Bordeaux

Bordeaux

France

Sip world-class wines in prestigious châteaux nestled among rolling vineyards just outside this elegant riverside city.

💱 Currency Euro (EUR)
🗣 Language French
🕐 Time Zone CET (UTC+1)
☀️ Best Time to Visit Apr–Oct
🚢 Typical Duration 7-14 nights
💰 Price Range From $2,295 pp
Port Type Departure & Port of Call
🚤 Tender Port No

Gateway to Bordeaux's world-renowned wine regions and the picturesque Garonne River valley, offering both ocean and river cruise experiences.

Cruises that visit Bordeaux

Build Your Day in Bordeaux

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 5:00 PM
Usually about 9 hours ashore
🛳 Embarkation port — worth arriving early
Getting around:
Cité du Vin Lots of interactive exhibits and the building is very cool. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 28k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Palatino Vibrant eatery serving Italian cuisine Italian · ★ 4.9 · 26k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
Place de la Bourse Great place for kids to play in the water mist Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 20k
Bassins des Lumières Such an incredible immersive art experience in a unique structure. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 19k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Bordeaux Lac Very beautiful mall, many nice brands and variety of products and prices. Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 17k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9:30 AM
Mériadeck Great mall, the Auchan inside has fantastic take-out sushi and sandwiches. Shopping mall · ★ 4 · 12k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Promenade Sainte Catherine About 20 shops and a couple of food outlets such as McDonalds and Starbucks. Shopping mall · ★ 4.4 · 10k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Monument aux Girondins Free entry, lovely artwork and amazing water fountain. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 10k
Darwin Eco-système There's food, drink, a bookshop, and other shops and activities. Cultural center · ★ 4.4 · 9k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
Bord'eau Village Cute waterfront strip mall, lots of choices, very clean and organised. Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 8k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Galeries Lafayette Bordeaux Large selections, a great department store Department store · ★ 4.1 · 7k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Porte de Bourgogne We had a great time over here, saw an amazing new kind of sailboat Tourist attraction · ★ 4.2 · 7k
Parc Bordelais There’s a zoo, puppet shows, a mobile library and more. City park · ★ 4.5 · 7k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7 AM
Grosse Cloche Places like that makes wandering around the city so much more enjoyable! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 6k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10:30 AM Sat
Porte Cailhau Friendly and kind staff, interesting history and fun structure to climb! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 6k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Les Halles Bacalan A cool place with great variety of stalls and a lively atmosphere. Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 6k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
Marché des Capucins I would very highly recommend visiting in the middle of a busy session. Market · ★ 4.4 · 5k 🕐 Closed · Opens 6 AM
Tour Pey Berland Costs 6 EUR, but you need an allotted time slot. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 4k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Bordeaux Museum of Fine Arts Relaxing way to spend 2 or 3 hrs through 3 separate buildings!! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM
La Galerie des Grands Hommes Very nice air conditioned mall with a large supermarket on the bottom floor. Shopping mall · ★ 4 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Le Bar à Vin Great ambiance, great drinks and great staff! Wine bar · ★ 4.7 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Musée du Vin et du Négoce de Bordeaux Museum is self guided with book/audio tour. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Les Drôles BORDEAUX The mash potatoes with beef ribs is incredible. French · ★ 4.7 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
À la Française ! Bordeaux Very well organized, educational and fun. Tour agency · ★ 5 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Citadium really nice store, provides you with a large selection of clothing! Clothing store · ★ 4.6 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
The Grizzly Pub Amazing place, great prices, great sittings, great prices and amazing owner Pub · ★ 4.5 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM
MAMA RESTAURANT BORDEAUX Friendly attentive staff, great food and good atmosphere Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
Bordeaux Free Walking tours Lots of really great information and tips on what to do and see. Tour operator · ★ 5 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Pont de Pierre I was there in the morning and it was so amazing! Bridge · ★ 4.6 · 2k
Symbiose Excellent cocktail program, tasty small plates, and a great physical space Cocktail bar · ★ 4.6 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7 PM
Château Pape Clément We had lots of fun here, and this workshop was absolutely worth it! Castle · ★ 4.5 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Restaurant Son' From the setting, service and food, we were blown away at every step. French · ★ 4.9 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
Restaurant Influences Impeccable service, a beautiful interior, and stylish tableware. Haute French · ★ 4.8 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7 PM
Arcada Great ambiance, friendly service, and the food and wine are top notch. Fine Dining · ★ 4.8 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
Les Berthom Great beers on tap and clean and great ideas on the games available. Bar · ★ 4.6 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM
Basilique Saint-Seurin Great playground outside for children under 6 year old Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8:30 AM
La Comtesse The decor is quite cool, the drinks are great and service is top notch. Bar · ★ 4.5 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 2 PM
VINTAGE BAR - Rhumerie & Pub There’s a good atmosphere, great music, and the prices are reasonable. Pub · ★ 4.5 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 4 PM
Madame Pang Great cocktails, cool interior and very friendly staff Cocktail bar · ★ 4.6 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7 PM
La Fine Bouche Every dish was delicious, creative, subtle - a fantastic experience. Haute French · ★ 4.9 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
Le Bouchon Bordelais Everything from the atmosphere to the food and the service was fantastic. French · ★ 4.7 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
Barracuda Bordeaux Without doubt the best bar I have been in for year. Bar · ★ 4.4 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 PM
Saint-Christoly Upscale fashion mall in a scenic area Shopping mall · ★ 3.6 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Demeter Friendly staff, cool vibe, delicious food and drinks! Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
Porte d'Aquitaine Great building, long long road without the vehicles. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 1k
Ô p'tit Bahut The food, team, wine, atmosphere — all perfection and an absolute delight. French · ★ 4.8 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 6:30 PM
ACC Bordeaux Beautiful decor, amazing cocktails and friendly staff. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 6 PM
Galerie Bordelaise Not too big but inviting. Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
Blouge Tremendous selection, incredibly knowledgeable staff, perfect atmosphere. Wine bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 3 PM

