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Cruises with a Little Bridge

French Rivers of Normandy and Bordeaux

 19th April 2023 | 9 Nights | SouthamptonBalmoralL2305
L2308-banner-ticket

from: £1199pp

BMB Host on Board
All of our Little Bridge Bridge Cruises have a Bernard Magee Bridge host on board.
Bridge at Sea
Bridge is available on days at sea. All the bridge sessions are optional.
Partners
We have many single players on board and guarantee everybody a partner.
About this Cruise

Balmoral will take you on a scenic journey along the Gironde, Garonne and size-restricted Seine rivers, passing quaint villages and countryside. The romantic French capital, Paris, and Marais Poitevin (Green Venice) can be visited on tours from Rouen and La Pallice respectively, while Honfleur is well located for trying authentic camembert and calvados.

Balmoral will dock just footsteps away from Bordeaux’s centre, so you can explore the city with ease. There is also a chance to visit a local vineyard, where the owners will guide you through a tasting session.

Your Host
BMB Bridge Host

On cruises with a little bridge there is a BMB host on board but no team. Bridge is for days at sea only.

Itinerary
Southampton - Apr 19
United Kingdon

Departure - late afternoon

 = Anchor Port
Cruising River Seine - Apr 20
France

Arrival - early morning
Departure - late afternoon

Slicing through the gorgeous lush-green countryside of Normandy's Parc naturel régional des Boucles de la Seine, the route Fred. Olsen's smaller cruise ships sail along the River Seine - connecting the historic cities of Honfleur and Rouen - presents guests with simply unforgettable views to enjoy in comfort on board. Simply sit back, relax and take in stunning scenes of rolling valleys, floral fields and charming communes dotted with historic churches and traditional houses that have inspired many famous artists over the years, including Claude Monet and Henri Matisse.

Rouen - Apr 20 - 21
France

Arrival - late afternoon
Departure - late afternoon

The beautiful city of Rouen – known as the ‘City of a Hundred Bells’ is a hugely significant and historical destination, particularly prominent in both the Roman times and Middle Ages. Home to the imposing Cathédrale Notre-Dame, painted by Claude Monet, who grew up in Normandy; Rouen is also gateway to the French capital of Paris and its plethora of well-known cultural sights

Honfleur - Apr 22
France

Arrival - late night
Departure - late evening

Originally occupied in the 9th century by the Vikings, the charming town of Honfleur has attracted artists for many years, with masterpieces housed in its museums and art galleries. Under the guidance of Eugène Boudin, a young Claude Monet and his friend Alfred Sisley began studying light effects and painting landscapes outdoors, rather than from memory, trailblazing for artists of the future.

1 Day Sailing

Join our expert Sommelier for a special wine tasting session and sample some of the finest French tipples, learn about the fascinating art of salt production with guest speakers Ian and Cathy Gunn, and try local delicacy Paris-Brest in our on board restaurants.

La Pallice (for La Rochelle) - Apr 24
France

Arrival - late morning
Departure - late evening

La Pallice is the commercial port for La Rochelle, the popular coastal city in south-western France, and capital of the Charente-Maritime region, featuring a long legacy of maritime significance. Due to its strategic position on the Atlantic coast, the heritage stretches back almost five centuries, and was a sought-after naval base. La Rochelle is known as La Ville Blanche – The White City, so named for its limestone buildings which shine brightly in the warm Atlantic sun.

Bordeaux - Apr 25 - 26
France

Arrival - late morning
Departure - late morning

Renowned as the world’s wine capital, the beautiful city of Bordeaux is located on the banks of the Garonne River in France. The climate in Bordeaux makes it perfect for winemaking, and many of the wines produced here are highly collectable. Along the waterfront is the spectacular Miroir d’Eaux, creating a mirror effect and misting effect, with the outstanding backdrop of the historic Place de la Bourse, and close to the contemporary Pont Jacques Chaban-Delmas vertical bridge.

Cruising Gironde and Garonne Rivers - Apr 26
France

Arrival - late morning
Departure - late afternoon

The River Garonne is quite possibly south-west France's most important river, and arguably one of the region's most picturesque too. Serving a number of important towns and cities, including the historic and magnificent city of Bordeaux; the River Garonne flows through unspoilt French countryside. Just upstream from Bordeaux, the Garonne meets the Dore River and forms Western Europe's largest estuary, the Gironde – best known for the Côte d'Argent beach, and birthplace of Jacques-Yves Cousteau.

1 Day Sailing

As we sail back towards the UK, head out on deck to take in the sunrise whilst walking mile round the ship with your fellow guests, and join Captain Steffan Ravneng for a special Q&A session to discover what it takes to be the Captain of a cruise ship such as the beautiful Balmoral.

Southampton - Apr 28
United Kingdon

Arrival - early morning

Accommodation
What's Included

What's included?

  • Comfortable, stylish cabins and suites equipped with a Smart TV, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities, a fridge and individually controlled air conditioning
  • A tempting choice of cuisine every day throughout your cruise – with five-course à la carte dinners, casual breakfast and lunch buffets, late-night snacks and much more
  • Unlimited, self-service tea and coffee available 24hrs at selected venues, complimentary afternoon tea* with sandwiches and cakes, and in-room sandwiches and snacks
  • A full programme of evening entertainment, including cabaret shows, comedy, dancing and live music
  • Full use of on board leisure facilities, including swimming pools, Jacuzzis and gym
  • A wide choice of engaging on board activities and lectures throughout the day
  • All UK port taxes (where collectable in advance)
  • Luggage porterage between your cabin and the drop-off/pick-up point
  • Formal welcome and/or Captain’s Drinks Party and Gala Buffet

Chargeable extras
Cruise descriptions include optional, chargeable experiences that may be enjoyed independently and/or with optional Fred. Olsen Shore Tours. *Premium Traditional Afternoon Tea not included. Upgrade to All Inclusive Drinks Package is available as a chargeable optional extra and can be added to your booking up to six days prior to your cruise departing.

Great value offers
Great value offers on selected fares and cabin grades available on this cruise. Please contact our Reservations team for further details.

About Your Ship
Balmoral
Carrying up to 1,350 guests is small enough to navigate narrow waterways such as Kiel Canal and bring inspirational sights and experiences closer to you.

Like the rest of the fleet, Balmoral retains a warm, welcoming atmosphere and features comfortable accommodation and lounges, stylish restaurants and plenty of open-deck space.

French Rivers of Normandy and Bordeaux

 19th April 2023 | 9 Nights | SouthamptonBalmoralL2305
For more information and to book, please call: 01344 205 120
Fred. Olsen Terms & Conditions
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