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Gastronomy, Vineyards & Grands Crus
Lisbon - Saint-Malo
Dates:
4/17/2021
to
4/26/2021
10
days
days
9
nights on board
nights on board
Starting from*
$5,440
25% Ponant Bonus
Gastronomy & Wine 
Guest Speaker 
Back-to-back offer 
No single supplement In partnership with Ducasse Conseil and Château Latour.
From Lisbon to Saint-Malo, PONANT invites you to join an exceptional gastronomic and oenological cruise in partnership with Ducasse Paris and Château Latour.
Board L’Austral for a 10-day cruise to the land of rich flavours and discover all the know-how and excellence of Alain Ducasse’s teams during prestigious gala dinners.
From the port of Leixões, you will first visit Porto. Capital of the northern region of Portugal, this “city of granite”, the centre of which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its wine.
You will discover San Sebastián, the elegant capital of Gipuzkoa province. With its distinctive shell-shaped bay, opulent-looking buildings and small streets that are ideal for strolling, this city provides a fine glimpse at the charms of the Spanish Basque Country.
L’Austral will then make its way up the Gironde estuary for a first stop in Pauillac, will several visits and wine tastings at some very beautiful wine estates in the Saint-Estephe, Margaux and Pauillac appellations. In the evening, the moored ship will have Château Latour as a backdrop: in this magnificent setting, a gala dinner held on board will enchant you with its wine and dish pairings.
Two days in Bordeaux, the wine capital of the world, will follow. You will be captivated by its rich wine-making tradition and have the opportunity to visit the Cité du Vin, the medieval village of Saint-Émilion, and other châteaux.
Then, you will call at Belle-Île-en-Mer, before heading to Saint-Malo, a town famous for the legendary Route du Rhum yacht race, lose yourself in the diversity of its heritage, stroll along its rampart walks, and fall under the charm of the city of privateers.
Ref : A170421
Your itinerary
An exceptional cruise focused on wine and gastronomy, in partnership with Ducasse Conseil, and Château Latour. UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Tower of Belem and the Monastery of the Hieronymites (Jeronimos...
See detailed itinerary
Choose your stateroom
Choose your stateroom
Superior Stateroom
(21 m²)
From $5,440
25% Ponant Bonus
Deluxe Stateroom
(18 m²)
From $5,850
25% Ponant Bonus
Prestige Deck 4
(18 m²)
From $6,520
25% Ponant Bonus
Prestige Deck 5
(18 m²)
From $6,830
25% Ponant Bonus
Prestige Deck 6
(18 m²)
From $7,160
25% Ponant Bonus
Deluxe Suite
(27 m²)
From $9,890
25% Ponant Bonus
Prestige Deck 5 Suite
(36 m²)
From $13,360
25% Ponant Bonus
Prestige Deck 6 Suite
(36 m²)
Fully booked
25% Ponant Bonus
Owner's Suite
(45 m²)
From $21,190
Complete your trip
Complete your trip
Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects flights and takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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*Price is per person, double occupancy, is based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of cabin to which this price applies may no longer be available.
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Services provided
- Individually-controlled airconditioning
- Stateroom layout: king-size bed, or twin beds, interconnecting sStaterooms available (Children welcome)
- Minibar
- Flat screen satellite TV
- Bose™ Bluetooth speaker
- Desk with stationery
- Safe
- Hermès® bath products
- Dressing table, bath robes, hairdryer
- Direct line telephone
- 110V American (two flat pins) / 220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- 24hr room service
- Inclusive Internet access Wifi
Choose your stateroom category
-
Superior Stateroom
25% Ponant Bonus
21 m2
3
-
Deluxe Stateroom
25% Ponant Bonus
18 m2
2
-
Prestige Deck 4
25% Ponant Bonus
18 m2
2
-
Prestige Deck 5
25% Ponant Bonus
18 m2
2
-
Prestige Deck 6
25% Ponant Bonus
18 m2
2
-
Deluxe Suite
25% Ponant Bonus
27 m2
2
-
Prestige Deck 5 Suite
25% Ponant Bonus
36 m2
4
-
Prestige Deck 6 Suite
25% Ponant Bonus
36 m2
4
-
Owner's Suite
45 m2
2
Packing Checklist
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
Depending on the itinerary and the program of your cruise, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
Advice
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Hat/cap
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Highlights
- An exceptional cruise focused on wine and gastronomy, in partnership with Ducasse Conseil, and Château Latour.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Tower of Belem and the Monastery of the Hieronymites (Jeronimos Monastery) in Lisbon (your boarding port), the historic centre of Porto, the Port of the Moon in Bordeaux.
- From San Sebastián, opportunity to visit the Balenciaga Museum in Getaria and the town of Biarritz.
- Overnight in Bordeaux, capital of the Aquitaine region.
- Possibility to visit Lisbon before your cruise.
Ports of Call & Excursions
April 17, 2021 Lisbon
Embarkation 4/17/2021 from 16h00 to 17h00
Departure 4/17/2021 at 19h00
Portugal’s capital city located on the banks of the Tagus, only a few kilometres from the Atlantic coast, is a city of exceptionally rich cultural diversity. At the mouth of the river harbour, impose two UNESCO World Heritage monuments, Jeronimos monastery and Belem tower. The Alfama hillside is also worth visiting: known for its fado bars and its Moorish streets, this district is the oldest one of the city and one of the most typical. Not far from there, Chiado’s elegant streets are home to big fashion labels and are an invitation to a bit of of luxury shopping.
April 18, 2021 Leixões - Porto
Arrival 4/18/2021 midday
Departure 4/18/2021 early evening
Located at the mouth of the Douro River, the port of Leixões lies less than 10 kilometres from Porto. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the historic centre of Porto is worth a visit for its famous Ribeira district, the metallic silhouette of the Dom-Luis bridge looming over its ancient houses, its richly decorated Baroque churches and its national Soares dos Reis museum. The São Bento station is also interesting for its typically Portuguese decoration, using Azulejos, blue square ceramic tiles decorated with geometric patterns or figurative scenes.
3 possible excursions
to this stopover
April 19, 2021 At sea
Arrival 4/19/2021
Departure 4/19/2021
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
April 20, 2021 Pasajes – San Sebastián
Arrival 4/20/2021 early morning
Departure 4/20/2021 late afternoon
On the Spanish Basque coast, discover Pasaia, a picturesque little town nestling in the hollow of verdant mountains, on the shores of the bay. The coastal footpath offers magnificent views over the sea and goes all the way to San Sebastián. Nicknamed the “Pearl of Cantabria” because of its shell-shaped bay, this renowned seaside resort in the Bay of Biscay combines an idyllic natural setting with the charm of the Belle Époque.
3 possible excursions
to this stopover
April 21, 2021 Pauillac
Arrival 4/21/2021 mid morning
Departure 4/21/2021 late evening
Discover Pauillac, a town in southwestern France located a few kilometres away from Bordeaux, stretching along the Gironde. The undisputed capital of Médoc, Pauillac will open up its magical universe for you, from culture and heritage to vineyards and châteaux. This stop will be a voyage of myriad flavours, particularly during the tasting of the region’s wines, revealing their soft ruby colours and reflections turning amber with time. Enjoy both a sensorial adventure and an adventure into the heart of the town. Don’t miss the visit of Saint Martin’s Church or the mysterious grotto of Artigues, dominated by a statue of the Virgin Mary. As for the Aspic Tower, it is topped with a dome from which the harvesters’ work used to be overseen.
5 possible excursions
to this stopover
April 22, 2021 April 23, 2021 Bordeaux
Arrival 4/22/2021 early morning
Departure 4/23/2021 evening
Bordeaux stretches along the banks of the Garonne river, in South-West France. Its rich wine tradition makes it the world capital of wine. Let yourself be carried away by the history of the Port de la Lune, made a UNESCO World Heritage site for its prestigious classical architecture. On the famous Place de la Bourse, the past and the present unite: here you can observe the majestic old buildings reflected in the contemporary Miroir d’eau creation.
7 possible excursions
to this stopover
April 24, 2021 Belle-Île-en-Mer
Arrival 4/24/2021 midday
Departure 4/24/2021 late afternoon
Lying to the South of Brittany, Belle-Île is very aptly named. The largest of the Ponant islands, it owes its glowing reputation to its exceptional environment and generous natural attributes: pristine moors and dunes, headlands and cliffs cut into granite points, rocky inlets, and sheltered bays with sandy or pebble beaches. Aboard your ship, let the wild coastline of Belle-île-en-Mer surprise you, this little speck of land lying on the ocean, sparkling with colours in the morning light.
3 possible excursions
to this stopover
April 25, 2021 April 26, 2021 Saint-Malo
Arrival 4/25/2021 early afternoon
Disembarkation 4/26/2021 at 07h00
The mere mention of Saint-Malo’s name is enough to plunge us back into the richness of its past. The fortifications stand as testimony to the Malouins’ determination to defend their citadel, fought over by France and Britain in turn. When we drop anchor here, immerse yourself in the diversity of its heritage: the time when privateers sailed the oceans in search of trade and victories; the legendary yacht races the port city is still famous for, such as the Route du Rhum; and the final resting place of the French writer François-René de Chateaubriand, who was born here and chose to be buried here anonymously.
Porto city tour & wine tasting
4h30
From the pier, board your coach and start your 30-minute scenic drive to Porto.
Upon arrival, you will visit the Francis Church which is the most prominent Gothic monument in Porto and is also noted for its outstanding Baroque inner decoration.
You will continue your walk to the riverside, also known as the Ribeira one of Port’s landmarks, you will enjoy free time for shopping and stroll around this area.
You will then be driven to the Taylor’s wine cellar. Taylor’s is the archetypal Port house and it wines the quintessential Ports. Established over three centuries ago in 1692, Taylor’s is one of the oldest of the founding Port houses. It is dedicated entirely to the production of Port wine and in particular to its finest styles. Above all, Taylor’s is regarded as the benchmark for Vintage Port.
Noted for their elegance and poise as well as for their restrained power and longevity, Taylor’s Vintage Ports are blended from the finest wines of the firm’s own quintas or estates, Vargellas, Terra Feita and Junco. These three iconic properties, each occupying a distinct geographic location and with their own unique character, are the cornerstone of the company’s success and the main source of its unique and inimitable house style.
Taylor’s is also respected as a producer of wood aged ports and holds one of the largest reserves of rare cask aged wines from which its distinguished aged tawny Ports are drawn. The house is also known as the originator of Late Bottled Vintage, a style which the firm pioneered and of which it remains the leading producer. Based in Porto and the Douro Valley the family company is closely involved in all stages of the production of its Ports, from the planting of the vineyard, the cultivation of the grapes to the making, ageing, blending and the bottling of the wines. The family’s commitment to the future of Port is demonstrated in its single-minded dedication to the highest standards in Port production, its continued investment in all aspects of the firm’s operations and its determination to preserve the unique environment of the Douro Valley through the promotion of sustainable and responsible viticulture.
Following your visit and wine tasting, join your coach with a 30-minute drive back to the ship.
