Viking Rivers Cruises – Châteaux, Rivers & Wine (France) 8 Days

Bordeaux, France
Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. Capital of the Aquitaine region, Bordeaux is celebrated for its thoughtfully preserved 18th-century architecture. Together, its glorious buildings, many of them built on the wine trade, comprise the world’s largest urban UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, honored as a City of Art and History, Bordeaux is a “Little Paris” of beautiful boulevards, Gothic and baroque churches, and lovely parks and gardens. The towering spire of the flamboyant Basilica of St. Michael is visible from all over the city, while the city’s green spaces are a delight to explore on foot.

Bordeaux, France
Stately mansions, restored houses and grand squares form the heart of Bordeaux’s old town. Among its treasures, the neoclassical Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux is the pride of the city. Another cultural gem, and a national monument of France, is the spectacular Cathedral of St. Andrew. In 1137, Eleanor of Aquitaine wed the future Louis VII in the cathedral when she was 13 years old. The elegant, 17-arched Stone Bridge is favored among the Bordelais for whiling away an afternoon and capturing views over the river, docks and the harbor.

Shore Excursions – Panoramic Bordeaux
Duration: 4 hours      
Tour the capital of the namesake wine-growing region that, save Paris, boasts more protected buildings than any other French city. Bordeaux is a treasure chest of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, some of which you will see during your panoramic drive. You will meet your guide for a short transfer to the city center. Here, marvel at the expanse of the Place des Quinconces, one of the largest squares in Europe, with its array of majestic sculptures and fountains. Then, view the neoclassical Grand Theâtre de Bordeaux; the 18th-century masterwork is distinguished by its 12 Corinthian columns and is home to the national opera. You will also admire the beautiful Place de la Bourse, where the world’s largest reflecting pool, the Miroir d’Eau, or Water Mirror, spreads out like glass amid stately buildings. On the way back to your ship, drive along the picturesque Garonne River, the lifeline of the city since its inception.

Scenic Sailing: Dordogne River, France
As you sail along the lush, green banks of the Dordogne, you will understand why writer Henry Miller called this fertile region a “country of enchantment.” Behind the tree-lined shores that you drift past, vast vineyards stretch into this peaceful and pastoral region, leading to sylvan forests harboring secret stashes of truffles and thriving farms that grow the season’s bounty of fresh produce. Occasional castles and grand manses peer out from behind hedgerows along the Dordogne, and the farther upriver you go, the more intimate and narrow the waters become.

Libourne, France
This evening, dock in Libourne, where you will enjoy your overnight stay. Built as a fortified town intended to help colonize the wilderness areas of southwestern France, Libourne has hugged the confluence of the Dordogne and Isle Rivers since 1270. Libourne was founded and named by Roger de Leybourne under the English Crown and King Edward I. Later, the town was caught in the middle of struggles between the French and English in the 14th century; England’s loss was France’s gain when it joined the latter. Today, Libourne enjoys a respected status as a wine-making capital of northern Gironde and hosts one of the area’s largest fresh food markets.

Libourne, France
Libourne is a gastronomic haven, an inviting destination full of the authentic flavors of southwestern France. Situated in the picturesque heart of Bordeaux wine country, its surrounding vineyards have a long-standing tradition of crafting exceptional wines from Merlot, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc grapes, showcasing the region’s unique terroir. Libourne’s culinary scene shines, with an abundance of food markets and charming bistros offering fresh produce and regional delicacies, such as entrecôte à la Bordelaise, perfectly paired with renowned local wines.

Shore Excursions – Libourne Walking Tour
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes 
Get to know this fascinating town where the Dordogne and Isle Rivers meet. This idyllic French town was founded and developed by the English in 1270 and named for its founder, a nobleman tasked with colonizing and defending the countryside. As a result, Libourne has the layout of the fortified towns typical of the era. Some remnants of the city walls remain today. Join your guide for a walk to the Place Abel Surchamp, the city square lined with buildings dating to the 16th century. You will see the Gothic church with its stone spire rising 232 feet. At the quay, admire the clock tower, a survivor from the original walls. Its floor, which projects out past the wall, allowed defenders to toss stones on enemies trying to scale the exterior. If the town’s schedule allows, you may browse its fresh food market, one of the region’s largest.

Saint-Émilion, France
Laced with steep cobblestone streets and blessed with stunning views of surrounding vineyards, Saint-Émilion rests on the rolling hills of the Gironde department. Its vineyards, originally planted by Romans in the 2nd century, rank among the world’s finest and were even praised by the Latin poet Ausonius. For its remarkable blend of medieval ruins and Romanesque churches in a medieval atmosphere, the entire town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its narrow lanes are a pleasure to explore, and its cafés invite long lingering sips of the delicious wines that are produced here.

Bourg, France
The village of Bourg reclines along the Gironde, just beyond the confluence of the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers. Perched on a rocky slope and encircled by medieval walls, it has always had a clear view of ships, friend or foe, heading toward Bordeaux. The citadel in the Upper Town has long kept watch. Pleasant strolls unfold at every corner, from the picturesque alleyways that tumble down to the harbor to the ancient King’s Staircase that provided the royals with quick access to the water. With a rich architectural heritage, it is one of France’s official historic villages.

