Secret Special Cruise! Taste of Bordeaux, 28 May 2026 (7 nights)

Something of a hidden gem among the riverside destinations found throughout France, Libourne is an incredible city to spend any amount of time in. Known as the wine-making capital of northern Gironde, this city sits on the banks of the Dordogne at its confluence with the Isle River, something that affords it an abundance of remarkable riverside landscapes and vibrant scenery to explore. It’s also home to a rich culinary landscape and plenty of places to sample regional cuisines and French fine dining, as well as a fascinating medieval history and – of course – plenty of places to indulge in some of Gironde’s best wines. Founded as a fortified bastide in 1270 by Roger de Leybourne, an English soldier and royal servant, Libourne was the first naval navigation port on the Dordogne River. Not only did this contribute to its early flourishing in the 13th and 14th centuries, but it also made the settlement a hotly contested destination in the Hundred Years’ War between the French and the English. In spite of this, though, Libourne is quintessentially French, and somewhere you’ll have no trouble immersing yourself in French culture and cuisine. It’s also a short distance from Bordeaux, if you’re looking to spend some time in this sensational city.

Blaye, a charming town on the banks of the Gironde estuary, a waterway that connects the confluence of the Garonne and the Dordogne rivers with the Atlantic Ocean, is a hidden gem among these stunning destinations you’ll have the chance to visit when exploring France’s rivers. Historically, this town was a convenient place to cross the rivers of France for those travelling south to Bordeaux, or beyond to Spain and Portugal. Now, though, it’s somewhere where you can admire interesting architecture, indulge in delectable regional dishes, and immerse yourself in French culture. Blaye is a town dominated by medieval fortifications, with a trio of fortified citadels in the region constructed throughout the 17th century to defend Bordeaux from potential attack. Although, you’ll find ruins far older than that here, meaning there’s a lot more to uncover when it comes to this small town’s fascinating history. It’s not all about medieval forts, though; Blaye is home to a market every Wednesday and Saturday, as well as a springtime festival that boasts unmissable wine tastings and a variety of exciting events to get involved with. You’ll also find yourself with plenty of wonderful riverside walking routes to enjoy, with scenic landscapes in abundance.

Bourg, also known as Bourg-sur-Gironde, is a quaint town on the Dordogne River. Just west of the river’s confluence with the Garonne, this town is part of the renowned Côtes de Bourg wine region, boasting an idyllic appearance and an incredible culinary landscape for such a small place. Interestingly, Bourg began as a fortified villa built in the 4th century and now boasts breathtaking riverside scenery and vibrant vineyards. Neighbouring towns and villages, such as Caruel and Saint-Seurin-de-Bourg, offer even more scenic spots to explore. So, if you’re looking to immerse yourself in rural French life and indulge in this region’s sensational food and wine, this is somewhere to look forward to visiting.

Cadillac, officially known as Cadillac-sur-Garonne, is a charming commune on the banks of the Garonne River; southwest of Bordeaux, this quaint destination sits in the heart of France’s Gironde department, which is known for its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant vineyards producing delicious regional wines, and abundant historic landmarks. It’s also the namesake of Antoine Laumet de La Mothe, sieur de Cadillac, founder of Detroit and former Governor of Louisiana; both the car manufacturer and the city of Cadillac, Michigan, are named after him. With a fascinating history to uncover, stunning riverside scenery to admire, and countless local delicacies to indulge in, there’s something for everyone to enjoy when visiting Cadillac-sur-Garonne.