Bordeaux, France Cruise Port Guide
Welcome to France's premier wine capital, a stunning UNESCO-listed destination where 18th-century grandeur meets contemporary French culture. Popular luxury and boutique cruise lines like Viking Ocean Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Azamara, and Silversea frequently berth right in the heart of the historic center. Cruise travelers are drawn to this port for its world-renowned vineyards, exquisite gastronomy, and magnificent riverside architecture. Whether you are sipping fine vintages or wandering historic boulevards, a stop here promises an unforgettable European experience.
For more information on Bordeaux, visit our sister site Amazing Atlas to read the Bordeaux City Guide
In This Guide
- Key Bordeaux Port Information
- • Top Attractions & Excursions
- • Nearby Cities & Attractions
- • Port Location
- • Local Currency
- • Safety Considerations
- • Weather & Climate
- • Getting Around
- • Shopping
- Shore Excursions & Tours
- Visiting Bordeaux Cruise Deals
- Upcoming Cruises to Bordeaux Cruise Deals
- Ships in Port Schedule
- Other Cruise Ports in France
- Monthly Pricing
Key Bordeaux Port Information
Top Attractions & Excursions
A short stroll along the riverfront brings visitors to the iconic Place de la Bourse (Place Royale), famous for its stunning reflected façade on the Water Mirror (Miroir d'eau). Architecture enthusiasts can admire the neoclassical Grand Theatre and the majestic gothic Bordeaux Cathedral (Cathédrale St. André), both located within 15 minutes of the central dock.
For wine lovers, La Cité du Vin offers a high-tech immersive museum experience celebrating global wine culture, situated just 10 minutes by tram from the main quay. History buffs can also explore the medieval city gates including Porte Cailhau and the impressive belfry known as Grosse Cloche.
Last updated on September 15, 2026
Nearby Cities & Attractions
Wine enthusiasts often take day trips into the surrounding countryside to explore the legendary Médoc region, where famous estates like Château Margaux reside approximately 45 minutes north of the city. Alternatively, visitors can travel east to the medieval village of Saint-Émilion, famous for its subterranean church and world-class Right Bank wines.
Nature lovers can venture about an hour west to Arcachon Bay (Bassin d'Arcachon) to climb the massive Pyla Dune (Dune du Pilat), Europe's tallest sand dune, while enjoying fresh oysters by the sea.
Last updated on September 15, 2026
Port Location
Small and mid-sized luxury cruise ships berth directly at the Port de la Lune along the Quai Louis XVIII, placing passengers right in the center of downtown near Quinconces Square (Place des Quinconces). This central location allows passengers to step off the ship directly into a neighborhood filled with cafes, boutiques, and historic landmarks.
Larger ocean liners that cannot clear the bridges dock downstream at Bassens (a 20-minute drive to downtown) or Le Verdon-sur-Mer (about 1.5 to 2 hours away by coach). When berthing downriver, cruise lines provide shuttle buses or guided transfers to transport guests into the city center.
Last updated on September 15, 2026
Local Currency
The official currency is the Euro (€). US Dollars are generally not accepted for purchases, so carrying local currency or using card payments is recommended.
Credit and debit cards are universally accepted in restaurants, shops, and attractions across the city. ATMs (distributeurs de billets) are widely available throughout the downtown shopping districts and near major squares for easy cash withdrawals.
Last updated on September 15, 2026
Safety Considerations
The city is generally very safe for cruise passengers walking around independently during the day and evening. As with most popular European travel destinations, visitors should exercise basic precautions regarding pickpocketing in crowded areas.
Keep an eye on personal belongings near major transit hubs, busy shopping strips like Rue Sainte-Catherine, and crowded tourist sights. Exploring on foot independently is very straightforward and safe, though guided tours are ideal for visiting outer wineries.
Last updated on September 15, 2026
Weather & Climate
The region enjoys a temperate oceanic climate featuring warm summers and mild winters. During the primary cruise season from late spring through autumn, daytime temperatures typically range from 68°F to 82°F (20°C to 28°C).
Rain can occur unexpectedly in any season, so packing a compact umbrella or lightweight rain jacket is recommended alongside comfortable walking shoes. Summer visitors should bring sunscreen and sunglasses for outdoor vineyard excursions and walking tours.
Last updated on September 15, 2026
Getting Around
The city features an efficient public transit system (TBM) consisting of modern trams and buses. Tram Line C and Line D run directly along the riverfront quays, making it easy to travel between the ship dock and attractions like La Cité du Vin.
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are widely available throughout the central district. Travelers can also take a scenic Garonne River Boat Tour or use the Bat3 river shuttle service to cross between the left and right banks of the river.
Last updated on September 15, 2026
Shopping
Shopaholics will love exploring Rue Sainte-Catherine, one of Europe's longest pedestrian shopping streets, lined with major international retailers and French fashion boutiques.
Popular local souvenirs include world-renowned bottles of wine, copper molds for traditional canelé pastries, and local specialty foodstuffs. Prices in retail shops are fixed, and duty-free tax refund forms (VAT return) can be requested at major stores for qualifying non-EU purchases.
Last updated on September 15, 2026
Shore Excursions & Tours
Saint-Emilion Electric Bike Day Tour with Wine Tastings & Lunch
Experience the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saint-Émilion on this curated journey combining world-class wines, stunning landscapes, history, and adventure. You will visit two châteaux for guided tours while exploring the heart of Bordeaux's vineyard country.
The Most Complete and Best Rated Tour of Bordeaux
This exclusive and best-rated tour is the most complete walking experience in Bordeaux, designed to show you the city's attractions in an entertaining and fun way.
Bordeaux Old Town Food and Wine Tour
Led by a knowledgeable guide, these personalized, small-group tours avoid "cookie-cutter" formats by tailoring the itinerary to your specific curiosities beyond a few must-try foods. The experience is never the same and includes trivia, such as facts about baguette quality.
