Avalon Waterways has announced plans to sail the Garonne and Dordogne for the first time in 2025

The line will offer new one-, two- and three-week sailings through Bordeaux with cruises on the Garonne and Dordogne, bolstered by combinations including the Seine, Saone, Rhone and Rhine.

“Wine-lovers aren’t the only cruisers raising a glass to Avalon’s new Bordeaux itineraries,” said Pam Hoffee, president of Avalon Waterways.

“Along the shores of the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers, we’re elevating immersive experiences for guests, offering them deeper discoveries of the richest traditions in Southwest France.”

The new Bonjour Bordeaux: Chateaux, Wineries & Charming Villages eight-day itinerary starts and ends in Bordeaux with visits to Cadillac-sur-Garonne, Cussac Fort Medoc, Blaye, Bourg and Libourne.

The itinerary can be combined with sailings such as the 15-day French Masterpiece: Paris, Normandy & Bordeaux cruise from Paris to Bordeaux.

Avalon Waterways expansion comes after executive reshuffle

Last year, Cosmos, Globus and Avalon Waterways promoted Lesley Taylor to the role of UK managing director.

The move followed the news of UK chief executive Giles Hawke’s departure, who left to take up the position of vice-president and managing director for the EMEA region at Celebrity Cruises.

Taylor joined the company in June 1994 and has worked in commercial, product and customer experience roles.