- This tour involves moderate walking on both uneven and flat surfaces and includes several steps inside the monuments and the wine cellar. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility. Appropriate clothing is required to enter religious sites: shoulders and knees must to be covered. The wine tasting is included on your tour. In case of religious services, the visit of the church will be an outside visit only.
Total : 50-100 €
According to availability.Tram tour of Porto
4h00
From the pier, board your coach and start your drive to Porto.
Upon arrival, you will visit the Tramcar Museum and its collection of trams dating from 1871 until 1950’s. Built in 1992, the Tram Museum retraces the history of trams in Porto by means of a plethora of exhibits. One of the highlight is the tram number 22: the first tram operating on the Iberian Peninsula. Overall, the period of time covered by the exhibits starts in the second half of the 19th century, calling forth, at least for the nostalgic public, the atmosphere of those times when getting around was not necessarily a matter of speed.
You will then board one of these historical trams and enjoy a ride through Porto’s main attractions. You will start at the museum, drive along the riverside, go up to the Carmo Church then continue passing through Porto’s main avenue (Aliados) where the town hall building is located. The tram will continue through the old town until the main shopping avenue (Santa Catarina), Batalha Square and finish off at Guindais Funicular near the cathedral.
The Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto in Portuguese) is the most important religious building in the city and has been declared a National Monument. The construction of the cathedral began during the 12th century, but it was rebuilt and renovated numerous times throughout the centuries. This explains why the cathedral is a blend of architectural styles. The temple is predominantly Baroque in style, although its façade and the nave are Romanesque and its cloister and one of the chapels are Gothic in style. Inside, the large pillars make the nave seem narrow with a high ceiling, it has bare walls, and only the high altar and some of its chapels are decorated in Baroque style.
Finally, a short walk will take you to São Bento Train Station to admire its unique collection of white and blue glazed tiles before joining your coach and your ship, after a 45-minute drive.
- This tour involves moderate walking on both uneven and flat surfaces and includes several steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility. The museum is divided between two floors without elevator. Appropriate clothing is recommended to enter religious sites: shoulders and knees must be covered. In case of religious services, the visit of the Cathedral will be an outside visit only.
Total : 50-100 €
According to availability.Porto through your camera
4h00
From the pier, board your coach and start your 30-minute panoramic drive to explore Porto. Accompanied with a professional photographer, you will capture the main highlights of the city.
Porto, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996, is the gateway for a journey across the natural and cultural diversity of the region. It is known for the Porto wine which is shipped from here all over the world, but also for a heritage which combines ancient churches and monuments, such as the Cathedral and the Church of São Francisco, and modern buildings, such as Casa da Música and the Serralves Museum. The city is also famous for its School of Architecture which bred names like Álvaro Siza Vieira and Eduardo Souto de Moura, both winners of the Pritzker Prize.
Strolling through the city, you will discover the Cathedral which is located in the historical centre. It is one of the city's oldest monuments and one of the most important Romanesque monuments in Portugal.
Your walk will lead you to the Ribeira area, one of the city's oldest neighbourhood. Historically the quayside here was one of the busiest points on the River Douro with cargo ships sailing both up and down-stream and landing here. Today it is equally bustling but the major trade here is now tourism.
You will then cross the art street of Rua da Restauração before reaching the Santa Catarina Belvedere overlooking the Douro river.
Finally, you will join your coach for a 30-minute drive to your ship in Leixoes.
- This tour involves 3 hours of walking on both uneven and flat surfaces and includes several steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. This tour will be done with your own camera. The professional photographer speaks only English. This tour is limited to 20 participants.
Total : 50-100 €
According to availability.Saint Jean de Luz & Biarritz
4h30
From the pier, you will board your coach and drive to Biarritz, 45-minute drive.
Once arriving in Biarritz, you will enjoy a guided panoramic tour following by a walking tour.
You will discover the "Queen of resorts and the resort of Kings" and the "Grande Plage", the main beach in town, where surfers from all over the world come to ride the waves.
Continue on to the hotel du Palais. Its façade overhangs the golden beach of Biarritz and recalls the idle and frivolous period of the ‘20s. Built in 1855 as a summer house for the Imperial couple, the building owes its E shape to the name of the Empress Eugenie.
The next stop will be the cozy fishing port nestled in the rocks. It is considered by many to be a separate tiny village within the city of Biarritz.
Continue your walking tour to the Rock of the Virgin, a landmark in Biarritz. This "island" is attainable only by an imposing bridge which was constructed by Gustave Eiffel, the same architect who, of course, designed the famous Eiffel Tower in Paris.
You will conclude your ocean front tour of Biarritz with the ancient whaling port, whaling having been an integral part of the history of Biarritz. It is an interesting as well as amusing tour packed with anecdotes from Biarritz’s colourful past. A photo-stop will be made at the lighthouse, located on the northern part of Biarritz with its panoramic view of the city.
After enjoying some free-time, you will re-board your coach to reach Saint-Jean-de-Luz and start there a walking tour through the historic town.
Saint-Jean-de-Luz was formerly a famous pirate port. The Basque "privateers" sailed under the authority of the French King and were the scourge of English merchant ships. Saint-Jean-de-Luz became a veritable "pirates nest" and many of the fine houses today were built from the revenues of the privateers. The golden age of prosperity for the town was crowned by the marriage of Louis XIV and Maria Theresa of Spain in the Basque church in 1660. The royal wedding, which took place in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, was the result of the "Treaty of the Pyrenees" signed between France and Spain the previous year. The two houses where the couple awaited the marriage can be seen on either side of the town square. The Basque church of St. John the Baptist is particularly interesting. The doorway the couple used to leave after the ceremony was immediately walled up so that no-one else could cross the royal threshold. The interior is one of the finest examples of religious Basque architecture with classic wooden balconies typical of Basque churches.
Finally, you will return to your ship after a 30-minute drive.
- This excursion involves approximately 0.7 mile (1 km) of walking on uneven ground with steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. This tour is not recommended for guests with any mobility restrictions. Appropriate clothe is required to enter religious sites: the shoulders and knees must be covered. Incas of religious office, the cathedral visit will be only an outside visit. This tour is limited to 70 participants.
Total : 50-100 €
According to availability.The elegant city of the Basque Country
3h30
From the pier, you will board your coach and start the 30-minute drive to San Sebastián.
The Kings and Queens of Spain chose San Sebastián as the royal seaside resort just as Napoleon III and the Empress Eugenie chose Biarritz. Today San Sebastián remains a brilliant and seductive city, a cultural hub of the Basque Country.
After a photo stop at Monte Igueldo, which provides a panoramic view of San Sebastián Bay, you will enjoy a panoramic tour of the city.
Then, you will make your way to the old town where your guided 1-hour walking tour will start. You will visit the city's "old quarter" with its narrow pedestrian streets.
You will continue to the famous streets lined with "tapas" bars, where you can enjoy some free time to experience the atmosphere while enjoying some tapas with Spanish wines or local cider (at your own expense).
Finally, you will return to your ship after a 30-minute drive.
- This excursion involves approximately 1,5 km (1 mile) of walking on uneven ground with steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The tapas are not included in the price.
Total : 50-100 €
According to availability.La Rhune Mountain train
4h00
From the pier, you will board your coach and leave the shore side to venture into the mountainous part of the Basque Country, 45-minute drive.
La Rhune mountain, covered in dolmens, stone circles and other Neolithic monuments, was held to be a sacred place in the Basque mythology. Later on, considered as a ritual meeting place for witches, the mountain became, up until the 18th century, home to a hermit monk whose duty was to keep witches away and ensure good winds.
A few centuries later, the mountain became a notable smuggling route, especially for refugees during the Spanish Civil War and World War II.
Only 905 meters high, La Rhune is today a popular site for walks and hikes, but is also known for its rack railway, the Petit Train de la Rhune. Built in 1924 and perfectly maintained, this train with wooden carriages will take you to the top of the Rhune mountain, where you will enjoy a 360° panoramic view from the terraces: from the French coast across the Pyrenees Mountain range, and out to the Spanish Northern coast, far reaching in all directions.
Once arriving, you will have the choice between enjoy some free time or follow your guide during a short walking tour on the Rhune mountain.
Finally, you will return to your ship, 45-minute drive.
- This excursion involves some walking time with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. This tour is limited to 40 participants. La Rhune mountain train is not exclusive for Ponant’s guests. The train ride lasts 30 minutes on each way.
Total : 50-100 €
According to availability.Hiking tour through Pauillac
2h15
Today, leaving the ship on foot, you will enjoy a nice guided walk though Pauillac village and the vineyards.
During this walk with your guide, you will learn the secrets of the Gironde Estuary, see the departure site of Lafayette on its way to the Independence War, learn about the locals countryside life and the fishing technics. Walking through Pauillac village, and then out, you will walk through the vines where your guides will show you the gravels and the grapes that makes this beautiful estate one of the best of the world!
On your way you will discover some of the most prestigious Pauillac classified wine estates such as Château Latour, and Château Pichon Longueville.
- We recommend you wear sports shoes and sports clothes. This tour is not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties. This tour is limited to 20 participants.
Total : <50 €
According to availability.Peddle through Pauillac
2h00
Discover Pauillac, the small commune which boasts 3,000 acres of the finest and most highly reputed vineyards in France. Introduce yourself to the Haut Médoc with a refreshing electric bike ride and explore the region whose geographical location and gravelly soil composition make it an absolute paradise for growing grapes.
Peddle your way through Pauillac as your guide accompanies you for a ride along the Gironde River before heading southwest into the heart of the vineyards. Roll along at a leisurely pace as you take it all in: the fresh air, the silence, the rows and rows of vines dotted here and there with the local farmers carefully tending to each detail, and the painstakingly manicured and exquisite estates themselves.
You will have the opportunity during this 10-11 km journey to snap photos or admire the views of such celebrated estates as Château Latour, Château Pichon-Longueville and Château Grand Puy Lacoste among others. Your guide will take you to places not accessible by cars for exceptional views.
Complete the trek with a quick stop in the cosy hamlet of Bages for some well merited refreshments before the short ride back to the Marina.
Duration of the ride itself: 1 hour; distance 10 – 11 km
Equipment: electric bike
- We recommend that you wear comfortable shoes and clothes for the bicycle ride. This tour is not suitable for passengers who have difficulty cycling. The course imprints uneven soils, small gravel or pebbled roads and small slopes. This excursion is limited to 25 people.
Total : 50-100 €
According to availability.The famous Medoc Château Road
3h00
The Medoc wine road, located between the Gironde Estuary and the Landes forest, provides magnificent views of vine-covered gravelly rises as far as the eye can see. You will have the opportunity to take photos of some of the most famous Châteaux of the area… Médoc vineyards are orderly and well-kept almost to the point of fanaticism, and the region's world famous châteaux produce wine that are nothing short of divine… Moulis, Listrac, Saint Julien, Saint Estèphe, Pauillac, Médoc, Haut Médoc and Margaux (with the celebrated château of the same name).
You will visit the cellars of one of the famous estates: Château Gruaud Larose, located in Medoc district of Saint-Julien.
