Cruise port Pauillac
Info for port Pauillac on 18 Sept 2027
Port information & tips for Pauillac
Pauillac is the glamorous gateway to the world-famous Médoc wine region and impresses with its privileged location right on the banks of the picturesque Gironde. The charming town enchants visitors with its maritime promenade, magnificent 19th-century facades, and the exclusive flair of the world's most prestigious wineries. Absolute highlights include legendary châteaux such as Mouton Rothschild and Latour, which, like the informative Maison du Tourisme et du Vin, can be reached in a short time. Cruise ships dock at the centrally located Appontement de Pauillac, from where the inviting waterfront road and the town center are just a few steps away, providing a perfect starting point for first-class wine tastings.
The port of Pauillac, picturesquely located in the heart of the world-famous Médoc wine region on the Gironde estuary, is a charming destination for cruises. Since 2024, the Pauillac-Trompeloup cruise terminal, located about 1.6 km from the town center, has featured a modern pier capable of accommodating ships up to 320 meters in length and offering direct access to the prestigious wineries. Smaller ships can dock directly at Quai Léon Perrier in the center.
Car
Pauillac is easily accessible via the D2 highways (Route des Châteaux) and the RN215, which traverse the entire Médoc region and provide good connections from the direction of Bordeaux. The city of Bordeaux is around 50 to 53 kilometers away and can be reached in about 48 minutes driving time. Parking spaces for cars can be found directly at the Port de Plaisance Pauillac, including some secure and locked parking spaces for the night. During the day, parking along the Gironde is also permitted.
Airplane
The nearest airport is Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (BOD), located approximately 41 to 57 kilometers south of Pauillac. The travel time by car or taxi is a pleasant 48 to 53 minutes. Private transfer services can be booked in advance and offer a comfortable and efficient journey to the port. Alternatively, you can reach Pauillac train station from the airport using public transport, a combination of tram and train, in around 1 hour 44 minutes to 2 hours 13 minutes. Due to the flight times, international guests are advised to arrive the day before and spend the night in Bordeaux or Pauillac.
Train
Pauillac train station (Gare de Pauillac) is located about a 15-minute walk from the cruise pier and offers regular train connections. From Bordeaux Saint-Jean, you can reach Pauillac directly in about 1 hour 4 minutes with the TER line L42. Local bus connections (lines 424, 4285) are also available from the station, allowing for flexible onward travel.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Accordingly, plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and bear in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the cruise: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
The port of Pauillac, picturesquely located in the heart of the world-famous Médoc wine region on the Gironde estuary, is a charming destination for cruises. Since 2024, the Pauillac-Trompeloup cruise terminal, located about 1.6 km from the town center, has featured a modern pier capable of accommodating ships up to 320 meters in length and offering direct access to the prestigious wineries. Smaller ships can dock directly at Quai Léon Perrier in the center.
Car
Pauillac is easily accessible via the D2 highways (Route des Châteaux) and the RN215, which traverse the entire Médoc region and provide good connections from the direction of Bordeaux. The city of Bordeaux is around 50 to 53 kilometers away and can be reached in about 48 minutes driving time. Parking spaces for cars can be found directly at the Port de Plaisance Pauillac, including some secure and locked parking spaces for the night. During the day, parking along the Gironde is also permitted.
Airplane
The nearest airport is Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (BOD), located approximately 41 to 57 kilometers south of Pauillac. The travel time by car or taxi is a pleasant 48 to 53 minutes. Private transfer services can be booked in advance and offer a comfortable and efficient journey to the port. Alternatively, you can reach Pauillac train station from the airport using public transport, a combination of tram and train, in around 1 hour 44 minutes to 2 hours 13 minutes. Due to the flight times, international guests are advised to arrive the day before and spend the night in Bordeaux or Pauillac.
