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Founder's Grand Cruise: Day 4

10/8/2021

Scouting Bordeaux, France: Day 4’s Excursions in Cadillac and the Gironde Department

For Day Four of our Bordeaux scouting trip for the Founder’s Grand Cruise, the Authentic Voyages team headed into the city of Cadillac, France. Disembarking the SS Bon Voyage that morning, we parted ways to find what we could about the exciting offerings arranged for us. One half of our team opted to visit a storied château built by King Henry IV, while the others visited the museum-home of famed French poster painter, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. With two equally appealing activities from Uniworld, our members had a difficult time deciding which to choose. We were pleasantly surprised at the incredible French beauty each of Day 4’s excursions allowed us access to, each unique in its own way.

Authentic Voyages team at Château Royal de Cazeneuve exterior in Préchac, Gironde, France

A member of the Authentic Voyages team at the Château Royal de Cazeneuve in Préchac, France

Morning Excursion: Visit Château Royal de Cazeneuve and Toast Sauternes

Leaving at a bright and early hour following breakfast, part of our team set out on this excursion to tour the Château Royal de Cazeneuve. Built by the Lord of Albret in the 13th century, this castle was owned by the kings of Navarra, including Henry IV. This ancient kingdom is still an autonomous region of Spain. Pamplona is the capital of Navarra, so you will continue deeper into this ancient history as our tour continues. Today, the magnificent castle is owned by the Lord of Albret’s descendants, the Sabran-Pontevès family.

We purchased a photo book for 6€ at the Château Royal de Cazeneuve in Préchac, Gironde

Arriving at the castle, we felt as if we had traveled via time machine instead of our motorcoach. We were greeted by towering spires amidst a perfectly manicured landscape, with vineyards stretching into the distance. The Sabran-Pontevès had recently renovated the Château Royal de Cazeneuve, choosing to restore it with its French heritage in mind.

Our charming tour guide showed us into the château and delivered a wonderfully informative welcome speech. We walked from room to room, taking in the beautiful, richly patterned and colorful French décor. With our guide’s assistance, we learned about the history of each space in the château, its artworks, and all about the local wine. Our team was unable to take photos inside the château, but did find a fantastic book with dozens of great pictures inside to remember our travels.

Visiting Château Royal de Cazeneuve, we were able to learn all about the famed Sauterne wine that’s produced in the region. What many consider to be a dessert wine, this sweet beverage made for an excellent toast to end this classic French excursion. Being a château, this activity maintained a low level of physical activity, ensuring easy access for everyone.

Morning Excursion: The Colorful Life of Toulouse Lautrec at Château de Malromé

The other half of our Authentic Voyages scouting team made the journey to Château de Malromé, the childhood home-turned-museum of painter Henri Toulouse-Lautrec. Just a few years ago, the Chinese entrepreneur Kim Huynh purchased the home and invested a huge sum of money into renovating it. Now, the home is restored to its former splendor, with beautiful grounds covered with vines, perfectly restored rooms, and – of course – the original artwork of Toulouse-Lautrec.

The home tour really shined when we were able to learn all kinds of interesting details about the artist himself. Delivering far more information than a casual Google search could provide, our guide filled us in on the more intimate details of Toulouse-Lautrec’s life, including his passion for painting “ladies of the night.”

A featured original painting by Toulouse-Lautrec in Gironde, France

After touring the childhood home of Toulouse-Lautrec, our group headed to Verdelais, the quaint French village where the artist was laid to rest in 1901. Visiting the colorful graveyard where he lies today, we received an all-encompassing view of Toulouse-Lautrec’s life and works. Before we ended the excursion, we made one final stop at Verdelais’ only bar for a proper absinthe tasting. One of Toulouse-Lautrec’s favorites, he was known for mixing absinthe into all manner of drinks. Our group was shown the proper way to sip the high-proof liquor, where we melted a sugar cube into the absinthe with ice cold water. The excursion proved to be the perfect accompaniment to our group’s day, one we’d recommend to anyone visiting the Bordeaux region with a remote interest in the best of French art. Physical activity levels were fairly low for this excursion as well, making it an equal opportunity excursion for everyone aboard.

