Authentic
Included
Excursions on the Gironde
12 excursions available
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
Included
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.
Authentic
Included
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
Included
Guided tour of the Château de Roquetaillade and Cadillac
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. PLEASE NOTE Good walking shoes are recommended. The order of the visits can change. Times are approximate. *Alcohol can be harmful to your health. Please drink in moderation.
4h30Authentic
Included
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
Included
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
Included
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
The seaside cities of Rochefort and La Rochelle
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. PLEASE NOTE Only available by pre-booking before departure The order of the visits can change. Times are approximate.
10h00Authentic
Included
Day trip in the Arcachon Bay (lunch included)
Departure by coach from Bordeaux for the Bassin d'Arcachon. We will start our tour with 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. Enjoy some free time in Arcachon. We will have lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we will 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 Only available by pre-booking before departure 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.
10h30Authentic
IncludedGuided 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.
3h00Authentic
Included