Bordeaux Wine
Appreciation Cruise
A Classic Cruise in Gascony and Bordeaux
Barge cruises (Summer & Autumn)
Cruise highlights
- Saint Emilion, Château Beau-Sejour-Becot
- Château de Malle, private tour and tasting
- Tonnellerie Saint Martin the secrets of making barrels
- Maison des Vins, exhibition about wine-making since the 12th century
- Lapeyrade Estate for a cellar tasting of Armagnac
- Cork Museum in Mézin
Cruise itinerary: Boé to Castets-en-Dorthe
SundayGuests are met in Bordeaux ** and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Rosa. Following a champagne and canapés welcome, there is time for a stroll before returning for your first dinner on board. A knowledgeable sommelier also visits the barge to give the first of several talks during the cruise on the vineyards of Bordeaux and ensures that everyone has mastered their wine-tasting technique!
MondayAfter breakfast, our first cruise is to Serignac-sur-Garonne, crossing the Plan Canal d’Agen, one of the longest aqueducts in France which spans the Garonne River. After lunch on board, we visit the fascinating Cork Museum in Mézin, a small town at the centre of an area that boasted over 50 cork factories back in the 1800’s. There, we learn about the history of cork-making and see an exhibition of tools and machines used by workers in the 19th and 20th centuries. Later, we see the medieval riverside village of Lavardac and some of the nearby cork trees, then stop at the Lapeyrade Estate for a cellar tasting of Armagnac, the oldest alcohol in France. Dinner on board.
TuesdayThis morning, we cruise further along the canal, where you will be able to spot some of Gascony’s famous pigeon-houses en route, to arrive at our mooring at Buzet-sur-Baise, a town at the heart of the Garonne terroir that produces some excellent wines. After lunch, we visit the traditional cooperage of St. Martin, where we discover the secrets of making the barrels that enhance the great wines of Bordeaux. Before returning to the barge, we also visit the Buzet wine co-operative, Les Vignerons de Buzet, for a tour of the cellars and tasting. Dinner ashore this evening at a charming waterside restaurant, Le Moulin des Saveurs.
WednesdayThis morning, we enjoy a relaxing afternoon cruise past Damazan, a fortified village with pastel-coloured houses to our mooring at the lovely little village of Le Mas d’Agenais. In the afternoon, we visit the 14th century Château de Duras, an architectural wonder, which has been both a fortress and a stately home over its 900-year history. We wander through its 35 rooms and museum, then take a short drive to the nearby “Maison des Vins”, with its exhibition telling the story of the wine-making that has taken place in the area since the 12th century. Dinner on board.
ThursdayMorning cruise to Meilhan-sur-Garonne, the perfect time to walk or cycle the towpath through stunning countryside with views over the valley of the Garonne. After lunch on board, we visit Château de Malle, an exquisite residence set in Italian-style gardens with vineyards situated in some of the most sought after wine-growing land in the region. Since being built in the 17th century, it has remained in the hands of the same family and produces its renowned sweet wine, Sauternes “Grand Cru Classe”, a recognition awarded back in 1855, as well as red and white Graves wines. After a tour, we enjoy a private tasting of these delicious wines. Dinner on board.
Friday Today, our final cruise is to Castet-en-Dorthe, following the nearby River Garonne. In the afternoon, we visit the medieval town of Saint Emilion, a UNESCO World Heritage site and centre of the most famous of the Bordeaux appellations. Later, we stop at Château Beau-Sejour-Becot, a long-established, family-run producer of some highly-praised premier and grand cru Saint Emilion wines, where we are given a private tour and, of course, enjoy a tasting. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.
Saturday After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to their choice of location in Bordeaux **.
** Alternative locations are available for Private Charter bookings
Note The designated meeting and drop off point is « Bordeaux ». On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. For more information about our « Bordeaux cruise » and pricing, please contact us.
Bordeaux region
The Bordeaux region, famous around the world for its wines, lies in the southern part of western France, on the Atlantic coast. A hotel barge cruise along the Canal de Garonne is a unique way to explore and appreciate the slow rhythm of this region with its subtle mixture of natural landscapes, medieval bastide towns and iconic vineyards. We cruise through the Graves vineyards and visit the medieval town of Saint Emilion, a UNESCO World Heritage site and centre of the most famous of the Bordeaux appellations. Away from the vineyards we explore the fascinating historic architecture of the region including a visit to the 14th Century Château de Duras, the 13th Century fortified village of Vianne and the medieval town of Nerac where we tread in the footsteps of King Henry IV and Queen Margot.