Fred. Olsen – Cuisines & Culture of French Cities – April 2026
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Borealis sailing ©Fred Olsen Cruise Lines
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The Earth Room on Borealis ©Fred Olsen Cruise Lines
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Single Ocean View Cabin K on Borealis ©Fred Olsen Cruise Lines
Sails from Southampton
Join us on this springtime exploration of charming French cities, including La Rochelle and Bordeaux, reached via La Pallice and Pauillac, respectively. You’ll have plenty of chances to savour traditional French treats. Bordeaux is renowned for its wines, and a tour of the vineyards and the picturesque village of Saint-Émilion is a great way to immerse yourself in the wine culture. Elsewhere, you can indulge in local delicacies such as Cognac, Cancale oysters, calvados and crepes. An abundance of medieval sites await your discovery, too, from Cherbourg’s castle and Bordeaux’s bell tower to the architecture in La Rochelle’s old port area and the walled city of St Malo – the gateway to Mont. St Michel.
Click to view Ship Information of the Borealis
Dates
Tuesday 14th April - Wednesday 22nd April 2026
Cruise Itinerary
Tuesday 14 April 2026
Departure from Southampton, United Kingdom
Board the ship late afternoon before you set sail.
Wednesday 15 April 2026
At Sea
Enjoy a full day of cruising.
Thursday 16 April 2026 - Friday 17 April 2026
Pauillac, France
Situated in the Bordeaux wine region, Pauillac is well regarded as a key wine-producing area of France. The combination of renowned vineyards, beautiful landscapes and rich wine culture make it a special place to visit. The town itself is full of character with local cafes and restaurants offering regional dishes such as Canelé, a delicious cake with a rich, custardy filling, enrobed in a caramelised exterior; or meat dishes accompanied by bordelaise sauce, paired perfectly with a Médoc wine. Pauillac’s other notable highlights are related to the chateaux and wine estates, among which are the acclaimed estates of Chateau Lafite-Rothschild and Chateau Latour.
- Overnight Port
Saturday 18 April 2026
La Pallice (For La Rochelle), France
La Pallice is the commercial port for La Rochelle, the popular coastal city in south-western France, and capital of the Charente-Maritime region, featuring a long legacy of maritime significance. Due to its strategic position on the Atlantic coast, the heritage stretches back almost five centuries, and was a sought-after naval base. La Rochelle is known as La Ville Blanche – The White City, so named for its limestone buildings which shine brightly in the warm Atlantic sun.
Sunday 19 April 2026
At Sea
Enjoy a full day of cruising.
Monday 20 April 2026
St Malo, France
Originally a fortified island, the walled city of St Malo is located at the mouth of the River Rance on the Brittany coast, and is now connected to the mainland by a ‘Sillon’ causeway. The walls were mainly rebuilt after the Second World War. The town is famous for its links with the seafarer Jacques Cartier, who set out from here to discover the New World in Canada, and who is buried in the Cathedral in Saint Malo.
Tuesday 21 April 2026
Cherbourg, France
Long known as a centre of strategic maritime importance due to its location in the Normandy region of France, Cherbourg’s focal point is its historic harbour, transformed by Napoleon into a major port in the 1800’s. This blend of maritime history and cultural attractions make the city and surrounding are fascinating to explore, with beautiful beaches and cliffs, and the D-Day landing sites close by. The streets are a delight to wander through, with the old town renowned for colourful umbrellas suspended between buildings; and small restaurants offering typical Normandy cuisines such as fish soup and the famous “tartiflette au Camembert”. The Cité de la Mer is a maritime museum housed in the old Transatlantic Railway Station, featuring exhibits on underwater exploration and oceanography; while the fortifications of La Redoute des Capucins offer panoramic views of the city and harbour.
Wednesday 22 April 2026
Arrival at Southampton, United Kingdom
After an early breakfast, disembark the ship for your journey home.
Borealis Ship Information
Sister ship of Fred. Olsen’s flagship Bolette, Borealis joined in 2020, and is perfectly suited for enjoying scenic cruising of the world’s lesser-known waterways. From cruising past remarkable landscapes and historical sites to capturing the beauty of the natural world.
Redecorated and refurbished when she joined Fred. Olsen’s fleet in order to meet the high standards of the Olsen family, Borealis features a wonderful series of lounges, bars, elegant restaurants and wide-open deck spaces, as well as 702 beautiful cabins and suites; perfectly suited to the Fred. Olsen style of cruising. From January 2026, Borealis will be excusively for adults, so you can relax in the company of other like-minded guests.
Enjoy remarkable scenic views from the perfectly-appointed Observatory, where guests will be able to see outstanding natural scenery and iconic landmarks, accompanied by commentary from our on board teams; or sample delicious dishes in the Auditorium where our talented chefs will prepare dishes that are local to the exciting destinations you’re visiting. Fred. Olsen’s friendly crew will be on hand throughout your cruise, providing the personal service they’re known for.
| Date | Arrival | Departure |
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Tue 05 May 2026 |
Late PM | |
| Wed 06 May 2026 | ||
| Thu 07 May 2026 | ||
| Fri 08 May 2026 | Early AM | Late PM |
| Sat 09 May 2026 | Early PM | Late PM |
| Sun 10 May 2026 | Early AM | Late PM |
| Mon 11 May 2026 | Early AM | Early PM |
| Tue 12 May 2026 | ||
| Wed 13 May 2026 | ||
| Thu 14 May 2026 | Early AM |