Our Toulouse Lautrec absinthe tasting in Gironde

A Retrospective of Day Four’s Excursions

On Day Four, we enjoyed visiting both the Château Royal de Cazeneuve and Château de Malromé. For those interested in beautiful architecture and the pristineness of French royalty, we couldn’t recommend the Château Royal tour more. Or, if art inspired by the whirlwind lifestyle of late 19th century France piques your interest, the home-museum of Toulouse-Lautrec cannot be missed.

In our fourth day aboard the SS Bon Voyage, we were astounded at how the excursions seemed to only get better with each coming day. Nearing the halfway point to our Bordeaux cruise, our team was thoroughly impressed not just with today’s excursions, but also the entire itinerary so far. As we scout the way for our upcoming Founder’s Grand Cruise, we look forward to keeping you up-to-date with our grand adventure.

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Founder's Grand Cruise: Day 3

10/6/2021

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Scouting Bordeaux, France: Day 3's Excursions in Médoc

On Day Three of our Bordeaux river cruise, the Authentic Voyages team enjoyed a wonderful day full of lively and educational French experiences. From a decadent breakfast in the morning to vineyard bicycling, we immersed ourselves in the Médoc region in preparation for the Founder's Grand Cruise. Sailing into the famed wine region during the morning of our third day, our team parted ways to tackle two equally great afternoon excursions in the commune of Cussac-Fort-Médoc.

Chateau along the Médoc Chateaux Route Tour

Afternoon Excursion: Médoc Chateaux Route with Private Wine Tasting

Setting out on this excursion, our team disembarked the ship and boarded a bus to drive along the scenic roads of the Médoc region. With lots to see, we drove past historic chateaux like the Château Lafitte Roschild. Passing by the nearby Château Mouton and Château Latour, we learned about the area’s past. From power struggles to government involvement to wine monopolies, the region certainly had an interesting past waiting to be discovered by the rest of the world.

Along the way, we also had the chance to learn about growing grapes in Médoc. Though it produces what are arguably the best of Bordeaux wines, Médoc has a far more difficult terroir than many other winegrowing regions. Countless crops have failed over the years due to pests and climate. We learned all this from our extremely knowledgeable guide before arriving at our own chateau for a wine tasting.

Upon arrival, our group was led into the Château Prieuré-Lichine to see where the magic happens. We were shown through their entire process, from harvest to fermentation to bottling. Walking through the winery, it felt almost as if we were wine creators ourselves. Afterwards, we were brought to the tasting room to sample two delicious bottles, where we were instructed on the proper technique to make the most of each wine’s flavors. The entire excursion proved to be a leisurely and enjoyable way to experience what Médoc had to offer, from beautiful architecture to outstanding wine.

Cyclists in Vauban architecture on the Médoc Bicycle Tour

Riding through Vauban-designed architecture on the Médoc Bicycle Tour

Wine barrel room on the Médoc Chateaux Route Tour

Wine cellar on the Médoc Chateaux Route Tour

Afternoon Excursion: “Let’s Go” Bike in the Médoc Vineyards

The other portion of the Authentic Voyages team opted for a scenic bicycle ride to make the most of the beautiful weather had in Médoc. The team pedaled off from the shore, where folding bicycles, premium Specialized brand helmets, and a dynamic tour guide awaited. We immediately began touring not just French vineyards, but also the chateaux, homes, and unique places that made the Médoc wine region. Leading us across old town streets between artisan shops in Cussac-Fort-Médoc, our tour guide navigated through the crowds of locals and even halted kindly cars for us as we made our way towards the grounds of the Château Lamothe Bergeron.

Upon arriving at the Médoc winery, we spent a short amount of time touring it with our bicycles before leaving them behind. Our small group headed into the chateau itself for a warm greeting from the Lamothe-Bergeron tour guide. After a brief introduction, we were taken on a quick walking tour of the facility, learning about its history and seeing the incredible work that’s done there along the way. Finally, we made our way into the tasting room, where two incredible wines awaited for us to sample. One of the wines was a Médoc vintage from the year 2011, and the other, a young red wine that provided us an interesting example of the chateau’s aging process.

