes History Museum. Its contemporary exhibition design offers visitors an insight into the rich history of Nantes and the unique architecture of the monument. Continue to the cathedral district, home to Nantes Cathedral of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, a majestic building whose construction spanned nearly four centuries. Marked by history and listed as a historic monument since 1862, it is now an essential landmark and a powerful symbol of the city, combining architectural grandeur with historical richness. PLEASE NOTE Schedules are given for information purposes only. The order of visits may be subject to change.

3h00Experience

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Citadel, underground passages and wine tasting

Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Blaye Citadel is a historic fortress overlooking the Gironde. You will walk through cobbled streets, offering picturesque views of stone buildings and charming squares. Admire the well-preserved military architecture of the citadel, built in the 17th century by the renowned military engineer Vauban. Passing through the underground passages once used by soldiers to move safely between defensive lines during sieges, you will discover the site's evolution through the ancient structures that Vauban preserved and repurposed. Then, head towards the Blaye coast. Nestled on the right bank of the Gironde estuary, it charms visitors with its rolling landscapes, picturesque villages, and rich historical heritage. It is also a land of vineyards, where winemakers produce generous red wines, primarily from Merlot, known for their roundness, fruitiness, and approachable character. Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux wines elegantly express the clay-limestone terroir from which they originate, offering a delightful alternative to neighboring grand crus. Tasting at one of the finest local producers. PLEASE NOTE Times are approximate. The order of the visits can change. Alcohol can be harmful to your health. Please drink in moderation.

2h00Authentic

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Guided tour of Royan on foot

We’ll leave on foot to discover Royan, a fascinating seaside city and official French "Ville d’Art et d’Histoire." Villas from the Belle Époque and charming "retro" homes from the 1950s line the waterfront. This urban hike will bring you to the Church of Our Lady of Royan, a cornerstone of the city's modern heritage. Designed by architects Guillaume Gillet and Marc Hébrard after severe bombings during World War II, the reinforced-concrete architecture features sleek lines and geometric shapes. Discover the surprising sides of Royan as you stroll its streets.Enjoy some time on your own. The port is conveniently located in the city center, so you'll be able to return to the ship at your own pace. Take in the unique ambiance of this top tourist destination on the Atlantic coast. PLEASE NOTE The order of the visits can change. Times are approximate.

1h00Authentic

Included

Guided tour of the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany and Nantes Cathedral (exterior)

3h00Authentic

Included