After leaving Bordeaux, our river cruise aboard Uniworld’s River Royale made the trek across the Gironde Estuary to the historic town of Blaye and then onward to charming Bergerac.
Let’s go!
Blaye, France
First up, we docked in Blaye, a town of about 5,000 inhabitants located on the right bank of the Gironde Estuary. To work off all the delicious food, Tom and I did the Go Active walking tour of the town with guide Paolo. Our group first descended upon the Citadel of Blaye, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008. Built by Vauban in the 17th century, the Citadel of Blaye was constructed to protect Bordeaux. The city of Blaye’s tourism site explains why two more forts were constructed: “As the cannons at the time did not have sufficient range to cover the 3 km width of the river — and thus prevent the enemy from reaching the city — Vauban built two more forts. With Fort Paté, Fort Médoc and the improved fortifications of the Citadel of Blaye, Vauban was able to set up cross-fires and prevent enemies from sailing up to Bordeaux.” Fort Pâté was built next to Blaye on an island in the river and Fort Médoc was situated on the opposite bank. Luckily the fort never had to prove itself.
Culinary break back on the ship
While in between ports Uniworld does a great job at offering port talks, info sessions and culinary demonstrations to keep cruisers entertained and always learning. My favorite was the canelé demonstration, where the ship’s pastry chef showed us how to make a chocolate version of the bite-size French pastry. Invented in the 18th century and native to Bordeaux, canelés are a must-try dessert when in the area. The ones we tasted were perfectly chewy and soft in the center with a caramelized exterior that made you want to eat more than one. We all got a hard copy of the recipe so we can attempt the recipe at home and had a mini-break after the demo with a whole array of other decadent desserts to try. Yum!
But it’s not all sweets all the time. Here’s a shot from an oyster tasting aboard the River Royale earlier in the week:
Bergerac, France
On the next day of the cruise, we arrived in the market town of Bergerac and took a motorcoach to the town center. We were greeted by our guide, Catherine, who took us on a walking tour of the picturesque little town. Shots like this were easy to come by:
And of course the statue of Cyrano de Bergerac in the town center is not to be missed. Cyrano de Bergerac was a swordsman and poet but in fictional works, he was known for his large nose.
Here’s a shot of the Dordogne River where you can leisurely learn about the history of the area aboard a flat-bottomed boat. Bergerac also has enough historical buildings and monuments to keep you busy if you want to learn about the city on land:
Have you ever been to this area of France or on a river cruise?
More on river cruising:
Welcome aboard Uniworld’s River Royale… pics of the luxurious ship >>
Sara says
Wow, that sounds like such a wonderful river cruise! I’ve been enjoying reading about all the places you visited on the cruise!
I would love to plan a road trip through France next year, so you are inspiring me. The photos of Blaye are beautiful! And I’ve never been to Bergerac but have been to some small villages in Dordogne. I absolutely love that area and want to go back. If you ever return, check out Beynac-et-Cazenac, the most beautiful and charming village in Dordogne in my opinion 🙂
Diane says
Awesome, thanks for the tip, Sara. I will note the name of that town and be sure to check it out next time I’m in the area. So happy to hear you’re enjoying the cruise posts. Didn’t want to do them all at once, so look for a few more in the coming weeks on St. Emilion and Cadillac. Thanks again!
Chris says
There is so much history to learn about in France, and a cruise like this definitely adds to the education process. Love your pictures! Since you came home, have you made the caneles? They look and sound delicious!
Esther Farnstrom says
Thanks for the posts on the cruise. We will be on the July 6 sailing. I didn’t know about the flat-bottom boats. We will have to check them out.
Diane says
You’re welcome. Have a wonderful time!
Den Nation says
If you visit wine châteaux in the region of Bordeaux they will all tell you that the canelé was invented when the wine makers used egg whites when filtering wine (the particles stick to the egg whites) and they didn’t know what to do with the egg yolks so the canelé was born.
I love the canelé. When I first arrived in Bordeaux I preferred the less cooked ones, but now I prefer the crunchy ones. It’s easier to make canelé that are less cooked at home but difficult to make the ones that I like that are more caramelised.
Were those oysters from the Basin that you tried? What did you think?
Bergerac is a cute town and I hope I can go back again soon. It’s famous for its wine, foie gras/duck cuisine and Cyrano. I would like to visit the surrounding area in the future to learn more about the local wine.
Diane says
Yes, definitely go! So many charming French towns to see — can’t get enough! And thank you for the history on the canele.
Not 100% sure about the oysters. I do believe they were from the local basin though. I’m not a huge oyster fan but Tom loved them! 😉
Meagan says
Sorry this question is more about how the French guy courts a woman. It’s ok if you choose not to respond, since it’s not related to the blog entry. I am just confused, since I am new to the French culture.
I was in France for 2 1/2 months. I was invited to stay with this French guy who I have known over a year. We both enjoyed each other’s company. He took a one month vacation to be with me, showing me places to visit, introducing to all of his friends, even taking me to his workplace to meet his colleagues. I was invited to dinner by his parents about 6 times. I don’t think much of this ‘meeting the parents’ thing, because he used to take some friends, male or female, to dine with his parents.
I am invited to visit him again. No I love you, just a bunch of bisous and bear hugs, few kisses on forehead and lips, handholding, feet massage. And I don’t want to read this in a wrong way. I am just wondering if this is typical of the French to court a woman, or this is just how they hang out with opposite sex friends.
On the other hand, this other French guy I happened to meet on the way back to America already told me I love you. This is so very confusing.
I already suck at reading a man’s mind. This cultural thing makes it even worse.
Thanks.
Diane says
Hi Meagan, thanks for commenting. This is strange. He’s treating you like a girlfriend but without the romantic, physical aspect of a relationship. Is he super shy? Are you really young? Is he really religious? There might be some things holding him back that have nothing to do with you. If he’s just shy, maybe he wants you to make the first move. It seems like more than friends but he just hasn’t taken the first step. Maybe you should express your feelings to him, just be honest, and that way there’s no confusion about what’s going on. At least then you’ll know…. good luck!