Join us as we sail through charming scenery on a relaxing cruise through the region of France famous for its ‘Art de Vivre’. Our journey combines the glories of the French landscape with the famous wine region of Bordeaux which produces the world’s highest concentration of fine wines.
The success of wine production in the Bordeaux area is attributed to its proximity to sea and rivers which give it a moderate climate with a low risk of severe frosts. While the majority of attention is focused on the top Bordeaux wines, 1855 Classified Growths and the best wines from the prestigious Right Bank appellations, there are 54 different Bordeaux appellations in total with a combined acreage of more than 296,596 acres. Throughout the entire Bordeaux region, close to 450 million bottles of wine are produced in most years. At its heart, sitting alongside the Garonne River, the city of Bordeaux is surrounded in nearly all directions by its world-famous vineyards.
We have timed our river cruise through this picturesque region during the late summer when temperatures are warm and tourist sites are less crowded. There will be a variety of wine tasting opportunities during our cruise whilst other highlights include the Basin d’Arcachon, the seaside city of La Rochelle and charming Bordeaux.
Cyrano de Bergerac
The MS Cyrano de Bergerac is a stylish and elegant vessel built to embody comfort and relaxation with attentive personal service for cruises in the Bordeaux region. The vessel can accommodate up to 174 passengers but for the purposes of this cruise we are limiting the passenger number to 150 to allow for more space on board and a convivial atmosphere. Original paintings throughout the ship and French design touches give the ship a unique character. The vessel is owned and operated by our associates CroisiEurope and we have chartered the ship for this fascinating voyage.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Bordeaux, France.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Cyrano de Bergerac and embark. This evening meet your fellow travellers for the welcome drink and dinner on board as we moor overnight.
Day 2 Cadillac.
Sail this morning to Cadillac, which was founded in 1280 and still retains many original structures. On arrival we depart for a tour of Château de Roquetaillade where the dungeon tower dates from the 11th century, and the quarters of the Seigneurs from the 12th century. The “new castle” was refurbished by Viollet le Duc, initiator of the Gothic Revival Movement in France 1840-1870 and well-known for his interpretive restorations of Medieval buildings such as Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, and the ramparts of Carcassonne. We conclude with a visit to nearby Sauternes for a tasting of this delicious, sweet wine. As we return to Cadillac we explore the port, its ramparts, and the main square and stroll the streets to admire the old homes and 15th century church. This evening we return the short distance to Bordeaux where we moor overnight.
Day 3 Arcachon Basin & Bordeaux.
From our berth in Bordeaux we have a choice of excursions. Join a full day excursion to the centre of the Arcachon basin where we begin our tour by boarding local boats for a mini cruise, touring around Bird Island where we find the “cabanes Tchanquees” houses on stilts and the oyster beds. After lunch in Arcachon, we will visit the Great Dune of Pilat. Culminating at 107 metres, it is the highest sand dune in Europe with an awe-inspiring view from the top. Alternatively, join a half day morning city tour of the Chartrons District of Bordeaux, the old neighbourhood where wine merchants performed their trade. Visit the Wine and Commerce Museum to trace the history of Bordeaux’s classic nectar before enjoying a tasting of wine. Another half day option is to the Bassins des Lumières, a unique digital art centre within a former submarine base built by the Germans during their occupation of France during World War II. Both tours will return to the ship for lunch with the opportunity to explore Bordeaux at leisure this afternoon.
Day 4 Medoc Vineyards.
Today we tour the Medoc vineyards, tucked between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gironde Estuary. We will cross through most of the famed names in the Medoc region including Saint Julien and Haut-Medoc stopping along the celebrated wine route to have a tasting of some of the illustrious regional wines. Afterwards we travel along the Route des Châteaux (Mouton-Rothschild, Lafite-Rothschild, Cos d’Estournel, Saint Estephe) with several photo opportunities of these magnificent châteaux. Return to the ship as we sail to Royan and moor overnight.
Day 5 Royan, Rochefort & La Rochelle.
