La Rochelle to Bordeaux for the Fête du Vin
INMARIS Windjammer Worldwide 
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Highlights of the voyage
* Sail aboard the magnificent four-masted schooner Santa Maria Manuela
* Experience a taste of life at sea on the passage between two of France's most beautiful cities
* Spend a day under sail in the Bay of Biscay
* Climb the mast, take your place on the bowsprit and experience the ocean from unique perspectives
* Share fun, friendship and adventure with your fellow crew
* Sail up the Garonne into the heart of Bordeaux
* Arrive during the "Bordeaux Fête du Vin" – the largest edition in the festival's history
* Enjoy life aboard a tall ship and make the most of time for explorations ashore
Trip description:
This superb short voyage combines the maritime beauty of La Rochelle with the unforgettable atmosphere of Bordeaux.
From the historic port of La Rochelle, we set a westerly course for a day at sea in the notorious Bay of Biscay – the perfect introduction to life aboard a traditional tall ship.
La Rochelle boasts a rich maritime and architectural heritage; the historic harbour, guarded by striking mediaeval towers, forms the vibrant heart of the city.
The city is deeply connected to the Atlantic and a centuries-old tradition of seafaring and trade, and during the "Tall Ships Festival" it transforms into an extraordinary gathering place: magnificent sailing vessels fill the harbour, and the waterfront comes alive with festive activity.
With its combination of elegant arcaded streets, historic architecture and a strong maritime identity, the city provides an impressive backdrop for a visit aboard the Santa Maria Manuela.
The time-honoured yet vibrant connection to the sea gives La Rochelle a distinctive character and makes arriving under sail a particularly memorable experience
Familiarise yourself with life on board, savour the long June days and lend a hand alongside the crew – whether setting sails, learning knots or taking the helm.
The captain welcomes you "Welcome aboard the Santa Maria Manuela!"
Relaxed time in the evenings on board
Help the crew handle the sails, try your hand at the helm or simply relax on deck and watch the sea stretch to the horizon.
Participation is entirely voluntary, and our crew will be on hand to assist you at all times.
There are many opportunities to lend a hand. Help the crew set the sails, take the helm or keep watch on the horizon as the ship heads northeast.
Between manoeuvres you can find a favourite spot on deck, browse a book or chat unhurriedly with other guests.
Away from everyday bustle there is time to notice the smaller things: the changing colours of the water, the sound of wind in the rigging and the first lights appearing along the coast.
Whether you want to get hands-on or prefer to relax and watch the activity – there's room on board for active learning as well as quiet moments of reflection.
After a day and a night at sea, we enter the Gironde estuary and sail up the Garonne towards Bordeaux, one of Europe's foremost wine capitals.
Arriving aboard a tall ship offers a unique perspective on this elegant city and its historic waterfront.
Our voyage ends during the "Bordeaux Fête du Vin" – the city's famous wine festival, which this year is being celebrated on a grander scale than ever before.
Join thousands of visitors in celebrating the region's rich wine heritage, gastronomy, culture and music.
Bordeaux is renowned for some of the world's most prestigious red wines, whose blends are traditionally based on Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grape varieties.
Whether you're just discovering sailing or simply looking for an unforgettable maritime break, this voyage offers the perfect blend of adventure, friendship and French culture.
Bordeaux, situated on the banks of the Garonne in southwest France, is a city where elegant architecture, renowned wines and the French art of living come together.
During the "Fête du Vin", the city takes on a particularly festive atmosphere: the riverfront becomes a place full of wine tastings, cultural events and celebrations that honour the region's rich wine heritage.
A stroll through the historic old town – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – reveals magnificent squares, impressive landmarks and lively cafés at every turn.
Beyond the city's historic streets, Bordeaux serves as a gateway to some of the world's most famous wine regions, including Médoc, Saint-Émilion and Graves.
Whether discovering exceptional wines, enjoying the riverside ambience or experiencing the unique atmosphere of the "Fête du Vin" – Bordeaux is an unforgettable destination for lovers of culture, gastronomy and fine wines.
weather conditions
July brings warm and sunny weather to the French Atlantic coast.
Temperatures in La Rochelle typically range between 24°C and 28°C and in Bordeaux between 26°C and 31°C; combined with long days of plentiful daylight and ideal conditions – both for sailing and for enjoying the festival ashore.
Embrace the adventure of traditional seafaring and experience a very special sailing voyage aboard the "Santa Maria Manuela"!
And if you have any questions: we look forward to hearing from you 🙂
Your INMARIS Team
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More InformationGaff schooner
225 feet
