Discover the f lavours of Bordeaux with top chef Raymond Blanc
FOR lovers of good food and wine, the Bordeaux region is one of the loveliest parts of France to explore – and our superb eight-day river cruise is the perfect way to do it. On this all-inclusive five-star trip, you’ll wind your way through the breathtaking Medoc wine region, visiting wineries and charming chateaux.
You’ll be joined by Frenchman Raymond Blanc, one of the fathers of modern British cuisine. His Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons restaurant in Oxfordshire has trained some of the UK’s most talented chefs, including Marco Pierre White, Sat Bains, Heston Blumenthal and Michael Caines – but Raymond’s passion for food has its roots in France.
He says: ‘Most French life revolves around meal times, and my family was no exception. For my mother, cooking was an act of love. At an early age, I was taught to love and respect food, for its beauty, its freshness and also its price. This simple philosophy has been a strong influence on my career as a chef.’
You will see that passion on display as you take part in an interactive cookery demonstration with Raymond. You’ll have a chance to taste his creations and ask him your cookery questions during a question-andanswer session and book-signing.
The trip starts in Bordeaux, after which you’ll discover the Unescolisted 17th Century citadel at Blaye, explore the catacombs of SaintEmilion, see Libourne’s Gothic church, cycle through the vineyards of Sauternes on the ship’s own e-bikes or take a walking tour of Cadillac.
Among excursions are visits to castles and wine estates, where you can take part in tastings and hear about the wine-making process. You can even learn the art of French cuisine in Scenic Culinaire, the ship’s onboard cookery class, so you can recreate the tastes of Bordeaux back home in your kitchen. You’ll visit a food market with a chef to pick out produce to use in your class.
REASONS TO BOOK
Meet Raymond Blanc: The awardwinning chef will share expert knowledge of his cuisine and ethos in a Q&A and live cooking demonstration. You’ll have an opportunity to meet Raymond, and he will sign a copy of one of his books for you – you will receive one free copy of one of his latest cookbooks per cabin.
Learn the art of French cooking: As well as Raymond’s demonstration and talk, you can pick up further knowledge at Scenic Culinaire, the ship’s on-board cookery school. You’ll visit a local food market in the company of a chef to pick out the freshest produce to cook.
Sail on a luxury ship: Your ship boasts spacious cabins, fine-dining restaurants and a fabulous sun deck. When you’re not exploring on land, relax in state-of-the-art amenities including a vitality pool on the sun deck, a gym and spa.
Visit historic Blaye: Step back in time in Blaye, where a Romanesque fortress once protected the port of Bordeaux from invasion. You can wander this Unesco World Heritage Site and lose yourself in its maze of cobbled streets.