9-10 June
Setting sail from Bordeaux
Bordeaux sits at the centre of the world's most famous wine region, and is home to a beguiling blend of beautiful buildings, sophisticated gastronomy and high culture. What's more, the city has been transformed over the last few years: the grandiose 18th century facades have been scrubbed clean, a shiny new public transport system has been installed, and a wonderful new promenade has been created alongside the river Garonne. We think Bordeaux is a marvellous place to spend some time, whether it's a day sampling wines, an evening at the opera or a night on the tiles.
Don't miss
You have to see the Water Mirror, which you will find by the Place de la Bourse. Who would have thought that two centimetres of water on a huge granite slab could create such an amazing effect?
10 June
France: Saint Emilion
11 June
France: Libourne
The picturesque town of Libourne, situated at the confluence of the Dordogne and Isle rivers, is an important centre for the wine industry which dominates this region. Popular excursions from Libourne include the delightful medieval town of Saint-Emilion, another name that will be familiar to wine connoisseurs.
11-14 June
France: Cussac-Fort-Médoc, Cadillac
15-16 June
France: Bordeaux
Bordeaux sits at the centre of the world's most famous wine region, and is home to a beguiling blend of beautiful buildings, sophisticated gastronomy and high culture. It's a marvellous place to spend some time, whether it's a day sampling wines, an evening at the opera or a night on the tiles.
16-17 June
France: Bourg
18 June
France: Blaye
The remarkable 17th century citadel of Blaye is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, designed by the famous military engineer Vauban to guard the Gironde river and the city of Bordeaux. The town is also known for its excellent wines, and there are several châteaux nearby.
18-19 June
France: Bordeaux
Bordeaux sits at the centre of the world's most famous wine region, and is home to a beguiling blend of beautiful buildings, sophisticated gastronomy and high culture. It's a marvellous place to spend some time, whether it's a day sampling wines, an evening at the opera or a night on the tiles.
19 June
France: Paris
Paris is a joyful expression of all that is glorious about France, a city of rarified tastes, romantic riverside walks and the occasional rather rude waiter. Culture vultures will be in seventh heaven, with a plethora of galleries and museums housing some of the finest art collections in the world, and the restaurant scene is absolutely first class.
20 June
France: Les Andelys
The picturesque town of Les Andelys, situated on a bend in the river Seine, is best known for the ruins of Château Gaillard. Richard the Lionheart ordered the construction of this imposing fortress at the end of the 12th century, and it took just two years to build, a remarkable feat.
21-22 June
France: Rouen
Rouen has endured a turbulent history: it was here that Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake in 1431, and much of the city was destroyed during World War II. Many cruise visitors head straight for Paris, an hour away by train, which is a shame since there’s so much to see in Rouen, including a beautiful cathedral and the atmospheric Medieval quarter.
23-24 June
France: Honfleur
Situated on the southern bank of the Seine estuary, Honfleur was once one of France’s most important ports. It was also a favourite location of Monet and the Impressionists, and art lovers may well recognise the elegant Renaissance architecture of the old harbour, the Vieux Bassin.
25 June
France: Caudebec
26 June
France: Vernon
The picturesque town of Vernon, with its timber-framed houses and medieval church, is a pleasant place for a riverside stroll, but most visitors are just passing through en route to Claude Monet’s house and beautiful gardens in the nearby village of Giverny.
26-27 June
France: La Roche-Guyon, Conflans Sainte Honorine
27-29 June
Arriving in Paris
Paris is a joyful expression of all that is glorious about France, a city of rarified tastes, romantic riverside walks and the occasional rather rude waiter. Although the sights will be familiar even to first-time visitors, this does nothing to lessen their impact; a word like 'iconic' doesn't quite do justice to that first glimpse of Gustave Eiffel's famous tower looming over the Seine. Culture vultures will be in seventh heaven, with a plethora of galleries and museums housing some of the finest art collections in the world, and the restaurant scene is absolutely first class.
Our tip
The latest ‘up and coming’ neighbourhood changes on a regular basis, though districts such as Montmartre and the Latin Quarter retain a timeless appeal.
Your home from home
What we love
The recently refurbished Sapphire and Diamond offer stylish, spacious accommodation and a luxurious all-inclusive experience. The innovative onboard cooking school, Scenic Cullinaire, is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the flavours of southern France.
Capacity | 149 Guests |
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Crew | 57 European Staff |
Style |
Relaxed and informal during the day, giving way to an elegant evening atmosphere. |
Inclusions |
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Tailor-make your trip
Where to stay in Bordeaux
At the heart of the historic centre, the quirky Yndo Hotel is a great choice.
Take a day trip from Bordeaux
The nearby coastal town of Arcachon is renowned for its oysters, and is home to the towering Dune du Pyla, Europe’s largest sand dune.
Extend your stay in Paris
There are so many fantastic hotels. For good value and peace, how about the Grandes Ecoles, beautifully secluded.
Day trips from Paris
If you’ve time, go out to Versailles for a fascinating visit to the great palace.