Chateaux, Rivers & Wine

Capital of the Aquitaine region, Bordeaux is celebrated for its thoughtfully preserved 18th-century architecture. Together, its glorious buildings, many of them built on the wine trade, comprise the world's largest urban UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, honored as a City of Art and History, Bordeaux is a “Little Paris” of beautiful boulevards, Gothic and baroque churches, and lovely parks and gardens. The towering spire of the flamboyant Basilica of St. Michael is visible from all over the city, while the city's green spaces are a delight to explore on foot.

Stately mansions, restored houses and grand squares form the heart of Bordeaux's old town. Among its treasures, the neoclassical Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux is the pride of the city. Another cultural gem, and a national monument of France, is the spectacular Cathedral of St. Andrew. In 1137, Eleanor of Aquitaine wed the future Louis VII in the cathedral when she was 13 years old. The elegant, 17-arched Stone Bridge is favored among the Bordelais for whiling away an afternoon and capturing views over the river, docks and the harbor.

As you sail along the lush, green banks of the Dordogne, you will understand why writer Henry Miller called this fertile region a “country of enchantment.” Behind the tree-lined shores that you drift past, vast vineyards stretch into this peaceful and pastoral region, leading to sylvan forests harboring secret stashes of truffles and thriving farms that grow the season's bounty of fresh produce. Occasional castles and grand manses peer out from behind hedgerows along the Dordogne, and the farther upriver you go, the more intimate and narrow the waters become.

Built as a fortified town intended to help colonize the wilderness areas of southwestern France, Libourne has hugged the confluence of the Dordogne and Isle Rivers since 1270. Libourne was founded and named by Roger de Leybourne under the English Crown and King Edward I. Later, the town was caught in the middle of struggles between the French and English in the 14th century; England's loss was France's gain when it joined the latter. Today, Libourne enjoys a respected status as a wine-making capital of northern Gironde and hosts one of the area's largest fresh food markets.

Libourne is a gastronomic haven, an inviting destination full of the authentic flavors of southwestern France. Situated in the picturesque heart of Bordeaux wine country, its surrounding vineyards have a long-standing tradition of crafting exceptional wines from Merlot, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc grapes, showcasing the region's unique terroir. Libourne's culinary scene shines, with an abundance of food markets and charming bistros offering fresh produce and regional delicacies, such as entrecôte à la Bordelaise, perfectly paired with renowned local wines.

Laced with steep cobblestone streets and blessed with stunning views of surrounding vineyards, Saint-Émilion rests on the rolling hills of the Gironde department. Its vineyards, originally planted by Romans in the 2nd century, rank among the world's finest and were even praised by the Latin poet Ausonius. For its remarkable blend of medieval ruins and Romanesque churches in a medieval atmosphere, the entire town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its narrow lanes are a pleasure to explore, and its cafés invite long lingering sips of the delicious wines that are produced here.

The village of Bourg reclines along the Gironde, just beyond the confluence of the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers. Perched on a rocky slope and encircled by medieval walls, it has always had a clear view of ships, friend or foe, heading toward Bordeaux. The citadel in the Upper Town has long kept watch. Pleasant strolls unfold at every corner, from the picturesque alleyways that tumble down to the harbor to the ancient King's Staircase that provided the royals with quick access to the water. With a rich architectural heritage, it is one of France's official historic villages.

A producer of fine red wines, the scenic town of Blaye rests on the Gironde River, just north of Bordeaux. Blaye boasts an extraordinary 17th-century citadel, dramatically set on a rock along the river. The sprawling fortress was built on the orders of King Louis XIV to protect Bordeaux, upstream on the Garonne River. Its ancient Gothic château contains the tomb of Charibert II, King of Aquitaine. Legend has it that the Frankish hero Roland, who served Charlemagne, is also buried here. The citadel, its city walls and two nearby forts comprise a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Pauillac is a famed wine-growing village in the southwest of France. Set along the Gironde estuary, it neighbors other iconic wine locations, including Margaux, Saint-Estéphe and Saint-Julien. Collectively, they produce some of the world's most prestigious wines. Several Premier cru classé can be found in the region, including Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Latour and Château Mouton Rothschild. The town itself features a splendid waterfront promenade, delicious local cuisine and a vibrant atmosphere rich in both history and charm.

Bordeaux's good fortune began in the 12th century when Duchess Eleanor of Aquitaine married Count Henri Plantagenêt, who soon became King Henry II of England. Their wedding in 1152 led to a growing popularity in wine production. Claret was the primary style of Bordeaux wine at the time and England imported it in large quantities. France regained control of the region and its vines at the close of the Hundred Years' War in 1453. Since then, the city and its surrounding region has produced many styles, from simple table wine to the most prestigious and coveted bottles.

Though its name may not be familiar, the Garonne River is among the most beloved waterways in the world of wine lovers. As you sail its languid waters, gaze upon gentle hills laden with vineyards and riverside outcroppings dotted with honey-colored castles that share long histories of skirmishes. Sleepy French villages set the tone of life along the Garonne, where a slow pace and gentle patience serve the wine-growing industry well. Fishing is also prevalent along the river's banks; you will pass some of the many carrelets (small fishing huts) hugging the shores.

Cadillac was built as a fortified town to protect Bordeaux. Its mighty towers gave watchmen a clear view of the Garonne, and a clear shot should any foe attempt to pass. This charming town and its 17th-century castle retain much of their old-world charm. Cadillac's locale on the waterway further gave it a central commercial role in the trade route to and from Spain. The name of the town was adopted by Antoine Laumet de la Mothe, Sieur de Cadillac, who later founded Detroit and governed Louisiana; the Cadillac division of General Motors is named for him.

Set sail through the heart of the Bordeaux wine region as you journey along the Garonne River. Famous for its distinct color—the result of sediment-rich freshwater from its origins high in the Pyrenees Mountains mixing with the salty seawater of the Gironde estuary—this dynamic waterway plays a vital role in the economy of southwestern France. Part of the meandering Canal des Deux Mers (“Canal of the Two Seas”), it connects the Mediterranean and Atlantic Oceans, allowing a shorter and safer route between the two while bolstering inland trade and transportation.

Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home. Or spend more time exploring, perhaps joining one of our extensions.