Beautiful Bordeaux with Highlights of Paris

After breakfast, explore Paris with your choice of Scenic Freechoice excursions.

Scenic Freechoice:

• Guided tour of Paris: Journey via coach through the City of Light. You’ll see some of the city’s most mesmerising districts and monuments. Drive along the banks of the beautiful Seine River and pass Palais Garnier, the 19th century opera house, the Louvre, one of the world’s largest art museums, and the impressive Les Invalides complex.
• Secrets of Montmartre: Step back in time as you trapse the winding cobblestone streets of the district that has been home to many famous artists for centuries and once you see the beauty of this district you will understand why. See some of the quirky characteristics of the district including the greenspace in the middle of the city, the vineyard of Montmartre that produces some 27 varieties of wine.

Set on the Gironde estuary at the heart of the Médoc wine route, Pauillac is surrounded by some of the best vineyards in Bordeaux. The town itself is quiet with elegant architecture that speaks to its powerful past in the winemaking industry.

Scenic Freechoice: Today choose from the following Scenic Freechoice options.

• Médoc wine tasting by coach: With more than 16,000 hectares of vineyards across eight appellations, Médoc is home to the iconic ‘Route des Chateaux', or ‘Route of Castles'. On this coach tour you will travel through this picturesque region to a local winery and enjoy a tasting of their wines.
• Médoc wine tasting by bicycle: Discover the spectacular Médoc countryside by e-bike today on this active tour that takes you past many grand aristocratic châteaux in the world's leading red wine producing region. Afterwards, sample the region's finest at one of the prestigious estates.

Scenic Enrich:

• Classical Concert at Château d'Agassac: Set in spectacular surrounds in the Médoc countryside, Château D'Agassac dates to the 13th century and is one of the oldest winemaking establishments in the region. Enjoy a glass on arrival and soak in the ambience of this magnificent property as live musicians perform classical masterpieces for your exclusive enjoyment.

Cadillac is close to the Sauternes wine region, which is known for its sweet, fortified styles. Today, choose between a variety of experiences in the region surrounding Cadillac, from its peaceful countryside to its historic castles. With a full day here, you have the option to choose multiple excursions.

Scenic Freechoice: This morning, choose from the following Scenic Freechoice activities.

• Sauternes by coach: Drive through the picturesque Sauternes region. Along the way, expert guides share insights into the intricate winemaking process, from the careful harvesting of botrytised grapes to the skilled techniques used in fermentation and aging. Enjoy a guided tour of a local wine estate followed by a tasting.
• Sauternes by bike: If you are feeling active, choose to cycle through the rolling vineyards of Sauternes to visit a local wine estate for a guided tour and tasting. The trail is mostly flat and you’ll cycle for around two hours, including rest stops.

Scenic Freechoice: This afternoon, explore further with the following Scenic Freechoice activities.

• Roquetaillade Castle: Château de Roquetaillade is a magnificent medieval fortress with a history stretching back to the 8th century when Charlemagne reputedly built the first wooden fort on the site. Tour the ancient castle, which has been inhabited by the same family for more than 700 years. Biking in the Loupiac wine region: Join a local guide as you cycle the lush landscapes of the Gironde in the wine region of Loupiac, from where you can admire the breathtaking Château Benauge. You’ll ride through gently rolling backroad to Sainte-Croix-du-Mont for an impressive view of the region
• Château Toulouse-Lautrec: Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you will explore the rich history of the château and delve into the life of its most famous resident, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. You’ll have the rare opportunity to wander through the rooms, including the artist’s private apartments, which still showcase some of his remarkable artworks.

You'll return to Bordeaux City today to discover more of its culinary and cultural delights. Foodies will relish the opportunity to visit a local market with a Scenic chef before an interactive demonstration on board in Scenic Culinaire. There are also options for military buffs and active travellers.