Blaye, France
A producer of fine red wines, the scenic town of Blaye rests on the Gironde River, just north of Bordeaux. Blaye boasts an extraordinary 17th-century citadel, dramatically set on a rock along the river. The sprawling fortress was built on the orders of King Louis XIV to protect Bordeaux, upstream on the Garonne River. Its ancient Gothic château contains the tomb of Charibert II, King of Aquitaine. Legend has it that the Frankish hero Roland, who served Charlemagne, is also buried here. The citadel, its city walls and two nearby forts comprise a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Shore Excursions – Blaye Walking Tour & Citadel
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes  
Explore Blaye’s scenic citadel complex, a grand fortress built on the orders of Louis XIV. Meet your knowledgeable guide and head to the extraordinary 17th-century citadel. Dramatically set on a rock beside the Gironde River, the fortress was designed by renowned engineer Vauban. Within its walls, you can admire the ruins of an ancient Gothic château. The château contains the tomb of Charibert II, King of Aquitaine, and legend has it that the Frankish hero Roland, who served Charlemagne, is also buried there. During your tour, you will have time to take in its beautiful setting on the estuary. The citadel of Blaye and the nearby forts of Paté and Médoc are collectively listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the end of your tour, enjoy free time for independent exploration in Blaye.

Pauillac, France
Pauillac is a famed wine-growing village in the southwest of France. Set along the Gironde estuary, it neighbors other iconic wine locations, including Margaux, Saint-Estéphe and Saint-Julien. Collectively, they produce some of the world’s most prestigious wines. Several Premier cru classé can be found in the region, including Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Latour and Château Mouton Rothschild. The town itself features a splendid waterfront promenade, delicious local cuisine and a vibrant atmosphere rich in both history and charm.

Shore Excursions – Médoc & Margaux Wine Country
Duration: 7 hours 30 minutes      
Sample some of France’s best wines in the Margaux appellation and savor dinner at the elegant Château Kirwan. Join your guide for a scenic drive through the Médoc region through gently rolling hills. Many thousands of acres of vineyards blanket the sea-adjacent landscape. On this Gironde estuary peninsula, the sandy and gravelly terroir is supremely suited to viticulture. You will stop at one of the region’s most respected châteaux to tour the cellars and enjoy a wine tasting, learning about the distinct qualities of Margaux’s Merlots and Cabernet Francs. Then, continue to the Château Kirwan, resting on 99 acres of vineyards that produce stellar red wines. The château’s award-winning wine was classified as a prestigious Third Growth in the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855. Here, you will savor a carefully prepared meal—accompanied by the château’s own wines, of course.

Bordeaux, France
Bordeaux’s good fortune began in the 12th century when Duchess Eleanor of Aquitaine married Count Henri Plantagenêt, who soon became King Henry II of England. Their wedding in 1152 led to a growing popularity in wine production. Claret was the primary style of Bordeaux wine at the time and England imported it in large quantities. France regained control of the region and its vines at the close of the Hundred Years’ War in 1453. Since then, the city and its surrounding region has produced many styles, from simple table wine to the most prestigious and coveted bottles.

Scenic Sailing: Garonne River, France
Though its name may not be familiar, the Garonne River is among the most beloved waterways in the world of wine lovers. As you sail its languid waters, gaze upon gentle hills laden with vineyards and riverside outcroppings dotted with honey-colored castles that share long histories of skirmishes. Sleepy French villages set the tone of life along the Garonne, where a slow pace and gentle patience serve the wine-growing industry well. Fishing is also prevalent along the river’s banks; you will pass some of the many carrelets (small fishing huts) hugging the shores.

Cadillac (Sauternes), France
Cadillac was built as a fortified town to protect Bordeaux. Its mighty towers gave watchmen a clear view of the Garonne, and a clear shot should any foe attempt to pass. This charming town and its 17th-century castle retain much of their old-world charm. Cadillac’s locale on the waterway further gave it a central commercial role in the trade route to and from Spain. The name of the town was adopted by Antoine Laumet de la Mothe, Sieur de Cadillac, who later founded Detroit and governed Louisiana; the Cadillac division of General Motors is named for him.

Shore Excursions – Cadillac Walking Tour & Wine Tasting
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes 
Discover the charming town of Cadillac and sample some of France’s sweetest wines in the town that produces them. Begin your tour with a leisurely stroll around one of France’s most picturesque towns; this riverside gem’s sole purpose was to protect Bordeaux from vessels coming downriver. Join your guide as you explore its heart, passing through the Sea Gate, with its crenellated crown, and Clock Gate, named for the colorful timekeeper near its top. Continue past Saint Blaise collegiate church and conclude your walk at the castle, one of the first examples of French-style architecture. Next, you will drive across the Garonne River to Sauternes, where vineyards blanket the countryside. Thomas Jefferson himself, America’s third president, counted Sauternes among his favorite wines during his visits. Visit a château to learn how these prized wines are made, where you may be invited to work in the vineyard if you would like. Complete your visit with a tasting.

Scenic Sailing: Garonne River, France
Set sail through the heart of the Bordeaux wine region as you journey along the Garonne River. Famous for its distinct color—the result of sediment-rich freshwater from its origins high in the Pyrenees Mountains mixing with the salty seawater of the Gironde estuary—this dynamic waterway plays a vital role in the economy of southwestern France. Part of the meandering Canal des Deux Mers (“Canal of the Two Seas”), it connects the Mediterranean and Atlantic Oceans, allowing a shorter and safer route between the two while bolstering inland trade and transportation.

Bordeaux, France
Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home. Or spend more time exploring, perhaps joining one of our extensions.