|
A classy city for lovers of food and art, Bordeaux is one of the most popular French river cruise destinations. Bordeaux is located on the Garonne River, a relatively calm waterway. The Garonne flows from the Pyrenees mountain range in Spain and north into France. It ends up flowing through Toulouse, another popular French city.
Bordeaux is a smaller city than the likes of Paris. Despite its much smaller size, it’s often compared to the city of Paris. Bordeaux’s romantic views, cafe culture, historic architecture, and wineries ensure that visitors have an excellent time. Much like Paris river cruises, Bordeaux cruises are an excellent place for lovers of food and wine.
|
Place de la Bourse, Bourdeaux, France
|
The French culture runs deep through Bordeaux. Voyagers will find amazing architecture -- old and new -- around almost every corner. In addition, tranquil gardens and world-class wineries are a staple of France, and Bordeaux offers plenty of both. Bordeaux trips are much more peaceful than Danube cruises or Rhine voyages. They’re the perfect time to take a step back from the fast lane and immerse oneself in the beauty of France.
Wine in Bordeaux, France |
Bordeaux Photo Gallery |
|
Bordeaux is most famous for its incredible wine. A destination for wine enthusiasts, the Bordeaux wine region features over 6,000 wineries. Some are very small, and family-owned and operated. Other area wineries are much larger, with larger chateaus that have been in business for hundreds of years. Here, we’ve listed some of Bordeaux’s most popular wineries.
Each of these wineries has been highlighted in some shape or form, whether for a rare, well-loved vintage blend or being a game-changing newcomer. If you can fit any of them in on your port excursions, we’d highly recommend it.
Dining in BordeauxThe city of Bordeaux has an impressive food scene. Visitors will find tons of great restaurants and cafes throughout the city. The city is home to over 30 Michelin-starred restaurants, each with its own unique style. It’s not just a great place for French food, as the city has an expansive number of establishments serving up food from other culture’s too.
|
|
One common theme runs through all of Bordeaux’s dining whatever the style -- and that’s excellence. Wherever you go in the entire region, from the city of Bordeaux to its nearby villages, you’ll find outstanding cuisine. If you’re looking for a river cruise perfect for food lovers, Bordeaux is the place to visit.
Famous architecture and sights in Bordeaux
Though not the largest of France’s cities, Bordeaux has brought in a lot of great architecture over the centuries. Visiting the city, you’ll see towering, Gothic cathedrals next to mind-bending modern museums.
One of the first older structures you’ll see near the river is Porte Cailhau. The structure was built in the 1400s to protect Bordeaux, and still stands as an impressive entrance to the city. Another older building is the Palais Rohan, a 1700s palace built for an archbishop. A must see for those intrigued by older architecture is the Grand Theatre, a large building that still shows all kinds of plays, musicals, and concerts.
Though an old city through and through, Bordeaux has a number of great modern architecture examples. The La Cité du Vin is a museum of wine, making it the perfect place to knock out two birds with one stone. The La Méca is an art gallery located on the Garonne riverfront, meant to be a canvas for the city’s resident artists. There’s even more great architecture across the entire city, making it an important spot for architecture aesthetes.
Cruising Bordeaux’s Garonne River
The Garonne provides a scenic backdrop and home base for any cruises visiting Bordeaux. In Bordeaux, the river features an exciting riverfront packed with fun things to get into. Flowing from the Spanish Pyrenees and into the Atlantic Ocean, the river has wonderful wine country and villages all along its route. Bordeaux river cruises are voyages you can really relax on, but still have a chance to see one of France’s most beautiful cityscapes. We can’t recommend them more for those wanting a most peaceful European river voyage.