Exclusive for Mail on Sunday readers: Join chef Raymond Blanc for a true taste of Bordeaux

With world-class vineyards and delectable dishes, Bordeaux is a paradise for lovers of food and wine – and our seven-night river cruise is the perfect way to experience it.

On this superb, five-star all-inclusive trip, as you wind your way through the picturesque Medoc wine region, visiting wineries and charming chateaux, you’ll be joined by Frenchman Raymond Blanc, one of the fathers of modern British cuisine. His Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons restaurant has produced some of Britain’s most talented chefs, including Marco Pierre White, Sat Bains, Heston Blumenthal and Michael Caines.

Raymond’s passion for food has its roots in France. ‘Most French life revolves around mealtimes, and my family was no exception,’ he says.

On The Mail on Sunday’s seven-night Bordeaux river cruise, you’ll visit charming chateaux and wineries. Pictured is one of the region’s vineyards 

‘For my mother, cooking was an act of love. At an early age I was taught to love and respect food, for its beauty, its freshness and also its price.

‘This simple philosophy has been a strong influence on my career.’

You’ll see that passion on display as you take part in an interactive cookery demonstration with Raymond, with a chance to taste his creations and ask him your cookery questions during a Q&A and book-signing (you’ll get one free copy of his latest cookbook per booking).

Vine dining: You’ll enjoy tasty dishes, like the tuna steak dish above, as you sail on Scenic Diamond

MEET YOUR SPECIAL GUEST 

You will be joined by Raymond Blanc 

Chef Patron of the two Michelin-starred Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons restaurant in Oxfordshire, Raymond Blanc, right, worked his way up from a cleaner in France to become one of the world’s best-known chefs. From a young age, Raymond helped his father grow vegetables, and he fell in love with food while cooking with his mother. A regular on TV’s Saturday Kitchen, he has presented many TV series including his recent ITV show Simply Raymond.

Setting off from Bordeaux on the luxury Scenic Diamond river ship, you’ll discover the Unesco- listed citadel in Blaye, explore the catacombs of Saint-Emilion, see Libourne’s Gothic church and cycle through the vineyards of Sauternes.

Among the excursions are visits to castles and wine estates, where you can take part in tastings and hear about the wine-making process.

You can even learn the art of French cuisine in Scenic Culinaire, Scenic Diamond’s on-board cookery class, so you can recreate the tastes of Bordeaux in your own kitchen. You’ll visit a food market with a chef to select produce to use in your class.

Reasons to book

Meet Raymond Blanc: The award-winning chef will share expert knowledge of his cuisine and ethos in a question-and-answer session and a live cooking demonstration. You’ll be able to meet him and ask him to sign a copy of his book.

Learn the art of French cooking: As well as Raymond’s demonstration and talk, you can pick up further tips at the on-board cookery school, Scenic Culinaire. You’ll visit a local food market with a chef to pick out the freshest produce to cook.

Sail on a luxury ship: Travel in style on luxurious Scenic Diamond, with marble interiors, chic furnishings, first-class suites, delicious food and a range of facilities to make your cruise truly memorable. Your ship boasts spacious cabins, fine-dining restaurants and a fabulous sun deck. When you’re not exploring on land, relax in state-of-the-art amenities including a vitality pool on the sun deck, gym and spa.

Visit historic Blaye: Step back in time in Blaye, where a Romanesque citadel once protected the port of Bordeaux from invasion by sea. Wander this Unesco World Heritage Site and lose yourself in its maze of cobblestone streets.