Savouring the Bordeaux Affair: A Luxurious Journey Aboard Scenic Diamond

Our journey began with two delightful nights in the elegant city of Bordeaux, the heart of one of the world’s most renowned wine regions. Often referred to as “La Belle Endormie” (The Sleeping Beauty), Bordeaux is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its grand 18th-century architecture, charming boulevards, and excellent food and wine. Home to over 7,000 châteaux, the city set the perfect scene for what was to be a truly memorable adventure.

After exploring Bordeaux’s beautiful squares and riverside promenades, we boarded the Scenic Diamond to begin the Bordeaux Affair itinerary, a seven-night river cruise through the picturesque French countryside. Along the way, we visited some of the region’s most celebrated towns and villages including Saint-Émilion, Libourne, Blaye, Fort Médoc, Bourg and Cadillac. Each stop offered its own unique charm, from historic fortifications and cobbled streets to sprawling vineyards and bustling local markets.

We stayed in a balcony suite which was wonderfully comfortable, offering peaceful views of the riverbanks and vineyards as we sailed by. The butler service was a lovely touch, friendly and discreet, always one step ahead. On board, the food was nothing short of exceptional. Each meal was carefully crafted, beautifully presented, and paired with wines from the very regions we were sailing through. I even got to take part in a cooking class with one of the fantastic chefs on board, making the classic French onion soup! The service throughout was impeccable. One of the stand out moments of the trip was the Scenic Enrich experience, a private concert by a string quartet in a stunning French château. It was the kind of magical evening you don’t forget in a hurry, perfectly capturing the elegance and romance of this part of France.

Naturally, we embraced the local cuisine, trying everything from escargot and oysters to frogs’ legs, crusty bread, gooey cheeses and of course a generous selection of wines. Every day brought a new culinary discovery and we loved every bite.

Our final night was spent at the beautiful Intercontinental Grand Bordeaux, an elegant hotel right in the heart of the city. It was the perfect way to round off the holiday, relaxing in luxury before heading back to the UK feeling thoroughly spoilt and utterly content.

If you're looking for a holiday that combines fine wine, French charm and five star comfort, I can’t recommend this Scenic river cruise highly enough. It’s a truly special way to experience Bordeaux. Santé!