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Impressionist France
May 21, 2027 — May 31, 2027
Starting from
BORDEAUX → LONDON / HMS BELFAST
10 Nights on Star Explorer
Glimpse into fairytale magic – the breathtaking Mont St. Michel, St. Malo, the Ville Close of Concarneau with its romantic drawbridges. Stunning La Rochelle built of luminous white limestone, Quimper’s gargoyle-embellished cathedral, Monet’s fabulous Japanese garden in Giverny, and Versailles, its gardens as magnificent as its gilded interior. Bone up on the Norman Conquest in the threads of the 11th century Bayeux Tapestry. Uncover the hearts and souls of medieval prisoners in the graffiti of La Rochelle’s Old Port towers. Relive the battle before the battle of D-Day in the bullet holes on Pegasus Bridge. Wander gardens and flower markets, quaint Old Towns and the shops of Rue de Rennes in Paris. And with overnight stays and smaller ports of call that are closer to the sights than big ships get, you can spend more time in the places you want to see most.
Popular Highlights
Overnight in St. Malo and visit beautiful Mont St. Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home of the famous local oysters of Cancale.
Overnight in Rouen, a charming medieval port and gateway to romantic Paris.
Overnight in Bordeaux, a UNESCO site full of with 13th-century cathedrals, 18th-century palaces and aromatic wine.
Taste a variety of spirits from Bordeaux wines to Honfleur cognac to Belgian beer.
Find UNESCO site Church of Our Lady of Victory in Lorient, another exclusive small ship port with delightful regional cuisine.
Walk the streets of La Rochelle, said to be the most lovely and unspoiled port city of France.
Bordeaux has long been known as La Belle au Bois Dormant, Sleeping Beauty. And while the beauty part is undeniable, the sleeping part could be argued. Sure, the region is filled with treasures from long ago, including more than 350 historic monuments and buildings in the city alone. But the capital of Aquitaine is also home to a vibrant culture and, as oenophiles well know, is the gateway to some of France's most famous vineyards. In this UNESCO World Heritage city, 13th century cathedrals and 18th century palaces are commonplace. Venture beyond the city's borders to the chateaux of the Médoc region or to Saint-Émilion, a breathtaking medieval village set among the vineyards that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
La Rochelle is said to be the most lovely and unspoiled port city in France, and who are we to argue? Two 14th century stone towers guard the gateway to the medieval core of the city, the Vieux Port. And this is a city that is focused on ships. You'll find yachts floating in the Port des Minimes, ships in the stained glass of church windows, maybe even decorating the arcaded walkways that line the streets. Learn the art of brandy making with a visit to the Cognac region and the Hennessy maisson, dating back to 1765. While walking past the aging barrels, inhale the heady aroma-the escaping vapors known as "the angels' share."
Find yourself on one of France's most beautiful islands with staggering cliffs, cheerful green country sides, jagged rocky coastlines, bright pastel houses and the bustling town of Le Palais. The island has been the inspiration for Flaubert and Dumas, Claude Monet and Matisse. And if you take a trek to Vauban's Citadel you'll quickly see why.
Once notorious as the home of pirates, St.-Malo today is better known for the UNESCO site monastery and town of Mont St. Michel and the famous oysters of nearby Cancale. Walk the city's ramparts, or pass the time at a seaside boulangerie sampling a fresh and buttery croissant.
Once notorious as the home of pirates, St.-Malo today is better known for the UNESCO site monastery and town of Mont St. Michel and the famous oysters of nearby Cancale. Walk the city's ramparts, or pass the time at a seaside boulangerie sampling a fresh and buttery croissant.
This third largest port of Normandy is a small ship only port full of historical significance and is the gateway to the Normandy beaches of WWII. View the stunning former Benedictine monastery, the imposing Chateau de Caen built by William the Conqueror in 1060 and the Pegasus Bridge. Then take a walk in the Vaugueux District with its pedestrian-only street lined with shops and eateries.
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