Avalon Waterways Arrives in Bordeaux: A Toast-Worthy Addition to the River Cruise World

There are river cruises that check the boxes. Then there are river cruises that surprise you. Bordeaux, France is firmly in the latter category.

Avalon Waterways, known for its relaxed luxury and spacious Panorama Suites, has just joined the select group of river cruise lines offering itineraries in the Bordeaux region. While lines like Uniworld, AmaWaterways and Viking have sailed here for years, Avalon's entrance brings a refreshed approach, especially with their upgraded fleet and thoughtful onboard touches.

Let’s be clear — this isn’t one of those mega-mileage itineraries. In fact, it’s one of the shorter river cruises when it comes to distance covered. But what Bordeaux lacks in mileage, it more than makes up for in richness. This is a place where every stop is infused with flavor — and not just the wine kind.

The new "Reflections on the Garonne & Dordogne" cruise takes guests on a roundtrip sailing from Bordeaux, weaving through the serene waters of southwest France. You’ll stop in towns like Cadillac, Libourne, and Bourg, where wine cellars are carved into limestone cliffs and quiet cobblestone streets lead to hidden cafés. Expect market visits, vineyard tastings, and plenty of time to linger.

Wine is, of course, a central theme. This is Bordeaux, after all. Whether it’s Sauternes, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon, your glass will rarely be empty. Avalon complements this with locally-inspired cuisine onboard, and daily excursions that invite you into the world of vintners, bakers, and regional artisans.

And while the region is famously French, it has its own unmistakable personality — less hurried, more grounded. Towns like Saint-Émilion feel lifted from a dream, especially in the golden afternoon light, when everything seems built to savor slowly.

For those who want to extend the experience, the Basque Country is the perfect companion to Bordeaux. Just a few hours' drive southwest, this corner of Spain and France is bursting with culture, color, and culinary delights. San Sebastián is a highlight, with its world-renowned pintxos bars and a beach that looks like it belongs in a Riviera postcard. Across the border, Biarritz blends surf culture with Belle Époque elegance, and inland villages offer a rhythm of life that hasn’t changed in centuries.

Adding a few days in the Basque Country creates the ideal balance: river cruise relaxation followed by coastal energy and foodie exploration. It’s a pairing as perfect as red wine and aged cheese.

Avalon’s arrival in Bordeaux signals more than a new itinerary — it’s an invitation to look deeper at regions you may have overlooked. If you've already floated the Danube or admired castles along the Rhine, this may be your next great discovery.