The Scottish Mail on Sunday

Savour a taste of France with chef James Martin

Join the TV star on a luxury trip through Bordeaux’s wine country

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ACCORDING to TV chef and presenter James Martin, the south west of France is ‘the food destinatio­n that has it all’ – and he’ll share its secrets and delights with you on this foodie river cruise.

Our previous date has sold out, so we’re excited to offer another chance to discover the region’s food and wine on this eight-day luxury cruise along the Garonne, Dordogne and Gironde.

The chef – who hosts his own ITV show, Saturday Morning With James Martin

– says his early trips to the Bordeaux region are what cemented his passion for food and set him on the path to a culinary career. He worked as a trainee in the Michelin-starred Hostelleri­e de Plaisance in SaintEmili­on, and is a regular visitor to this beautiful part of France.

James will share his love of the area during an exclusive talk, gala dinner, a Bordeaux foodie tour and a French classics cooking demonstrat­ion.

To accompany the fabulous foodie experience­s, you’ll also be joined by wine expert Susy Atkins, who will take part in samplings of the region’s delicious wines with you.

Setting off from Bordeaux, you’ll discover the Unesco-listed citadel in Blaye, where you can do yoga in the heart of the fortress, and travel through the Medoc region, Cadillac, SaintEmili­on and Libourne before returning to your starting point.

You will travel on the newest and most luxurious river cruise ship in France, SS Bon Voyage. It’s designed to immerse guests in French culture, art and wine, from its stunning polished-wood lobby to the marblebath­room staterooms. On board, you will find a choice of restaurant­s offering five-star cuisine with all meals and unlimited drinks included, a lounge, sun deck with stunning infinity pool, well-equipped fitness centre and the luxury Serenity River Spa.

REASONS TO BOOK

Meet James Martin: In his book, James Martin’s French Adventure, James wrote: ‘France is the place that made me the chef I am today.’ He will tell tales of trying his first croissant during his formative years working in kitchens in the area and discuss his favourite foods from the region during a foodie tour. James and the Uniworld chefs will also create a special gala dinner menu for you.

Take part in tastings with Susy Atkins: The region is famed for its vineyards, and you will visit some of the most spectacula­r chateaux and wineries during your river cruise.

To help you make the most of your visits, you will be accompanie­d on tastings at stunning wineries by popular wine expert Susy, who will join a tasting and answer questions on board.

Cruise in complete luxury: Sailing with Uniworld is like cruising in a five-star hotel – you’ll enjoy industry-leading service while you journey through the beautiful countrysid­e. In your Classic Stateroom you will find hand-crafted

Savoir beds. Wi-fi is included shipwide, as are gratuities.

Unforgetta­ble excursions: Experience the very best of Bordeaux, including the Libourne farmers’ market to sample local cheeses, bread and fruit.

You can also try a bike tour through Bordeaux’s backstreet­s and discover three Unesco World Heritage Sites.

DAY 1 Bordeaux DAY 2 Blaye and Bourg DAY 3 Fort-Medoc and Pauillac DAY 4

Cadillac and Libourne DAY 5 Saint-Emilion DAY 6 Libourne DAYS 7-8 Bordeaux

 ??  ?? FOODIE HEAVEN: Spectacula­r Place de la Bourse in Bordeaux. Left: Your home from home, the luxurious SS Bon Voyage
FOODIE HEAVEN: Spectacula­r Place de la Bourse in Bordeaux. Left: Your home from home, the luxurious SS Bon Voyage

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