Wine Cruise across France’s Renowned Vineyards with CroisiEurope

For wine lovers, Bordeaux is elegance in a bottle. Its powerful, structured red wines combine finesse and character. Whether Margaux, Pauillac, Pomerol, Saint-Émilion… each appellation tells a story, tailored for discerning palates and unapologetic pleasure. Discover our excursion on this magnificent wine cruise courtesy of CroisiEurope.

We visited Gironde, located in southwestern France in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, along the Garonne and Dordogne rivers. This wine cruise takes you on a journey between the ocean, vineyards and dunes. Here is an overview of our stops in the wine-growing and maritime towns along this charming route, ideal for awakening the senses of Bordeaux wine lovers.

Wine Cruise across France’s Renowned Vineyards: The excursions

Bordeaux

The wine cruise commences and concludes at this location. This provides you with the flexibility to explore the city at your own pace, either before or after the cruise, allowing you to fully experience all its attractions. Additionally, time is allocated for you to fully enjoy the final day of your stay. Among the notable destinations are the Miroir d’Eau, the Saint-Pierre district, the Chartrons District, and the Place de la Bourse.

The cobbled streets, numerous terraces, shops, architecture, and lively quays collectively contribute to the city’s distinctive character. If time permits, a highly recommended excursion is the Cité du Vin, which is integral to the theme of this wine cruise. Beyond serving as a museum, it is a unique cultural venue dedicated to the global wine industry. The Cité du Vin offers an immersive, interactive, and sensory experience that delves into the history, cultures, and winemaking expertise of various regions worldwide.

Arcachon

As the oyster capital, the city invites you to savour this delectable saltwater delicacy directly from oyster farmers, accompanied by a glass of white wine (Aren’t we in a wine cruise after all). A simple yet authentic indulgence. Following a leisurely boat tour of the bay, embark on a leisurely stroll through the city’s charming streets. Subsequently, take a seat at the Grand Café Victoria, overlooking the serene sea, and indulge in a delectable seafood platter. An experience that travellers highly value.

Dune du Pilat

Ascending the Dune du Pilat offers a serene respite, allowing you to experience a profound sense of power. From the summit, you can witness the vastness of the surrounding landscape: on one side, the Atlantic Ocean stretches endlessly; on the other, the once-immense Landes forest has undergone transformation since the devastating fires of 2022. The altered landscape of the Landes is characterized by its openness and the distinct marks left by the fires. Despite these changes, this raw and rugged terrain exudes extraordinary strength and beauty. After taking in the panoramic view, we highly recommend descending the dune without footwear. The steep incline and the shifting sand beneath your feet create an immersive and sensory experience.

Cussac-Fort-Médoc

In Cussac-Fort-Médoc, nestled within the heart of a terroir bordering the estuary, embark on an unparalleled immersion where the esteemed grape varieties of the Haut-Médoc—Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot—unleash their full potential. Discover the châteaux that unveil, through their tastings, the profound influence and refinement of this gravelly terroir characteristic of the region.

Intertwined with historical heritage and winemaking expertise, each glass narrates a tale of passion, soil, and climate. During our visit to Château Maucaillou near Pauillac, in Moulis-en-Médoc, we sampled three exquisite wines. Notably, some of their bottles are available for purchase at the SAQ. On our return journey, we had the privilege of witnessing the illustrious wine estates of the Médoc, including Château Mouton Rothschild and Château Latour, among others. This experience harmoniously aligned with the overarching theme of our wine excursion.

Royan

Royan, a seaside town celebrated for its pristine beaches, offers a serene escape from the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean. Between golden sand and invigorating waves, it beckons individuals to immerse themselves in the refreshing waters. As you traverse the town’s charming streets, you will witness Royan’s transformation into a paradigm of contemporary urban planning, a testament to its resilience since the devastating bombings of 1945. The iconic Notre-Dame Church, characterized by its brutalist architectural style, stands as a symbol of this remarkable transformation.

Libourne

Libourne captivates visitors with its charming downtown area, meticulously designed around a square flanked by arcades. Beneath these arches, a vibrant tapestry of shops and cafes enlivens the local atmosphere. Situated between the port, vineyards, and market, Libourne offers a captivating destination where heritage and art de vivre harmoniously converge.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle captivates visitors with its Old Port, adorned with numerous sailboats and yachts (an indispensable stop on this French wine cruise), flanked by medieval towers. An artisan market is held there throughout the summer, and in the city, the covered Old Market, adjacent to the hall, offers local produce, including oysters and cheeses. At certain points along the coast, the view expands to Fort Boyard and the islands of Ré and Oléron. A maritime haven par excellence, La Rochelle also appeals to history buffs, as it was one of the primary ports from which the colonists who founded and shaped the Québec Province embarked on their journeys.

Rochefort

In Rochefort, the Corderie Royale, a testament to maritime heritage, unveils the traditional art of rope-making, which is indispensable for navigation. Explore its historic workshops, marvel at the antiquated tools, and comprehend the pivotal role of ropes in securing sails and ensuring the safety of vessels. For enthusiasts of the history of French shipbuilding.

Saint-Émilion

Our wine cruise continues in Saint-Émilion, a charming town nestled within the heart of the Bordeaux vineyards. Renowned for its exquisite wines, Saint-Émilion harmoniously blends art, history, and viticulture, providing an authentic experience of architectural heritage and oenological excellence.

During our visit to Château Cantenac, we had the privilege of listening to Nicole Roskam-Brunot, the fourth-generation owner of the Château, share the captivating history of the vineyard. A guided tasting was subsequently conducted. For those interested, a limited selection of bottles is available for purchase at the SAQ.

Cadillac

In Gironde, Cadillac offers a harmonious blend of a relaxed lifestyle, local culture, and exquisite wine-tasting experiences, making it an ideal destination for a brief respite. Renowned for its delectable wines, we savoured the Sauternes from Château Simon in Barsac, a product of the esteemed Dufour family. Indulged as an aperitif, accompanied by a delectable combination of melon and ham, this exquisite pairing is an ideal summer indulgence, characterized by its light and aromatic qualities.

Wine Cruise across France’s Renowned Vineyards: The MS Cyrano de Bergerac

The ships can accommodate 174 passengers, providing an intimate ambiance. Each cabin features an exterior view, a highly valued feature during the voyage. Passengers can open the windows, experience the breeze, and relax, whether for a brief respite or indulging in a book.

The ship’s sole dining establishment offers meals at set times. All tables are served in a single service, fostering social interaction among dining companions. The cuisine is refined, showcasing regional produce, and a selection of wines is available (white, rosé, and red). From appetizers to desserts, the portions and variety are universally acclaimed.

In essence, CroisiEurope presents a distinctive cruise experience that harmoniously blends comfort and exploration. The company extends its expertise to various river routes across Europe, enabling passengers to diversify their destinations while maintaining exceptional service.

For further insights into another cruise offer from the same esteemed company, kindly refer to the article (In French) on the Siège hublot website titled “River Cruise on the Rhône.”

If you are captivated by the allure of luxury cruises, Embark on an extraordinary journey with Explora Journeys.