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Bordeaux is an embarkation port. Many cruises start or end here — it's worth arriving a day early or extending your stay to explore beyond a single port day.

Next Departures from Bordeaux

About Bordeaux

Bordeaux stands as one of Europe's most enchanting cruise destinations, offering visitors the perfect blend of maritime elegance and world-class wine culture. Nestled along the Garonne River, this historic port city serves as both a starting point for unforgettable river and ocean voyages and a captivating port of call for cruisers exploring France's Atlantic coast. With eleven prestigious cruise lines—including Viking River Cruises, Silversea, Oceania Cruises, and others—calling here regularly, Bordeaux welcomes over 169 cruises annually, making it a hub for travelers seeking both embarkation adventures and enriching port experiences.

Whether you're boarding a seven-night river cruise to explore charming towns like Libourne, Pauillac, and Blaye, or arriving as a port of call on an ocean voyage, Bordeaux delivers remarkable experiences. The city's strategic location provides easy access to the legendary vineyards of the Bordeaux wine region, where tastings and château tours await. Beyond wine, the port's proximity to stunning 18th-century architecture, world-class museums, and vibrant riverside promenades ensures every moment feels special.

The best times to visit are during the shoulder seasons of April, May, September, and October, when pleasant weather and fewer crowds create ideal conditions for exploration. Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or embarking on your first voyage, Bordeaux's combination of cultural richness, culinary excellence, and convenient port facilities makes it an exceptional choice for your next cruise adventure.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

World-Class Wine Tasting

Bordeaux is synonymous with exceptional wine, and you can visit prestigious châteaux in nearby Pauillac and Libourne within hours of the port. Sample legendary Bordeaux blends directly from the source, touring historic cellars and learning from passionate vintners. This is an unparalleled opportunity to experience the terroir that produces some of the world's finest wines.

