Bordeaux, France Luxury Cruises

Overview

A vibrant city known best for its wines and fine restaurants, Bordeaux is a popular choice for shore excursions. Your cruise ship will dock right in Bordeaux or, if it’s larger, at a wider part of the river approximately twenty minutes away.

The waterfront is particularly beautiful, with elaborate French architecture and beautiful landscaped parks. Restaurants looking out over the water are ideal for al fresco dining and romantic meals, making Bordeaux a perfect shore excursion for honeymooners and those celebrating an anniversary.

Sightseeing in Bordeaux

A Bordeaux shore excursion is one to be used wisely, if you’d like to fit everything in. You’ll want to sample some of the best wines in the world, and to enjoy gourmet dining in one of the city’s restaurants. Often nicknamed ‘Little Paris’, the city has no skyscrapers and is relatively flat which makes it particularly easy to navigate. If you’d prefer not to walk, you can hire bikes or can hop on and off the Bordeaux trams when you reach points of interest:

Vineyards: Bordeaux’s vineyards are what the city is famed for. Tours are provided at many, and give you a wonderful opportunity to sample some very high quality wines. A majority of vineyards have on-site shops, where you can pick up a bottle of wine to enjoy on your cruise or to take home as a souvenir.

Basilique Saint-Michel: The Basilica of St. Michael is an impressive Gothic church located in the heart of the city. Climbing the tower, with almost 250 steps, gives you a panoramic view that you won’t want to miss.

Musee D'Art Contemporain: The Museum of Contemporary Art in Bordeaux has regularly changing exhibits. Even if you’ve been before, you’ll have a whole new experience if you go again. There are many contemporary art installations, and the museum is open six days a week and closed on Mondays.

Shopping in Bordeaux

Most people can’t imagine leaving Bordeaux without at least one bottle of wine. Whether you plan to enjoy them on your cruise, or take them home as gifts for friends and family, you’ll want to pay a visit to the city’s wine shops or to one of Bordeaux’s vineyards. Other shops that you might want to visit sell crafts, homewares, fashion accessories and clothing.

Don’t forget to visit the city’s markets, which sell local foods as well as crafts, books and pieces of art. To accompany your wine, you’ll find a number of lovely cheese and chocolate shops.

Eating Out in Bordeaux

Known for its fine dining, Bordeaux offers a wonderful selection of restaurants and bars. Many are located on the waterfront, with bistro seating overlooking the river. As you dine you can watch the passing boats, or lights dancing off the water’s surface after the sun has set. This is the perfect place for a romantic meal, or a family dinner.

You’ll be able to choose from an extensive selection of world cuisines. African, Italian, Chinese, Indian and Arabian restaurants can be found amongst those serving traditional French and fusion dishes. Surrounding the city you’ll find an abundance of rural land, where animals are raised for the plate ensuring that restaurants serve fresh, locally sourced meats of the highest quality. Treat yourself to a cake following your meal, and don’t forget to savour the fresh breads served as an accompaniment at most Bordeaux restaurants.