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.
