Cruise port Bordeaux
Port information & tips for Bordeaux
Bordeaux, the world-famous wine capital and UNESCO World Heritage site, welcomes its visitors in the heart of southwestern France as one of Europe's most elegant destinations. The city impresses with its magnificent 18th-century architecture and a lively waterfront promenade along the Garonne, harmoniously combining historic charm with modern quality of life. Right on the riverbank, architectural masterpieces such as the famous Place de la Bourse with the impressive Miroir d’eau and the futuristic Cité du Vin delight visitors. Cruise ships usually dock at the prestigious "Port de la Lune" pier on Quai Louis XVIII. Thanks to this first-class location directly in the city center, travelers can reach the most important sights and charming alleys of the Old Town within a few minutes' walk or conveniently by modern tram.
Bordeaux welcomes cruise ships either directly in the heart of the city at the Quai des Chartrons or at the outer stations of Bassens and Le Verdon. Thanks to excellent connections to the French high-speed rail network and the international airport, travel from the DACH region is extremely comfortable and flexible for guests.
Airplane
Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (BOD) is located approximately 12 kilometers west of the city center and is regularly served by direct flights from Frankfurt, Munich, and Zurich. From there, you can easily reach the central berths at the Quai des Chartrons in about 30 minutes by taxi, or use the direct connection via tram line A as well as the Navette shuttle bus, which connects the airport with the main train station.
Train
The central station Gare de Bordeaux-Saint-Jean is a major hub for the TGV high-speed train, which connects the city to Paris-Montparnasse in just two hours. From the station, you can take tram line B directly to the city center terminal or reach the berths located further downstream in Bassens and Le Verdon easily via regional train or the shuttle services provided by the cruise lines.
Car
Bordeaux is directly connected to the European long-distance road network via the A10 motorway from the direction of Paris, as well as the A62 and A63, making it easily accessible. For cruises departing from the city center, secure parking garages such as the Parking Cité Mondiale are available directly at the quay; additionally, specialized parking services near the port often offer long-term parking including transfers to the more distant terminals.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination area—is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
Bordeaux welcomes cruise ships either directly in the heart of the city at the Quai des Chartrons or at the outer stations of Bassens and Le Verdon. Thanks to excellent connections to the French high-speed rail network and the international airport, travel from the DACH region is extremely comfortable and flexible for guests.
Airplane
Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (BOD) is located approximately 12 kilometers west of the city center and is regularly served by direct flights from Frankfurt, Munich, and Zurich. From there, you can easily reach the central berths at the Quai des Chartrons in about 30 minutes by taxi, or use the direct connection via tram line A as well as the Navette shuttle bus, which connects the airport with the main train station.
Train
The central station Gare de Bordeaux-Saint-Jean is a major hub for the TGV high-speed train, which connects the city to Paris-Montparnasse in just two hours. From the station, you can take tram line B directly to the city center terminal or reach the berths located further downstream in Bassens and Le Verdon easily via regional train or the shuttle services provided by the cruise lines.
Car
Bordeaux is directly connected to the European long-distance road network via the A10 motorway from the direction of Paris, as well as the A62 and A63, making it easily accessible. For cruises departing from the city center, secure parking garages such as the Parking Cité Mondiale are available directly at the quay; additionally, specialized parking services near the port often offer long-term parking including transfers to the more distant terminals.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination area—is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
Bordeaux offers an ideal starting point to explore the city directly from the ship, thanks to the central location of the port, Port de la Lune. The berths are located directly in the heart of the UNESCO-protected old town and allow for a convenient onward journey.
On foot
Since cruise ships dock directly at the quays in the city centre, you can reach the famous Place de la Bourse and the historic district in about 5 to 10 minutes. The path leads along the extensive riverside promenades and already offers a wonderful view of the city's magnificent architecture during your first stroll.
Bat³ (Water buses)
The local water buses, known as Bat³, are an attractive way to experience the city from the Garonne river. These boats connect the port directly with modern sights such as the Cité du Vin and can also be used easily with regular public transport tickets.
TBM tram & taxi
The modern TBM tram network has stops directly at the terminals, with Line B in particular connecting the most important cultural highlights. In addition, official taxi ranks are available at the exits of the quays at Quai des Chartrons and Quai Louis XVIII for individual journeys.
To make the most of your stay in Bordeaux, we recommend a combination of the magnificent historical center directly on the riverbank and the world-famous architectural and natural landmarks of the region.
Port de la Lune & Place de la Bourse
The port district, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, impresses with its elegant 18th-century facades and features a fascinating water display at the Miroir d’eau directly opposite the majestic Place de la Bourse.
La Cité du Vin
With its curved shape, this futuristic museum building is an architectural masterpiece that simultaneously invites you to experience the region's world-famous wine culture in an interactive exhibition and during a tasting with panoramic views over the city.
Dune du Pilat & Arcachon
The highest sand dune in Europe is easily accessible thanks to organized excursions and, in combination with the idyllic Bay of Arcachon, offers an unforgettable view of the Atlantic as well as fine sandy beaches for relaxing moments by the sea.
La Cité du Vin
The spectacular La Cité du Vin is located in the charming Bacalan district and is easily accessible from the central pier "Port de la Lune" in about fifteen minutes by tram line B. This architectural masterpiece offers a fascinating, interactive journey through global wine culture and crowns the visit with an excellent wine tasting at the "Belvédère" on the eighth floor, from where you can enjoy a dreamlike panoramic view over the Garonne and the historic old town. Thanks to the first-class infrastructure with a well-stocked wine shop and stylish cafés directly on the riverbank, this place is ideal for a sophisticated cultural excursion. It is best to visit La Cité du Vin directly at opening in the morning to explore the exhibition rooms in peace and stroll back to the ship along the riverbank promenade in a relaxed manner in the early afternoon.
Returning to your ship in Bordeaux is extremely comfortable and safe thanks to the central docking points at Quai Louis XVIII. When returning from the wine-growing regions or outskirts such as Bassens, allow sufficient buffer time for the heavy city traffic.
Tram and Public Transport
Tram lines B and C bring you comfortably and directly to the Quinconces or Chartrons stops, which are located immediately on the waterfront promenade. From there, you can reach your ship's gangway within a few minutes' walk and also enjoy a relaxed ride through the historic cityscape.
Taxi and Ride Services
Central taxi ranks can be found at Place des Quinconces, the Grand Théâtre, and directly in front of major hotels like the InterContinental. Drivers are very familiar with the various docking locations and will bring you back to the terminal quickly and safely via the well-developed riverside roads.
On Foot
From the magnificent Place de la Bourse or the Miroir d'eau, you can simply stroll downstream along the wide and lively waterfront promenade back to the pier. The route is excellently signposted and, thanks to the clear layout along the Garonne, provides ideal orientation for a safe return journey.
