The Greater Bordeaux area reserves some wonderful surprises and numerous amazing experiences for you, thanks to its cultural and recreational offerings: gastronomical tours to feast your eyes and palate, or tasting workshops to tempt you into overindulgence!
Short cruises in Bordeaux
Looking to discover Bordeaux and its surroundings from the water? You certainly can, thanks to mini-cruises that will offer you a unique view of the Port de la Lune and the estuary.
For those who would like to leave the mainland for only a few hours, short tours offered by many river cruise lines are a must. Taking off for a brief time, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Bordeaux’s building facades as you follow the curving river and see a different side of Bordeaux’s beautiful bridges. And if you're looking for a real adventure, some excursions even venture beyond the Bec d'Ambès if you must know! Maritime Bordeaux awaits!
1/ Heritage Cruise
Are you dreaming of a "100% historical" trip along the Garonne? Opt for a guided tour of Bordeaux by boat: averaging 1 and a half hours of sailing beside Unesco ranked buildings on the shores of Bacalan, these cruises are offered by the companies Les Bateaux Bordelais, Burdigala or SAS Yacht de Bordeaux. Each time, a tour guide will present the history of Bordeaux, its maritime and port activity and its wine trade. An original and invigorating way to visit the capital of Gironde!
2/ Gastronomic cruise
For those who prefer combining a trip along the quays with gastronomy, the company Les Bateaux Bordelais offers dinner cruises just for you. Their two options: lunch on the water aboard the Sicambre restaurant boat. On the menu: regional cuisine prepared on board. Or the more romantic of the options, a gastronomic evening: still aboard the Sicambre, you can enjoy a seasonal dinner (3 meals to choose from) as you sail along the illuminated quays.
3/ Younger cruise
For those who would like to take their children along for the adventure, Burdigala Cruises offer a family package on school holiday afternoons. Namely the "Pirates Cruise", takes the shape of a game and is ideal for discovering Bordeaux in a fun way. Guided by Captain Adam, you'll have to solve puzzles to find the pirates' treasure! Snacks offered. Ideal for children aged 4 to 12.
4/ Aperitif cruise
Fancying an aperitif-music night on the river? These two options are for you: the River Cruise aperitif ride or Marco Polo Cruises’ Wednesday evening events (exclusively in July/August/September). With Les Bateaux Bordelais, you’ll board the Sirius at 6pm, for a 2-hour tour, with ambient music, wines, bread, cheeses and regional charcuterie. On the Marco Polo, you will sail from 7pm to 9pm to the rhythm of a DJ set, with tapas and drinks, starting at the “pontoon of honour” at the Château de Grattequina in Blanquefort (and returning to the same spot).
5/ Estuary Cruise
Finally, if you dream of leaving the Port de la Lune for half a day, even if it means leaving the Gironde estuary, you have a great option: the Médoc wine cruise aboard the Marco Polo offered by Les Bateaux Bordelais. You will start with a bus ride to a winery in Médoc then board the boat at Fort-Médoc and return to Bordeaux by way of the river. Taste 3 different wines on board.
