Brilliant Bordeaux

Private Owner’s Tour of Royal Château with Sauternes Toast

You’ll journey through the vineyards to Château Royal de Cazeneuve, a polygonal 14th-century fortress with a royal pedigree. A favored residence of Henry IV, who inherited it from his mother, Jeanne d’Albret. The beautifully restored château still belongs to descendants of the Albret family. After your intimate visit you will meet Louis and Caroline de Sabran-Pontevès, the owner and his wife for a Sauternes toast, sampling the unique perfume and flavor of the area.

The Ccolourful life of Toulouse Lautrec at Château de Malromé

Uncover the history of artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec with a visit to Château Malromé. Originally the home of his mother, Adèle, Malromé would soon inspire much of his artwork. As one of the best painters of the post-impressionist period, Toulouse-Lautrec is known for his distinctive and colorful take on Paris in the late 1800s as well as his fascination with Moulin Rouge dancers and famous singers, who were prominent in much of his work. Venture to the nearby town of Verdelais, where you’ll notice two beautiful central walkways lined with trees and 19th-century façades. It is in Verdelais’ cemetery that Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec is buried. After, you’ll be treated to an absinthe tasting at Café les Pèlerins.

Fresh Médoc Oysters Tasting

Oysters have long been a beloved product of the Médoc—and for good reason. Discover why today as you join an oyster farmer at the Guards’ House terrace for a tasting of this delicacy, accompanied by a glass of local white wine.

Médoc Châteaux Route with Private Wine Tasting

In 1855, when Napoleon III asked for a classification of the best wines in France to give visitors, some 60 Médoc wines were awarded Grand Cru status—out of 61 total. A panoramic tour of this legendary landscape takes you from Pauillac to the tip of the Médoc peninsula, past storied vineyards of the region, including Château Latour, Mouton Rothschild and Pichon Longueville Baron, and through the villages of Margaux, Saint-Julien and Saint-Estèphe. You might be surprised to discover that the peninsula is only three miles wide, though it is 50 miles long, and the road carries you past a dizzying array of architectural styles— Renaissance, Greek Revival and medieval—as well as miles of grapevines. You’ll turn off the road and enter one of these châteaux for a private tour and a tasting of superior wines.

Let’s Go: Bike in the Médoc Vineyards

Combine fresh air, gorgeous scenery and fine wine with a bicycle ride among the prestigious Médoc vineyards. Meet your guide and mount your bicycle to pedal through the lush landscapes of historic estates that have seemingly remained unchanged for centuries. Truly experience the atmosphere—the earth, the sunshine—of this famous wine-growing region.

Panoramas of the Route de la Corniche Fleurie with Blaye Fortress

This little road between Blaye and Bourg-sur-Gironde winds through picturesque hamlets with equally picturesque names—Pain de Sucre, Marmisson and Roque de Thau among them—limestone cliffs on one side, the Gironde on the other. Fishing huts on stilts stand above the waters of the estuary; charming 19th-century stone houses built by sea captains sit tidily along the road. Many of these captains travelled to far-off places and returned with exotic plants, which they planted in their gardens and along the road (hence the route’s name). But the history of these cliffs extends far beyond the 19th century—people have inhabited the area for thousands of years.

Upon returning to Blaye, your guide will take you through the 17th-century demilune-shaped citadel built by famed military engineer Vauban. This fortress design was the one Vauban, Louis XIV’s favourite military engineer, found most satisfactory, and he built some 300 of them in the Sun King’s realm. The citadel contains the ruins of a medieval castle, houses, squares, streets, even a convent, all enclosed within stark walls. If you stand on top of those walls, you will have a terrific view of the estuary— this view was the field of fire, giving the citadel command of the river.

Masterpice Collection – Rendez-Vous Chez Rémy Martin

Not all wine remains wine: Some of it is distilled into cognac. At one time, wine from the Charente region was notoriously poor and did not keep or ship well—but double-distillation worked magic on it, transforming it into marvelous liquor. Rémy Martin has been making cognac for almost three centuries, refining the process over the years; late in the 19th century Paul Emile Rémy Martin, a fifth-generation cognac maker, began aging his brandy in oak barrels for years—or decades—much longer than was customary at the time. Today Rémy Martin uses fine Champagne to produce its fine cognac, blending a variety of eaux de vie and aging them in oak barrels that might be 200 years old. (Remy Martin’s legendary—and legendarily expensive— Louis XIII cognac has been called “One Century in a Bottle” precisely because of that extraordinary aging process.) Tour the facility and learn how this elixir is created, then taste three different cognacs with complementary nibbles.

Saint-Émilion Walking Tour with Wine Tasting

Hilltop Saint-Émilion offers both exceptional architecture and historic vineyards. The Romans were the first to plant grapes here, and this was the first vineyard region to be protected by UNESCO because of its history. Shops brimming with wine and wine tools line the steep cobblestone streets; medieval ramparts that bore witness to battles for control between French and English monarchs still stand; and vineyards encroach upon the village.

Of all the sights, however, perhaps the most extraordinary is the 12th-century church carved into a cliff. Only the tower is above ground; the rest of the church is subterranean. Its numerous underground galleries provided refuge during periods of strife, and include the grotto where St. Émilion, for whom the town is named, lived out his life in the ninth century. You have to see it for yourself—you’ll be amazed by its almost unfathomable construction. After touring Saint-Émilion, you’ll visit the cellars of a premier Grand Cru estate where you’ll taste some of the world’s most highly rated wines.

