Tell Me About a Bordeaux Cruise. What Will I See?
While the whole region which this cruise visits is referred to as "Bordeaux," the city of Bordeaux itself sits in the middle, where the Garonne and Dordogne rivers merge to form the Gironde Estuary. The capital of New Aquitaine in southwest France where the city of Bordeaux is situated, Ama's cruises begin and end here. Ama's seven day cruise takes you from the city to the areas of Cadillac, Pauillac, Blaye, Bourg, Libourne, and St. Émilion.
Bordeaux city itself is elegant and cosmopolitan and I often refer to it as a more relaxed, less chaotic Paris. It's magnificent neoclassical buildings are a joy for architecture lovers, a vibrant riverfront means that you have things to do mere steps from the ship while docked here, and the exceptional dining and shopping make this a city in which to immerse oneself.
Once you board the AmaDolce and begin exploring beyond Bordeaux, you will discover a fertile region that takes you to some of the finest wine ports and châteaux in France. Cruising Bordeaux’s stunning and historic Dordogne and the Garonne rivers, you will discover places that hold legendary status in the wine world, from Saint-Émilion and Pomerol, to Sauternes and Médoc – enjoying some of the world’s finest wines and sampling the best regional produce on the way. This is a cruise for lovers of delicious things and Ama and I will deliver them to you.
Blaye is the nearest port to Cognac and its castle and area spark the imagination whether you explore by foot or bike. Wandering around its 17th century citadel, however, you will quickly find this is a fabulous destination in its own right. Be sure to wear good walking shoes to explore, but don't be shy to sit for a while and day dream.
A visit to the small town of Libourne and its bustling, foodie market will give you a real taste of authentic French life. My tip for you during your time in Libourne is to EAT!!! The market is full of incredible things so pretend its Costco and sample all of the delicious offerings. My husband LOVES to come here and eat oysters. Simply walk up to the oyster shuckers and enjoy them fresh from the sea for around 50 cents a piece!!
Libourne is also the gateway to Saint-Émilion, where you won’t fail to be enchanted by 12th century churches, ancient catacombs and simply superb wine. Some say Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is even more beautiful than Bordeaux, but we’ll let you be the judge of that. It certainly cost me a lot of money though, we left with cases of wine as its my favourite Bordeaux!
Cadillac is not a car, but a picturesque fortified town dating back to 1280. It's beautiful star attraction is the majestic 17th century château which is a testament to the aristocratic life of the time when this area was the home to nobility. Wine lovers too will be delighted with an excursion to the vineyards of Sauternes and the chance to sample this legendary dessert wine. Let them eat cake... but with a good Sauterne!
Those on the pre-cruise land package to Bilbao and San Sebastian will also visit the beautifully sheltered Arcachon Bay, renowned for its oyster farming, where you can once again eat just-caught oysters by the seaside.
So, whether you are delighting in truffles, blending cognac, tasting wine or simply sitting back enjoying superb food and the beautiful Aquitaine countryside, a cruise from Bordeaux is something you are sure to savour for a long time to come.
Come with me on my August 2021 escorted journey or let me send you on your own romantic adventure... even if that romance is with yourself! You deserve it!