Bordeaux and the Southwest: A Cruise Through the Heart of France’s Vineyards
Duration
11 DaysCategory
River CruiseDate
Wednesday September 30 2026Description
Embark on a river cruise through the Bordeaux region, at the heart of an exceptional area renowned worldwide for its prestigious wines, Grand Crus, and unique lifestyle. This journey immerses you in a region where historical heritage, vineyard landscapes, and refined cuisine come together.
As you cruise along the Gironde River, you’ll sail past iconic sites such as Saint-Émilion, a medieval gem listed as a World Heritage Site; the prestigious Médoc region; the citadel of Blaye; and the magnificent city of Bordeaux, the elegant capital of the Southwest. Each stop reveals a distinct identity, blending winemaking traditions, remarkable architecture, and cultural richness.
This cruise in southwestern France is a complete immersion in the world of wine, where tastings and oenological discoveries punctuate your journey through the heart of Bordeaux’s greatest wine regions.
The journey continues along the Atlantic coast to Biarritz, an iconic seaside resort with timeless charm. Between ocean beaches, Basque elegance, and a friendly atmosphere, you’ll discover a region proud of its traditions, its gastronomy, and its strong cultural identity.
This combined cruise and Atlantic coast getaway offers a complete experience, blending the pleasures of wine, cultural heritage, and the laid-back lifestyle of southwestern France.
Highlights:
-Explore the Gironde and Garonne estuaries
-Oyster tasting on board paired with a glass of white wine
-Onboard lecture
-Discover southwestern France
-Excursion to San Sebastián
-Stay in Biarritz
Accommodation categories:
Biarritz: 3-star Hotel Cosmopolitain or similar
Bordeaux: 3-star Ibis Gare St-Jean or similar
The itinerary is subject to change without notice. The final itinerary will be available from your travel advisor!
The price shown is for two adults sharing a double room. Other dates, cabin categories, and occupancy types (single, triple, or quadruple) may be available. Price available upon request*.
Inclusions
Flights with Air Transat or another carrier
All transfers
Transportation by deluxe motor coach
Accommodation for 9 nights, including 5 nights aboard the MS Cyrano de Bergerac (5 anchors)
19 meals
During the cruise: beverages included with meals on board (wine, water, beer, fruit juice, and 1 coffee), as well as drinks at the bar
Services of a tour director
Included activities (unless optional $):
Welcome cocktail
City tour of Biarritz
Discovery of Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Discovery of San Sebastián
City tour of Bordeaux
Welcome evening
Evening entertainment
Dance evening
Gala evening
First checked baggage fee with the airline
Taxes and service charges
Compensation Fund for Customers of Travel Agents (FICAV)
Exclusions
All travel or personal insurance policies (trip cancellation/interruption, emergency medical, baggage and other necessary policies)
Tips
Meals and drinks not mentioned in the inclusions
Optional excursions during stopovers and any other excursions or activities not mentioned in the inclusions
Personal expenses
Luggage handling fees
ETIAS fees (European travel authorization)
Anything not mentioned in the inclusions
Départ garanti
Itinerary
Flight to Bordeaux Departure for France with a flight to Bordeaux, the world capital of wine and a jewel of southwestern France. Overnight flight.
Arrival in Bordeaux and Cruise Embarkation Arrival in Bordeaux and free time to discover this elegant UNESCO World Heritage city. Late in the afternoon, transfer to the port for embarkation aboard the MS Cyrano de Bergerac operated by CroisiEurope . Settle into your cabin before enjoying a welcome cocktail and crew presentation followed by a pleasant evening onboard.
Bordeaux – Cussac-Fort-Médoc Morning cruise through the renowned vineyards of the Médoc region toward Cussac-Fort-Médoc. Relax onboard while attending a conference about the region and its prestigious wines. In the afternoon, enjoy free time or join an optional excursion to discover the famous Médoc vineyards with a wine tasting featuring internationally renowned grands crus.
Cussac-Fort-Médoc – Gironde Estuary – Blaye Early morning navigation toward Blaye, a historic town famous for its impressive citadel built during the reign of Louis XIV. Free time or optional excursion including a tour of Blaye by tourist train, exploration of the citadel, and a tasting of regional wines and local specialties. Return onboard and continue cruising along the Gironde Estuary. In the evening, enjoy a lively dance party onboard.
Libourne and Saint-Émilion Cruise toward Libourne, a charming town located at the confluence of the Isle and Dordogne rivers, renowned for its architectural heritage and wine culture. Free time or optional excursion to Saint-Émilion, a magnificent medieval village listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and world-famous for its exceptional wines. Guided tour and wine tasting included. Return to Libourne for an elegant gala evening onboard.
Libourne – Bordeaux Morning cruise back toward Bordeaux. Sail through the Bec d’Ambès, where the Dordogne and Garonne rivers meet, before continuing along the scenic Bordeaux waterfront. Onboard, enjoy an oyster tasting before arriving in Bordeaux. Free time to explore the city or join an optional excursion to the Chartrons district, known for its elegant and bohemian atmosphere. Visit the Wine and Trade Museum to learn about Bordeaux’s rich wine-trading history, followed by a wine tasting experience. Evening entertainment onboard.
Bordeaux – Biarritz Disembarkation followed by transfer to Biarritz, the famous seaside resort on the French Basque Coast. Along the way, travel through the vast Landes Forest, created to stabilize sand dunes and protect the Atlantic coastline. Upon arrival in Biarritz, check in at your hotel for a three-night stay ideally located near the ocean and city centre.
Biarritz and the Basque Coast Accompanied by a French-speaking local guide, discover Biarritz, an elegant seaside town overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Once the favourite destination of Empress Eugénie and European aristocracy, Biarritz charms visitors with its refined architecture, beaches, and chic atmosphere. You will also see the traditional Basque fishermen’s cottages known as “crampottes,” recognizable by their red and green painted woodwork. Free afternoon to explore the city at your own pace or continue discovering its highlights with your tour escort.
Saint-Jean-de-Luz and San Sebastián Departure to discover the beautiful Basque coastline. First stop in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, a historic seaside town famous for the wedding of King Louis XIV and the Infanta Maria Theresa of Spain. Guided walk through the picturesque streets, harbour, and Place Louis XIV, followed by a visit to Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church. Continue to San Sebastián, a jewel of the Spanish Basque Country renowned for its gastronomy and magnificent La Concha Bay. Guided tour of the old town located at the foot of Mount Urgull, offering spectacular panoramic views over the Atlantic Ocean before returning to Biarritz.
Biarritz – Bordeaux Morning transfer back to Bordeaux. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided tour of this magnificent UNESCO-listed city with a French-speaking local guide. Discover iconic landmarks such as Porte d’Aquitaine, the Grand Théâtre, Place de la Bourse, and the famous Water Mirror, one of Bordeaux’s most recognizable attractions. Hotel check-in followed by free time to enjoy the atmosphere of Bordeaux one last time.
Bordeaux ✈ Return Transfer to the airport in Bordeaux for your return flight. End of this unforgettable journey featuring prestigious vineyards, a relaxing river cruise, and the charm of the Basque Coast.
From5999.00 $
CAD
per person double occupancy



