If there’s one region river cruisers have been asking about for years, it’s Bordeaux. And now, Avalon Waterways has answered. For 2025, Avalon officially launches its “Bonjour Bordeaux: Châteaux, Wineries & Charming Villages” itinerary — bringing their signature relaxed luxury to France’s most celebrated vineyards.
This is a big deal. Until now, Bordeaux has been mostly the domain of smaller French lines or boutique charters. Avalon’s entry means travelers can enjoy the region’s incredible scenery and cuisine while sailing with a brand they already know and love.
A New Home for the Avalon Artistry II
The Avalon Artistry II, a guest favorite on the Rhine and Main, has undergone a thoughtful refresh and will now call Bordeaux home. This ship carries all the hallmarks of Avalon’s fleet — open-air balcony cabins, spacious bathrooms, and that signature “beds-facing-the-view” layout that sets them apart.
Onboard life remains exactly what Avalon fans expect: relaxed, comfortable, and quietly elegant. No tuxedos. No crowded lounges. Just an atmosphere that feels more like a floating boutique hotel than a traditional cruise ship.
And with a smaller guest capacity than many competitors, it’s perfectly suited for Bordeaux’s narrower waterways and intimate ports.
A Wine Lover’s Dream Route
The new itinerary reads like a wish list for wine enthusiasts: Médoc, Cadillac, Blaye, Saint-Émilion, and Libourne — each offering its own distinct terroir and history. You’ll visit centuries-old châteaux, enjoy curated tastings, and explore riverside towns where time seems to move at half speed.
But Avalon’s twist is what makes it special. The line’s “Active & Discovery” program means guests can bike through vineyards, join cooking classes, or take guided hikes instead of the usual motor-coach tours. It’s Bordeaux done the Avalon way — flexible, personal, and refreshingly unhurried.
Why Bordeaux Fits the Avalon Traveler
Avalon has always appealed to guests who appreciate a little freedom — the ability to join a tour or wander off for a café lunch at their own pace. Bordeaux is the perfect match for that mindset.
Here’s why:
It’s a compact region, easy to explore without long transfers.
Culinary travelers can dive deep into local flavors, from oysters in Arcachon to canelés in Bordeaux city.
Repeat river cruisers will find a new rhythm here — less sightseeing, more savoring.
It’s the kind of itinerary where you come back with fewer photos of landmarks and more memories of laughter, sunsets, and shared wine on deck.
For Repeat Cruisers, a Fresh Frontier
For many of our clients who’ve already explored the Rhine or Danube, Bordeaux offers something wonderfully different: smaller ports, gentler sailing days, and a distinctly French sense of pace.
Avalon has long excelled at creating experiences that fit the traveler, not the schedule — and this new itinerary is proof. It’s not about rushing to the next destination. It’s about slowing down, tasting, and truly soaking in one of Europe’s most captivating regions.
Our Take
Avalon’s entry into Bordeaux feels like a natural next step for both the brand and its guests. It combines everything Avalon does best — flexible touring, intimate ships, and destination-first design — with one of France’s most romantic settings.
If you’ve ever dreamed of sipping Cabernet along the Garonne or watching the sunset over vineyard-lined hills from your open-air balcony, Bordeaux might be calling your name.
We can help you find the best sail date, cabin, and even the right pre- or post-stay in Paris or the Loire Valley to make the most of your journey.