After our tasting, we cycled back to the ship with a quick shortcut through UNESCO-protected buildings and ruins made by the famous French military designer, Vauban. The excursion was memorable through and through, especially the brilliant bicycle trip. It was well-liked by other members of the cruise too – from first time France travelers to those who’d visited multiple times. Made only better by our lively tour guide, this excursion was one for the books. The excursion was moderately physical, requiring a decent bit of balance and effort with the bicycle ride.

A Retrospective of Day 3’s Excursions

Our entire team was pleasantly surprised by the day’s excursions aboard our European river cruise. Both covered a good amount of Médoc ground, and took up a decent part of the day, clocking in at about three hours. Each highlighted outstanding wines from the region, while also allowing the team to discover its fantastic architecture and history. We felt that these excursions truly captured the spirit that brings countless others to Bordeaux -- a passion for wine, architecture, and French beauty. With truly something for everyone, these Bordeaux excursions from Uniworld offered the perfect balance, with something for every level of traveler.

Chateau Lamothe-Bergeron wine tasting room

Chateau Lamothe-Bergeron's wine tasting room

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Founder's Grand Cruise: Day 2

10/4/2021

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Scouting Bordeaux, France: Day 2's Excursions in Blaye & Bourg

With the first full day of our Bordeaux river cruise aboard the SS Bon Voyage ahead of us, the Authentic Voyages team set out to explore the magnificent villages of Blaye and Bourg. A unique French commune, Blaye is best known for its sprawling citadel, known as Blaye Fortress. Bourg is a quiet French town filled with beautiful architecture and friendly residents. Our team divided to tackle the day’s excursions – a morning walking tour through the Blaye Fortress featuring a scenic drive along the Route de la Corniche Fleurie, or a yoga class followed immediately by a Bordeaux wine tasting. In the afternoon, we took part in a walking tour of Bourg and a distillery tour of the famed cognac maker, Remy Martin.

Blaye Fortress Overlook UNESCO World Heritage Site

Our view inside Blaye Fortress

Morning Excursion: Panoramas of Route de la Corniche Fleurie with Blaye Fortress

The morning's walking tour was both an enjoyable and educational experience, offering an exploratory trip through Blaye Fortress and a scenic drive. The citadel was designed by Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban, a renowned 17th century military fortification designer who worked under the prestigious King Louis XIV. Overlooking the Gironde Estuary as if it still protects France today, the hundreds-of-years-old citadel is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wandering through the fortress, we learned all about the history of Blaye and its significance to the early French empire. Using in-ear Quietvox headsets so that we could always hear our tour guide, we felt as if we we had truly gone back in time.

Continuing on with the excursion, we boarded a bus bound for the famed Route de la Corniche Fleurie, a road lined with French beauty on all sides, for a scenic drive that saw the daily life along the Gironde Estuary. The excursion was simply gorgeous with lots of information, giving us an insightful look into the history and life of Blaye, as well as being a more accessible, relaxed activity for all ages. Though physical activity is fairly light, touring the Blaye Fortress does require walking on cobblestones and rough ground, so it’s best to bring good shoes.

Morning Excursion: “Let’s Go” Yoga in the Historic Heart of Blaye Fortress

The rest of our team took off on what turned out to be a surprisingly lively excursion. Walking into the Blaye Fortress (albeit without the expert Quietvox tour guide from the alternate activity), we attempted our best yoga poses in the midst of the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s serene setting. Instructed by the SS Bon Voyage’s spa director and masseuse, the yoga class featured premium mats from the ship and a brisk walk through the citadel. The yoga session was for all levels, with the instructor offering both challenging poses and an easier alternative pose. Some members of the group even decided to sit the class out, choosing instead to explore the fortress before embarking on the wine tasting.