After a short stop at Chateau Margaux, continue your way to Château Gruaud Larose, situated on the Saint Julien terroir just next to the village of Beychevelle, close to the “Route des Chateaux”. While the surface of this district is quite small, it assembles the greatest concentration of “Cru Classé” (classified growth) wines in the Medoc.
The vineyard is stretching over 82 hectares of gravely soil overlaying calcareous clay which gives a fine wine with character. As a result, it was classified « Second Grand Cru » (top ranked growth) in 1855. Throughout the centuries, Chateau Gruaud Larose has managed to impose a perfect balance between nature and the consideration of man’s work in its quest for excellence. The estate’s motto is “The King of Wines and the Wine of Kings”. The nose and the bouquet of Château Gruaud Larose reveal the identity of its Medoc origins. An intense elixir imposing its tannic and spicy richness. A superb concentration, an unusual strength in the fruit and an astonishing final – profound and aromatic.
On site, you will first discover the estate from the above, thanks to the recently built tower allowing to enjoy a spectacular view on the estate, its vineyards and the Gironde river. You will then proceed to the vat and barrel cellars and be introduced to the secrets of wine-making-techniques, before following your guide to the tasting room so as to indulge yourself with their wines.
You will enjoy a special tasting of two wines from the estate paired with French cheeses!
- This tour involves moderate walking on paved and pebbled terrain. You must negotiate various steps to visit the property and its wine cellars. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes. This tour is not recommended to guests with limited mobility or in a wheelchair.
Total : 100-150 €
According to availability.Château Pedesclaux
2h30
Château Pédesclaux holds the prestigious classification as a fifth growth Grand Cru Classé wine although it has a relatively short history when compared to some of its neighbouring vineyards such as Château Lafite Rothschild or Château Mouton Rothschild. The château was created in 1810 by Pierre Urbain Pédesclaux, who belonged to a family of successful wine brokers in Bordeaux. Edmond Pédesclaux was actually one of the brokers who assisted in determining the original 1855 Classification of Medoc wines.
Pédesclaux purchased the vineyard lands from the estate of Grand Puy Lacoste and in a mere fifty years the Château was recognised as a fifth growth. After the death of Pierre Urbain, his wife managed the estate until she died in 1891. The real success story of Château Pédesclaux is the story of revival. After years of neglect due to post war economic hardship and after changing hands several times, the vineyards were slowly and carefully restored by Lucien Jugla who has managed the land since 1930. He even managed to purchase the estate in 1951.
In 2009, the property was bought by Jacky Lorenzetti, owner of Château Lilian Ladouys. He enlarged the vineyards with the purchase of 12 hectares bordering the property of both Château Lafite Rothschild and Château Mouton Rothschild. He introduced a new label and implemented an ambitious new modern labour-intensive management system and was the first estate to implement laser optical sorting.
Come and experience this modern age success story while admiring the work of architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte, responsible for the entire renovation of the château and the winemaking facilities which were completed in 2015. This one of a kind château was uniquely designed to infuse modernity while preserving the original look of the classic building.
Not only will you discover the 100% gravitational wine making process, you will also have the opportunity to taste exceptional wines produced on this discrete domain.
- We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and clothing for the visit. Tasting of 2 wines. Excursion limited to 25 people.
Total : 50-100 €
According to availability.Château Lafite Rotschild
2h15
Château Lafite Rothschild belongs to the small and exclusive list of wine producing estates awarded the prestigious 1855 classification of First Growth status. The first references of the property date as far back as 1234 when the property was under the ownership of Gombaud Lafite. However it wasn’t until the 17th century when the Ségur family purchased the property that the majority of the vineyards were planted by Jacques de Ségur.
It was actually during the early 18th century when Nicolas-Alexandre, Marquis de Ségur, the son of Alexandre Ségur and heiress of Château Latour, refined the wine making techniques of the estate and introduced his wines to the upper classes of European society that Lafite solidly gained its reputation as a winemaking estate. Nicolas-Alexandre became famously known as “The Wine Prince” and Lafite’s wines became known as “The King‘s Wines” thanks to the influential support he received from such notable political figures such as Maréchal Richelieu and a visit from future US president Thomas Jefferson.
After the French Revolution, the Ségur family’s ownership of the estate came to a brutal end with the execution of heir Nicolas Pierre de Pichard during the Reign of Terror. The estate became a public property and was subsequently sold to Dutch merchants. A written reference dating back to 1797 describes the estate as a Premier Cru of Medoc, long before the official 1855 classification was established. It was thanks to the intermediary ownership by the Goudal family that records were saved and preserved for future marketing and winemaking plans. They also are credited with creating the cellar and saving many of the oldest bottles in existence.
Eventually the Château was purchased in 1868 by Baron James Mayer Rothschild who renamed the estate Château Lafite Rothschild. He died just three months after its purchase, thus leaving his three sons as heirs to the property. The estate has remained within the family ever since. Over the years the Domaines Baron Rothschild have expanded and developed in several countries and they were one of the first to invest in South America.
The best way to approach this estate, so rich in history and so impassioned with its pursuit to make the finest wines in the world is to go to the source and visit it by yourself. Visit the underground circular cellar and vault supported by its 16 columns which holds 2,200 barrels, walk among the 112 carefully tended hectares of vines making note of the gentle rises and the thick layer of gravelly soil composed of sand, clay, marl and limestone. Then, following the visit, close your eyes and delight your taste buds during your tasting as you search for the nuances which are found in these remarkable wines.
- We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and clothing for the visit. Tasting of 2 wines. Excursion limited to 15 people.
Total : 50-100 €
According to availability.Gourmet guided walking tour of Bordeaux
2h30
Departure on foot from the ship berth for a walking tour of the UNESCO classified city of Bordeaux.
Take advantage of this short-guided walking tour of Bordeaux city centre to discover some local traditional specialties, like Chocolate, Canelé cake, Cheese, and of course Bordeaux wine.
Walk by the Grand Theatre, built by Victor Louis in 1773, one of the most beautiful in Europe and a pure work of art from the 18th century. And continue through the old Bordeaux district towards the Parlement and Bourse squares, before reaching the cathedral Saint André and City Hall area. End the tour with the luxury boutiques district, called “the triangle” by the locals, and the Quinconces square.
- This tour is not suitable for persons with walking difficulties as it includes long walking parts sometimes on cobblestoned streets. We recommend you wear flat, comfortable walking shoes. All this tour will be done on foot. This tour is subject to a minimum of 10 participants.
Total : 50-100 €
According to availability.Gourmet City tour of Bordeaux
5h00
Departure by coach from the boat for a panoramic tour and walk to the city.
Once called the “Sleeping Beauty”, Bordeaux has woken, and was listed as UNESCO World Heritage site in 2007. This distinction recognises the beauty and uniqueness of the architectural heritage style of Bordeaux, which has developed harmoniously over the centuries, while remaining remarkably preserved.
You will discover the Chartrons district where the wine trade was born, the Place des Quinconces, the largest square in Europe with 12 hectares, and its column commemorating the French Revolution, the Place de la Bourse, jewel of the facade of the quays with the Porte Cailhau. You will then walk from Place Pey Berland where you will find the Town Hall and the Cathedral, to Place de la Comédie and its Grand Théâtre, the Opera of the city in service since the 18th century, before re-embarking on your coach.
Your panoramic tour of Bordeaux will end at La Cité du Vin, an exhibition venue on the theme of wine. Its inauguration took place in May 2016 in the presence of Alain Juppé and François Hollande. It is supported by the Foundation for the Culture and Civilisation of Wine, a private foundation recognised for public utility, whose mission is to support, promote and transmit the wine heritage. Sometimes defined as the lighthouse of Bordeaux wine tourism or the Bordeaux totem, La Cité du Vin never ceases to seduce its visitors. By 2018, no less than 450,000 were pushing the door of this unique architecture, which reveals all the wealth and diversity of the world's wine. National Geographic has even ranked the place in 7th place among the best museums in the world! The Cité du Vin is an original cultural facility dedicated to wine as a cultural, universal and living heritage. It offers a spectacular journey around the world, through the ages, in all cultures. At the end of your visit through the permanent exhibition, a glass of wine will be offered on the 8th floor of the Cité du Vin with its panoramic view of Bordeaux.
Your excursion will continue on the other side of the street, with a stop at the Halles de Bacalan, the new gourmet market hall of Bordeaux, rehabilitating and modernising the concept of the markets of yesteryear.
On 950 m2, the 23 stalls animated by artisans, traders and producers - selected for their know-how and their complementarity - favour short circuits. 85% of the products offered are of South-West origin! A tasting of some of these products will be offered during your visit.
The tour will end with the short return trip to the boat.
- We recommend you wear flat and comfortable walking shoes. The order of the visits can vary and the internal visit of the Cathedral Saint André is dependent on the celebrations of the day.
Total : 50-100 €
According to availability.Visit of Château SMITH HAUT LAFITTE
2h30
Following a customized tour of the estate, you will visit the owners' private cellar, taste the estate's first wine, both white and red, and the young vines in red.
Today, you will be invited a special confidential wine tasting at Pessac-Léognan Classified Great Growth Château Smith Haut Lafitte estate. This great growth owes its reputation as "the quintessential Graves" to its superb Günz gravel terroir in a single block. The estate's history dates back to the Crusades. The Scottish navigator Georges Smith acquired the château in the 18th century and Monsieur Duffour-Dubergier, a Mayor of Bordeaux from a famous family of negotiants, was a subsequent owner.
Since its purchase by Florence and Daniel Cathiard in 1990, Smith Haut Lafitte has become one of the leading lights of Bordeaux thanks to its elegant, powerful red and white wines. In twenty years, the owners have not only brought the wine of Smith Haut Lafitte up to the very highest level, but also restored the château's 16th century tower, completely renovated two underground cellars, built their own cooperage, and introduced such organic methods as horse-drawn ploughing, home-made compost, the use of plant extracts, etc.
Enchanted with this tasting of the finest wines of the Bordeaux wine region, historic cradle of the wine culture in the world, you will return to your ship.
- This tour involves moderate walking on paved and pebbled terrain. You must negotiate various steps to visit the property and its wine cellars. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes. This tour is not recommended to guests with limited mobility or in a wheelchair. This tour is limited to 25 participants.
Total : 100-150 €
According to availability.Saint Émilion village and Château SOUTARD
4h15
There can be no better place to start a visit to this attractive region than UNESCO World Heritage Classified Saint Emilion region and village, heartland of the Merlot grape, which produces delicious, rich, round wines.
The vines on the "hill with a thousand châteaux", reach right up to Saint Emilion's 13th century town walls and surrounding moat dug out of solid rock. Members of the local wine brotherhood, the Jurats, proclaim the vintage banns in much the same way as their ancestors did during the reign of Richard the Lion heart.
You will visit the main monuments of the town: the Collegial church and its magnificent cloister from the 12th century, the ramparts (12th), the market place. Strolling in the streets, you will also see the Cadene gate and the King's Tower. You will then have some time at leisure for shopping.
