Charming

Saint Louis

France, Bordeaux
Cruise Along the Canal a la Garonne

Check-in Time / Location 4:00 PM in Bordeaux City

Capacity
6 Guests
Crew Members
4
Booking Type
Charter Only

Saint Louis cruises along an idyllic route in France’s wine-centric Southwest France-Bordeaux region.

The creativity of her Irish team of owner – operators, Tour Guide Peter and Captain Wendy Carrington, shines at the forefront of the Saint Louis’ experience. The barge reflects their commitment to relaxed lifestyles and everyday luxury – as it has been redecorated by Wendy in a light and airy style. Soft color schemes of pale gray, rich cream, and dusty blues are united by gleaming wood accents, while the cabins provide soothing havens of quiet comfort.

Extending to the onboard dining program, their innovative approach has been especially well received by discerning foodies. Locally sourcing the freshest meats and produce are the highest priorities, and guests are welcome to join Chef for a behind-the-scenes look at gourmet recipe creation and what goes into selecting the best wines for each meal. For an insider’s interview with Tour Guide Peter about the Saint Louis’ sophisticated culinary offerings, click here.

Wine pairings spotlight area vineyards with an emphasis on the iconic vintages of nearby Bordeaux, and guests on the vessel enjoy a signature visit to the famed wine town of St Emilion for a special tour and tasting at a private cellar. Further explorations of the region’s artisan treasures include private spirit samplings, shopping for cheese at a local market, and discovering a water lily garden that inspired Monet’s most famous paintings.

Adding to the onboard ambiance is a petite canine crew member, Monsieur Ripley, a Fox Terrier. While many guests may enjoy his four-legged company, please note his presence is completely optional.

Accommodations & Amenities

Accommodations
  • 96 ft long, with 6’5” – 6’9” ceiling height throughout
  • 3 cabins, all 127 sq ft, with 6’5”ceiling height
  • Choice of queen or two twin beds
  • Ensuite bathroom with shower
  • Limited storage space in cabins
  • Combined salon and dining area
  • Deck with canopy or umbrellas
  • Outdoor dining space and seating
Amenities
Chauffeured Guided Sightseeing
Chauffeured Guided Sightseeing
Daily Housekeeping
Daily Housekeeping
WiFi (service fluctuates)
WiFi (service fluctuates)
Private Chef
Private Chef
Open Bar
Open Bar
Bicycles and Helmets
Bicycles and Helmets
Air Conditioning/Heating
Air Conditioning/Heating
Hair Dryer and Toiletries
Hair Dryer and Toiletries
Bathrobe
Bathrobe
Iron and Ironing Board (on request)
Iron and Ironing Board (on request)
Sound System
Sound System

Itineraries

Travel from Serignac to Castets-en-Dorthe on the Canal a la Garonne
*Your cruise could operate in the opposite direction. Please consult with us before making any arrival or departure plans.

Bicycling Opportunities:
Excellent 
 (Bicycling is completely optional.)
Saturday
Welcome Aboardsaturday image
Welcome Aboard
Travel: Arrival to Serignac
Meals: Dinner onboard

In the afternoon, you will be met by a crew member of the Saint Louis at the designated meeting point. From here, relax as you are chauffeured to the barge, moored at Serignac. A traditional champagne welcome and introduction to the crew awaits you, before your first of many gourmet dinners onboard.

Sunday
The Garden that Inspired Monet’s Greatest Paintingssunday image
The Garden that Inspired Monet’s Greatest Paintings
Travel: Serignac to Buzet
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

Relax with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea on deck this morning as Saint Louis lazily cruises through the most serene of landscapes. This afternoon, your Tour Guide introduces the Latour-Marliac Lily Gardens, where thousands of water lilies are on glorious display. This garden inspired and provided Monet with lilies for his own gardens at Giverny. Shutterbugs, bring your cameras and prepare to immerse in the botanical beauty of Bordeaux! After your afternoon of French flower power, return to the barge for canapes and cocktails before enjoying tonight's delicious dinner.

Monday
Your Personal Bottle of Armagnac!monday image
Your Personal Bottle of Armagnac!
Travel: Buzet to Le Mas D ’Agenais
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

This morning your Tour Guide introduces a fourth-generation producer of Armagnac, the region's iconic brandy. After sampling this special spirit, select a year which signifies an important event, and watch as your own personal bottle of Armagnac is drawn, corked, and sealed. Then discover Nerac, a Medieval town with a chateau and adorable half-timbered houses to view. A cruise this afternoon is the perfect time to explore the towpath with a leisurely bicycle ride or a brisk stroll. Chef presents this evening’s epicurean dinner onboard.

Tuesday
Taste Sumptuous Cheeses at a Lively Markettuesday image
Taste Sumptuous Cheeses at a Lively Market
Travel: Le Mas D’Agenais to Meilhan-sur-Garonne
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

With your Tour Guide, experience a true French food adventure at the weekly food market at Casteljaloux! Mingle with locals as you browse through colorful produce, fresh pastries, and artisanal breads; then taste and select several locally-produced cheeses to be enjoyed back on Saint Louis. During this afternoon’s cruise, socialize in the salon, lounge on the deck, or join Captain Wendy in her wheelhouse. Tonight's multi-course dinner party is served onboard.