2

Historic Port City Architecture

Stroll through Bordeaux's UNESCO-listed 18th-century waterfront, featuring stunning neoclassical facades and the iconic Place de la Bourse reflecting in its mirror water feature. The charming Vieux Bordeaux (Old Town) reveals narrow medieval streets, hidden courtyards, and centuries of maritime history. This architectural gem showcases France's golden age of trade and elegance.

3

Gourmet Local Markets

Explore vibrant markets like Marché des Capucins, where vendors display fresh oysters, foie gras, local cheeses, and seasonal produce. Grab lunch at a traditional bistro serving canelé pastries and duck confit, quintessential Bordeaux specialties. These markets pulse with authentic local life and offer delicious tastes of the region's culinary heritage.

4

Scenic Garonne River Cruises

Take a leisurely boat tour along the Garonne River, passing through lush vineyards and charming riverside villages like Blaye with its 17th-century citadel. The gentle waterway reveals the landscape that shaped Bordeaux's wine legacy and provides stunning photo opportunities. This relaxing excursion showcases the region's natural beauty and historical significance.

5

Cutting-Edge Wine Museum

Visit the Cité du Vin, an innovative museum dedicated to wine culture and history, featuring interactive exhibits, tastings, and panoramic views from its rooftop. This modern attraction celebrates Bordeaux's 2,000-year relationship with wine through immersive experiences. It's the perfect introduction to understanding why this region remains the world's wine capital.

Cruise Lines at Bordeaux

Cruises Departing From Bordeaux

Cruises Visiting Bordeaux

Ship Schedule at Bordeaux

Bordeaux Location

Other Cruise Ports in France

Frequently Asked Questions

What cruise lines sail from Bordeaux?

Bordeaux is served by 11 major cruise lines including Viking River Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Silversea, Viking Ocean Cruises, PONANT EXPLORATIONS, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Atlas Ocean Voyages, Swan Hellenic, Holland America Line, Seabourn, and HX Expeditions. With 169 upcoming cruises, you'll find options ranging from luxury river cruises to ocean voyages departing from this historic port.

When is the best time to cruise from Bordeaux?

The peak months for cruising from Bordeaux are April, May, August, September, and October. These months offer pleasant weather and are ideal for exploring the Garonne region and nearby wine destinations. Spring and fall are particularly popular for river cruises, while summer provides warm temperatures for outdoor activities.

How much do cruises from Bordeaux cost?

Cruise prices from Bordeaux range from $2,295 to $94,500 per person, depending on the cruise line, duration, cabin type, and itinerary. River cruises tend to be more moderately priced, while luxury ocean cruises and expedition voyages command premium fares. Early booking often provides better rates and cabin selection.

What are the top destinations from Bordeaux?

Popular ports of call from Bordeaux include Libourne, Pauillac, Blaye, Bourg, and Cadillac. These destinations showcase the renowned Bordeaux wine region, with many itineraries featuring wine tastings, vineyard tours, and visits to historic châteaux. River cruises typically visit multiple ports along the Garonne, allowing you to experience the region's rich culture and gastronomy.

How do I get from Bordeaux port to the city center?

Bordeaux port is conveniently located near the city center, approximately 2-3 kilometers away. You can reach downtown Bordeaux by taxi, local bus, or a short walk along the scenic Garonne riverfront. Many cruise lines offer shuttle services, and the port area is well-connected to public transportation for exploring the UNESCO-listed historic city.

What can I see in Bordeaux during a port day?

Bordeaux offers world-class attractions including the stunning Place de la Bourse, the Gothic Cathedral of Saint-André, and the innovative Cité du Vin wine museum. The city's 18th-century architecture, charming neighborhoods, and excellent restaurants make it perfect for a day visit. Wine enthusiasts can also take organized tours to nearby châteaux in the Bordeaux wine region.

Is Bordeaux an embarkation port or port of call?

Bordeaux serves as both an embarkation port and a port of call, making it versatile for cruise itineraries. Whether you're beginning your cruise adventure or visiting as part of a longer voyage, the port provides excellent facilities and easy access to the city. This dual role allows cruise lines to offer diverse routing options through the Garonne region.