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Discover Bordeaux and its Classic Wine Region

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Discover Bordeaux and its Classic Wine Region

Whether you see yourself as a wine connoisseur in the making, or simply enjoy a quiet glass every now and then, our French River cruises are the perfect way to enjoy an educational insight into the word of wine whilst also basking in all the beauty France has to offer. 

French River Cruising M1507

Climb aboard the beautiful decks of the Braemar to begin your cultural exploration along the harmonious, winding waterways of France. Your first port of call will be the tranquil old Atlantic seaport of La Pallice, the gateway to the charming city of La Rochelle. Here you will have the chance to sample the wide-variety of appetising bars and cafes serving delicious local wines and artisan food before heading onward to gorgeous Bordeaux. 

Once named ‘Sleeping Beauty’ this city is perhaps more famous for its wine that it’s dainty streets and neoclassical architecture. The opportunity to sample some local produce will not be far away; on average the region of Bordeaux produces 43 million cases of wine a year, and for fans of claret 89% of that is red. After a two-night stay in Bordeaux, Braemar will make her way to Nantes, a city laden with historical architecture and serene parks before finally floating to Rouen. 

Situated on the River Seine, Rouen is the capital of Normandy and famed during the middle ages as one of the most prosperous cities in Europe. Alongside an unmissable medieval walking tour, you’ll also have the chance to sample some of the finest Normandy wines or take a short trip to the city of love to end your holiday under the bright lights of Paris. 

French River Cruising M1522

Under the balmy summer sunshine you’ll have the chance to experience all the riches of some of France’s most stunning cities. Begin your journey by witnessing Mother Nature at her finest, as Braemar floats along the calming waters of the Loire River and onward to your first stop of Nantes. Steeped in history, Nantes strikes a harmonious balance of modern life and past-culture, where the fruits of its past and present are best explored with a shore tour which includes castle’s, abbey’s and the world-renowned Cointreau distillery. 

A two night stay In beautiful Bordeaux awaits, and you’ll be hard-pushed to sample all of the delights the city has to offer. The Grand Theatre de Bordeaux is well worth making time for, but for those wishing to work their palate, then a trip to the nearby Saint Emilon & Pomerol vineyards is highly recommended. 

Braemar will finally depart to your last destination of La Rochelle, a city both new and old that appears to be suspended in time. From the 16th century architecture of the impresive Town Hall to the stunning Porte de la Grosse Horloge ( Tower of the Big Clock), for history buffs La Rochelle is a true cultural gem to saviour.

by Ben Williams

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Ellis Orchard

Ellis Orchard

Press contact Public Relations Manager Public Relations 07557672265
Georgina May

Georgina May

Press contact Public Relations Executive Public Relations
Lauren Gardner

Lauren Gardner

Press contact Public Relations Manager Public Relations 07546807099

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

At Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines we are very proud of our smaller ships – Bolette, Borealis and Balmoral - and the imaginative and unusual itineraries they allow us to offer. Every cruise is hand-crafted from scratch by our team of in-house Journey Planners to make sure you are not only visiting the best destinations, but at the best time to experience them.

For us, it’s not just about where we go but how we take you there. We put as much time into planning scenic cruising as we do in choosing the destinations themselves. On board, our Signature Experiences showcase the history, culture, nature and flavours of the destinations you’ll visit – from Treats of the Region, where you can enjoy local delicacies, to our Sky at Sea star-gazing sessions where you can relax with a hot toddy out on deck while our astronomer talks you through the night sky.

Plus, with each ship carrying 1,300 guests or less, our ships are small enough for us to offer a warm, friendly and personal service where nothing is ever too much trouble, as we visit a host of exciting ports in every corner of the globe.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Fred. Olsen House, White House Road
IP1 5LL Ipswich, Suffolk
United Kingdom