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Book Bordeaux River Cruises
Select Your Experience
- Take a 90-minute cruise in the Garonne to see Bordeaux’s historic waterfront, neoclassical architecture, and prominent wine hubs.
- Raise a toast with Bordeaux and creamy canelé as you pass the Cité du Vin, whose swirling design showcases Bordeaux’s rich wine culture.
- Pont de Pierre’s 17 arches and the color-changing pylons of Pont Jacques Chaban-Delmas create stunning visual contrasts.
- The Port of Bassens features bustling docks, modern maritime facilities, and vibrant commercial activity. See how Bordeaux thrives in global trade.
- From the mummies buried in the Basilica of Saint-Michel to Bordeaux’s rise as a global wine hub, your guide shares stories shaping the city’s legacy.
- Take a 90-minute cruise in the Garonne to see Bordeaux’s historic waterfront, neoclassical architecture, and prominent wine hubs.
- Raise a toast with Bordeaux and creamy canelé as you pass the Cité du Vin, whose swirling design showcases Bordeaux’s rich wine culture.
- Pont de Pierre’s 17 arches and the color-changing pylons of Pont Jacques Chaban-Delmas create stunning visual contrasts.
- The Port of Bassens features bustling docks, modern maritime facilities, and vibrant commercial activity. See how Bordeaux thrives in global trade.
- From the mummies buried in the Basilica of Saint-Michel to Bordeaux’s rise as a global wine hub, your guide shares stories shaping the city’s legacy.
Inclusions
- 90-minute Bordeaux river cruise
- Wine, canelé, and beverage
- Live commentary in French and English
- Tip: Check the cruise schedule for optimal times to see the Cité du Vin, as its illuminated facade at dusk is particularly striking.
- Arrive at the departure point 30 minutes before the boarding time.
- The cruise departure is guaranteed with a minimum of 20 people.
- The cruise is free for children under the age of 5 years.
- The boat is air-conditioned.
- This experience is perfectly accessible for manual and electric wheelchairs.
- Pets are welcome on board.
- You can carry your snacks while enjoying the beverage service on board.
- Dress appropriately and comfortably.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
- A 90-minute cruise along the Garonne River reveals the historic landmarks and famous wine hubs of the ancient city of Bordeaux.
- Sail past Porte Cailhau, a 15th-century monument; and hear the ringing bells of the 12th-century cathedral, Pey Berland Tower.
- From the world’s largest reflecting pool to the longest pedestrian streets in Europe, Bordeaux is filled with intriguing stories that you’ll hear about from your local guide.
- End your cruise at the Port of Bassens, showcasing busy docks, state-of-the-art shipping facilities, and lively commerce, highlighting Bordeaux’s role in international trade.
- If not wine, raise your glass of beverage to Cite du Vin, a living heritage of wine and the cultural hub of Bordeaux.
- A 90-minute cruise along the Garonne River reveals the historic landmarks and famous wine hubs of the ancient city of Bordeaux.
- Sail past Porte Cailhau, a 15th-century monument; and hear the ringing bells of the 12th-century cathedral, Pey Berland Tower.
- From the world’s largest reflecting pool to the longest pedestrian streets in Europe, Bordeaux is filled with intriguing stories that you’ll hear about from your local guide.
- End your cruise at the Port of Bassens, showcasing busy docks, state-of-the-art shipping facilities, and lively commerce, highlighting Bordeaux’s role in international trade.
- If not wine, raise your glass of beverage to Cite du Vin, a living heritage of wine and the cultural hub of Bordeaux.
Inclusions
- 90-minute sightseeing cruise
- Live commentary (French & English)
- Beverages
- For the best views of Bordeaux’s famous Pont de Pierre, schedule your cruise during sunset, when the bridge is beautifully lit, reflecting off the Garonne River.
- The cruise is free for children under five years old.
- The cruise is wheelchair accessible.
- Arrive at the departure point 30 minutes before boarding time.
- The cruise departure is guaranteed with a minimum of 20 people.
- Pets are welcome onboard.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Bordeaux River Cruise + Cite du Vin Fast Track Entry Tickets
from €37
€34.04
8% off
- Maximize your Bordeaux experience and savings with this combo ticket–a guided sightseeing cruise and priority entry to the Cite du Vin museum.
- Sit back and enjoy a guided sightseeing cruise of Bordeaux, from the calm waters of River Garonne.
- Glide through Port de Lune and enjoy the iconic architectural views of Bordeaux–Place de la Bourse, Cite du Vin, and Bordeaux Cathedral.
- At Cite du Vin, discover the world of wine–heritage, and culture at the 3,000m2 permanent exhibition space, with a multilingual audio guide.
- End your journey on the eighth floor, with the promise of a great view and a glass of wine. Choose from a selection of 15 wines from vineyards around the world.
- Maximize your Bordeaux experience and savings with this combo ticket–a guided sightseeing cruise and priority entry to the Cite du Vin museum.
- Sit back and enjoy a guided sightseeing cruise of Bordeaux, from the calm waters of River Garonne.
- Glide through Port de Lune and enjoy the iconic architectural views of Bordeaux–Place de la Bourse, Cite du Vin, and Bordeaux Cathedral.
