Making the most of Bordeaux
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
The largest ships call at Verdon, two hours from the city, or Bassens, half an hour away. Only the smaller, luckier ships tie up in central Bordeaux at Port de la Lune.
Bordeaux is 60 miles from the sea, and early risers can enjoy the approach along the Gironde Estuary to the city at its head. On entry, the first view is fine 18th-century quay-side architecture, where the ship docks.
Ships up to 250 metres can travel on the broad, muddy Gironde into Bordeaux’s centre.
Ships berth close to the City terminal, giving passengers who disembark in Bordeaux the added advantage of reaching the city centre on foot. It is only a few minutes’ walk from everything this great city offers. The river is tidal, so gangways can be steep at times.
Less than 250 yards from the quays, within the 18th century historic sector, are beautiful buildings, charming parks and squares, fascinating museums, intense cultural activity and lively entertainment venues.
A printable map is available to take along.
This is the cruise calendar for the city terminal.
Wide streets, spacious squares and imposing buildings define the new city, while the old quarter has crooked narrow lanes and many wooden structures. Sights include Porte de Bourgogne, an 18th-century arched gate; St André cathedral, consecrated 1006; Sainte-Croix church, a 12th-century Romanesque basilica; Hôtel de Ville; the 18th-century Grand Théâtre; and several art museums.
Bordeaux’s Golden Triangle is its most interesting and beautiful historic neighbourhood, bounded by Cours Clemenceau, Cours de l’Intendance and Les Allees de Tourny. Explore this compact quarter on foot, or join a two-hour tourist-office walking tour at 10:00 or 15:00, in French or English.
Getting around
The tourist office runs several wine tours, including visits to wine châteaux in Medoc and St. Emilion.
The Tourist Office and Bordeaux tourism professionals offer visits and outings.
Though Bordeaux is fairly large, nearly every notable attraction lies in its centre, much of which is pedestrianized.
La navette du center-ville is Bordeaux’s excellent electric bus and the only public transport permitted on pedestrian streets in the city centre. It has no fixed stops: wave to the driver to board, then ask to stop when you want to get off.
Taxis cost about 50 Euro per hour.
Nearby places
It is possible to cycle 50 km from Bordeaux to Dune du Pyla through fragrant pine forests in an hour and a half. This excursion is an absolute must: the giant dune is 5 km long and 111 m high, standing between the forest and ocean.
Bassin d’Arcachon delights oyster and seafood lovers. Cap Ferret, Bordeaux’s fashionable beach, is a sandy pine-covered point between the calm Arcachon Basin and the occasionally turbulent Atlantic, with incredible views.
Food and shopping
Starting near the tourist office and the Grand Theatre, Rue Sainte Catherine is an exceptionally long pedestrian shopping street.
Bordeaux cuisine is renowned worldwide largely because of its illustrious wines. Its food is usually prepared simply, without aspirations to gastronomic heights.
Bordeaux terraces remain open late for night owls and the city’s students. Place de la Victoire is a main gathering point for tapas, music and a wonderful energy lasting very late, particularly at weekends.
Money
The currency is the Euro.
Staying connected
For local emergencies, call 112.
Opening Hours and
French shops, businesses, information services, museums and banks are usually open all day. Smaller shops and enterprises may close for lunch between 12.30pm and 2pm. Large shops typically trade Monday to Saturday from 8 or 9am until 6.30 or 7.30pm; smaller ones Tuesday to Saturday, though some open Monday afternoon. Boulangeries and food shops can always be found open on days when others close, normally until noon on Sunday.