Bordeaux Cruise Port

History

Bordeaux was founded as Burdigala by the Bituriges Vivisci, a Celtic tribe, around 300 BC. Its strategic position on the Garonne River made it a vital link for the tin and lead trade between the Mediterranean and Britain. However, the most transformative era began in 1152 with the marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine to Henry Plantagenet, the future King Henry II of England. This union placed Bordeaux under English rule for three centuries, during which the wine trade with London (the 'claret' trade) flourished and established the city's global economic foundation. After the Battle of Castillon in 1453 ended English control, the city experienced a second 'Golden Age' in the 18th century. Most of the architectural grandeur visible today—including the Place de la Bourse (1730–1775) and the Grand Théâtre (1780)—was built during this period using locally quarried blonde limestone. This era also saw the city become France's busiest port through the Atlantic trade. Travelers should look for the 'Mascarons' (carved stone faces) above the windows of buildings along the Quai de la Douane; these 18th-century ornaments often depict the diverse faces of the sailors and merchants who built the city’s wealth. The modern revitalisation of the riverfront, completed in the early 2000s, turned former derelict warehouses into the vibrant promenade passengers see today.

The Verdict

At Bordeaux, the people who do best are the ones who arrive with a plan and the flexibility to adapt it. This guide has been fact-checked by J. Richard and the Waterways Cruise editorial team. Excursions that guarantee a return to the ship can be tailored to your mobility, interests, and pace, so missing departure is never a concern. No two travelers want the same day ashore, especially in a city as diverse as Bordeaux.

Bordeaux’s culinary identity is anchored in the 'Terroir' of the South-West, specifically the use of duck fat (graisse de canard) rather than butter or olive oil. The regional dish that defines the city is the 'Entrecôte à la Bordelaise', a rib steak cooked in a sauce of Bordeaux red wine, shallots, and bone marrow. For a snack, you must try the 'Canelé', a small pastry with a soft custard center and a dark, thick caramelized crust, flavored with rum and vanilla. 'Baillardran' is recommended for the classic version, though locals often swear by 'La Toque Cuivrée' for better value. To drink, beyond the obvious red blends, ask for 'Lillet', a local aromatized wine from Podensac, served chilled with a slice of orange. For street food, visit the 'Marché des Capucins'—the 'belly of Bordeaux'—where locals eat fresh oysters with a glass of white Entre-deux-Mers wine at 10:00 AM. A common tourist mistake is ordering 'claret' and expecting a specific grape; it is simply a British historical term for Bordeaux red blends.

Getting back to the ship

If your ship is docked at the Port de la Lune (city center), you should be back at the gangway 30 minutes before all-aboard. If your ship is docked at Bassens, depart the city center no later than 60 minutes before all-aboard. For those at Le Verdon, the mandatory ship shuttle is your only safe option; if you miss the final 3:00 PM shuttle for a 5:00 PM departure, a taxi will cost over €160 (~$184 USD) and likely won't beat the ship. The port contact number is +33 5 56 00 66 00. If you are running late, call the ship's port agent immediately (found on your daily program). Bordeaux traffic on the quays is notorious between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM; never rely on a taxi to cover the 10km to Bassens in under 40 minutes during this window.

Cultural etiquette

In Bordeaux, the 'Bise' (cheek kiss) is the standard greeting among friends, usually starting on the right cheek, but for tourists, a polite 'Bonjour' followed by a slight nod or handshake is the correct convention. Never enter a shop or restaurant without saying 'Bonjour' to the staff; failing to do so is considered a major sign of disrespect in French culture. Dining follows strict windows: lunch is 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, and dinner starts at 7:30 PM. Many kitchens close strictly at 2:30 PM, leaving you with only 'service continu' brasseries which are often of lower quality. Tipping is included in the bill (service compris), but it is customary to leave an extra €2–€5 (~$2.30–$5.75 USD) for exceptional service in a restaurant. In taxis, rounding up to the nearest Euro is sufficient. One common misunderstanding: cruise passengers often try to split a single dish at a bistro to save time or money, but this is viewed as odd or even rude in traditional French establishments. Photography is generally allowed everywhere except in active religious services and specific rooms in the Musée des Beaux-Arts marked with 'No Flash'.

Practical tips

Bordeaux is a highly modern city where contactless credit cards are accepted in 98% of locations, including for a single coffee or a tram ticket. The only places requiring cash are the smaller stalls at the Marché des Capucins or very old-school antique dealers in Chartrons. Tipping is not mandatory but 'rounding up' is appreciated. Five phrases for goodwill: 'Bonjour' (Hello), 'Merci' (Thank you), 'Puis-je avoir l'addition?' (May I have the bill?), 'Excusez-moi' (Excuse me), and 'Parlez-vous anglais?' (Do you speak English?). Beware of the 'gold ring' scam near the Miroir d'Eau, where someone pretends to find a ring and asks if it's yours to start a demand for money. Also, pickpockets are active on Tram Line B during peak hours; keep bags in front of you. The dress code for Cathédrale Saint-André is 'respectful', meaning no bare shoulders or very short shorts. The best way to beat the crowds at the Cité du Vin is to arrive at 9:50 AM, ten minutes before the doors open, and go straight to the Belvedere on the 8th floor before descending through the exhibits.