Nature, Harmony, and Hiking on a Cruise in the Garonne Region (port-to-port cruise)
From €
1529.00
This exclusive cruise combines the pleasures of a vacation on the water with hiking. Five days to explore the first-rate paths in the Gironde. Trek across the banks of an estuary dotted with traditional fishing cabins, through Bordeaux and its historic downtown, along the Fort-Médoc Loop following the footsteps of French military engineer Vauban, and into the medieval city of Saint-Émilion and its vineyards.
The Fédération Française de Randonnées has chosen vigorous or family-friendly hikes focusing on nature and culture, just for you. Their ultimate priority is helping you explore the magnificent Gironde Region.
Trip Code:
BOQ_RANPP
Duration:
5
DAYS
DAY
1
BORDEAUX
Hikers will meet up in Bordeaux at 2:45 p.m. to drop off your luggage on the ship.
Included excursions:
- HIKERS: Urban hike through the center of Bordeaux. We’ll set off at 3:00 p.m. Beginning at the Quai des Chartrons, this walk will bring you along the city’s quaint streets to the most beautiful UNESCO-listed sites such as the Monument to the Girondins, the Bordeaux Cathedral, the Grand Théâtre, and the reflecting pool. Revisit the city’s maritime past at the waterside docks near the Place de la Bourse. 3-hour walk with no elevation gain.
- NON-HIKERS: The Chartrons District. Embark on a guided tour of the Chartrons District—a chic neighborhood with a bohemian feel and one of Bordeaux’s must-sees.
Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 6 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we’ll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail.
DAY
2
BORDEAUX - CUSSAC-FORT-MEDOC - The Médoc
Our ship will cruise to Cussac-Fort-Médoc. We'll cruise along the Garonne to the tip of Ambès before traveling alongside several islands in the estuary and arriving in Cussac-Fort-Médoc. We'll go over the hiking itineraries in the morning.
This afternoon, the included excursions are:
- HIKERS: Fort-Médoc Loop. After a visit to the Fort Médoc, one of the rare forts Vauban designed in its entirety, you’ll continue on a hike to discover the area where traditional fishing cabins on stilts and small ports dot the banks of the estuary. You’ll see the treasured Haut-Médoc vineyards coloring the plains as we pass through the renowned Château Beaumont winery. We’ll cross through the villages of Cussac and Lamarque, whose church belfry resembles a lighthouse. If the weather permits, we’ll picnic at the fort. 3.5-hour hike, 8 miles (13 km), no elevation gain.
- NON-HIKERS: Tour through the Médoc vineyards. Grape vines on this peninsula, nestled between the ocean and the river, rise up between the polders to the east and the pine forest to the west. Wine estates bearing the names of famous grands crus are spread out across the landscape. Of course, we will enjoy a tasting.
We'll return to Cussac-Fort-Médoc. Enjoy an evening of entertainment. We'll remain in port overnight.
DAY
3
CUSSAC-FORT-MEDOC - Gironde Estuary - BLAYE(2)
Our ship will begin to cruise early in the morning for Blaye. Blaye is home to a Vabaun citadel, one of the city’s biggest attractions. Included excursions:
- HIKERS: Blaye Loop. Vauban’s citadel in Blaye was an essential element in defending Bordeaux—fulfilling its role for more than two centuries. The loop trail passes through the village of Saint Martin de Lacaussade and the Château Segonzac vineyard, where Operation Frankton began during World World II. We’ll have great views of the estuary as we hike. 5-hour hike, 6.8 miles (11 km), 426.5-foot (130 m) elevation gain.
- NON-HIKERS: Blaye and its citadel on a tourist train with a tasting of regional products and wine. You’ll set off on a tourist train to visit the Blaye Citadel. Built by Vabaun under Louis the Great, the citadel protected Bordeaux from invasions as part of the Verrou Vauban with the Forts Pâté and Médoc. This three-garrison defense system is unique in France and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterwards, we'll visit the Château Marquis de Vauban restaurant for a tasting of wine and some regional products.
In the afternoon, relax as the ship cruises on the Gironde to its estuary. We’ll pass by marshes, the steep cliffs of Meschers-sur-Gironde, troglodyte homes, and fishing cabins before returning to Blaye. Enjoy an evening of dancing on board.
DAY
4
BLAYE(2) - LIBOURNE(2) - Saint-Emilion
Our ship will cruise to Libourne. Tucked between the confluence of the Isle and Dordogne Rivers, Libourne's heritage expanded progressively over the centuries. We'll arrive mid-morning. Included excursions:
- HIKERS: A day on the hills and slopes (picnic lunch). As you wander the area surrounding Saint-Émilion, you will be able to ponder the life of the namesake Breton monk who lived in a hillside cave. Several religious orders founded monasteries here once the location became a pilgrimage site. The quality of its wine made it renowned internationally, and Saint-Émilion became a wealthy trade city whose heritage mirrors its abundance. This hike will bring you to the nearby village of Saint-Laurent-des-Combes. You'll see the vineyards of famous names such as Château de Sarpes, Château Ausone, and Clos La Madeleine. 5-hour hike, 6.5 miles (10.5 km), 709-foot (216 m) altitude difference.
- NON-HIKERS: Saint-Émilion. This extraordinary medieval city has retained its original charm, including golden-hued stone buildings, clay roof tiles, and a labyrinth of small streets—all snuggled within an expanse of beautiful vineyards. We'll stop at one of the wine cellars for a tasting of local spirits.
We'll return to Libourne. Join us for our festive gala evening.
DAY
5
LIBOURNE(2) - BORDEAUX
Enjoy breakfast on board. We’ll spend the morning cruising to Bordeaux. Our ship will glide past the village of Bourg before reaching the tip of Ambès, a small city at the confluence of the Dordogne and Garonne Rivers. Our ship will then cruise on the Garrone, arriving in Bordeaux at about 11:00 a.m. You’ll disembark our ship at 11:00 a.m.