Scenic Freechoice: Discover more about Bordeaux with one of these excursions:

• Guided tour of Bordeaux: Join your local guide on a tour of Bordeaux. Discover the highlights of the city by coach and on foot whilst learning interesting facts about the city's history, culture and way of life. Admire the magnificent Gothic cathedral, Place de la Bourse and Cailhau Gate, before some free time to explore on your own.
• Cycling tour of Bordeaux: Pedal through historic Bordeaux on a guided cycling tour. Cross beautiful bridges, admire sites such as the Royal Gate and the Palais Rohan, and ride through beautiful public gardens. Sample delicious treats such as canelé, a custard cake.
• Shop with a chef and Scenic Culinaire: Join one of Scenic's on board chef at a local food market to shop for and taste the best ingredients this region has to offer before returning to Scenic Diamond for a cooking demonstration in Scenic Culinaire to learn the art of French fare. This activity is not available on Mondays, as markets in France are closed.
• Bordeaux in the shadow of WWII: Step back in time and uncover Bordeaux's dramatic World War II history on this immersive walking tour. On an unforgettable journey through the city's most turbulent chapter, you'll uncover new stories of resistance, sacrifice, and survival beneath the polished surface of Bordeaux's charm.

Back on board, your Cruise Director will organise a special treat for you, with a tasting of fresh oysters delivered straight from the waters of Arcachon Bay.

Scenic Enrich:

• Bassins des Lumières: After the doors have closed to the public, you will be welcomed with a glass of Champagne to Bassins des Lumières, Bordeaux's former WWII submarine base, now an impressive digital art installation. Be treated to an exclusive show, customised and curated just for Scenic guests.

Your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship will be docked in Bourg today, a picturesque town set on a rocky promontory. It began life as a defensive château in the 12th century and has expanded over the centuries. Today, it’s a maze of ancient alleyways, moats and bell towers on the banks of the Dordogne.

Scenic Freechoice: Today, choose from the following Scenic Freechoice activities.

• Bourg with Carriages Museum: Your guided walk will lead you through the village’s charming streets to the bustling main square. Explore the historic Citadel, a symbol of the village’s strategic importance through the centuries, and then step inside its grounds to visit the fascinating Horse Carriage Museum.
• Historic Saintes: Take a tour of Saintes, a charming town that’s steeped in 2,000 years of history. Admire the Arch of Germanicus, a testament to its Roman past, and the World Heritage-listed Saint-Eutrope Basilica. This immersive walking tour offers a blend of Roman history, medieval architecture and local charm on this tour exclusively available for Scenic guests.
• Full day excursion to Cognac: The fortified city of Cognac is renowned for producing some of the world’s finest brandy. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the town, an included lunch, and tour the estate of famed Rémy Martin before sampling some of the Cognacs.

This morning you will arrive in Blaye, set at a strategic position on the confluence of the Dordogne and Garonne rivers. Most famously, this petite hamlet is home to a World Heritage-listed citadel that was constructed to protect Bordeaux city from enemy attacks.

Scenic Freechoice: Today, choose from the following Scenic Freechoice activities.

• Walking tour of Blaye: Join a local guide to stroll through the charming town of Blaye, proudly recognised as a World Heritage site. Walk through the town's most iconic feature, the impressive 17th-century Vauban Citadel, and through picturesque streets that reveal its historical significance, cultural traditions, and architectural treasures.
• Active walking tour of Blaye: Tour the fascinating Citadel of Blaye on an active walking tour with a local guide. Gain an understanding of the defence system created by the famous architect Sébastien Vauban.
• Cycling along the Captain's Road: Join an active cycling tour along the Captain's Road, named in honour of the WWI Captains who chose to purchase their homes along this beautiful stretch of waterway in the early 20th century. Pass charming riverside villages, the ruins of ancient villas, splendid manor houses and limestone quarries.
• Visit Château de La Roche Courbon: Originally a fortress, Château La Roche Courbon has been transformed over centuries and is now an elegantly restored Renaissance château. Family owned and still inhabited, this beautiful property and its superb gardens will allow you to leap back in time.