France & the Channel Isles

France’s Atlantic shore between Pointe de Grave, at the mouth of the Gironde River, and Biarritz, at the foot of the Pyrenées, is known as Côte d’Argent. The river narrows near Bordeaux, center to one of the world’s most celebrated wine-producing regions. More than 10,000 vineyards dot the countryside, providing most of the Epicurean nation’s Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Sémillon, Savignon Blanc, and Muscadelle grapes. Bordeaux reveals itself through taste and texture, historic stone façades, vine-covered hills, and the simple pleasure of lingering over a perfectly chosen glass. With hundreds of historical buildings and monuments, dozens of art galleries and museums, and distinctive French cuisine, Bordeaux is simply unmissable.

France’s Atlantic shore between Pointe de Grave, at the mouth of the Gironde River, and Biarritz, at the foot of the Pyrenées, is known as Côte d’Argent. The river narrows near Bordeaux, center to one of the world’s most celebrated wine-producing regions. More than 10,000 vineyards dot the countryside, providing most of the Epicurean nation’s Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Sémillon, Savignon Blanc, and Muscadelle grapes. Bordeaux reveals itself through taste and texture, historic stone façades, vine-covered hills, and the simple pleasure of lingering over a perfectly chosen glass. With hundreds of historical buildings and monuments, dozens of art galleries and museums, and distinctive French cuisine, Bordeaux is simply unmissable.

Nestled off the coast of Brittany in the Bay of Biskay, Belle Île (meaning “beautiful island”) is defined by its rugged coastline dotted with fissured cliffs, natural harbors, and sandy beaches. Explore the island by foot or bike, itself a nature preserve rich in shifting sand dunes, heathered moors, and protected orchids. The 16th-century Vaubun Citadel, the church of Locmaria, and the lighthouse of Gouphar are defining landmarks on this tiny island, perhaps no less approachable than the village charm of cobbled streets, outdoor markets, and delightful cafés.

This beautiful coastal town with a handful of harbors is located at the mouth of the Pouldavid River, an estuary on the southern shore of Douarnenez Bay. The opportune location allows easy access to the area’s untouched beaches, perfect for strolling and lounging. Experience the quaint atmosphere of Douarnenez’s lively quaysides and narrow streets dotted with craft workshops, fishermen’s cottages, and patisseries.

Rich in character and effortlessly walkable, Saint Helier invites exploration through its historic markets, elegant streets, and inviting waterfront. Wander to Elizabeth Castle during low tide, enjoy the cafés and shops tucked along the old lanes, or step inside the town’s museums to learn about Jersey’s unique identity shaped by both French and British influences. The waterfront promenade and nearby gardens offer gentle walks that highlight the town’s warm, sunlit charm.

Boasting an immensely picturesque coastline, the Channel Island of Guernsey has long attracted artists such as Auguste Renoir to its welcoming shores. In the capital of St. Peter Port, wander through commanding Castle Cornet, a 13th-century marvel of military engineering that sits on a rocky headland jutting out at sea. Admire some of the earliest heated glass houses at the Candie Gardens, whose elegantly landscaped grounds are laid out with Victorian thoughtfulness and contemplate Victor Hugo’s not entirely uncomfortable exile at Hauteville House, the splendid manor where he wrote Les Miserables. Hop on a bicycle to explore the picturesque hills and dales of the island, perhaps riding past a herd of the island’s famed namesake cows, and revitalize at an authentic tea house, where age-old traditions are carefully observed. For that perfect keepsake, shop along cobbled streets overflowing with charm, maybe pausing at a fresh-caught seafood restaurant for a taste of the island’s famed crab. No matter how you choose to spend your time, the leisurely pace of life in delightful Guernsey will replenish your spirit.

Caen is an historically rich city of the Lower Normandy region, lying just inland from the English Channel. Our SeaDream yacht will navigate up the channel and dock close to the city center for easy exploration. Many will recognize Caen for its military significance: the city was the first major objective of the World War II D-Day landings of June 1944, which took place on the beaches just north of the city. Despite heavy bombing during the campaign, the cathedral and many of the oldest buildings dating back to the eleventh century survived and are still available for discovery. Founded by the Viking dynasty of William the Conqueror in the eleventh century, Caen was the jumping off point for William's conquest of Britain in 1066, an event that was immortalized in the Bayeux Tapestry on display in the nearby town of Bayeux. Caen’s narrow streets lined with lively shops, a marina right in the heart of the city, and an array of parks and gardens make for a delightful visit. Caen is also your gateway to Mont-Saint-Michel, an abbey protected as a French historic monument since 1862, and now designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Portsmouth lies on Portsea Island, a narrow peninsula that separates two inlets of the English Channel, Portsmouth Harbor to the west and Langstone Harbor to the east. Home to Britain’s Royal Navy, the city’s rich military history includes an historic dockyard that houses many notable ships, including HMS Warrior, the first iron-hulled warship, and HMS Victory, Admiral Horatio Nelson's flagship during 1805’s Battle of Trafalgar. Beyond military history, Portsmouth is marked by Spinnaker Tower, a 170-meter structure with sky-high observation decks providing views of the harbor. Browse the shops at Gunwharf Quays and explore Old Portsmouth for its pubs and restaurants, Portsmouth Cathedral, Royal Garrison Church, and Square and Round Tower, two historic defense towers dating to the fifteenth century. Relax and stroll the promenade at Southsea Beach, stretching from Old Portsmouth to the estuary, with King Henry VIII’s Southsea Castle jutting up to the water’s edge.