Exclusive for Mail on Sunday readers: Discover the food of Bordeaux with TV chef James Martin

Its breathtaking scenery and year-round glorious weather make the Bordeaux region one of the loveliest parts of France for any food and wine lover to explore.

Television chef and presenter James Martin describes the region as ‘the food destination that has it all’ – and he’ll share its secrets and delights with you on this fabulous eight-day luxury river cruise along the Garonne, Dordogne and Gironde.

The chef, who hosts his own ITV show, Saturday Morning With James Martin, says his early trips to the Bordeaux region are what cemented his passion for food and set him on the path to a culinary career. He worked as a trainee in the Michelin-starred Hostellerie de Plaisance in Saint-Emilion and is a regular visitor to this beautiful part of France.

Majestic: On The Mail on Sunday’s exclusive eight-day luxury river cruise you’ll explore  Bordeaux, ‘the food destination that has it all’. Above is the city’s Pont de Pierre bridge 

James will share his passion for the area during an exclusive talk about his career, as well as giving a cooking demonstration. You will also enjoy a special gala dinner with a menu created by James himself.

Setting off from Bordeaux, you’ll discover the magnificent, 17th Century Unesco-listed citadel in Blaye.

You’ll then visit traditional wineries and charming chateaux in Cussac-Fort-Medoc, Cadillac and Saint-Emilion while learning about this romantic region’s history and wine culture.

You’ll be travelling on SS Bon Voyage, the newest and most luxurious river cruise ship in France (pictured) 

OUR SPECIAL GUEST 

You will be joined by James Martin 

Before becoming a TV presenter, James Martin travelled throughout France working in the kitchens of chateaux. At 21, he joined the Hotel and Bistro du Vin in Winchester as Head Chef. His TV shows have included Saturday Kitchen, James Martin’s American Adventure and James Martin’s French Adventure.

Your gourmet voyage ends where it began: in majestic Bordeaux.

On this memorable trip, you’ll be travelling on SS Bon Voyage, the newest and most luxurious river cruise ship in France, and along the way you will enjoy French culture, art and wine while delighting in the boat’s stunning, polished-wood lobby, staterooms and marble bathrooms.

On board, there’s a choice of restaurants offering five-star cuisine, with all meals and unlimited drinks included, as well as a lounge, sun deck with infinity pool, well-equipped fitness centre and the luxury Serenity River Spa.

REASONS TO BOOK

Meet James Martin: In his book James Martin’s French Adventure, James wrote: ‘France is the place that made me the chef I am today.’ In the course of an exclusive talk, he will tell tales of trying his first croissant during his formative years working in kitchens in the area, and show you how to create classic dishes during a special demonstration.

Explore beautiful Bordeaux: Discover Bordeaux, the port city on the Garonne known for its Gothic cathedral, 18th and 19th Century mansions and renowned art museums. Explore the charming medieval town of Saint-Emilion, with its world-famous wineries and magnificent architecture, and the fascinating Unesco-listed fortress at Blaye, which was built to protect Bordeaux against invasion from the sea.

Cruise in luxury: Sailing with Uniworld is like cruising in a five-star hotel. You’ll enjoy industry-leading service while you journey through the lovely countryside. Your Classic Stateroom features hand-crafted Savoir beds, and wi-fi is included shipwide, as are gratuities.

Unforgettable excursions: You’ll tour the finest chateaux, including Chateau Royal de Cazeneuve, once owned by King Henry IV. When you travel with Uniworld, your daily choice of excursions is included as part of its premium, all-inclusive service.