The Scottish Mail on Sunday

Discover the food of Bordeaux with TV chef James Martin

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ITS breathtaki­ng scenery and year-round glorious weather make the Bordeaux region one of the loveliest parts of France for any food and wine lover to explore. Television chef and presenter James Martin describes the region as ‘the food destinatio­n that has it all’ – and he’ll share its secrets and delights with you on this fabulous eight-day luxury river 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 Michelinst­arred Hostelleri­e de Plaisance in Saint-Emilion and is a regular visitor to this beautiful part of France.

James will share his passion for the area during an exclusive talk about his career, as well as giving a cooking demonstrat­ion. You will also enjoy a special gala dinner with a menu created by James himself.

Setting off from Bordeaux, you’ll discover the magnificen­t, 17th Century Unesco-listed citadel in Blaye.

You’ll then visit traditiona­l wineries and charming chateaux in Cussac-FortMedoc, Cadillac and SaintEmili­on while learning about this romantic region’s history and wine culture.

Your gourmet voyage ends where it began: in majestic Bordeaux.

On this memorable trip, you’ll be travelling on SS Bon Voyage, the newest and most luxurious river cruise ship in France, and along the way you will enjoy French culture, art and wine while delighting in the boat’s stunning, polished-wood lobby, staterooms and marble bathrooms.

On board, there’s a choice of restaurant­s offering five-star cuisine, with all meals and unlimited drinks included, as well as a lounge, sun deck with 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.’ In the course of an exclusive talk, he will tell tales of trying his first croissant during his formative years working in kitchens in the area, and show you how to create classic dishes during a special demonstrat­ion.

Explore beautiful Bordeaux: Discover Bordeaux, the port city on the Garonne known for its Gothic cathedral, 18th and 19th Century mansions and renowned art museums. Explore the charming medieval town of Saint-Emilion, with its world-famous wineries and magnificen­t architectu­re, and the fascinatin­g Unesco-listed fortress at Blaye, which was built to protect Bordeaux against invasion from the sea.

Cruise in luxury: Sailing with Uniworld is like cruising in a fivestar hotel. You’ll enjoy industryle­ading service while you journey through the lovely countrysid­e. Your Classic Stateroom features handcrafte­d Savoir beds, and wi-fi is included shipwide, as are gratuities.

Unforgetta­ble excursions: You’ll tour the finest chateaux, including Chateau Royal de Cazeneuve, once owned by King Henry IV. When you travel with Uniworld, your daily choice of excursions is included as part of its premium, all-inclusive service.

 ?? ?? MAJESTIC: The Pont de Pierre in Bordeaux, above.
Left: The luxurious SS Bon Voyage
MAJESTIC: The Pont de Pierre in Bordeaux, above. Left: The luxurious SS Bon Voyage

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