Cruises to Bordeaux, France

Make your way through the wine capital of Bordeaux, where you can explore over 7,000 winemakers in the world’s largest and oldest wine-producing region. Discover this stunning French city, half of which has been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy its unrivaled culinary scene, rich cultural heritage, and breathtaking architecture on a Bordeaux cruise.

History buffs will love visiting landmarks like the strikingly symmetrical Place de la Bourse and the imposing Porte Cailhau city gates. Meanwhile, wine lovers will feel like they’ve died and gone to heaven as they make their way through the sprawling vineyards and gorgeous chateaux that await in the countryside. Sip a glass of premier cru, snack on a sweet canelé, admire the view of the River Garonne, and experience joie de vivre during your time in Bordeaux.

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Aside from being one of the most prestigious wine regions in the world, Bordeaux is also a culinary capital in its own right—it has the largest number of restaurants per capita in France.  Savor your way through the city’s many bistros, restaurants, and wineries, and order all of your favorite French staples like foie gras and escargot, but make sure to try some of the region’s local specialties, too. No trip to Bordeaux is complete without ordering the lamprey à la bordelaise, a dish made with the area’s local eel that is slow-cooked in spiced red wine. For dessert, you’ll find it hard to resist eating multiple canelés, bite-sized pastries with a caramelized crust and sweet custardy filling on the inside. 

Bordeaux’s history spans all the way back to 300 BC when a Celtic tribe first established the town of Burdigala in the region. The city’s prime location and dry soil had long attracted conflict in the area, and during different eras of history, the region was ruled by the Romans, Vandals, Visigoths, Franks, and Basques, until it fell under English rule for over 300 years. 
King Charles VII won the city back to France after defeating the English in the Battle of Castillon in 1453. During the next few centuries, Bordeaux became an important commercial port and underwent rapid development and expansion, including the construction of the Place de la Bourse, the opera house, and the first railway. In 2007, half of Bordeaux was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, Bordeaux is one of the major economic centers in France. Aside from its trading, administrative, and service industries, tourism is also a major source of income to the area, as thousands of people annually visit Bordeaux’s sprawling 200,000 acres of vineyards.

You’ll find it easy to get around Bordeaux, as there are several forms of public transportation available in the city. Aside from the local tramway and bus systems, you’ll find numerous public bike stations all over Bordeaux. If you wish to explore areas outside of Bordeaux, there’s a comprehensive railway system, which connects you to both La Rochelle and Pauillac. You can also walk around Bordeaux’s pedestrian-friendly streets or hail a taxi cab, which you’ll easily find throughout the city.

In Bordeaux, you’ll find everything from large department stores to luxury brands to local flea markets. Head to the Triangle d’Or, a.k.a. the Golden Triangle quarter, where you can stroll down the famous Rue Sainte-Catherine. It’s the longest shopping street in Europe and is full of well-known designer brands and shops. If you’re on the hunt for local food items, go to the Marché des Capucins, where you can sample seafood delicacies, buy an endless array of cheeses, and stock up on fresh produce. And if you’re searching for antiques, on Sundays you can head to the Saint-Michel spire, where antique dealers sell everything from clothing to table linens and silverware.

The local currency in Bordeaux is the euro. Credit cards are widely accepted in the area, and you’ll also find ATMs easily. Service is included in most restaurant bills, so there is no need to tip, but if you feel like you experienced excellent service, you can always leave a small tip as an extra gratuity.

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