Port of Bordeaux
The city of Bordeaux is 60 miles (97 kilometers) inland from the Bay of Biscay and is the gateway to France’s most famous wine region. Smaller ships can travel up the Garonne River and dock in the city center at the Port de la Lune, but larger ships must dock in Verdon at the Gironde estuary, about two hours' drive from the city.
The basics
The city of Bordeaux is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with ancient architecture and medieval attractions, but many visitors use their time in Bordeaux to venture into neighboring wine country. Choose from half-day and full-day wine tours of the French countryside, and sample wine from the Medoc and Saint-Emilion regions while learning about Bordeaux’s famous wine making traditions.
You can also spend your day in Bordeaux exploring the historic city center’s museums, galleries, and fine restaurants. Don’t miss the Basilica of St. Michael's freestanding bell tower, one of the tallest medieval towers in France and Bordeaux’s most notable landmark.
Things to know before you go
- Most shore excursions into wine country include round-transport to and from the cruise port and include wine tastings and vineyard tours.
- Bordeaux walking tours visit many of the city’s historic sites like the Girondins Monument and Place de la Bourse.
- The Rue Sainte Catherine is the main shopping street in Bordeaux with lots of cafés and bistros with outdoor seating.
- Bordeaux trams and buses and many of the city attractions are wheelchair accessible.
How to get to Bordeaux from the Port de la Lune Cruise Port
Both small ocean and river cruise ships dock in Bordeaux’s Port de la Lune. Most city attractions are located within a 15- to 30-minute walk from the dock, and several public transportation options service the port. Shore excursions typically provide roundtrip transportation.
Trip ideas
Port information
French is the official language in Bordeaux, although English is spoken in most information centers and shops. The euro is the official currency, and an ATM is located near the port. Credit cards are widely accepted, and be aware that France places a standard 20 percent VAT on most goods and services.
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- Place de la Bourse (Place Royale)
- Quai Louis XVIII
- Rue Sainte-Catherine
- Grand Theatre
- Girondins Monument (Monument aux Girondins)
- Port of the Moon (Port de la Lune)
- Porte Cailhau
- Quinconces Square (Place des Quinconces)
- Pont de Pierre
- Bordeaux Hôtel de Ville (Palais Rohan)
- Porte de Bourgogne
- Bordeaux Cathedral (Cathédrale St. André)
- Place Gambetta
- Museum of Aquitaine (Musée d'Aquitaine)
- Grosse Cloche