Bordeaux, Dordogne and Gironde Rivers
Cruise from Bordeaux in south-west France on the Dordogne and Garonne rivers into the main wine-producing regions of France. Between these rivers is the famous Entre deux Mers wine area.
Bordeaux on the Garonne River is an impressive city, once a Gallo-Roman port and now designated a World Heritage Site. Throughout Bordeaux can be found superb examples of architecture, including the flamboyant gothic cathedral in the lively and colourful quarter of Saint-Michel.
Cruising downriver from Bordeaux, pass charming gardens, ancient fishermens' houses and unique fishermens' huts perched on wooden stilts on top of the water. The River Garonne merges with the River Dordogne to form the Gironde river flowing to the Atlantic and Pauillac, gateway to the wine villages and chateaux of Margaux, Haut-Medoc and Lafite-Rothschild. In Blaye see the massive citadel and admire views of the Gironde river from its walls. Nearer the sea are the fishermens’ cabins and troglodyte caves at Meschers sur Gironde.
On the Dorgogne river is the town of Libourne, with its pretty arcaded square, and Saint-Emilion, noted for its wine, underground church and extensive catacombs.
The one-week itinerary includes the coastal area of the Arcachon Basin and the huge Pyla sand dune.