Wednesday
Winetasting and Sightseeing in St. Emillionwednesday image
Winetasting and Sightseeing in St. Emillion
Travel: Barge moored at Meilhan-sur-Garonne
Meals: Breakfast and dinner onboard, lunch ashore

Explore in Medieval St. Emilion, the most charming of French wine towns. Discover an incredible 12th century underground church, and then enjoy lunch ashore at L’Envers du Decors, a popular family-owned bistro featuring boutique spirits and seasonal specials. The afternoon is spent at a private winetasting where you can order bottles to ship home. Complete this delightful day with time to browse St Emilion's shops and boutiques. Your Tour Guide will then chauffeur you back to the barge for an evening of drinks and dinner onboard.

Thursday
Taste Grand Crus Sauternesthursday image
Taste Grand Crus Sauternes
Travel: Meilhan-sur-Garonne to Castets-en-Dorthe
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

A morning cruise gently winds through gorgeous vistas and bucolic scenery. Hop off the barge to stroll or cycle along the towpath, or why not relax on deck with coffee and croissants. This afternoon, your Tour Guide introduces a private tour and tasting at Chateau d’Arche, one of the top producers of Grand Crus Sauternes. Swirl, sip, and savor the signature elixirs made from the region's pampered grapes. Return to Saint Louis, where Chef has been creating a celebratory Farewell Feast. Reminisce about your week of beautiful scenery, delicious wines, and gracious dining in Bordeaux.

Friday
A Sad Farewellfriday image
A Sad Farewell
Travel: Departure from Castets-en-Dorthe
Meals: Breakfast onboard

After breakfast, you will then be chauffeured to the designated drop off point.

Please note: This is a sample itinerary which may be subject to change depending on local conditions.

Gourmet Dining

Lunch
  • Tarte aux Oignons et Quatre Epices with Artichoke Hearts
  • Filet de Boeuf with Bean Sprout Salad
  • Coffee Panna Cotta
  • A Selection of Coffees, Tea, and Biscuits
  • 1 Lunch Ashore Inclusive of the Cruise Rate
Dinner
  • Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli
  • Roast Wild Atlantic Salmon with Pan Fried Gambas, Perfumed Rice, Pomegranate and Avocado Timbale
  • Cheeses: Roquefort and Tomme de Lomagne
  • Lemon Souffle Custard with Seasonal Berries
  • A Selection of After Dinner Drinks
Wine
  • L’Esprit, Chateau Saint Louis, 2004
  • Domaine Nigri, Jurancon region
  • Vieilles Vignes Blanc Domain du Moulin
  • Le Cedre, Chateau le Cedre
  • Ines, Fronton Cave
  • Optimum, Chateau Bellevue la Foret, 2008

Rates & Dates

Accommodation
Value Season
Regular Season
Private Cruise for 5 or 6 guests-$39,000
Private Cruise for up to 4 guests-$34,000

Dates

2025 Regular Season Departures

May 17-23, 24-30, 31-6
June 7-13, 14-20, 21-27, 28-4
July 5-11, 12-18, 19-25
August 23-29, 30-5
September 6-12, 13-19, 20-26, 27-3
October 4-10, 11-17

Saint Louis offers additional cruise weeks in Gascony in 2025 and 2026.
Click to view Saint Louis Gascony cruise itinerary

Additional Details

Included in the rate
  • 6 nights/7 days in a cabin with a private bath
  • Round trip chauffeured transfers to and from Bordeaux City
  • A dedicated onboard crew consisting of a Captain, Chef, Tour Guide, and Hostess
  • All meals onboard and ashore from dinner the first evening to breakfast the final morning
  • All wines served with lunches and dinners both onboard and ashore
  • Open bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Daily escorted excursions including admittance fees
  • Unlimited use of onboard amenities such as bicycles
Not included in the rate
  • International airfare
  • Cancellation insurance – A Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) policy is recommended
  • Transport to and from the cruise region
  • Suggested crew gratuity of 5-10% of the cruise price

*All rates are quoted in U.S. Dollars unless otherwise noted

Accommodation
Value Season
Regular Season
Private Cruise for 5 or 6 guests-$42,000
Private Cruise for up to 4 guests-$36,000

Dates

2026 Regular Season Departures

May 16-22, 23-29, 30-5
June 6-12, 13-19, 20-26
August 22-28, 29-4
September 5-11, 12-18, 19-25, 26-2
October 3-9, 10-16

Saint Louis offers additional cruise weeks in Gascony in 2025 and 2026.
Click to view Saint Louis Gascony cruise itinerary

Additional Details

Included in the rate
  • 6 nights/7 days in a cabin with a private bath
  • Round trip chauffeured transfers to and from Bordeaux City
  • A dedicated onboard crew consisting of a Captain, Chef, Tour Guide, and Hostess
  • All meals onboard and ashore from dinner the first evening to breakfast the final morning
  • All wines served with lunches and dinners both onboard and ashore
  • Open bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Daily escorted excursions including admittance fees
  • Unlimited use of onboard amenities such as bicycles
Not included in the rate
  • International airfare
  • Cancellation insurance – A Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) policy is recommended
  • Transport to and from the cruise region
  • Suggested crew gratuity of 5-10% of the cruise price

*All rates are quoted in U.S. Dollars unless otherwise noted

Saint Louis Route

Are you ready to glide through the idyllic
waterways of Gascony?

Plan Your Cruise