- At Cite du Vin, discover the world of wine–heritage, and culture at the 3,000m2 permanent exhibition space, with a multilingual audio guide.
- End your journey on the eighth floor, with the promise of a great view and a glass of wine. Choose from a selection of 15 wines from vineyards around the world.
Inclusions
- 90-minute sightseeing cruise
- Expert English and French-speaking guide
- Fast-track entry to Cite du Vin
- Access to permanent exhibitions
- Audio guide in English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Dutch, Chinese, and Portuguese
- Access to the 8th-floor viewpoint–Belvedere, with 15 wine options
- Headsets
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
BordeauxCruises in Bordeaux
Cruise type
Duration
Timings
Guide
Wine Tasting
Price range
Sightseeing
90 minutes
11:30am, 2:30pm, and 4:30pm
✔
✘
From €15
Sightseeing + Wine Tasting
90 minutes
11am, 11:30am, 2:30pm, 3pm, 4:30pm, and 5pm
✔
✔
From €19
Get to know your tour operators
Here’s a quick overview of the tour operators for your memorable Bordeaux cruise, along the Garonne River.
Croisière Burdigala
Croisière Burdigala specializes in affordable, family-friendly sightseeing cruises, offering a relaxed journey through Bordeaux’s historic sites. With expert-led commentary and spacious boats, it’s a great choice for visitors wanting an informative tour without the frills.
Boarding point: Ponton d’Honneur - Passerelle Garonne
Yacht de Bordeaux
Yacht de Bordeaux caters to those seeking a more luxurious experience, offering private or small-group cruises on elegant yachts. with gourmet food and drink options, personalized service, and a focus on comfort, it’s a great choice for travelers looking to celebrate special moments.
Boarding point: Ponton d’Honneur - Passerelle Garonne
Plan your cruise here
Timings
Best time to go
Boarding points and getting there
Facilities
Rules and regulations
Visitor tips
The sightseeing cruises are available daily, at multiple time slots; start at 11am and the last is at 5pm.
Duration: 90 minutes
Arrival: 15 minutes before boarding time
Busy season
May–October (peaks in September & October)
Harvest season, which means pleasant weather conditions.
Shoulder season
March–April, November;
In March, cruises for the year begin, and in November, the last cruises depart.
Avoid
December–February
Cold winters.
Board your cruise at Ponton d'Honneur.
Getting there
By bus: 1, 20, 24, 25, and 4
By train: F41
By light rail: A, B, and D
By ferry: BAT3
- Restroom
- Bar
- Disabled access
- Private reservations (upon request)
- Fresh drinking water
- Air conditioning
- The cruise will depart only if there are a minimum of 10 people at the time of departure.
- Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure to complete check-ins and boarding procedures.
- Depending on the season, pack to protect yourself either from the sun or the cold. If you’re sitting on the deck, the sun and winds can get pretty harsh.
- To catch the best seats, with tables (to put down your glass of wine and canelé), arrive early.
- Canelé's not enough? Sweet and savory snacks are available in self-service vending machines.
- Carry cash on you, in case the on-board bar doesn’t accept card payment.
- Parking near Ponton d'Honneur can be difficult, expensive, and limited. Opt for public transportation, taxis, or rideshare services to reach the boarding point conveniently.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bordeaux river cruises
What are the types of Bordeaux river cruises available?
You can choose from three main types of cruises: a classic sightseeing cruise, a sightseeing cruise with canelé and wine tasting, or a sightseeing cruise combined with a visit to Cité du Vin.
How long does each cruise last?
The sightseeing cruises typically last around 1.5 hours, while the combined Cité du Vin visit may take up to 4 hours in total, including the time spent at the museum.
Can I book a Bordeaux River cruise last minute?
Yes, you can book your cruise last minute, but it’s recommended to book it in advance (at least a week), especially during peak tourist seasons (June–August) and on weekends.
What is included in the cruise fare?
The sightseeing cruise fare includes a live guide and a complimentary beverage. For the wine-tasting cruise, enjoy a live guide, a glass of Bordeaux wine, and a traditional canelé cake.
Do the cruises offer onboard dining or just snacks and drinks?
The cruise only offers snacks and drinks; dining options are not included. Snacks must be purchased separately, and are not included in the cruise fare.
Are the cruises wheelchair accessible?
Yes, all the cruises are wheelchair accessible.
Can I bring my children on the cruise?
Yes, you can bring your children on the cruise. Tickets for children between the ages of 5–11 are available at a discounted rate.
Can I cancel or modify my booking?
You can cancel the sightseeing cruise tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund, but the combo ticket cannot be canceled or rescheduled.
What are the seasonal differences for the cruises?
Bordeaux river cruises operate year-round, but the scenery and experience change with the seasons. Spring and summer offer warm weather and bustling riverbanks; autumn highlights the golden vineyards surrounding Bordeaux; and winter is cold but decked up in pretty Christmas lights.
Are there any stops during a sightseeing cruise?
No, sightseeing cruises are non-stop, lasting around 90 minutes. However, all boats have accessible restrooms on board.