Gardeners' World - French Gardens, Wine and the River Seine including Spain - 6 May 2025
Highlights:
- Spring starts in May in Le Jardin Plume! The Columbines are everywhere, single double in all colours for you to see!
- Amongst the most beautiful gardens in Calvados is the gardens of the Pays d’Auge, showcasing the architecture of Normandy with many themed gardens to indulge!
- Bordeaux and a visit to a local vineyard. Meet the owners for a guided tour and tasting session!
Join David Hurrion on this springtime cruise
EXCLUSIVE ON BOARD EXPERIENCE hosted by David Hurrion will include welcome get-together, 2 illustrated talks, Gardeners’ Question Time, farewell get-together and Afternoon Tea.
The benefits of Balmoral’s smaller size come to the fore on this cruise, as you dock in Bordeaux and sail the River Seine to Rouen, both of which aren’t possible on larger vessels. You will have the chance to view impressive architecture throughout, from Spain’s contemporary Guggenheim Museum to France’s beautiful medieval buildings. Traditional food and drink can be enjoyed in their place of origin, including pintxos in Bilbao and camembert and calvados in Honfleur. Visiting a local vineyard in Bordeaux, where the owners will guide you through a winemaking and tasting session, makes for a rewarding experience, too. Savour picturesque countryside views as Balmoral sails the River Seine.
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Price Includes
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Itinerary
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Day 1 Southampton
Join Balmoral in Southampton. Enjoy dinner and evening entertainment.
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Day 2 Sailing
Enjoy your cruising day including a welcome get-together with your host and illustrated talk.
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Day 3 Getxo, (Bilbao) Spain
Morning gardeners’ illustrated talk before Balmoral arrives early afternoon in Getxo, gateway to Bilbao. Impressive beaches and fascinating buildings including the UNESCO-listed Vizcaya Bridge may all compete for your time.
Overnight in port. -
Day 4 Getxo, (Bilbao) Spain
Bilbao is home to the magnificent Guggenheim Museum and may be visited on an optional Shore Tour before sailing early afternoon.
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Day 5 Bordeaux, France
Located on the banks of the Garonne River, Bordeaux’s climate makes it perfect for wine making. Enjoy your visit today to a local vineyard where you will be met by the owners, given a guided tour and sample the wines.
Overnight in port. -
Day 6 Bordeaux, France
Morning at leisure to explore ashore! The spectacular Mirror d’Eaux, creates a mirror and misting effect the with the historic Place de la Bourse as its backdrop. Balmoral sails late afternoon.
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Day 7 Sailing
Enjoy Afternoon Tea with your fellow gardeners and host plus time for Gardeners’ Questions!
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Day 8 Cruising the River Seine & Rouen, France
Sit back and relax as rolling valleys and floral fields dotted with historic churches and traditional houses pass you by as you cruise the River Seine.
Late afternoon arrival in Rouen and a chance to explore ashore as Balmoral docks overnight in port. -
Day 9 Rouen, France
Known as the ‘City of a Hundred Bells’ and home of the imposing Cathedral Notre-Dame. A full day in Rouen and a morning visit to Le Jardine Plume.
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Day 10 Honfleur, France
A full day in the charming port of Honfleur allows us to enjoy a morning visit to the Gardens of Pays d’Auge including refreshments at the Creperie nestled in their magnificent gardens.
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Day 11 Southampton, UK
Early morning arrival. Time for breakfast and farewells before continuing your journey home.
Customers Say
Included Shore Tours
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Jardin de PlumeEnjoy a visit to Le Jardin Plume, created by Sylvie and Partrik Quibel in 1997. Discover the vibrant and diverse flora, including grasses and perennial plants, carefully chosen to mimic the natural prairie landscape to create a dynamic, ever-changing display. Admire the coherent and artistic arrangements of plants that showcase the Quibels' vision, where each element complements and enhances the others. |
Private Visit of Château Grand VerduJourney into the heart of the Entre deux Mers to discover the family-run Château Le Grand Verdus, made up of over 120 hectares of vineyards. This vineyard has been passed down through four generations and its variety of soils, climates and techniques produce different grape varieties and Cuvées. Here, learn about the history of the Le Grix de la Salle family, production secrets and the biodiversity of the estate. Enjoy a guided tour of the vineyard with the owner-winemaker and agroforestry specialist, followed by a visit to the Château and a tasting of four locally produced wines. |
Gardens of the Pays D'AugeYour tour begins with a scenic drive with views of rolling hills, luscious orchards and traditional half-timbered houses en route to the Gardens of Pays d’Auge. Spanning several hectares, you can discover a diverse array of plants, meticulously designed landscapes, serene water features and quaint Norman-style buildings. Before returning to the ship, you will reach the neighboring Norman Distillery where you will enjoy a "Norman Gouter" (high tea) with a slice of Norman Apple Pie and cider or Apple Juice. |
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Terms and conditions: This group departure is organised by Connoisseur Travel Service Ltd for BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine. Connoisseur Travel Service Ltd is acting as agent for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and is subject to its terms and conditions. Please note all tours and places of interest mentioned, apart from the Included tours, are not included in the cruise fare and may be visited on optional tours. The experts hosting any of our cruises are subject to personal circumstances permitting. We plan to visit the gardens and ports mentioned in the itinerary however we reserve the right to change a visit should circumstances become necessary. Per person prices are based on twin share. All details correct at the time of going to press. |
Images sourced from: ©JBoisard-LisieuxNormandie