Note: Today’s lunch will be on your own.

Masterpiece Collection – Château Cooking Class

Château Ambe Tour Pourret, with five hectares planted with merlot and cabernet franc vines, is a comparatively young wine house, dating to 1925 in its current form (though parts of the chateau are much older). Tour the winery before you meet your chef/teacher, then walk to the well-equipped, modern professional kitchen. Tie on your apron (you’ll get to keep it as a souvenir) and delve into the tasks the chef assigns you. You might zest kaffir limes to season a first course of seared duck foie gras or make the cherry sauce in kirsch that accompanies it or help to prepare wild trout or a decadent strawberry tart. You’ll learn something about the art of French sauces in the process, and then you’ll take a seat in the elegant dining room and enjoy the lunch you’ve helped prepare-naturally, each course will be accompanied by the appropriate wine from Chateau Ambe Tour Pourret’s cellars.

Masterpiece Collection – Grand Cru Tasting

Meet the cellar master of an estate that produces one of St. Émilion’s finest wines, Château Beauséjour Bécot. They’ll take you on a full tour of the property, during which you’ll be privy to insight on the terroir that helps create such incredible wines, the history of the family, their underground cellars and more. After your tour, taste the fruits of this estate yourself on a terrace overlooking the vineyards.

Libourne “Village Day” with Farmers Market

How could you visit this rich agricultural land without delving into a farmer’s market? Libourne’s market is the heart and soul of the town; everyone comes here to choose the freshest vegetables, the ripest cheeses, the most luscious fruits, the loveliest flowers, and to chat with the producers and growers. Check out the stalls brimming with produce in the market square, then duck into the covered market and savour the enticing aromas of bread and cheese, fish and meat. After exploring the market, you and a small group of other travelers will be invited to push open the doors of ateliers, homes and shops, meeting the artisans who make some of the goods arrayed so enticingly in the market.

After Hours at the Bassins des Lumières

Bordeaux’s Port de la Lune is home to a submarine base with a checkered past. Originally built during the German occupation of France in WWII, and later the target of allied bombings, this building has since attracted artists who wish to reclaim the site for beauty and culture. Its stark walls and history have served as a poignant backdrop to artistic installations for decades. Tonight, you’ll experience this for yourself at the Bassins des Lumières, a stunning and immersive light show projected against the walls of the base.

“Do as the Locals do” Bordeaux Walking Tour

Catch a tram at the Quai des Chartrons to the Place de la Comédie, the heart of Bordeaux’ Golden Triangle. Though Bordeaux was the capital of Aquitaine in the Middle Ages and has its share of Gothic churches, it reached its apex in the 18th century. The splendid honey-colored stone buildings from this era make up a city core that UNESCO has designated a World Heritage Site (this is the district that inspired Baron Haussmann when he redesigned Paris at the behest of Napoleon III). Trade with the French colonies built this handsome district, furnishing vanilla, sugar, spices and cocoa to inventive chocolatiers and bakers, who used these goods to create iconic desserts.

Chocolate, once a Spanish monopoly, became part of Bordeaux’ culinary heritage when banished Spanish Jews brought the art of chocolate-making to France. What are Bordeaux’ present-day residents enjoying when they step inside the luxurious food halls and elegant shops in this neighborhood? Find out as you sample the delicious handiwork of Bordeaux’ bakers, as well as cheeses and chocolates—learn a few recipes, too! You’ll also visit one of the city’s wine bars and see first-hand how the wines of the many local châteaux are enjoyed by today’s sophisticated clients.

“Let’s Go” Bike the backstreets of Bordeaux.

Hop on a bike and wheel with your expert guide along the Quai des Chartrons, a riverfront neighbourhood that was the purview of British wine merchants back when they dominated the wine trade. It fell on hard times in the 20th century, but the tall merchant houses have since been reclaimed; now they house welcoming shops and cafés. Pedal past the antiques shops of Rue Notre Dame and the Church of St. Louis on your way to major city squares such as the Bourse and Parliament before heading back to the ship along the banks of the Garonne. Of course your outing will include a stop for refreshments at one of the delightful cafés you pass.

Masterpiece Collection – Retro Sidecar Bordeaux Tour

Get ready to explore a medley of what’s best in Bordeaux! Your gentleman driver will take you on a journey to the unmissable places of the city: Grosse Cloche, Place de la Bourse, the Darwin district, Basilique Saint-Michel, and any requested stops you’d like to make as well. This truly unique and exciting experience will take you well into the night with a local who knows all the histories, folklore, and of course, best spots for a photo-op. Quel charm!

Masterpiece Collection – Retro Sidecar Romantic Tour

Watch the city come alive at night with a sidecar tour of brilliant Bordeaux. Wind through backstreets, lit-up avenues and, of course, the most iconic sites of Bordeaux, like the Grosse Cloche, Place de la Bourse and Saint Michael Basilica. Feel the city’s festive energy as you zip through town on this vintage masterpiece before stopping for a photo, a sip of champagne and even a romantic moment with your sweetheart. Truly a night to remember!