Dordogne

It’s many an oenophile’s dream to cruise leisurely along the Dordogne in the renowned Bordeaux region of France. The setting for many a film due to its lovingly preserved 18th-century villages and postcard-perfect landscape, Bordeaux and its surrounding environs is a must for those who seek a river cruise replete with fine wine, unforgettable cuisine, history, architecture and a fairytale ambience.

In Bordeaux itself, the self-avowed “City of Art and History,” visitors are wowed by St. Michael Cathedral, a Gothic basilica built between the 14th and 16th centuries, as well as the Grand Theatre with its 12 Corinthian columns depicting Greek mythological icons. In fact, the port of Bordeaux itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Romantic bridges, lovely squares lined by quaint cafés and pedestrian shopping areas, baroque churches and reflecting pools make for a most pleasing and relaxing atmosphere. Most river cruises along the Dordogne, while highlighting Bordeaux, deliver guests to the innumerable chateaux and vineyards along the wine route as they journey to Aquitaine, France’s most remarkable wine production area. Those in the know tend toward the region’s drier red and white wines, and never miss an opportunity to sample the sweet Sauternes dessert wines. Some of the most famous of the valley’s wines include Saint-Émilion, Pomerol, Sauternes, Médoc and Margaux. The Dordogne region’s cuisine makes a fine complement to these incredible vintages, a never ending feast of oysters and truffles, duck and foie gras. Legendary for good reason, the Dordogne region boasts a river cruise experience for the most sophisticated and savvy palettes – the douceur de vivre (sweet life), to be sure.