Continue your discovery of the first UNESCO classified village by driving through the vineyard and going to impressive Château SOUTARD where you will be explained the techniques of wine making during the visit of the cellars, before a wine tasting.
- This tour involves walking over cobblestone streets and some steps. We recommend you wear flat, comfortable walking shoes. This tour is not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties due to steep cobblestoned streets in Saint-Emilion in addition to several stairs in the château.
Total : 50-100 €
According to availability.Farm of Neuvic, French caviar producer
4h30
Neuvic estate spreads out over 19 hectares at the confluence of the Isle and Vern rivers, in the town of Neuvic.
It is situated on the land of a farm dating back to before the French Revolution, which left traces and memories that can still be seen and felt on the stone walls. The Isle River is omnipresent, whether crossing the property or bordering its contours with its meanders flanked by imposing chalky cliffs.
Domaine de Neuvic produces and markets the Caviar de Neuvic brand. It also produces caviar for other brands in accordance with precise specifications. Domaine de Neuvic is first and foremost synonymous with an innovative and stringent quality approach.
In 2013, Domaine de Neuvic received the acclaim of the association France Initiative, chaired by Mr Schweitzer, as one of ten "remarkable companies" in France. This title rewards its innovative approach, promotion of its region and recognition of human capital as a criterion for the overall success of the company.
During the visit of the estate, your guide will tell you all the secrets of sturgeons breeding and how to make caviar.
At the end of the visit, you will have the opportunity to taste the estate’s caviar, with a glass of sparkling wine!
- We recommend you wear flat, comfortable walking shoes. This tour involves 1 ½ hour transfer each way.
Total : 50-100 €
According to availability.Secrets of French oak wood barrel-maker
3h30
A wine connoisseur adventure
Classified Chateau Pavie remains one of the most exclusive Chateau estate in the Saint Émilion wine district.
At Nadalié, family and business have gone hand in hand for 5 generations. Cooperage's art is the family true heritage. Today, learn about the complete process of cooperage (art of oak barrel making) and meet the craftsmen who make the beauty of that art… Dexterity, precision, attention to the quality of the product, you will discover a preserved know-how.
You will be impressed and astonished by the high productivity of these craftsmen that is only made possible by a high technical level acquired throughout decades of know-how and passion. From the selection of the oak trees to the final customisation of the barrel, expertise is at work. Despite improvement from modern research, analysis, machinery and wood selection techniques, the barrel making process has changed very little over the years and is extremely time intensive. To achieve the highest standards of quality, most of the work is still done by hand by highly qualified coopers.
During the visit of the “Tonnellerie Nadalié” you will learn the secrets of the production of the wine barrels, a major component of the wine ageing process! Discover the complicity in between chateaux wine masters and barrel makers, and how they predict the exchanges in between the French oak wood & the wine tannings during the wine’s ageing in the cellars, and finally how they monitor it to obtain the flavours they are looking for!
Your will see the “mise en rose” (how wine barrel “raise the barrel”) and the toasting which will gives complex flavours to the wines. After this exclusive visit, you will taste wines stocked in differently-toasted-barrels or made from different oaks (French & American) to better understand how wine aromas differ according to barrel wood origins and wood toasting. Finally, you will taste the wine of the owning family’s wine estate, Château Beaurivage. After this immersion into the world of the wine barrel makers, you will return to your ship in Bordeaux.
- We recommend you wear flat and comfortable walking shoes. This private tour is subject to a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 25 people.
Total : 50-100 €
According to availability.Sauternes: Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey
3h00
Located in the Sauternes wine region, Chateau Lafaurie-Peyraguey is a magnificent wine estate, classified Premier Grand Cru Classé in 1855. Nearby Chateau Yquem, its 37.5 hectares of vineyards stand on the third terrace of the Sauternes appellation, over 70 metres above sea level.
The ‘L’Enclos’ and ‘Maisons Rouges’ plots of land (15 hectares) form the historic heart of this exceptional terroir, with the others distributed near to various Crus Classés within the appellation, in the form of five-hectare islands (Yquem, Suduiraut, Guiraud, Rieussec and d’Arche). A wide range of soils and subsoils (mostly gravel and clay) have been recorded here, a unique typology which explains the exceptional aromatic complexity offered up by Chateau Lafaurie-Peyraguey wines.
During your visit, you will discover the history of Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey, the territory of Sauternes, its viticulture and the secret of its sweet wines. You will be explained the special link that unites the Chateaux’s wines to the art of Lalique.
After visiting the estate (the “enclos”, the fermenting room, the cellars and the Chapel), you will be invited to taste three of the Chateaux’ wines. This liquid gold’s tastings will take place in the Vinothèque or the Chapel, entirely redecorated by Lalique, and nestled between the two historic wine cellars.
- This private tour is subject to a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 15 people.
Total : 100-150 €
According to availability.Panoramic tour of Belle-Île-en-Mer
3h00
Depart from the pier for a 15-minute walk to your coach (a shuttle is available for passengers who have walking difficulties). You will then leave to explore the island on a panoramic tour.
Pass through the “Impressionists” village of Kervilahouen, watched over by a large lighthouse. Also known as the Goulphar lighthouse, it was designed by Auguste Fresnel, a famous French physicist and the man behind the compact Fresnel lens.
Next, you will then head for the iconic Aiguilles de Port Coton. The Aiguilles de Port Coton rock formations are one of the most amazing sites on the island, and have been painted many times by Claude Monet who said about the site: “It is sinister, devilish but superb and I have not found anything like it elsewhere.” The name is a reference to the foam, thrown up by waves in heavy seas as they crash against the rocks, which looks like a veil of cotton.
Lastly you will continue to Poulains point, loved by the actress Sarah Bernhardt, and the giant rocky “pyramids” of the astonishing Apothicairerie site.
You will also stop in the charming port of Sauzon before getting back to the port and your ship.
- This excursion involves approximately 0.7 mile (1.5 km) walking, sometimes on sloping terrain, uneven surfaces and some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes.
Total : 50-100 €
According to availability.Eden Garden & panoramic tour
4h00
Depart from the pier for a 15-minute walk to your coach (a shuttle is available for passengers who have walking difficulties). After a 30-minute drive, you will reach the Eden Garden.
Brittany, homeland of many explorers, was the starting point of the most prestigious expeditions around the world and is nowadays an ideal land for gardens as hundreds of varieties have been acclimatized since the 18th century. The Eden Garden houses 3,000 m² of aromatic and officinal plants as well as vegetables and flowers from all over the world. Michel Damblant, the owner, will guide you, narrating as you discover his garden the adventures of the most famous "plant explorers" of Brittany.
Then, you will re-board your coach for a panoramic tour. Pass through the “Impressionists” village of Kervilahouen, watched over by a large lighthouse. Also known as the Goulphar lighthouse, it was designed by Auguste Fresnel, a famous French physicist and the man behind the compact Fresnel lens.
Next, you will then head for the iconic Aiguilles de Port Coton. The Aiguilles de Port Coton rock formations are one of the most amazing sites on the island, and have been painted many times by Claude Monet who said about the site: “It is sinister, devilish but superb and I have not found anything like it elsewhere.” The name is a reference to the foam, thrown up by waves in heavy seas as they crash against the rocks, which looks like a veil of cotton.
Lastly you will continue to Poulains point, loved by the actress Sarah Bernhardt, and the giant rocky “pyramids” of the astonishing Apothicairerie site.
Finally, you will get back to the port and your ship.
- This excursion involves approximately 1.7 miles (2.5 km) walking, sometimes on sloping terrain, uneven surfaces and some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. The garden visit will be done by the owner. This tour is limited to 40 participants.
Total : 50-100 €
According to availability.Hiking at Pointe des Poulains
4h00
Depart from the pier for a 15-minute walk to your coach. After a 30-minute drive, you will reach Pointe des Poulains.
Dominated by a small automated lighthouse, whose autonomy is guaranteed by solar panels, the site offers a splendid panoramic view. On a clear day, the view extends to the Groix island, Lorient, and embraces all the Quiberon Bay. Held by the “Conservatoire du Littoral” (Coastal protection agency) since 2000, the small military fort was bought in 1894 by the actress Sarah Bernhardt to become in 1897 her villa, named “The Five Parts of the World”, where she spent every summer until the end of her life. The place is now the subject of a protection and recovery programme.
Once arriving, you will follow your guide and start your hiking along the wild coast, appreciating the coves and the turquoise waters.
After a two-hour hike, you will join a hamlet at the Logonet mill, where you will enjoy a refreshment stop, before reboarding your coach to drive back to the pier.
- This excursion involves approximately 5 km (3.5 miles) of walking, sometimes on sloping terrain, uneven surfaces and some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable hiking shoes. The refreshment is included on your tour. This tour is limited to 25 participants.
Total : 50-100 €
According to availability.L'Austral
Innovative design, sleek shape and profile, refined interior decoration, friendly, intimate atmosphere: French designers and decorators have managed to give this ship a unique style and veritable signature of its own. Combinations of fine materials, colours and tones harmoniously livened up with touches of bright colour, elegant lines, discreet and subtle refinement… everything has been designed to create a unique atmosphere onboard, a veritable personality: the chic style and naturally relaxing ambiance of a veritable private yacht.
Until 264 Guests
132 staterooms & suites
140 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
Gastronomy & Wine
Succumb to the pleasures of fine dining as you enjoy the delights dreamed up or selected by the most talented sommeliers and Michelin-starred chefs of their generation. They will share with you their passion for the art of eating through gala dinners, tastings, workshops and fascinating talks. Special attention will be paid to the wines offered to you during these Gastronomy and Wine cruises: an exclusive wine list, expert wine and food pairings... As you visit the carefully selected ports of call in cities with a rich cultural heritage, the exceptional culinary and wine-tasting experiences are sure to surprise you.
Guest Speaker
Aboard your ship, lecturers will enlighten you about the culture and history of your destination to deepen your knowledge of the origins of local traditions, the history of emblematic sites, the stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or your shore visits, these experts will be there to share their precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.
Back-to-back offer
CONSECUTIVE CRUISES
Take advantage of our special consecutive cruises offers*
- When this cruise is in 2nd position get a -20% discount
- When this cruise is in 3rd position get a -30% discount
- When this cruise is in 4th position get a -40% discount
- When this cruise is in 5th position get a -50% discount
- When this cruise is in 6th position get a -60% discount
*Reduction does not apply to the first cruise and relates to the port/port fare excluding port taxes, non available for Ocean Voyages and subject to availability. The offer is only available on selected cruises. Please, contact us.
No single supplement
FREE SINGLE SUPPLEMENT *
*The supplement for single usage of a double cabin is waived, according to availability and staterooms categories.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
Before your cruise
During the cruise
NATIONAL TILE MUSEUM AND PARK EDWARD VII
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organizes your transfer between the airport and your port of embarkation.
Lisbon
Meet at Lisbon airport arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local English-speaking representative off the flight selected by PONANT.
You will depart the airport by coach and be taken to a local restaurant where your lunch will be served.