Saint-Emilion Food and Wine Day Tour
Local specialist Rustic Vines offers an authentic day exploring Saint-Émilion through both prestigious châteaux and charming family estates. You will gain insight into the diversity of Bordeaux wines, traditions, and the people behind each bottle during this curated experience.
Bordeaux bike tour "The Best of Bordeaux"
Led by a local guide, this safe 13km bike tour visits the city's most beautiful neighborhoods and monuments using comfortable Beach Cruiser bicycles suitable for anyone at least 1m52 tall. Groups are limited to 12 people to ensure a quality experience as you discover the city.
Bordeaux Food and Wine Tour : Authentic Artisan Flavors
Sommelier and former English teacher Aurélien leads this intimate, 10-guest gourmet tour through the historic streets of Old Bordeaux to taste iconic refined specialties. This exclusive experience combines history and gastronomy as you discover the city's rich flavors with a guide who has a clear, natural accent.
Traditional Gourmet Food & Wine Tour in Bordeaux
Join The Bordeaux Foodie on an authentic tour through historic neighborhoods and cobbled streets to discover the city's rich heritage like a local. This experience includes local food and wine stops where you can taste and drink delicious regional delicacies.
Médoc luxury wine tour aboard a Citroën DS Limousine Convertible
Explore grandiose Châteaux with spectacular architecture in the Médoc region on the Gironde's left bank, home to the villages of Pauillac and Margaux. This area produces the very best wines and contains four of the five classified Châteaux Premiers Crus.
Virtual Room Bordeaux - 1st team virtual reality experience
Located in the heart of Paris, this unique collaborative virtual reality experience uses the latest technology to let you travel through space and time. You will face challenges requiring reactivity, deduction, and cooperation to share intense moments of complicity in a specially designed room.
The Ultimate Private Bordeaux Walking Tour with local treats
A resident of nine years leads this personal, unscripted tour exploring Bordeaux’s history, architecture, local legends, and the guide's own journey. You will go beyond famous landmarks to discover the places that made the guide fall in love with the city.
Private Bordeaux History Tour with a glass of Bordeaux wine.
Led by a professional historian, this private walking tour explores Bordeaux’s remarkable past and iconic monuments like the Cathedral, Porte Cailhau, and Place de la Bourse. You will dive deep into the city's heart to discover the people, power struggles, and turning points that shaped its history.
Tasting of Bordeaux red wines, wine and charcuterie pairings
A University of Wine graduate leads this convivial 2cv vineyard tour, offering an accessible wine initiation designed to desacralize the industry. You will experience a professional tasting focused on the passion of sharing and the philosophy that the best wine is the one we share.
3-Hour E-Bike Immersive Tour of Bordeaux - English Tour
This three-hour, 13km e-bike ride feels like touring with a local friend as you effortlessly explore UNESCO-listed streets, the Garonne riverfront, and the Chartrons district. You'll discover major landmarks, green spaces, and colorful street art hidden in vibrant neighborhoods around unexpected corners.
From Bordeaux : Saint Emilion Food and Wine Day Tour
This winter tour travels from Bordeaux to the Merlot-heavy right bank, featuring the UNESCO-listed medieval village of Saint-Émilion and many historical stops. The experience includes wine tastings, food pairings, and visits to two contrasting chateaux.
Château de Fieuzal, Pessac-Léognan: Visit and Tasting
Visit Fieuzal for a passionate introduction to the area, featuring a comprehensive tour of the vineyard, cellar, and cellars. This experience concludes with a tasting of two specially selected cuvées chosen for the occasion.
Gourmet guided tour of Bordeaux (sweet specialities)
This two-hour gourmet tour explores Bordeaux’s historic districts and UNESCO architecture, highlighting the city's evolution from the Middle Ages to the 18th century. You will enjoy four sweet breaks at independent shops to taste iconic local specialties as the guide reveals the story of the port and city.
Bordeaux Wines Masterclass with cheese & charcuterie (6 wines)
Join a wine expert in Bordeaux’s historical center for a relaxed tasting workshop where you will sample six wines with local snacks. This session provides a full overview of the region while helping you perfect your wine vocabulary and sensory evaluation skills in a warm atmosphere.
Bordeaux Sightseeing Private Sidecar Guided Tour
Private sidecar tours provide one driver-guide per vehicle, where two passengers can alternate between the sidecar basket and the seat behind the driver. Groups of one or two receive a single sidecar, while groups of three or four are provided with two private sidecars and two guides.
Dune of Pilat, Oysters and Arcachon ! What else?
Explore the tallest sand dune in Europe with a guide who stays with you to showcase views of the Landaise Forest, Cap Ferret, and the ocean. The excursion continues to a belvedere in Arcachon for panoramic views of Bird Island, oyster farmers, and the city.
Private Médoc 4.5 hours Wine Tour in a Citroën 2CV from Bordeaux
Discover the Médoc vineyard from a mythical convertible car led by an elegant chauffeur who shares funny, unknown anecdotes. This original excursion includes visits to both an 1855 Grand Cru Classé and a family estate, offering a source of good mood and sharing.
Visiting Bordeaux Cruise Deals
Upcoming Cruises to Bordeaux Cruise Deals
Ships in Port Schedule
Showing 1 ship in port and 24 ships in the area
Ships in Port Today (Saturday, September 19)
Other Cruise Ports in France
Monthly Pricing - Cruises visiting Bordeaux
On average cruises that visit Bordeaux are rather expensive compared to other itineraries. Sailings visiting Bordeaux during the the peak season of summer are significantly more expensive than the the low season of fall. The illustration below shows the monthly average cost per day for cruises visiting Bordeaux.