Bordeaux Hike & Cruise

Self Guided - 7 Nights/8 Days

The region of Bordeaux, located in the sun drenched, south-western part of France, is the perfect setting for a hike and boat tour. Vineyards that cover the rolling hills of the region have for centuries produced France’s most remarkable wines. Appellations such as Saint-Émilion, Pomerol, Sauternes, Médoc and Margaux have made Bordeaux wines world famous. The area around Bordeaux is also well known for its culinary specialties: the cuisine on board is outstanding and menus will include regional specialties, prepared fresh ingredients, include fish, seafood and cheeses. Your comfortable barge is your floating hotel for the week.

Highlights:

Bordeaux – the cultural heart of the region and a UNESCO World Heritage site
Visit the house of Toulouse- Lautrec and taste wine there
The remarkable 17thC fortress of Vauban
Saint Emilion’s famous chateaux

Your Journey

Day 1 Castets-en- Dorthe

Embarkation at 3 pm. Time to take a short walk around the Canal des Deux Mers.

Day 2 Castets-en- Dorthe – Entre-Deux-Mers (17km)

Discover Malagar, residence of writer Francois Mauriac and Malrome castle, home of Toulouse Lautrec.

Day 3 Loupiac/Graves – Sauternes circuit route (12 - 27km)

Cross the Graves region, birthplace of Bordeaux wines and the home of prestigious wineries. Continue by boat to Bordeaux.

Day 4 Bordeaux city walk (12 km)

The walking route leads to the Golden Triangle, the Girondins Column, the Water Level, the Capuchin Market, the Saint-Michel Basilica, the Saint-Croix Church and many other interesting streets and squares.

Day 5 Margaux – Medoc circuit route (13/14km)

Choice of 3 routes in this most famous wine region with possibilities for wine tasting.

Day 6 Vineyards of Côtes de Bourg – Citadel of Blaye (12km)

Walk a route of endless vineyards punctuated with fairytale chateaux and castles. Cruise by boat to Libourne/Fronsac.

Day 7 Circuit route Saint Émilion vineyards (15km)

Libourne’s picturesque city square is lined with buildings dating back to 16thC. Visit the weekly market before starting a choice of 3 routes of the famous Pomerol and UNESCO World Heritage Saint-Émilion wine areas.

Day 8 Libourne/Fronsac

Arrangements end with a transfer to St Jean train station in Bordeaux.

Reverse itinerary operates every second week: Lisbourne/Fronsac via Bordeaux to Castets-en-Dorthe

Terrain

Moderate with rolling hills. A good level of fitness is required. On most days there are choices for longer or shorter walks. If you wish to skip a walk, you can relax on board the barge.

Meals

Breakfast daily, 6 packed lunches, 7 dinners (3 courses).

Price

Please note that pricing is in Euros

2018 (Low Season 14, 21 & 28 APRIL): €1,059 - €1,359

2018 (Mid Season 12 & 26 MAY; 20 & 27 OCT): €1,159 - €1,459

2018 (High Season 19 MAY – 13 OCT): €1,309 - €1,609

Single cabins on request - supplement cost.

Schedule

2018 (Castets-en-Dorthe to Libourne/Fronsac): 14 & 28 April, 12 & 26 May, 9 & 23 June, 7 & 21 July, 4 & 18 August, 1, 15 & 29 September, 13 & 27 October.

2018 (Libourne/Fronsac to Castets-en-Dorthe): 21 April, 5 & 19 May, 2,16 & 30 June, 14 & 28 July, 11 & 25 August, 8, & 22 September, 6 & 20 October.

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