To the Fête du Vin: La Rochelle – Bordeaux

Three nights sailing from La Rochelle across the Bay of Biscay and up the Gironde to Bordeaux, arriving during the Bordeaux Fête du Vin wine festival. A short, flavourful voyage on board the Santa Maria Manuela.

THE TRIP AT A GLANCE

Route: La Rochelle – Bay of Biscay – Gironde – Garonne – Bordeaux
Departure: Sunday 4 July 2027, La Rochelle, France
Arrival: Wednesday 7 July 2027, Bordeaux, France
Duration: 3 nights
Ship: Santa Maria Manuela, four-masted schooner from 1937

Prices per person

Berth in a shared cabin (bunk): € 950
Bunk-bed cabin, per person sharing: € 960
Double-bed cabin, per person sharing: € 1,245

Lowest price from € 950 per person for a berth in a shared cabin. A cabin for yourself, a master cabin or a family cabin for three to four people is also possible; ask us for the price.

SAILING AND WINE

An ideal first taste of life on a tall ship: a day and a night at sea, then up the river to one of Europe's great wine cities.

You arrive during the Bordeaux Fête du Vin, the big wine festival on the quays of the Garonne, with tastings, gastronomy and music.

THE ROUTE

La Rochelle

Departure from the historic harbour between the old towers.

The Bay of Biscay

A day at sea: help with the sails, climb the mast or sit in the bowsprit net as the ship rides the waves.

The Gironde and the Garonne

Past the Médoc vineyards the ship enters the wide estuary and then the Garonne.

Bordeaux

Arrival at the magnificent 18th-century quays of Bordeaux, in the midst of the wine festival.

EXTRA INFORMATION

LIFE ON BOARD

The Santa Maria Manuela is a 68-metre steel four-masted schooner, built in 1937 for the Portuguese cod fishery off Newfoundland and Greenland, the famous White Fleet. After a thorough restoration she has been sailing again since 2010, now with guests. Every cabin has its own bathroom with shower: shared cabins with bunks for four to six people (separate for men and women), cabins with a bunk bed or a double bed, and spacious master cabins for two to four people. A permanent crew sails the ship; you are always welcome to help, but you do not have to. You can help hoist and trim the sails, take the helm, learn knots or climb the mast under supervision. If you prefer to rest, find a spot on deck or in the bowsprit net. Meals are provided on board and eaten together.

WHO IS THIS VOYAGE FOR

For those who want to combine sailing with wine and French gastronomy, and for a first introduction.

GOOD TO KNOW

• Bordeaux is easy to reach by TGV from Paris.
• No sailing experience is needed; the crew explains everything.
• The ship sails under the Portuguese flag and the language on board is English.
• Travel insurance covering medical costs and repatriation is required; cancellation insurance is recommended.
• Travel to the port of departure and home from the port of arrival is not included.
• Ideally arrive a day before departure: the ship cannot wait for late arrivals.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is the wine festival included?

No, you visit the festival independently after arrival.

Can I continue sailing?

Yes. From Bordeaux the ship sails to A Coruña together with the Tall Ships Races fleet.

Do I have to help with the sailing?

No. Help is welcome but never compulsory; the permanent crew sails the ship.

Does every cabin have its own bathroom?

Yes. All cabins on board, including the shared cabins, have their own bathroom with shower.

How do I book this trip?

Send us a request through the booking form on this page. Together we will check availability, your choice of cabin and the next steps.

The trip description and route are indicative. The programme depends on weather, wind and sea conditions; the captain has the final say on the route and ports.

All services that make up your trip are provided by independent suppliers. When you book, you enter into a contract directly with the supplier, the ship, under the booking conditions of that ship. As an agent, our service consists of promoting the trips offered by the supplier and acting as a facilitator in obtaining a booking agreement between the customer and the supplier. In doing so, we are always at your disposal with our experience and service.

The Tall Ship Santa Maria Manuela is a four-mast sailing ship built in 1937. This sailingship has a rich history as a cod fishing vessel and sailed mainly in the northern Atlantic ocean. Today you can sail on a cruise in modern comfort. The ship has been thoroughly restored in 2010 thanks to its new owner, the Portuguese group Grupo Jerónimo Martins. With a capacity of up to 50 guests, the sailing ship offers wonderful sailing trips worldwide.