Bordeaux, Dordogne and Garonne River Cruises in South West France - NEW for 2011

Our river cruises in the Bordeaux area of Aquitaine take you to the top French wine growing areas along the Dordogne and Garonne rivers, with optional excursions to chateaux and fortified towns, to wine villages, and along the Wine Route and its famous vineyards.

Bordeaux

The city of Bordeaux has long connections with the English and the wine trade. Its port (Port de la Lune, due to its crescent shape) is reached by sea-going ships on the River Gironde, formed from the merge of the Rivers Dordogne and Garonne near the city. A World Heritage Site, Bordeaux has many 18th century buildings around the Grand Theatre and impressive facades lining the quays along the river. The city centre has extensive pedestrian areas and street cafes to enjoy the city bustle. Bordeaux is three hours from Paris by TGV or fly direct.

Aquitaine and the English

This part of Aquitaine came under English control with the marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine to Henry II in 1152. The border with France was fortified by Henry II and his successors, leaving ancient castles and fortified medieval bastide towns across the landscape and overlooking the Gironde river. Returned to France in 1453 after the Hundred Years War, the whole area is packed with interesting historical sights.

World renowned wine region

There are some 10,000 wine producing chateaux in the Bordeaux region, including some of the most expensive wines in the world. Five ‘premier cru’ wines - Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Latour, Mouton Rothschild, Margaux, Haut-Brion are here. Our river cruises call at Pauillac, capital of the Medoc area, and Blaye, both noted centres for wine culture.

Between the rivers Garonne and Dordogne is the Entre deux Mers wine area. Our cruise takes us along these rivers, and on the Dordogne calls at the market town of Libourne. From here travel to the village of St Emilion, noted for its catacombs and huge underground church as well as its wine.

Cruises summary

Our four and five night cruises follow the above routes, the 5-night cruise also continuing into the Gironde estuary past Meschers-sur-Gironde with its steep cliffs, cave houses and carrelet fishermens’ huts built on stilts over the water.

The six night cruise travels further up the Garonne river to Cadillac, a bastide town fortified by the English king in 1280 and subsequently a chateau built for the Dukes of Epernon. An excursion from Cadillac visits the chateau at Roquetaillade, a huge fortress built in 1306.

The seven night cruise adds an extra day for a visit to the Basin of Arcachon, noted for its oyster beds and to the Dune of Pyla (Pilat), a huge sand dune 100 metres high.