Cruise Description

Flavours, sensory pleasures, and culinary exploration are the watchwords of this unique gastronomy and wine cruise organised in partnership with the famous Parisian luxury hotel Le Meurice and Château Latour, featuring the exceptional presence of Amaury Bouhours, Executive Chef at Le Meurice, and Jérôme Lacressonnière, Michelin-starred chef and the head of executive chefs at Ducasse Conseil.

Over 10 days, along the coasts of Portugal, Spain and France, awaken your senses and your emotions during culinary demonstrations, wine tastings, unforgettable dinners, and discussions with the renowned professionals joining us aboard. Enjoy unique moments suspended in time off the coast of these emblematic cities where the gastronomic heritage is still very much alive.

Throughout your journey, you will benefit from an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. During this cruise, follow the Médoc region’s famous “Route des Châteaux” from Pauillac, admire iconic works of art at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao or hike the final kilometres of the Camino de Santiago (the Way of St. James) from Vigo. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab). The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).

Setting sail from Lisbon, the seven-hilled Portuguese capital, you will chart a course for the port of Leixoes, from where you will reach the city of Porto. Capital of the northern region of Portugal, this ‘city of granite, the centre of which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its wine.

Your journey will continue to Galicia and the city of Vigo, the biggest fishing port in Spain. Not far from here, Santiago de Compostela awaits you. This unmissable pilgrimage destination is home to a number of monuments from the Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque periods, testimony to its illustrious past.

Le Lyrial will then head for the capital of the Spanish Basque Country, Bilbao. Between daring architecture and the continuation of its ancestral traditions, you will be able to enjoy the city’s unique energy.

You will conclude your exploration of Basque Country on the French side with a stay in the city of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, before reaching the beautiful fortified town of Talmont-sur-Gironde.

During your last call in Pauillac, you will have the opportunity to make several visits and wine tastings at some very beautiful wine estates in the Saint-Estephe, Margaux, and Pauillac appellations.

Your cruise will end in Bordeaux, the wine capital of the world.