This afternoon, you will visit the National Tile Museum housed in the former Madre de Deus Convent (Mother of God) founded in 1509. This museum is unique in the world and its collection allows a journey through the history of the tile from the 15th century till present days. You will be able to admire a work consisting of some 1,300 tiles and measuring 23 meters in length that represents the city of Lisbon before the 1755 earthquake.
After this visit, you will be taken uphill to the Park Edward VII. You will enjoy one of the most beautiful views over Lisbon hills, the medieval castle and the Tagus River.
You will be transferred to the pier to embark aboard your ship.
Your programme includes:
- Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.
- Lunch with beverage package (mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer or 1 glass of white or red wine + 1 coffee or tea).
- Services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
- Tips for the driver and the guide.
- Personal expenses and other services not mentioned in the programme.
Duration of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed. For the times of your PONANT flight, please contact your travel agent; they are also shown on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : $150
According to availability.LUNCH AT CHÂTEAU DE FERRAND
This overland must be prebooked and prepaid at least 60 days prior to your cruise. Any reservation made after this deadline will be confirmed onboard based on availability. A minimum of participants must be booked in order to operate this tour. 100% of total cost will be billed for cancellations made less than 60 days before departure.
Located in the jurisdiction of Saint-Emilion, Château de Ferrand is an enchanting 17th century château surrounded by vines and overlooking the Dordogne Valley. It is a rare jewel that has become accessible to the public.
The Château was built during the reign of Louis XIV. It was purchased by Baron Bich in 1978 and it is now the property of his children. Baron Bich is world famous for its ballpoint pen sold all over the planet, as well as its disposable razors and lighters. The function room and wine cellars have been elegantly and stylishly refurbished by a renowned Italian designer. The estate’s wines have been a leading light among the great Bordeaux wine estates for three hundred years.
In 2012 Ferrand won deserved recognition for the unanimously acclaimed quality of its wines when the estate was awarded Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classé status. This ranking also rewards châteaux that have been able to develop their architectural heritage and make it available to wine-lovers.
Ferrand has fully restored winemaking facilities and a unique function/tasting room. Everything here is designed to appeal to wine-lovers, wine professionals and visitors from all horizons. Tasting sessions are given by a sommelier, while the accompanying cuisine is refined and always perfectly matched to the range of vintages on offer. Authenticity runs through this exceptional estate, from the beauty of the site to the inestimable care and attention brought to the winemaking process, as well as food & wine pairings to delight the palate. Ferrand is the epitome of French art de vivre.
For food-lovers who are hungry to learn, you will participate in a Workshop-Menus combining useful tips with pleasurable culinary experiences. This workshop comes in the form of entertaining lessons to further your knowledge of wine, and also include a delicious lunch at the Château. Can you find the perfect pairing conjured up by the Château de Ferrand sommelier and a Michelin-starred chef?
After a private tour of the estate and its cellars, you will enjoy 4 dishes and 4 vintages of Château de Ferrand. Taste, savor, compare – see what you think – while the sommelier explains the secret of food & wine pairing!
A unique experience that will awaken your senses.
- This tour involves walking over cobblestone streets and some steps. We recommend you wear flat, comfortable walking shoes. This tour is not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties. This tour is subject to a minimum of 20 participants.
Total : $120
According to availability.ST EMILION FIRST CLASSIFIED CHÂTEAU PAVIE
This overland must be prebooked and prepaid at least 60 days prior to your cruise. Any reservation made after this deadline will be confirmed onboard based on availability. A minimum of participants must be booked in order to operate this tour. 100% of total cost will be billed for cancellations made less than 60 days before departure.
Classified Chateau Pavie remains one of the most exclusive Chateau estate in the Saint-Émilion wine district.
The complete reconversion of the buildings in 2013 was the work of the celebrated architect and decorator Alberto Pinto.
The buildings' openness enhances their stone construction, and the 8,500 square metres of terraces are in harmony with Château Pavie's magnificent hillside vineyard. A beautiful ensemble of stone and flowers faces the vineyard landscape. The entire space is organised around a monumental hall, and from the entrance the tone is set with a subtle measure of modern restraint and Bordeaux classicism. The central area plays with space and natural light. Like the vines, the large glass façade captures the sun's rays, offering a magnificent view of the hillside vineyard. This is "the most beautiful spot in Saint-Émilion”, according to some. "From one side you can see the village while the other offers a view of neighbouring vineyards towards the Dordogne and the Entre-Deux-Mers region beyond.”
Your private tour lasts one hour and ends with a tasting of a vintage Château Pavie.
- It is recommended that guests dress in semi-formal clothing; dress or pantsuit for women, as well as dinner jacket and slacks for men. This private tour is subject to a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 12 people.
Total : $240
According to availability.COOKING AT CHÂTEAU AMBE LA TOUR POURRET
This overland must be prebooked and prepaid at least 60 days prior to your cruise. Any reservation made after this deadline will be confirmed onboard based on availability. A minimum of participants must be booked in order to operate this tour. 100% of total cost will be billed for cancellations made less than 60 days before departure.
Arriving at Château Ambe Tour Pourret in Saint-Émilion vineyards, you will first enjoy a visit of the cellars, followed by a wine tasting.
The construction is splendid with its tower, its courtyard centre toward the hundred-year-old chestnut tree and a small vineyard: the sweet life at the entrance of the beautiful village of Saint-Émilion.
Continue to the kitchen where, under the Chef’s guidance, you will live a unique experience in Saint-Émilion by concocting and tasting regional dishes in accordance with the Château’s wines.
A workshop limited to 12 people where each person has his own hob and his own preparation space will be organised. You will realise a menu highlighting the seasonal products, which includes a starter and a main course or a main course and a desert.
You will also be able to visit the winery and will participate to the lunch setting in the reception room or in the shady courtyard: “a very special moment of sharing”.
- This private tour is subject to a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 12 people.
Total : $220
According to availability.CHÂTEAU COS D'ESTOURNEL
This overland must be prebooked and prepaid at least 60 days prior to your cruise. Any reservation made after this deadline will be confirmed onboard based on availability. A minimum of participants must be booked in order to operate this tour. 100% of total cost will be billed for cancellations made less than 60 days before departure.
From the ship, you will depart to the Medoc vineyards. You will enjoy a panoramic drive on the route des Châteaux, and see Château Lafite Rothschild and Château Mouton Rotschild.
You will arrive in Château Cos d’Estournel. Your visit of the estate will be followed by a tasting of 6 wines.
Château Cos d’Estournel, located in Saint-Estèphe, is a second Grand Cru Classé (Great growth from the 1855 classification) of the Médoc. Founded in 1811 by Louis-Gaspard d’Estournel near the village of Cos, the Château exports a great quantity of wine to India, which gives it the nickname of Maharadjah. Chinese-looking pagodas and Zanzibar doors were added to the chateau architecture in 1830.
Cos d’Estournel has been greatly refurbished. A large part of the cellar has been renovated by the interior designer Jacques Garcia. This wine property belongs to the Reybier family, owners of the Réserve in Paris and Geneva.
- This tour involves moderate walking on paved and pebbled terrain. You must negotiate various steps to visit the property and its wine cellars. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes. This tour is not recommended to guests with limited mobility or in a wheelchair. This tour is subject to a minimum of 10 participants and a maximum of 14 participants.
Total : $220
According to availability.B-WINEMAKER WS AT LA TOUR CARNET CHÂTEAU
This overland must be prebooked and prepaid at least 60 days prior to your cruise. Any reservation made after this deadline will be confirmed onboard based on availability. A minimum of participants must be booked in order to operate this tour. 100% of total cost will be billed for cancellations made less than 60 days before departure.
To visit Château La Tour Carnet is to plunge into history covering almost 1000 years. Be an active participant and take part in a winemaking workshop and assist in the assemblage and bottling of your very own red wine that you will take with you. Unlike most wine-growing regions in the world, Bordeaux wines are blend wines made from several grape varieties. Learn why they are blended and how to differentiate between Cabernet and Merlot. Begin with a visit to this exceptionally preserved historic estate, its vineyards, its vat-house and its cellars before joining the sommelier in the workshop.
Once inside the workshop, participants will become apprentice oenologists and shall be tasked with creating their very own combinations using test tubes, conversion tables and 9 glasses. Guided by the sommelier, the participants will begin with a glass each of 100% Merlot and 100% Cabernet wines followed by 3 blends proposed by the host. The last 4 blends are completed according to tastes and palates so that each participant creates his or her own wine based on his or her favourite combination. Afterwards each participant will pour their creation into their bottle, cork it and operate the capper.
La Tour Carnet, originally called the Château Saint Laurent, whose famous tower was built in the 11th century, this ancient fortress was used by the English to battle the French nobility. When Bordeaux was capitulated to the King of France in 1451, Carnet, a devoted squire who stood by his lord, Count Jean de Foix, remained loyal to the King of England and refused to submit. Although Count de Foix died and Carnet and the English were finally defeated, the partially damaged castle retained its current name “La Tour Carnet”. The estate changed hands several times over the centuries and even belonged to the philosopher Montaigne’s brother-in-law, Thibault de Carmaing.
If the thick castle walls could talk they would tell the tales of centuries of fighting followed by flourishing trade and wine production from the 15th century onwards. Since the 16th century special emphasis was paid to the cultivation of the vine and wine quality. Luckily the Revolution of 1789 spared the estate which was owned by a Swedish nobleman, whose descendants labored to further improve wine quality. Their exceptional work was recognized and the estate was awarded the distinguished title of “Grand Cru Classé” in 1855. Bernard Magrez, the current owner, has undertaken a massive restoration and renovation program, increasing the vineyards and bringing the wine back to the excellence and undisputable quality it was known for.
- We recommend you wear comfortable shoes. 7 Assemblies and a personalized bottle. Visit of the vineyard, the vat room and the cellars. Introduction to the vines of the Bordeaux vineyard, assembly workshop and creation of his own cuvée customized for each participant. Possibility to buy wine on the spot or to send home. This tour is subject to a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum of 15 participants.
Total : $180
According to availability.CHÂTEAU BEYCHEVELLE : SECRETS OF THE WINEGROWERS
This overland must be prebooked and prepaid at least 60 days prior to your cruise. Any reservation made after this deadline will be confirmed onboard based on availability. A minimum of participants must be booked in order to operate this tour. 100% of total cost will be billed for cancellations made less than 60 days before departure.
Chateau Beychevelle is without a doubt one of the most beautiful properties in the Médoc region with its elegant castle and sumptuous gardens spread over 250 hectares of land, of which only 90 are dedicated to vineyards. Its wines are classified as fourth growth and belong to the Saint-Julien appellation.
The château was first built in 1565 by the Bishop François de Foix- Candale and later passed on to his niece and her husband Jean Louis de Nogaret de la Vallette in the early 17th century. Known as the first Duke of Epernon, a great admiral and governor of Guyenne, he was a favorite of King Edward III and considered so powerful that ships passing the property would lower their sails “Baisse voile” in a sign of allegiance, hence giving the estate its name. “Baisse voile “ later became Beychevelle and the official emblem of the estate.
