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Barge Cruises in France ~
Bordeaux
- Medoc
Tour
the most famous wine region in the world!
Cruise
the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers in southwestern France aboard a 24-passenger
barge-hotel (7 days - 6 nights). This cruise will take you from the Sauternes
region through the city of Bordeaux and on to Médoc and St. Emilion. Cruise
past vineyards and chateaus and stop along the way to taste the local wines. Your
onboard chef will delight you with regional dishes, paired with appropriate wines
from the region, of course. 
TYPICAL
BARGE CRUISE ITINERARY
(actual program may vary) Please
note: Excursions may be taken in a different order due to the timing of the
tides, which affect navigation on the Gironde estuary and the Garonne and Dordogne
rivers. Day
1 - Sunday: Bordeaux to Castets. Afternoon
transfer from the Bordeaux train station or airport by private air-conditioned
minibus to the barge moored in Castets-en-Dorthe. The crew will welcome you with
cocktails and appetizers. After settling into your cabin, enjoy your first dinner
aboard the barge - an introduction to the excellent local cuisine, accompanied
by local wines. Day
2 - Monday: Castets to Cadillac.
After breakfast, begin your wine-tasting adventure in the Graves region, with
stops at Chateau Guiraud and Domaine Rousset-Peyraguey, neighbors of the famous
Chateau d'Yquem. Back on board the barge, cruise the Garonne River to Cadillac,
a bastide (walled town) from where you'll be taken to visit the 8th-century Château
de Roquetaillade. Day
3 - Tuesday: Cadillac to Bordeaux.
Morning cruise to Bordeaux (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), where the barge will
moor near the famous Pont de Pierre. After a guided tour of the city, you'll have
free time to see more of the city and perhaps do a little shopping. Day
4 - Wednesday: Bordeaux to Blaye.
Continuing your cruise down the Garonne, arrive at the town of Blaye, on the banks
of Gironde Estuary. The 17th-century citadel built by the noted military engineer
Vauban is part of another World Heritage Site. After visiting the citadel, enjoy
a wine tasting at Chateau Falfas. Day
5 - Thursday: Blaye to Bourg. Today,
cruise across the estuary to the famed Médoc wine region, home of the famous
Chateau Rothschild Mouton Cadet. After mooring in Pauillac, you'll be driven through
the vineyards to visit one of the well-known wineries. Later, cruise back across
the estuary to the confluence of the Dordogne and Garonne Rivers and moor for
the night in Bourg. There you can visit the museum of horse-drawn carriages and
take time before dinner on the barge to take a walk through the village. Day
6 - Friday: Bourg to Libourne. Morning cruise up the Dordogne River
to Libourne. Tour the picturesque village of Saint Emilion, another World Heritage
Site, where wine was first produced by the Romans in the 2nd century AD. Your
final wine-tasting on the cruise will be at the Chateau Rochebelle winery, where
you'll visit the 18th-century cellars carved out of stone and sample their grand
cru wines. Enjoy the captain's farewell dinner this evening. Day
7 - Saturday: Libourne to Bordeaux.
After breakfast, transfer from the barge to the Bordeaux train station or airport. On
alternate weeks, the cruise is in the reverse direction.
This itinerary is
subject to change without notice.
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Highlights - Wine
tastings: Sauternes (Graves), Côtes-de-Bourg, Médoc and St. Emilion
plus additional regional wines with meals on the barge
- Visit
the Château de Roquetaillade
- Guided
city tour of Bordeaux (World Heritage Site)
- Visit
the Citadel of Blaye
- Tour
of the village of Saint Emilion (World Heritage Site)
Included - Private
accommodations with private bathroom/shower and all meals from dinner on day 1
to breakfast on day 7 served on the barge
- Wine
with lunch and dinner; plus selected alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages consumed
aboard the barge
- Sightseeing
tours, wine tastings and entrance fees as specified
- Transfers
from Saint-Jean train station in Bordeaux or Bordeaux-Merignac airport to and
from the barge
Not
Included - Transportation
to and from beginning and end points
- Health
and travel insurance
- Barge
crew gratuities (suggested 5-7% of cruise price)
- Superior
vintage wines
- Personal
expenses
- Optional
activities when available
- Other
items not specifically listed under "Included" above
Barge
Features - Cabins:
12 twin - 120 square feet each
- Private
bath with shower
- 4
to 6 crew members
- Size:
126 ft. long
- Dining
room and lounge area
- Sun
deck
- Air
conditioning and central heating
- Air-conditioned
coach for excursions
- Internet
connection available
Cruise
Departures Every
Sunday subject to availability (except winter) This
barge can be chartered for groups. Various themes can be arranged to fit the specific
interests of each group. DEPARTURES
AND PRICES BOOK
YOUR CRUISE [top]
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