BORDEAUX – Arriving at the Bordeaux-Merignac Airport, there’s an unmistakable sight welcoming visitors: a vineyard on the airport property.

It’s the premiere lure bringing travellers to the ‘World Capital of Wine,’ where seven million visitors arrive annually to explore the largest vineyards in the world.

Pam Hoffee, President of Avalon Waterways, and the team at Avalon knew it was time to expand after seeing the results of their 2025 wish list survey, where over 10,000 Avalon customers shared their dreams regarding more options to explore France.

“We’re all about intentional growth and Bordeaux was a natural addition,” said Hoffee. “Avalon now has ships on every major river in Europe. Our guests want to see the must-see sights, but they also want more immersive experiences, such as food and wine as well as active options.”

Travelweek was among journalists from Canada, the UK and the U.S. as well as industry peers and Avalon colleagues experiencing a preview of the Switzerland-based river cruise company’s newest route from Bordeaux, enjoying a myriad of standard classic, active and discovery tours offered such as wine tasting at historic chateaux, hiking or biking through noted vineyards such as Chateau Margaux, exploring the seaside town of Arcachon and wandering the streets of Bordeaux.

Officially launched on March 25, ‘Bonjour Bordeaux: Chateaux, Wineries & Charming Villages’ is an eight-day itinerary through France’s western Nouvelle-Aquitaine region on the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers.

The previous evening, Hoffee and the ship’s captains were officially welcomed to Bordeaux by Jean Frederic Laurent, general director of the Grand Port Maritime de Bordeaux and Brigitte Bloch, VP Tourism for Bordeaux Metropole. Passengers were treated to a celebratory six-course wine pairing dinner, showcasing Bordeaux wines and locally-sourced ingredients.

Avalon Waterways is the fifth river cruise company to set sail from Bordeaux, joining Uniworld, CroisiEurope, Viking and AmaWaterways.

THE SUITE LIFE

Moored at Bordeaux’s Quai de Chartrons for the first time, Avalon Artistry II is one of 13 recently refreshed ‘suite ships’ in a fleet of 15.

At 110 metres and a maximum of 128 passengers, Artistry II has two decks of panorama suites, each featuring Avalon’s signature open-air balcony.

New additions this season include reimagined public space decor with new furniture, art and flooring, upgraded wifi, updated Sky Deck decor, Kinesis weight machines in the fitness centre and an onboard fleet of 15 bikes and four e-bikes.

In 2025, Avalon Impression, Illumination, Tapestry II and Tranquility II will also include these updates; in 2026 Expression and Visionary will be refreshed, while remaining ships were completed in 2024.

This season Avalon will premiere Avalon After Dark, showcasing more evening entertainment in the Panorama Lounge, dinner now offered at the Sky Grill, impromptu dance parties on the Sky Deck and planned evening adventures in port such as cocktails at a ruin bar in Budapest, visiting a jazz club in Amsterdam or a moonlit walk past Avignon’s Palais des Papes.

Avalon’s partnership with mixologist Martin Hudak continues with an updated cocktail menu and an expanded mocktail menu, featuring a wide range of alcohol-free wine, beer and spirits.

BORDEAUX HIGHLIGHTS

Bordeaux offers ample distractions, whether it’s a walking tour of the historic city centre, a bike ride to explore the city’s Chartrons District to see the Jardin Public and the Palais Gallien or stopping at a brasserie or wine bar.

Views for days from Avalon Waterways’ Observation Lounge

In the region of Medoc, passengers can tour the village of Margaux by hiking or biking through vineyards or an exclusive visit to award-winning Chateau Siran, an eco-friendly family-owned winery, learning about the history, seeing the chateau’s art collection and ending with a wine tasting with fresh baguette and local cheese.

There’s also a memorable visit to nearby Mademoiselle de Margaux, a chocolaterie known for its dark chocolate covered La Guinette cherries soaked in Armagnac and Sarments de Medoc, dark chocolate twigs available in tasty flavours such as raspberry, orange or salted caramel.

Other tour options include the UNESCO-listed Citadel in the charming town of Blaye, seeing the scenic Route de la Corniche, with its panoramic views of the mighty rivers, numerous vineyards and charming villages, a stop in Bourg for a tasting at Remy Martin, one of the oldest cognac producers in the world or a day-long excursion to the town of Arcachon, popular because of its sand dunes, seaside boutiques and oysters.

FRANCE TRIP TIPS

According to Hoffee, Canadian travel advisors are very successful in selling Avalon’s Magnificent Europe itinerary, a 15-day river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest.

Clients wanting to plan a two or three week holiday in France can combine Avalon itineraries on the Seine, Rhone and Rhine rivers.

Until April 19, Avalon is offering a free two-night Paris extension on select Avalon Bordeaux cruises, which includes two-hour train transportation from Paris to Bordeaux.

For more information check out Globus family of brands’ travel advisor portal.