With more than 300 years of history, the current owners, the Groups Castel and Suntory continue the art of using traditional winemaking techniques for developing exceptional wines.
Discover the art of winemaking with an intimate approach alongside the true professionals of the trade and uncover their secrets while fully immersed in the heart of their cellars. Afterwards partake in a mysterious and unique form of wine tasting of four of the estate’s wines.
TASTING: Includes 4 wines
- We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and clothing for the visit. Excursion limited to 10 passengers.
Total : $240
According to availability.Porto city tour & wine tasting
4h30
From the pier, board your coach and start your 30-minute scenic drive to Porto.
Upon arrival, you will visit the Francis Church which is the most prominent Gothic monument in Porto and is also noted for its outstanding Baroque inner decoration.
You will continue your walk to the riverside, also known as the Ribeira one of Port’s landmarks, you will enjoy free time for shopping and stroll around this area.
You will then be driven to the Taylor’s wine cellar. Taylor’s is the archetypal Port house and it wines the quintessential Ports. Established over three centuries ago in 1692, Taylor’s is one of the oldest of the founding Port houses. It is dedicated entirely to the production of Port wine and in particular to its finest styles. Above all, Taylor’s is regarded as the benchmark for Vintage Port.
Noted for their elegance and poise as well as for their restrained power and longevity, Taylor’s Vintage Ports are blended from the finest wines of the firm’s own quintas or estates, Vargellas, Terra Feita and Junco. These three iconic properties, each occupying a distinct geographic location and with their own unique character, are the cornerstone of the company’s success and the main source of its unique and inimitable house style.
Taylor’s is also respected as a producer of wood aged ports and holds one of the largest reserves of rare cask aged wines from which its distinguished aged tawny Ports are drawn. The house is also known as the originator of Late Bottled Vintage, a style which the firm pioneered and of which it remains the leading producer. Based in Porto and the Douro Valley the family company is closely involved in all stages of the production of its Ports, from the planting of the vineyard, the cultivation of the grapes to the making, ageing, blending and the bottling of the wines. The family’s commitment to the future of Port is demonstrated in its single-minded dedication to the highest standards in Port production, its continued investment in all aspects of the firm’s operations and its determination to preserve the unique environment of the Douro Valley through the promotion of sustainable and responsible viticulture.
Following your visit and wine tasting, join your coach with a 30-minute drive back to the ship.
- This tour involves moderate walking on both uneven and flat surfaces and includes several steps inside the monuments and the wine cellar. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility. Appropriate clothing is required to enter religious sites: shoulders and knees must to be covered. The wine tasting is included on your tour. In case of religious services, the visit of the church will be an outside visit only.
Total : 50-100 €
According to availability.Tram tour of Porto
4h00
From the pier, board your coach and start your drive to Porto.
Upon arrival, you will visit the Tramcar Museum and its collection of trams dating from 1871 until 1950’s. Built in 1992, the Tram Museum retraces the history of trams in Porto by means of a plethora of exhibits. One of the highlight is the tram number 22: the first tram operating on the Iberian Peninsula. Overall, the period of time covered by the exhibits starts in the second half of the 19th century, calling forth, at least for the nostalgic public, the atmosphere of those times when getting around was not necessarily a matter of speed.
You will then board one of these historical trams and enjoy a ride through Porto’s main attractions. You will start at the museum, drive along the riverside, go up to the Carmo Church then continue passing through Porto’s main avenue (Aliados) where the town hall building is located. The tram will continue through the old town until the main shopping avenue (Santa Catarina), Batalha Square and finish off at Guindais Funicular near the cathedral.
The Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto in Portuguese) is the most important religious building in the city and has been declared a National Monument. The construction of the cathedral began during the 12th century, but it was rebuilt and renovated numerous times throughout the centuries. This explains why the cathedral is a blend of architectural styles. The temple is predominantly Baroque in style, although its façade and the nave are Romanesque and its cloister and one of the chapels are Gothic in style. Inside, the large pillars make the nave seem narrow with a high ceiling, it has bare walls, and only the high altar and some of its chapels are decorated in Baroque style.
Finally, a short walk will take you to São Bento Train Station to admire its unique collection of white and blue glazed tiles before joining your coach and your ship, after a 45-minute drive.
- This tour involves moderate walking on both uneven and flat surfaces and includes several steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility. The museum is divided between two floors without elevator. Appropriate clothing is recommended to enter religious sites: shoulders and knees must be covered. In case of religious services, the visit of the Cathedral will be an outside visit only.
Total : 50-100 €
According to availability.Porto through your camera
4h00
From the pier, board your coach and start your 30-minute panoramic drive to explore Porto. Accompanied with a professional photographer, you will capture the main highlights of the city.
Porto, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996, is the gateway for a journey across the natural and cultural diversity of the region. It is known for the Porto wine which is shipped from here all over the world, but also for a heritage which combines ancient churches and monuments, such as the Cathedral and the Church of São Francisco, and modern buildings, such as Casa da Música and the Serralves Museum. The city is also famous for its School of Architecture which bred names like Álvaro Siza Vieira and Eduardo Souto de Moura, both winners of the Pritzker Prize.
Strolling through the city, you will discover the Cathedral which is located in the historical centre. It is one of the city's oldest monuments and one of the most important Romanesque monuments in Portugal.
Your walk will lead you to the Ribeira area, one of the city's oldest neighbourhood. Historically the quayside here was one of the busiest points on the River Douro with cargo ships sailing both up and down-stream and landing here. Today it is equally bustling but the major trade here is now tourism.
You will then cross the art street of Rua da Restauração before reaching the Santa Catarina Belvedere overlooking the Douro river.
Finally, you will join your coach for a 30-minute drive to your ship in Leixoes.
- This tour involves 3 hours of walking on both uneven and flat surfaces and includes several steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. This tour will be done with your own camera. The professional photographer speaks only English. This tour is limited to 20 participants.
Total : 50-100 €
According to availability.Saint Jean de Luz & Biarritz
4h30
From the pier, you will board your coach and drive to Biarritz, 45-minute drive.
Once arriving in Biarritz, you will enjoy a guided panoramic tour following by a walking tour.
You will discover the "Queen of resorts and the resort of Kings" and the "Grande Plage", the main beach in town, where surfers from all over the world come to ride the waves.
Continue on to the hotel du Palais. Its façade overhangs the golden beach of Biarritz and recalls the idle and frivolous period of the ‘20s. Built in 1855 as a summer house for the Imperial couple, the building owes its E shape to the name of the Empress Eugenie.
The next stop will be the cozy fishing port nestled in the rocks. It is considered by many to be a separate tiny village within the city of Biarritz.
Continue your walking tour to the Rock of the Virgin, a landmark in Biarritz. This "island" is attainable only by an imposing bridge which was constructed by Gustave Eiffel, the same architect who, of course, designed the famous Eiffel Tower in Paris.
You will conclude your ocean front tour of Biarritz with the ancient whaling port, whaling having been an integral part of the history of Biarritz. It is an interesting as well as amusing tour packed with anecdotes from Biarritz’s colourful past. A photo-stop will be made at the lighthouse, located on the northern part of Biarritz with its panoramic view of the city.
After enjoying some free-time, you will re-board your coach to reach Saint-Jean-de-Luz and start there a walking tour through the historic town.
Saint-Jean-de-Luz was formerly a famous pirate port. The Basque "privateers" sailed under the authority of the French King and were the scourge of English merchant ships. Saint-Jean-de-Luz became a veritable "pirates nest" and many of the fine houses today were built from the revenues of the privateers. The golden age of prosperity for the town was crowned by the marriage of Louis XIV and Maria Theresa of Spain in the Basque church in 1660. The royal wedding, which took place in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, was the result of the "Treaty of the Pyrenees" signed between France and Spain the previous year. The two houses where the couple awaited the marriage can be seen on either side of the town square. The Basque church of St. John the Baptist is particularly interesting. The doorway the couple used to leave after the ceremony was immediately walled up so that no-one else could cross the royal threshold. The interior is one of the finest examples of religious Basque architecture with classic wooden balconies typical of Basque churches.
Finally, you will return to your ship after a 30-minute drive.
- This excursion involves approximately 0.7 mile (1 km) of walking on uneven ground with steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. This tour is not recommended for guests with any mobility restrictions. Appropriate clothe is required to enter religious sites: the shoulders and knees must be covered. Incas of religious office, the cathedral visit will be only an outside visit. This tour is limited to 70 participants.
Total : 50-100 €
According to availability.The elegant city of the Basque Country
3h30
From the pier, you will board your coach and start the 30-minute drive to San Sebastián.
The Kings and Queens of Spain chose San Sebastián as the royal seaside resort just as Napoleon III and the Empress Eugenie chose Biarritz. Today San Sebastián remains a brilliant and seductive city, a cultural hub of the Basque Country.
After a photo stop at Monte Igueldo, which provides a panoramic view of San Sebastián Bay, you will enjoy a panoramic tour of the city.
Then, you will make your way to the old town where your guided 1-hour walking tour will start. You will visit the city's "old quarter" with its narrow pedestrian streets.
You will continue to the famous streets lined with "tapas" bars, where you can enjoy some free time to experience the atmosphere while enjoying some tapas with Spanish wines or local cider (at your own expense).
Finally, you will return to your ship after a 30-minute drive.
- This excursion involves approximately 1,5 km (1 mile) of walking on uneven ground with steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The tapas are not included in the price.
Total : 50-100 €
According to availability.La Rhune Mountain train
4h00
From the pier, you will board your coach and leave the shore side to venture into the mountainous part of the Basque Country, 45-minute drive.
La Rhune mountain, covered in dolmens, stone circles and other Neolithic monuments, was held to be a sacred place in the Basque mythology. Later on, considered as a ritual meeting place for witches, the mountain became, up until the 18th century, home to a hermit monk whose duty was to keep witches away and ensure good winds.
A few centuries later, the mountain became a notable smuggling route, especially for refugees during the Spanish Civil War and World War II.
Only 905 meters high, La Rhune is today a popular site for walks and hikes, but is also known for its rack railway, the Petit Train de la Rhune. Built in 1924 and perfectly maintained, this train with wooden carriages will take you to the top of the Rhune mountain, where you will enjoy a 360° panoramic view from the terraces: from the French coast across the Pyrenees Mountain range, and out to the Spanish Northern coast, far reaching in all directions.
Once arriving, you will have the choice between enjoy some free time or follow your guide during a short walking tour on the Rhune mountain.
Finally, you will return to your ship, 45-minute drive.
- This excursion involves some walking time with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. This tour is limited to 40 participants. La Rhune mountain train is not exclusive for Ponant’s guests. The train ride lasts 30 minutes on each way.
Total : 50-100 €
According to availability.Hiking tour through Pauillac
2h15
Today, leaving the ship on foot, you will enjoy a nice guided walk though Pauillac village and the vineyards.
During this walk with your guide, you will learn the secrets of the Gironde Estuary, see the departure site of Lafayette on its way to the Independence War, learn about the locals countryside life and the fishing technics. Walking through Pauillac village, and then out, you will walk through the vines where your guides will show you the gravels and the grapes that makes this beautiful estate one of the best of the world!
