Step aboard for an adventurous sailing voyage from atmospheric La Rochelle to vibrant Bordeaux. Discover the French coastline under sail.
05-09-2026, 17:00
La Rochelle, FR10-09-2026, 09:00
Bordeaux, FRIn the French city La Rochelle, you step aboard the ‘Oosterschelde’.  The captain and his crew warmly welcome you on board, and you meet your fellow travellers. While the ship’s cook is busy in the galley preparing dinner, the crew gives you a detailed safety briefing. In the evening, the captain explains the plans for the voyage. The distance between La Rochelle and our final destination, Bordeaux, is small, but we have plenty of time, so we will turn it into a wandering coastal journey.
Depending on the weather, we sail north along the French coast, stopping in another harbour town or anchoring off one of the beautiful islands. But if the expected conditions are more favourable, we may first head south and visit a town on the northern coast of Spain. In any case, we choose the best route to enjoy some wonderful sailing during these days! On board, you take part in the watch system, learning to navigate and steer. You will also help hoist, trim, and take down the sails during your watch. At sea, you will quickly settle into the sailor’s rhythm.
Our final destination is Bordeaux, the wine capital of France. A pilot comes aboard for the last miles along the River Gironde. We moor in the heart of the city and celebrate our safe arrival with a pleasant evening on deck, of course with a good glass of wine! The following morning, on 10 September, you disembark after breakfast.
We would like the ‘Oosterschelde’ to be accessible to everyone, but making a sea voyage aboard a sailing ship can be challenging and you must be sufficiently fit and healthy to do so. We divide all trips into three levels with an icon of one, two or three waves. Not every level is suitable for everyone. The shipping company may contact you to discuss your participation. In an extreme case, the shipping company may advise against going on a particular trip. Are you unsure if a particular trip is suitable for you? Then contact our shipping office to discuss it.
Level 1 voyages are suitable for anyone with good mobility and health. Often these voyages are in sheltered areas or close to the coast. However, it is still a journey on a sailing ship, at sea and so you must weigh up for yourself whether you can cope.
Level 2 voyages are often heavier or further from home. You must be able to cope well under sometimes challenging conditions, but in case of need, the ship can be in a port within 24 – 48 hours. There is no age limit, but you may be asked to provide additional proof of fitness or health.
Level 3 voyages are only for the experienced and fit sea traveler. The weather can be challenging and there are no ports to call at, along the way. We are out of helicopter range and medical care  from shore is not available. Level 3 voyages are suitable for participants up to the age of 73. If you are 73 years of age or above, you are very welcome to join our Level 1 or Level 2 voyages. The shipping company may contact you to request additional proof of fitness or health.
| Ship | Oosterschelde |
|---|---|
| PRICE P.P. 2-PERSON CABIN | €1050 |
| PRICE P.P. 4-PERSON CABIN | €950 |
| NUMBER OF NIGHTS | 5 |
| EMBARKATION DATE | 05-09-2026 |
| EMBARKATION TIME | 17:00 |
| EMBARKATION PLACE | La Rochelle, FR |
| DISEMBARKATION DATE | 10-09-2026 |
| DISEMBARKATION TIME | 09:00 |
| DISEMBARKATION PLACE | Bordeaux, FR |
| Level | 2 |