Place la Bourse in Bordeaux.Credit:Getty Images
Who goes there
All major river-cruise companies operate Bordeaux cruises,including AmaWaterways,APT,Avalon,CroisiEurope,Scenic,Uniworld and Viking. Itineraries have a big focus on culture,food and wine,and generally last a week. Bordeaux city centre can also accommodate smaller ships from ocean-gong lines such as Oceania,Ponant and Silversea that are making their way between the Mediterranean and northern Europe.
Sail on in
Bordeaux river cruises sail the Dordogne and Garonne rivers and the Gironde Estuary where the two unite,and where the city of Bordeaux is located. It’s a wonderful sail-in,right where the estuary is lined by a sweeping crescent of 19th-century buildings and tulip-popping promenades,the spires of medieval churches rising behind.
Berth rites
All river ships and some small ocean ships dock at Port de la Lune in the city centre,along Quai des Chartrons. You’ll disembark straight onto the promenades,with downtown facilities a walk away. Note that large ocean ships may list Bordeaux on their itineraries,but dock at either Pauillac,a 75-minute coach transfer away,often at Verdon (90 minutes) and sometimes even La Rochelle (two hours).
Before and after
With river cruises both starting and ending in Bordeaux,you’ll be tempted to stay an extra night or three. The top spot is InterContinental Bordeaux Le Grand Hotel for its location,19th-century architecture and chic contemporary interior design. Boutique Au Coeur de Bordeaux and Hotel de France are more modest but fine alternatives.