On your way you will discover some of the most prestigious Pauillac classified wine estates such as Château Latour, and Château Pichon Longueville.
- We recommend you wear sports shoes and sports clothes. This tour is not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties. This tour is limited to 20 participants.
Total : <50 €
According to availability.Peddle through Pauillac
2h00
Discover Pauillac, the small commune which boasts 3,000 acres of the finest and most highly reputed vineyards in France. Introduce yourself to the Haut Médoc with a refreshing electric bike ride and explore the region whose geographical location and gravelly soil composition make it an absolute paradise for growing grapes.
Peddle your way through Pauillac as your guide accompanies you for a ride along the Gironde River before heading southwest into the heart of the vineyards. Roll along at a leisurely pace as you take it all in: the fresh air, the silence, the rows and rows of vines dotted here and there with the local farmers carefully tending to each detail, and the painstakingly manicured and exquisite estates themselves.
You will have the opportunity during this 10-11 km journey to snap photos or admire the views of such celebrated estates as Château Latour, Château Pichon-Longueville and Château Grand Puy Lacoste among others. Your guide will take you to places not accessible by cars for exceptional views.
Complete the trek with a quick stop in the cosy hamlet of Bages for some well merited refreshments before the short ride back to the Marina.
Duration of the ride itself: 1 hour; distance 10 – 11 km
Equipment: electric bike
- We recommend that you wear comfortable shoes and clothes for the bicycle ride. This tour is not suitable for passengers who have difficulty cycling. The course imprints uneven soils, small gravel or pebbled roads and small slopes. This excursion is limited to 25 people.
Total : 50-100 €
According to availability.The famous Medoc Château Road
3h00
The Medoc wine road, located between the Gironde Estuary and the Landes forest, provides magnificent views of vine-covered gravelly rises as far as the eye can see. You will have the opportunity to take photos of some of the most famous Châteaux of the area… Médoc vineyards are orderly and well-kept almost to the point of fanaticism, and the region's world famous châteaux produce wine that are nothing short of divine… Moulis, Listrac, Saint Julien, Saint Estèphe, Pauillac, Médoc, Haut Médoc and Margaux (with the celebrated château of the same name).
You will visit the cellars of one of the famous estates: Château Gruaud Larose, located in Medoc district of Saint-Julien.
After a short stop at Chateau Margaux, continue your way to Château Gruaud Larose, situated on the Saint Julien terroir just next to the village of Beychevelle, close to the “Route des Chateaux”. While the surface of this district is quite small, it assembles the greatest concentration of “Cru Classé” (classified growth) wines in the Medoc.
The vineyard is stretching over 82 hectares of gravely soil overlaying calcareous clay which gives a fine wine with character. As a result, it was classified « Second Grand Cru » (top ranked growth) in 1855. Throughout the centuries, Chateau Gruaud Larose has managed to impose a perfect balance between nature and the consideration of man’s work in its quest for excellence. The estate’s motto is “The King of Wines and the Wine of Kings”. The nose and the bouquet of Château Gruaud Larose reveal the identity of its Medoc origins. An intense elixir imposing its tannic and spicy richness. A superb concentration, an unusual strength in the fruit and an astonishing final – profound and aromatic.
On site, you will first discover the estate from the above, thanks to the recently built tower allowing to enjoy a spectacular view on the estate, its vineyards and the Gironde river. You will then proceed to the vat and barrel cellars and be introduced to the secrets of wine-making-techniques, before following your guide to the tasting room so as to indulge yourself with their wines.
You will enjoy a special tasting of two wines from the estate paired with French cheeses!
- This tour involves moderate walking on paved and pebbled terrain. You must negotiate various steps to visit the property and its wine cellars. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes. This tour is not recommended to guests with limited mobility or in a wheelchair.
Total : 100-150 €
According to availability.Château Pedesclaux
2h30
Château Pédesclaux holds the prestigious classification as a fifth growth Grand Cru Classé wine although it has a relatively short history when compared to some of its neighbouring vineyards such as Château Lafite Rothschild or Château Mouton Rothschild. The château was created in 1810 by Pierre Urbain Pédesclaux, who belonged to a family of successful wine brokers in Bordeaux. Edmond Pédesclaux was actually one of the brokers who assisted in determining the original 1855 Classification of Medoc wines.
Pédesclaux purchased the vineyard lands from the estate of Grand Puy Lacoste and in a mere fifty years the Château was recognised as a fifth growth. After the death of Pierre Urbain, his wife managed the estate until she died in 1891. The real success story of Château Pédesclaux is the story of revival. After years of neglect due to post war economic hardship and after changing hands several times, the vineyards were slowly and carefully restored by Lucien Jugla who has managed the land since 1930. He even managed to purchase the estate in 1951.
In 2009, the property was bought by Jacky Lorenzetti, owner of Château Lilian Ladouys. He enlarged the vineyards with the purchase of 12 hectares bordering the property of both Château Lafite Rothschild and Château Mouton Rothschild. He introduced a new label and implemented an ambitious new modern labour-intensive management system and was the first estate to implement laser optical sorting.
Come and experience this modern age success story while admiring the work of architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte, responsible for the entire renovation of the château and the winemaking facilities which were completed in 2015. This one of a kind château was uniquely designed to infuse modernity while preserving the original look of the classic building.
Not only will you discover the 100% gravitational wine making process, you will also have the opportunity to taste exceptional wines produced on this discrete domain.
- We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and clothing for the visit. Tasting of 2 wines. Excursion limited to 25 people.
Total : 50-100 €
According to availability.Château Lafite Rotschild
2h15
Château Lafite Rothschild belongs to the small and exclusive list of wine producing estates awarded the prestigious 1855 classification of First Growth status. The first references of the property date as far back as 1234 when the property was under the ownership of Gombaud Lafite. However it wasn’t until the 17th century when the Ségur family purchased the property that the majority of the vineyards were planted by Jacques de Ségur.
It was actually during the early 18th century when Nicolas-Alexandre, Marquis de Ségur, the son of Alexandre Ségur and heiress of Château Latour, refined the wine making techniques of the estate and introduced his wines to the upper classes of European society that Lafite solidly gained its reputation as a winemaking estate. Nicolas-Alexandre became famously known as “The Wine Prince” and Lafite’s wines became known as “The King‘s Wines” thanks to the influential support he received from such notable political figures such as Maréchal Richelieu and a visit from future US president Thomas Jefferson.
After the French Revolution, the Ségur family’s ownership of the estate came to a brutal end with the execution of heir Nicolas Pierre de Pichard during the Reign of Terror. The estate became a public property and was subsequently sold to Dutch merchants. A written reference dating back to 1797 describes the estate as a Premier Cru of Medoc, long before the official 1855 classification was established. It was thanks to the intermediary ownership by the Goudal family that records were saved and preserved for future marketing and winemaking plans. They also are credited with creating the cellar and saving many of the oldest bottles in existence.
Eventually the Château was purchased in 1868 by Baron James Mayer Rothschild who renamed the estate Château Lafite Rothschild. He died just three months after its purchase, thus leaving his three sons as heirs to the property. The estate has remained within the family ever since. Over the years the Domaines Baron Rothschild have expanded and developed in several countries and they were one of the first to invest in South America.
The best way to approach this estate, so rich in history and so impassioned with its pursuit to make the finest wines in the world is to go to the source and visit it by yourself. Visit the underground circular cellar and vault supported by its 16 columns which holds 2,200 barrels, walk among the 112 carefully tended hectares of vines making note of the gentle rises and the thick layer of gravelly soil composed of sand, clay, marl and limestone. Then, following the visit, close your eyes and delight your taste buds during your tasting as you search for the nuances which are found in these remarkable wines.
- We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and clothing for the visit. Tasting of 2 wines. Excursion limited to 15 people.
Total : 50-100 €
According to availability.Gourmet guided walking tour of Bordeaux
2h30
Departure on foot from the ship berth for a walking tour of the UNESCO classified city of Bordeaux.
Take advantage of this short-guided walking tour of Bordeaux city centre to discover some local traditional specialties, like Chocolate, Canelé cake, Cheese, and of course Bordeaux wine.
Walk by the Grand Theatre, built by Victor Louis in 1773, one of the most beautiful in Europe and a pure work of art from the 18th century. And continue through the old Bordeaux district towards the Parlement and Bourse squares, before reaching the cathedral Saint André and City Hall area. End the tour with the luxury boutiques district, called “the triangle” by the locals, and the Quinconces square.
- This tour is not suitable for persons with walking difficulties as it includes long walking parts sometimes on cobblestoned streets. We recommend you wear flat, comfortable walking shoes. All this tour will be done on foot. This tour is subject to a minimum of 10 participants.
Total : 50-100 €
According to availability.Gourmet City tour of Bordeaux
5h00
Departure by coach from the boat for a panoramic tour and walk to the city.
Once called the “Sleeping Beauty”, Bordeaux has woken, and was listed as UNESCO World Heritage site in 2007. This distinction recognises the beauty and uniqueness of the architectural heritage style of Bordeaux, which has developed harmoniously over the centuries, while remaining remarkably preserved.
You will discover the Chartrons district where the wine trade was born, the Place des Quinconces, the largest square in Europe with 12 hectares, and its column commemorating the French Revolution, the Place de la Bourse, jewel of the facade of the quays with the Porte Cailhau. You will then walk from Place Pey Berland where you will find the Town Hall and the Cathedral, to Place de la Comédie and its Grand Théâtre, the Opera of the city in service since the 18th century, before re-embarking on your coach.
Your panoramic tour of Bordeaux will end at La Cité du Vin, an exhibition venue on the theme of wine. Its inauguration took place in May 2016 in the presence of Alain Juppé and François Hollande. It is supported by the Foundation for the Culture and Civilisation of Wine, a private foundation recognised for public utility, whose mission is to support, promote and transmit the wine heritage. Sometimes defined as the lighthouse of Bordeaux wine tourism or the Bordeaux totem, La Cité du Vin never ceases to seduce its visitors. By 2018, no less than 450,000 were pushing the door of this unique architecture, which reveals all the wealth and diversity of the world's wine. National Geographic has even ranked the place in 7th place among the best museums in the world! The Cité du Vin is an original cultural facility dedicated to wine as a cultural, universal and living heritage. It offers a spectacular journey around the world, through the ages, in all cultures. At the end of your visit through the permanent exhibition, a glass of wine will be offered on the 8th floor of the Cité du Vin with its panoramic view of Bordeaux.
Your excursion will continue on the other side of the street, with a stop at the Halles de Bacalan, the new gourmet market hall of Bordeaux, rehabilitating and modernising the concept of the markets of yesteryear.
On 950 m2, the 23 stalls animated by artisans, traders and producers - selected for their know-how and their complementarity - favour short circuits. 85% of the products offered are of South-West origin! A tasting of some of these products will be offered during your visit.
The tour will end with the short return trip to the boat.
- We recommend you wear flat and comfortable walking shoes. The order of the visits can vary and the internal visit of the Cathedral Saint André is dependent on the celebrations of the day.