Train
Pauillac train station (Gare de Pauillac) is located about a 15-minute walk from the cruise pier and offers regular train connections. From Bordeaux Saint-Jean, you can reach Pauillac directly in about 1 hour 4 minutes with the TER line L42. Local bus connections (lines 424, 4285) are also available from the station, allowing for flexible onward travel.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Accordingly, plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and bear in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the cruise: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
Thanks to its excellent location on the banks of the Gironde, the port of Pauillac offers direct access to the famous Médoc wine region and the charming town center.
On foot
From the central pier, you can reach the stores and cafes of the town center in just a few moments directly via the waterfront promenade. Ships docking at the Trompeloup terminal, located a little further north, are connected to the town center via a well-developed path in about 20 minutes, while also offering a beautiful view of the river.
Regional train (TER)
The Gare de Pauillac train station is just a short walk from the port and offers regular connections to the metropolis of Bordeaux. The TER Nouvelle-Aquitaine trains take you comfortably and quickly into the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage city, crossing the picturesque landscape of southwest France.
Taxi and individual transfers
Official taxis wait directly at the terminal upon the arrival of cruise ships, enabling short trips to the renowned wineries of the surrounding area. In addition, comfortable shuttle options are available to take visitors directly to the magnificent châteaux of the Médoc, guaranteeing an exclusive travel experience.
To make the most of your stay in Pauillac, a combination of the maritime flair of the waterfront and the excellent wineries of the world-famous Medoc region is recommended.
Quai Léon Perrier & Stadtzentrum
The extensive waterfront promenade directly at the harbor invites you to take a leisurely stroll along the Gironde and offers an ideal opportunity to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the Medoc capital thanks to the numerous small cafes and the view of the marina.
Château Mouton Rothschild
This legendary winery is located just a short drive from the terminal and impresses visitors with its exclusive art collection and magnificent architecture; furthermore, a visit provides deep insight into the region's prestigious wine-growing tradition.
Soulac-sur-Mer
The charming seaside resort on the Atlantic coast can be reached in a short time thanks to the direct train connection and impresses with its wide sandy beaches and elegant Belle Époque architecture, making it the perfect destination for a refreshing day by the sea.
Village de Bages & Château Lynch-Bages
The charming Village de Bages is located just about a five-minute drive or a pleasant twenty-minute walk from the port, offering an authentic experience of the French way of life amidst the famous vineyards of the Médoc. This beautifully restored village is perfect for guests wishing to enjoy excellent wines and local delicacies in a relaxed atmosphere, and it also features the first-class Café Lavinal as well as stylish boutiques. Ideally, take advantage of the late morning for an exclusive wine tasting followed by lunch on the terrace to savor the special tranquility before returning to the ship in the afternoon. Thanks to its close proximity to the pier, you can reach your ship at any time comfortably and completely stress-free.
The way back to the pier in Pauillac is very straightforward and relaxed, thanks to the central location of the port directly on the banks of the Gironde.
On Foot
Since the cruise terminal is located directly on the waterfront promenade Quai Antoine Ferchaud, you can easily stroll back on board in just a few minutes from the city center or the Office de Tourisme. The path along the majestic Gironde is clearly laid out and, thanks to the constant visibility of your ship, easy to find at any time.
Taxi and Private Transfer
Central contact points for taxis are the square in front of the tourist information office as well as the Gare de Pauillac train station; additionally, the staff at local hotels, such as the Hotel de France et d'Angleterre, are happy to assist with phone orders for the return journey. For individual tours to the surrounding vineyards of the Médoc, it is recommended to arrange a fixed pickup time so that you reach the port area punctually and stress-free.
Train and Shuttle Buses
The local train station can be reached in about 15 minutes on foot and offers travelers from the region a direct connection back close to the port. In addition, ship-owned shuttle buses often run during organized shore excursions, comfortably bringing you back to the Quai de Pauillac after visiting the famous châteaux and dropping you off directly at the ship's entrance.
In port on 18 Sept 2027
