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Sunrise on the cliffs

Bordeaux to London: The French Atlantic Coast

Example 8 Day Cruise aboard National Geographic Orion
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Enjoy exquisite local French cuisine in all the lovely places you visit, as well as aboard National Geographic Orion itself. Participate in the art of cognac-making on the Île de Ré; gather oysters at a farm on St. Malo; and feast on fabulous regional specialties along the French coast. Your hunger for history will be sated as well; visit the Normandy D-Day beaches with a local historian and make a reverential visit to the American cemetery nearby; marvel at the iconic Mont St. Michel, Bayeux Tapestry, Napoleon Museum, and Vauban Citadel, a UNESCO site. Have an unforgettable experience of the magnificent Brittany Coast, and the charming port of Honfleur, which inspired great works by both Shakespeare and Monet.
An Allied Battle Tank from WWIIA romantic bicycle ride through Europe's historical streetsUtah Beach on the Normandy coastSunrise on the cliffs
Highlights
  • Follow France’s wild western coast and revisit history
  • Approach France’s iconic fortified rock, Mont-Saint-Michel, from land & sea
  • Walk the World War II beaches of Normandy with a historian
  • Explore the Crozon Peninsula with its ancient standing stones and towers
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Bordeaux, France | Embark

  • Ship
  • 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Arrive in Bordeaux and embark National Geographic Orion in the elegant and ornate city center. Spend the afternoon exploring the cafes and shops along the thriving waterfront. Afterward, depart through the Gironde estuary, passing sloping hills and islands, en route to the Atlantic Ocean.

Day 2: Ile d’Aix | La Rochelle

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Stretch your legs this morning on a walking tour of the quaint Île d’Aix, Napoleon's last stop on French soil before his final exile. Visit the Napoleon Museum, then continue to the nearby port of La Rochelle for an afternoon in this charming seaside city guarded by medieval ramparts. Enjoy a special seafood dinner ashore this evening. Learn how Cognac is made in the traditional way at Château La Péraudière, a privately held estate, established in 1872.

Day 3: Belle-Île-en-Mer

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Wake up to the beautiful views of Belle-Île-en-Mer (beautiful island in the sea), known for its rugged cliffs on the western side and charming ports on the eastern side. Explore highlights such as the Bangor lighthouse, the rocks at Port Coton favored by Monet, the Vauban citadel, and the fishing town of Le Palais. This afternoon enjoy free time to explore Belle-Île-en-Mer on your own as well.

Day 4: Douarnenez

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today explore Brittany. Have a guided walk of medieval Locronan, officially one of “the most beautiful villages in France,” with its Renaissance buildings and church. Take time to discover its many craft workshops on your own, perhaps tasting Breton butter cake. 

Day 5: Saint-Malo | Mont-Saint-Michel

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Wake up in Saint-Malo, and take a walking tour of this fortified port city surrounded by ramparts dating from the 12th century. Or, head east on an excursion to the iconic abbey fortress of Mont-Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage site poised dramatically on a rocky tidal island a few hundred yards off the coast. Enjoy an exclusive visit to a privateer’s mansion followed by a tasting of the cider for which the region is known. Or for an authentic ‘foodie’ experience, head to a local oyster farm to gather oysters for the ship’s chef, who shucks and seasons these delicacies for a sampling on board. If you wish to explore Saint-Malo on your own on foot or by bike, a map and a list of the best cafés and shops is provided.

Day 6: Cherbourg | The Normandy Beaches

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today, visit the Normandy beaches with a local historian. The D-Day landings on June 6, 1944 were the first wave of the largest seaborne invasion in history; more than 6,000 ships landed on these beaches. Walk in the footsteps of the Allied troops at Omaha Beach, and pay your respects at the American Cemetery nearby. Travel through countryside known for Calvados, cider, and cheese, to the city of Bayeux for an afternoon exploration, including a visit to the Tapestry Museum which houses the 230-foot wool embroidered account of the Norman Conquest. There are active options planned for the afternoon, too. Cycle through northern France, stopping at relevant WWII sites and have lunch in Bayeux.

Day 7: Honfleur

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Take Zodiacs in to the charming harbor town of Honfleur, a favorite of renowned artists such as Monet, Courbet, and Boudin. Enjoy a guided walking tour of Vieux Bassin (the old port), and visit the Eugenè Boudin Museum and Église Sainte-Catherine.

Be sure to savor time exploring on your own. If you're interested in art ask your concierge to map out the best galleries (there are nearly 100 in Honfleur!) Or, see for yourself what inspired many of the impressionists with a hike to the arched limestone cliffs of Etretat.

Day 8: London | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Wake up in London and disembark near Tower Bridge after breakfast aboard. Transfer to the airport for flights home.

Ship/Hotel

National Geographic Orion

Keep in shape in the exercise room aboard the National Geographic Orion
The National Geographic Orion is sleek and at your service
The lovely National Geographic Orion

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$7,990
National Geographic Orion's Category 1 Cabin.
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Category 1
Cat 1 #316, 318-321. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
Your  Category B Stateroom on the National Geographic Orion
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Category 1 Single
Cat 1S #301, 322, 323. These solo cabins feature a window or two portholes, a queen-size bed, except for #301 which has a double bed, writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a roomy shower stall with a glass door.
A Category A Stateroom on the National Geographic Orion
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Category 2
Cat 2 #302-312, 314, 315, 317. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized, and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
A lovely category 3 suite on the National Geographic Oion
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Category 3
Cat 3 Suite with Window #401-412, 414-419. These suites feature a sitting area with a large window, a sofa–except slightly smaller #401 & #402–an armchair or two, writing/laptop desk, reading lamps, flat screen TV, & climate controls. Beds are configurable (call for details). Marble bathrooms include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
National Geographic Orion's Category 3 Cabin.
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Category 3 Single
Cat 3S Suite with Window #512. This solo suite features two beds and two large windows, plus two armchairs and small table, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls. The marble bathroom is generously sized and includes a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
National Geographic Orion's Category 4 Cabin.
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Category 4
Cat 4 Deluxe Suite with Window #511, 515. These two suites feature separate sleeping and sitting areas, with a chair and armchair and a two-cushion sofa facing an expansive window. Beds are configurable (call for details). Ample storage, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities.
National Geographic Orion's Category 5 Cabin.
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Category 5
Cat 5 Suite with French Balcony #501, 503-506, 508. These spacious suites feature open living areas and sliding glass doors opening to a shared French balcony. Beds are configurable (call for details.) A sitting area with arm chairs and a sofa, a writing/laptop desk, well-placed reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the decor.
National Geographic Orion's Category 6 Cabin.
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Category 6
Cat 6 Owner’s Suite with French Balcony #502, 507, 509*, 510. These large, elegant suites feature a French balcony, with the exception of #509 which has double windows. Each provides a separate living area with a sofa and two arm chairs, except for #502, which uniquely offers a 'soaking tub with a view' in addition to a shower stall and expansive vanity.

Notes

Single supplement varies by itinerary. A solo traveler matching program may be available but is subject to availability.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 7 Dinners

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