Total : 50-100 €
According to availability.Visit of Château SMITH HAUT LAFITTE
2h30
Following a customized tour of the estate, you will visit the owners' private cellar, taste the estate's first wine, both white and red, and the young vines in red.
Today, you will be invited a special confidential wine tasting at Pessac-Léognan Classified Great Growth Château Smith Haut Lafitte estate. This great growth owes its reputation as "the quintessential Graves" to its superb Günz gravel terroir in a single block. The estate's history dates back to the Crusades. The Scottish navigator Georges Smith acquired the château in the 18th century and Monsieur Duffour-Dubergier, a Mayor of Bordeaux from a famous family of negotiants, was a subsequent owner.
Since its purchase by Florence and Daniel Cathiard in 1990, Smith Haut Lafitte has become one of the leading lights of Bordeaux thanks to its elegant, powerful red and white wines. In twenty years, the owners have not only brought the wine of Smith Haut Lafitte up to the very highest level, but also restored the château's 16th century tower, completely renovated two underground cellars, built their own cooperage, and introduced such organic methods as horse-drawn ploughing, home-made compost, the use of plant extracts, etc.
Enchanted with this tasting of the finest wines of the Bordeaux wine region, historic cradle of the wine culture in the world, you will return to your ship.
- This tour involves moderate walking on paved and pebbled terrain. You must negotiate various steps to visit the property and its wine cellars. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes. This tour is not recommended to guests with limited mobility or in a wheelchair. This tour is limited to 25 participants.
Total : 100-150 €
According to availability.Saint Émilion village and Château SOUTARD
4h15
There can be no better place to start a visit to this attractive region than UNESCO World Heritage Classified Saint Emilion region and village, heartland of the Merlot grape, which produces delicious, rich, round wines.
The vines on the "hill with a thousand châteaux", reach right up to Saint Emilion's 13th century town walls and surrounding moat dug out of solid rock. Members of the local wine brotherhood, the Jurats, proclaim the vintage banns in much the same way as their ancestors did during the reign of Richard the Lion heart.
You will visit the main monuments of the town: the Collegial church and its magnificent cloister from the 12th century, the ramparts (12th), the market place. Strolling in the streets, you will also see the Cadene gate and the King's Tower. You will then have some time at leisure for shopping.
Continue your discovery of the first UNESCO classified village by driving through the vineyard and going to impressive Château SOUTARD where you will be explained the techniques of wine making during the visit of the cellars, before a wine tasting.
- This tour involves walking over cobblestone streets and some steps. We recommend you wear flat, comfortable walking shoes. This tour is not suitable for passengers with walking difficulties due to steep cobblestoned streets in Saint-Emilion in addition to several stairs in the château.
Total : 50-100 €
According to availability.Farm of Neuvic, French caviar producer
4h30
Neuvic estate spreads out over 19 hectares at the confluence of the Isle and Vern rivers, in the town of Neuvic.
It is situated on the land of a farm dating back to before the French Revolution, which left traces and memories that can still be seen and felt on the stone walls. The Isle River is omnipresent, whether crossing the property or bordering its contours with its meanders flanked by imposing chalky cliffs.
Domaine de Neuvic produces and markets the Caviar de Neuvic brand. It also produces caviar for other brands in accordance with precise specifications. Domaine de Neuvic is first and foremost synonymous with an innovative and stringent quality approach.
In 2013, Domaine de Neuvic received the acclaim of the association France Initiative, chaired by Mr Schweitzer, as one of ten "remarkable companies" in France. This title rewards its innovative approach, promotion of its region and recognition of human capital as a criterion for the overall success of the company.
During the visit of the estate, your guide will tell you all the secrets of sturgeons breeding and how to make caviar.
At the end of the visit, you will have the opportunity to taste the estate’s caviar, with a glass of sparkling wine!
- We recommend you wear flat, comfortable walking shoes. This tour involves 1 ½ hour transfer each way.
Total : 50-100 €
According to availability.Secrets of French oak wood barrel-maker
3h30
A wine connoisseur adventure
Classified Chateau Pavie remains one of the most exclusive Chateau estate in the Saint Émilion wine district.
At Nadalié, family and business have gone hand in hand for 5 generations. Cooperage's art is the family true heritage. Today, learn about the complete process of cooperage (art of oak barrel making) and meet the craftsmen who make the beauty of that art… Dexterity, precision, attention to the quality of the product, you will discover a preserved know-how.
You will be impressed and astonished by the high productivity of these craftsmen that is only made possible by a high technical level acquired throughout decades of know-how and passion. From the selection of the oak trees to the final customisation of the barrel, expertise is at work. Despite improvement from modern research, analysis, machinery and wood selection techniques, the barrel making process has changed very little over the years and is extremely time intensive. To achieve the highest standards of quality, most of the work is still done by hand by highly qualified coopers.
During the visit of the “Tonnellerie Nadalié” you will learn the secrets of the production of the wine barrels, a major component of the wine ageing process! Discover the complicity in between chateaux wine masters and barrel makers, and how they predict the exchanges in between the French oak wood & the wine tannings during the wine’s ageing in the cellars, and finally how they monitor it to obtain the flavours they are looking for!
Your will see the “mise en rose” (how wine barrel “raise the barrel”) and the toasting which will gives complex flavours to the wines. After this exclusive visit, you will taste wines stocked in differently-toasted-barrels or made from different oaks (French & American) to better understand how wine aromas differ according to barrel wood origins and wood toasting. Finally, you will taste the wine of the owning family’s wine estate, Château Beaurivage. After this immersion into the world of the wine barrel makers, you will return to your ship in Bordeaux.
- We recommend you wear flat and comfortable walking shoes. This private tour is subject to a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 25 people.
Total : 50-100 €
According to availability.Sauternes: Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey
3h00
Located in the Sauternes wine region, Chateau Lafaurie-Peyraguey is a magnificent wine estate, classified Premier Grand Cru Classé in 1855. Nearby Chateau Yquem, its 37.5 hectares of vineyards stand on the third terrace of the Sauternes appellation, over 70 metres above sea level.
The ‘L’Enclos’ and ‘Maisons Rouges’ plots of land (15 hectares) form the historic heart of this exceptional terroir, with the others distributed near to various Crus Classés within the appellation, in the form of five-hectare islands (Yquem, Suduiraut, Guiraud, Rieussec and d’Arche). A wide range of soils and subsoils (mostly gravel and clay) have been recorded here, a unique typology which explains the exceptional aromatic complexity offered up by Chateau Lafaurie-Peyraguey wines.
During your visit, you will discover the history of Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey, the territory of Sauternes, its viticulture and the secret of its sweet wines. You will be explained the special link that unites the Chateaux’s wines to the art of Lalique.
After visiting the estate (the “enclos”, the fermenting room, the cellars and the Chapel), you will be invited to taste three of the Chateaux’ wines. This liquid gold’s tastings will take place in the Vinothèque or the Chapel, entirely redecorated by Lalique, and nestled between the two historic wine cellars.
- This private tour is subject to a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 15 people.
Total : 100-150 €
According to availability.Panoramic tour of Belle-Île-en-Mer
3h00
Depart from the pier for a 15-minute walk to your coach (a shuttle is available for passengers who have walking difficulties). You will then leave to explore the island on a panoramic tour.
Pass through the “Impressionists” village of Kervilahouen, watched over by a large lighthouse. Also known as the Goulphar lighthouse, it was designed by Auguste Fresnel, a famous French physicist and the man behind the compact Fresnel lens.
Next, you will then head for the iconic Aiguilles de Port Coton. The Aiguilles de Port Coton rock formations are one of the most amazing sites on the island, and have been painted many times by Claude Monet who said about the site: “It is sinister, devilish but superb and I have not found anything like it elsewhere.” The name is a reference to the foam, thrown up by waves in heavy seas as they crash against the rocks, which looks like a veil of cotton.
Lastly you will continue to Poulains point, loved by the actress Sarah Bernhardt, and the giant rocky “pyramids” of the astonishing Apothicairerie site.
You will also stop in the charming port of Sauzon before getting back to the port and your ship.
- This excursion involves approximately 0.7 mile (1.5 km) walking, sometimes on sloping terrain, uneven surfaces and some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes.
Total : 50-100 €
According to availability.Eden Garden & panoramic tour
4h00
Depart from the pier for a 15-minute walk to your coach (a shuttle is available for passengers who have walking difficulties). After a 30-minute drive, you will reach the Eden Garden.
Brittany, homeland of many explorers, was the starting point of the most prestigious expeditions around the world and is nowadays an ideal land for gardens as hundreds of varieties have been acclimatized since the 18th century. The Eden Garden houses 3,000 m² of aromatic and officinal plants as well as vegetables and flowers from all over the world. Michel Damblant, the owner, will guide you, narrating as you discover his garden the adventures of the most famous "plant explorers" of Brittany.
Then, you will re-board your coach for a panoramic tour. Pass through the “Impressionists” village of Kervilahouen, watched over by a large lighthouse. Also known as the Goulphar lighthouse, it was designed by Auguste Fresnel, a famous French physicist and the man behind the compact Fresnel lens.
Next, you will then head for the iconic Aiguilles de Port Coton. The Aiguilles de Port Coton rock formations are one of the most amazing sites on the island, and have been painted many times by Claude Monet who said about the site: “It is sinister, devilish but superb and I have not found anything like it elsewhere.” The name is a reference to the foam, thrown up by waves in heavy seas as they crash against the rocks, which looks like a veil of cotton.
Lastly you will continue to Poulains point, loved by the actress Sarah Bernhardt, and the giant rocky “pyramids” of the astonishing Apothicairerie site.
Finally, you will get back to the port and your ship.
- This excursion involves approximately 1.7 miles (2.5 km) walking, sometimes on sloping terrain, uneven surfaces and some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. The garden visit will be done by the owner. This tour is limited to 40 participants.
Total : 50-100 €
According to availability.Hiking at Pointe des Poulains
4h00
Depart from the pier for a 15-minute walk to your coach. After a 30-minute drive, you will reach Pointe des Poulains.
Dominated by a small automated lighthouse, whose autonomy is guaranteed by solar panels, the site offers a splendid panoramic view. On a clear day, the view extends to the Groix island, Lorient, and embraces all the Quiberon Bay. Held by the “Conservatoire du Littoral” (Coastal protection agency) since 2000, the small military fort was bought in 1894 by the actress Sarah Bernhardt to become in 1897 her villa, named “The Five Parts of the World”, where she spent every summer until the end of her life. The place is now the subject of a protection and recovery programme.
Once arriving, you will follow your guide and start your hiking along the wild coast, appreciating the coves and the turquoise waters.
After a two-hour hike, you will join a hamlet at the Logonet mill, where you will enjoy a refreshment stop, before reboarding your coach to drive back to the pier.
- This excursion involves approximately 5 km (3.5 miles) of walking, sometimes on sloping terrain, uneven surfaces and some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable hiking shoes. The refreshment is included on your tour. This tour is limited to 25 participants.
Total : 50-100 €
According to availability.