*** (13/02/2014 01:09)
Boat/Wine Tour: "Idyles en Iles"

Les Gens de l'Estuaire has several sized boats for various tours on the Garonne in Bordeaux. Although the adress given may be correct for the office, the pickup points are on the Quai Richelieu in Bordeaux and in Pauillac. We took a day trip that left Bordeaux at about 10AM and returned at 6 PM.

After the tour of the lighthouse, we landed on Île Margaux (a tiny Island near Margaux) where our guide Guillaume introduced us to some of his family and gave us a tour of their vineyards and winery. A final gift, a bottle of their 2004 reserve wine and we headed back towards Bordeaux. This is a fantastic way to get a feel for this beautiful area (ok, I'm prejudiced) and spend a delightful day with friends. Highly recommended!


We landed at the lighthouse on an island facing Pauillac for lunch and a tour. Lunch was an excellent quality buffet of local food which varies by season, of course. We had artichokes which served as their own dishes. Then mussels and dried tomatoes, each served in lettuce leaves. There was asparagus with parmesan cheeses, orange chicken, a selection of cheeses, delicious dessert of chocolate mousse with caramel and a cherry at the bottom. Also, with coffee, a few "mignardises", little "canelets" (a Bordeaux speciality) and tiny pastries.

First, a guided trip up towards the north in a clean and well-outfitted, comfortable boat. For this tour, the maximum number of people is 12. It happens we were about six plus the two crew members. We were offered coffee or tea as soon as we set off. The guide spoke in English and did a good job of explaining and answering questions. It's important to note: I give the two young men 10/10 points for their professionalism and hospitality skills. It makes a huge difference when you are not considered cattle. They were great.