Avalon Waterways now sailing to Bordeaux, France

Avalon Waterways has announced new one-, two- and three-week sailings through Bordeaux.

With cruises on the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers and cruise combinations that also include the Seine, Saône, Rhône and Rhine Rivers, Avalon
Waterways is increasing its France offerings by 30 per cent.

“Wine-lovers aren’t the only cruisers raising a glass to Avalon’s new Bordeaux itineraries,” said Pam Hoffee, president of Avalon Waterways. “Along the shores of the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers, we’re elevating immersive experiences for guests, offering them deeper discoveries of the richest traditions in Southwest France. From unparalleled panoramic cruising aboard the Avalon Artistry II to on shore Châteaux visits, Sauternes tastings and crème puff baking classes mixed with e-biking through vineyards and free time in postcard-perfect places like Saint-Émilion, Bourg and Arcachon, for Avalon guests in Bordeaux, the world is their oyster to enjoy as they please.”

About Avalon’s Bordeaux sailing

The all-new France cruise being unveiled by Avalon Waterways in 2025 is Bonjour Bordeaux: Châteaux, Wineries & Charming Villages.

This eight-day cruise starts and ends in Bordeaux with visits to Cadillac-sur-Garonne, Cussac Fort Médoc, Blaye, Bourg and Libourne. A post-pandemic trend, according to Hoffee is a rise in the length of trip people want to take. “In the past, many of our guests have chosen seven to 10-day
journeys with us. Others have even opted to test the cruise waters on micro-cruises of three and four nights. But our new ‘Wish List’ survey results indicate that river cruisers are increasingly looking for longer vacations,” Hoffee said.

Of those 15,000 past Avalon Waterways guests who were surveyed, most (66 per cent) said their next vacation will be two weeks or more compared to those (34 per cent) who are planning to book a one-week vacation. “Our new, two- and three-week cruise combinations for 2025 – all
of which feature Bordeaux – perfectly fit with this trend,” added Hoffee. “They invite our guests to cater their experience to their interests, their budgets and their time, offering them the opportunity to enjoy a more thorough and in-depth vacation through Europe.”