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Check-in Time / Location 1:00 PM in Paris
Travel from Boe Port to Castets-en-Dorthe on the Canal de Garonne and River Garonne
*Your cruise may operate in the opposite direction. You will be advised of your cruise direction and of the train transfer schedule from Paris.
A transfer agent will meet your party at late morning in the lobby of your Paris hotel, chauffeur you to the Paris Gare de Lyon Train Station, and provide First Class tickets on a midday TGV train to the Southwest of France. As you alight, Alouette crew will be waiting on the platform. From here, you will be driven to Boe Port, where the Alouette is moored. A traditional champagne welcome and introduction to the rest of the crew awaits you, before your first gourmet dinner onboard.
Awake to a beautiful day on the water! Relax as Alouette cruises on the idyllic Canal la Garonne across the second longest aqueduct in France. Departing from the lunchtime mooring at Serignac-sur-Garonne, your Tour Guide chauffeurs you to the garden of Latour-Marliac, where thousands of lovely water lilies are on glorious display. Wander through the floral sculptures, explore the placid ponds, and admire the lilies which inspired and provided Monet with flowers for his own garden at Giverny. Returning to Alouette, now moored in Puch-d’Agenais, for aperitifs and appetizers. Chef presents tonight's dinner party onboard.
This morning’s cruise along the serene canal is the perfect time to explore the towpath with a brisk stroll or leisurely bicycle ride. Your Tour Guide then presents Sauternes heaven: Château d’Yquem. This 400-year-old château produces some of the world’s most coveted and celebrated sweet wines. Discover the secrets behind the creation of these signature Sauternes, followed by a sampling. (In July and August, experience an optional excursion to the Damazin outdoor market, where the delightful summer vibes include musical entertainment.) Return to Alouette for cocktails and canapes as Chef puts the final touches on tonight's delicious dinner.
Relax on deck with a freshly brewed cup of coffee during today's short morning cruise. Your Tour Guide then introduces Saint-Émilion, a well-preserved medieval village in the heart of Bordeaux wine country and since 1999 a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Local cafes, speciality boutiques, and wine shops line the lovely cobblestoned streets. After lunch ashore at a charming venue, depart for a private tasting at a prestigious wine estate located in the surrounding vineyards of Saint-Émilion. Sip, swirl, and savor the exceptional elixirs made from Bordeaux's pampered grapes. Back onboard, Chef serves this evening's epicurean dinner.
A lazy morning cruise begins the day. Join your Captain in his wheelhouse, observe Chef in the demonstration kitchen, or just lounge on the and admire the scenery slipping by. Your Tour Guide then introduces the ultimate in Bordeaux bliss, the vinotherapy treatments at Caudalie Spa. A unique experience in the heart of the vineyards of Château Smith Haut Laffite, vinotherapy products contain powerful anti-aging compounds such as resveratrol, polyphenols, and flavonoids, which are found in grape seeds, skins, pulp, and stems. Feeling relaxed and rejuvenated after your "grape" day, return to Alouette for an evening of drinks and dinner.
This morning, bid farewell to the canal as Alouette slips onto the majestic River Garonne. Alight in Cadillac at mid-morning when your Tour Guide chauffeurs you to Bordeaux City, where you will enjoy lunch ashore at a lively bistro. Bordeaux City offers a delightful blend of culture, stunning architecture, gastronomy, and shopping, not to mention the elegantly restored riverfront. Mingle with locals as you discover the bustling boulevards of this beautiful town. Return to Alouette, moored again at Castets-en-Dorthe, where Chef is creating a lavish Farewell Feast. Commemorate your week in the Southwest of France as you end your cruise in sumptuous style.
Checking out no later than 9:00 am, you will be chauffeured to the closest train station for your return trip to Paris. You will be provided with First Class tickets for a morning train, arriving midday at the Gare de Lyon Train Station. Upon arrival, an Alouette representative will meet you on the platform at the Gare de Lyon Train Station and transfer your entire party to a single location of your party’s choice in central Paris. The services of the Alouette end at this single location.
Please note: This is a sample itinerary which may be subject to change depending on local conditions.
“Perfect in every detail! The crew were delightful, talented, knowledgeable and charming. Chef Joe’s recipes were beautifully presented with exquisite flavors — better than any restaurant we experienced in Paris. Our cabin was extremely comfortable and beautifully designed. There is nothing we could say about our cruise that was anything but perfect.”
– Stanley B, Alouette
Are you ready to discover the cultural treasures
of Bordeaux?