From our berth in Royan we have a choice of excursions today. Maybe explore 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. Meanwhile, in the Foncillon District, we see the fascinating church before some free time to explore at our own pace. You may wish to visit the covered market, the modern Palais des Congrès, or the shell auditorium. Alternatively, a full day trip will head to the seaside cities of Rochefort and La Rochelle. Rochefort was originally chosen by Jean-Baptiste Colbert as a refuge, defence, 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. Visit the historic downtown area boasting lovely private mansions and beautiful homes as well as 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. After lunch we head to La Rochelle, the capital of the Charente Maritime which is tucked along the Bay of Biscay and features some of the most beautiful natural and architectural heritage in the area. During a guided tour of the old town and port, learn about the Grosse-Horloge gate, Renaissance arcades, lovely half-timbered homes, the finely sculpted facades of the private mansions, and the cathedral. Return to the ship this evening as we sail on the Dordogne River to Libourne.
Day 6 Libourne & Saint-Emilion.
We will have a choice of excursions this morning and you can choose to visit Saint-Emilion and enjoy a guided visit to the underground monuments of Saint-Emilion village. We then visit an exceptional Troglodyte settlement, the cave of Emilion, before visiting one of the region’s vineyards to learn about wine production and enjoy a tasting. Alternatively, spend the morning in Libourne and discover this former English bastide. Located at the confluence of the Isle and Dordogne Rivers, Libourne expanded around its port and we will see the Saint John the Baptist Church, Abel Surchamp Square, and the imposing clock tower in the grand harbour. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy an afternoon cruising towards Bordeaux.
Day 7 Bordeaux to London.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for the return scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
21 to 27 September 2025 | ||
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Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
Category 1 Main Deck Twin | £2895 | £2695 |
Category 2 Middle Deck Twin | £2995 | £2795 |
Category 3 Upper Deck Twin | £3095 | £2895 |
Category 4 Main Deck Single Cabin | £2895 | £2695 |
Category 5 Middle Deck Single Cabin | £2995 | £2795 |
Category 6 Upper Deck Single Cabin | £3095 | £2895 |
Tour Reference Code: RCCB210925
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Six nights aboard the MS Cyrano de Bergerac on a full board basis • All-inclusive drinks from 10am to 11pm daily (please note that premium brands & sparkling wines are not included) • Shore excursions • Wine tastings as described • Cruise Director • Tour Manager • Guest Speaker • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes • Airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Deckplan
Cyrano de Bergerac
The MS Cyrano de Bergerac is a stylish and elegant vessel built to embody comfort and relaxation with attentive personal service for cruises in the Bordeaux region. The vessel can accommodate up to 174 passengers but for the purposes of this cruise we are limiting the passenger number to 150 to allow for more space on board and a convivial atmosphere. Original paintings throughout the ship and French design touches give the ship a unique character. The vessel is owned and operated by our associates CroisiEurope and we have chartered the ship for this fascinating voyage.
Travelling with You
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David Hunter
David went to Germany in 1968 for three months’ work experience in the wine cellars of H Sichel Söhne, Mainz and ended up staying with the company for 25 years. After finishing his apprenticeship at Maison Sichel Bordeaux, he returned to London where he later became the company’s purchasing director. This involved frequent trips to Germany, spending time in the key regions of Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Nahe, Palatinate, Rheingau, Rheinhessen, as well as the Ahr, Baden, Franconia and Württemberg. He also made regular buying trips to the wine producing regions of France, focusing in particular on Bordeaux, Burgundy, the Rhône and Loire where he was responsible for purchasing wines in bulk and in bottle for the Sichel portfolio. This included buying French classed growth clarets “en primeur” or “futures”. He spent time in Oporto, where he helped to blend port and in Spain including Jerez where he got to appreciate and understand the joys and complexities of sherry. David then spent 20 years with Wine and Spirit Education Trust lecturing on all aspects of wine. He is holder of the Diploma qualification and lectured regularly to Diploma students on his specialist subjects of Bordeaux, France in general and Germany, Austria and Hungary as well as the fortified wines of Port, Madeira, and Jerez. He has visited some of the wine regions further afield, including California, South Africa and Australia. David is a liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Distillers, which dates back to the reign of King Charles 1st where he is secretary of their Spirits and Wine Committee.
Also of Interest
The Golden Age of Dutch Art
A journey through Belgium & the southern provinces of the Netherlands aboard the MS River Crown with Guest Speaker Brian Healey
River Crown
Itinerary at a glance
- Brussels / Antwerp / Maastricht / Nuenen / Arnhem / Keukenhof Gardens / Amsterdam / Dordrecht / Kinderdijk / Rotterdam
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000