Founder's Grand Cruise: Day 6

The Libourne Farmers Market

Scouting Bordeaux, France: Day 6’s Excursions in Libourne, France

​On Day Six of our Founder’s Grand Cruise scouting trip, we stayed for an additional day in the colorful city of Libourne. Having arrived the day before when we used the city as a gateway to explore Saint-Émilion, the SS Bon Voyage docked overnight to allow us one additional morning. We stayed aside the city on the Dordogne River, waking early to take in a beautiful sunrise and the tidal bore. 

Later on, we took part in two separate excursions to learn about Libourne and its culture: a “Village Day” walking tour and a bicycling tour, both of which made a point to visit the weekly farmer’s market. When we set sail for Bordeaux that afternoon, our group was also able to participate in a paint and wine workshop aboard our ship before a farewell reception with the ship’s captain.

The Morning Mascaret

Docked on the Dordogne River in Libourne, we had the opportunity to watch the famed mascaret – a rare phenomenon that only happens on some 80 rivers around the world. The mascaret is a tidal bore, where the direction of the river’s tide reverses to cause a powerful wave. In preparation for the force of nature, the SS Bon Voyage disembarked from its pier and sailed into the middle of the Dordogne. Angling the ship to face the tidal bore head on, the captain must’ve felt like a matador as he awaits the charging bull. A wave of intensity powering through the tranquil morning, the mascaret was an exciting way to start the day.

Watching the mascaret on the Dordogne River

Morning Excursion: Libourne “Village Day” with Farmer’s Market

Half of the Authentic Voyages team participated in a walking tour of Libourne later in the morning. With our guide, we stepped off the ship and into the midst of the city. Bustling and alive with commutes, shopping, and all forms of daily life, we were shown the often missed details of Libourne – hallmarks of its culture, arts, and architecture. 

After our brief walking tour, we were turned loose on the weekly Farmer’s Market, which covered the entirety of the city’s main square, the Place Abel-Surchamp. Surrounded by arcades, local shops, and eateries, farmer’s market vendors set up their stands early in the morning. It seemed as if everyone in Libourne came out to purchase fresh vegetables, meats, delicacies, and all other manner of goods that day. The members of our team that attended this excursion had a delightful time browsing the shops, picking up local souvenirs and treats. Taking place on the busy city streets of Libourne, our team was pleased with this immersive excursion. With a knowledgeable guide that shared little-known facts about the city, this tour was perfect for those seeking a deeper understanding of Libourne’s culture.

Foie Gras stand at the Libourne Farmer's Market

Oysters at the Libourne Farmer's Market

Shallots at the Libourne Farmer's Market

Pink Radishes at the Libourne Farmer's Market

Morning Excursion: Bike Ride along the Dordogne River

​The other portion of our Founder’s Grand Cruise scouting team embarked on a bicycle tour following Libourne’s Dordogne River. From the ship, we rode along the city’s riverside trail until its end, then onward into the surrounding countryside. Throughout the journey, we made several stops to learn about the Dordogne, local history, interesting automobiles, wine, and more. Cycling amidst the Dordogne’s vineyards, our group stopped to taste and learn about a few of the local grapes. We even had the opportunity to tour a small historic church, built as an indirect part of a local castle – the Château de Condat.

Once we made our way back into the city, our tour led us to the Place Abel-Surchamp as well, where the farmer’s market was wrapping up. After a brief opportunity to browse the market, we entered the Museum of Fine Arts and Archeology of Libourne with our guide for a brief tour of the small, but magnificent, collection. Once our tour of the museum was over, we got back on our bicycles and pedaled to the ship to end our excursion. Overall, our group was impressed by the bicycle tour of the Dordogne, our knowledgeable guide, and the amount of city we were able to cover. We’d highly recommend this for any active individual interested in making the most of their time in Libourne.

The Paint and Wine Workshop

Later in the afternoon, a few members of our team attended a workshop where watercolor painting was paired with wine. The event was held on the top deck of our ship, in a small café lit by the day’s bright sunshine. With a brief instruction from our a local artist, we were given the necessary supplies – and delicious wine handpicked by the ship's sommelier – and then set free to paint to our heart’s desire. This relaxed activity was the ship’s first on-board excursion, a pleasant and easygoing experience suited for everyone.

A member of our scouting team at the paint and wine workshop

A Retrospective of Day Six’s Excursions

​Each excursion on Day Six left our team with fond memories and loads of great photos to share with our loved ones. The village day, bicycle tour, and painting workshop were all wonderful in their own unique way, allowing us to further immerse ourselves in the French culture as we neared the next leg of our grand Hemingway tour, Spain. From the early morning mascaret to a cocktail reception in the evening, the entire day was packed with great experiences. As our journey continues, we look forward to sharing more details from our Founder’s Grand Cruise with you.