Landscapes and islands of the North Atlantic

Bordeaux stretches along the banks of the Garonne river, in South-West France. Its rich wine tradition makes it the world capital of wine. Let yourself be carried away by the history of the Port de la Lune, made a UNESCO World Heritage site for its prestigious classical architecture. On the famous Place de la Bourse, the past and the present unite: here you can observe the majestic old buildings reflected in the contemporary Miroir d’eau creation.

Brest is a port city in Brittany, in northwestern France, bisected by the Penfeld river. It’s known for its rich maritime history and naval base. At the mouth of the Penfeld, overlooking the harbor, is the National Navy Museum, housed in the medieval Château de Brest. Across the river stands Tour Tanguy, a medieval tower. To the northeast are the National Botanical Conservatory and the Océanopolis aquarium.

Guernsey is an atypical and unforgettable port of call. This Channel Island will delight you with its mild, iodic climate and its green and floral landscapes. Don’t be surprised to come across dolmens and menhirs here and there, testifying to the long history of the island and its rich heritage. The attractive capital of St. Peter Port is characteristic of the delightful British atmosphere that gives the island its charm. The memory of the great writer Victor Hugo is also very present, as he lived for fifteen years in exile in Guernsey. His home, Hauteville House, preserves his memory. The incredible richness of the decoration gives a clear illustration of the creative genius of this great man.

The mere mention of Saint-Malo’s name is enough to plunge us back into the richness of its past. The fortifications stand as testimony to the Malouins’ determination to defend their citadel, fought over by France and Britain in turn. When we drop anchor here, immerse yourself in the diversity of its heritage: the time when privateers sailed the oceans in search of trade and victories; the legendary yacht races the port city is still famous for, such as the Route du Rhum; and the final resting place of the French writer François-René de Chateaubriand, who was born here and chose to be buried here anonymously.

Die geschichtsträchtige, an dem bezaubernden Fluss Dart gelegene Stadt ist ein Irrgarten voller schmaler Gassen, kleiner Treppen, mittelalterlicher Fachwerkhäuser und ehemaliger Schiffsanlegestellen. Die Straßen sind voller interessanter Antiquitätenläden und ein Besuch von Dartmouth würde sich auch schon alleine für den großartigen Blick über die Flussmündung lohnen. Nehmen Sie sich etwas Zeit für einen Besuch des Bayards Cove Fort. Das Kopfsteinpflaster an dieser Stelle ist seit beinahe einem halben Jahrtausend nicht erneuert worden. Nicht weit von hier können Sie auch das Greenway House, das Landhaus von Agatha Christie, besuchen.

Nestling in the clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean, at the south west tip of Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly form a small British island chain whose climate, landscapes and lifestyle are unlike any other and seem to have come straight from an Enid Blyton story. Here, everything resembles a tropical paradise. The long sandy beaches run alongside lush green meadows teeming with semi-exotic flowers, whilst the ruins of ancient castles loom from the tops of the hills. Veritable havens of peace that inspired the legendary Avalon of King Arthur, they are today listed as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the rugged coastline plays host to wildlife that is as varied as it is exceptional, including the very rare Atlantic grey seal.

Dublin, dessen Wurzeln auf die frühe Wikingerzeit zurückgeht, wird heute immer wieder zu den attraktivsten Städten in Europa gezählt. Die irische Hauptstadt ist jung und weltoffen, sie besitzt einen frechen Charme, es gibt ein reges Kulturleben und es herrscht eine lebendige, herzliche Atmosphäre. Die gute Meeresluft, die Brücken und die Docks werden Sie daran erinnern, dass Dublin außerdem einen großen Handelshafen hat.