Though early, the morning wine tasting was an absolutely brilliant experience. Our team stepped into La Petit Cave to a warm greeting from Les Kellen, the shop’s proprietor and an expert winemaker out of South Africa. Kellen taught us how to taste wine like the professionals do and answered any questions the group had about wine or the Bordeaux region. After grabbing a glass for the road, we walked down the street with Kellen to learn about the process behind his winemaking. We also toured his impressive classic French car collection, assortment of vintage mopeds, and his wife’s lovely art studio. After, we were shown the area hidden below it all, a cellar where Kellen keeps their most treasured bottles. Through it all, the wines brought out for tasting only got better and better, the crowd favorite being a local 2014 Chateau Gros Moulin Je Suis Cabernet Franc.

This excursion is one that we felt truly immersed us in the local life of those in the Blaye region. From being warmly greeted by French citizens as we struck our yoga poses to a backstage pass into Blaye’s wine scene, we were thoroughly impressed. Though fully taking part in the excursion will require a moderate level of fitness, it is easy to skip yoga or other strenuous walking portions – as members of our own group did – to lighten the excursion’s physical activity.

La Petit Cave Les Kellen Wine and Car Tour

Looking through Les Kellen's classic car collection

Touring the French commune of Bourg

Afternoon Excursion: Guided Walk in Bourg

In the afternoon, members of our team split up to tackle two entirely different excursions. The first was a tour of the architecture-filled town of Bourg at our ship’s next destination, a historic place with a massive citadel overlooking the Gironde Estuary. Upon arriving at the dock, we headed into the quaint French commune to have a glimpse into not just it’s buildings, but also the to learn about the history of Bourg. This excursion required a moderate amount of walking across cobblestones and paved streets, though Bourg is fairly small.

Afternoon Excursion: Rendez vous chez Remy Martin

The other afternoon activity was a premium excursion – the Rendez vous chez Remy Martin – an informational cognac tour and tasting. This premium excursion cost extra, but allowed our team see where one of the world’s finest cognacs is made. We toured the facilities where Remy Martin Cognac is distilled before taking part in a delicious tasting of the namesake drink. Both of the afternoon's excursions turned out to be engaging activities, with lots of information and interesting topics.

Our founder, Mark, at the Remy Martin Distillery

Walking through the Bourg Citadel

A Retrospective of Day Two’s Excursions

All of our day two excursions turned out to be outstanding experiences aboard our French river cruise, with expert guides and guests. We were impressed by the attention to detail and clear effort put into all excursions by the European river cruise line, particularly the morning’s yoga session and wine tasting. Our team’s favorite by the end of the day, this largely overlooked excursion was something truly special, from the relaxing yoga to the delicious local wines to the vibrant Les Kellen himself.

All of the activities offered a unique focus to cover all manner of interests – whether that may be history, nature, fitness, automobiles, art, or – our personal favorite – Bordeaux wine. These first excursions along Uniworld’s Bordeaux itinerary have already left us with fond memories, and we look forward to sharing more of them with you as we scout the journey aboard the SS Bon Voyage.

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Luxury Cruise News

Founder's Grand Cruise: Day 4

Scouting Bordeaux, France: Day 4’s Excursions in Cadillac and the Gironde Department

Morning Excursion: Visit Château Royal de Cazeneuve and Toast Sauternes

Morning Excursion: The Colorful Life of Toulouse Lautrec at Château de Malromé

A Retrospective of Day Four’s Excursions

Founder's Grand Cruise: Day 3

Scouting Bordeaux, France: Day 3's Excursions in Médoc

Afternoon Excursion: Médoc Chateaux Route with Private Wine Tasting

Afternoon Excursion: “Let’s Go” Bike in the Médoc Vineyards

A Retrospective of Day 3’s Excursions

Founder's Grand Cruise: Day 2

Scouting Bordeaux, France: Day 2's Excursions in Blaye & Bourg

Morning Excursion: Panoramas of Route de la Corniche Fleurie with Blaye Fortress

Morning Excursion: “Let’s Go” Yoga in the Historic Heart of Blaye Fortress

Afternoon Excursion: Guided Walk in Bourg

Afternoon Excursion: Rendez vous chez Remy Martin

A Retrospective of Day Two’s Excursions

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