Bordeaux's Waterways & Wine

07 November, 2023

Nestled in the southwest of France, lies Bordeaux - a region renowned for its gastronomic prowess and world-class wines. Be treated to breathtaking views of lush vineyards, historic châteaux, and charming villages that dot the landscape. With a unique blend of natural beauty and culinary delights, a Bordeaux River Cruise should be at the top of your bucket list.

TIDAL RIVERS

An interesting feature of Bordeaux's rivers is that, unlike most other European rivers, these are tidal. The Garonne and Dordogne rivers converge on the Gironde estuary, creating the largest estuary in Western Europe. At first glance this backdrop can appear somewhat unattractive due to its "café au lait" (milky coffee) colouring, but this is what makes the region so productive!

The fact is Bordeaux's rivers often appear brown due to sediment and organic matter suspended in the water, which is a result of the rivers' drainage through the surrounding landscape. Boasting rich soil and thriving agricultural activity, it's not hard to believe that this is the ideal foundation for vineyards, with the Bordeaux region renowned world-wide for its production of exceptional wines.

Bordeaux's Food & Wine Heritage

Bordeaux is celebrated as a culinary paradise, with the region offering an exquisite array of food and wine experiences. Savour gourmet meals prepared with locally-sourced ingredients, and let's not forget the wines. Bordeaux is, after all, one of the world's most famous wine regions.

With over 7,000 wineries producing more than 900 million bottles per vintage, you can be sure to indulge in your fair share while cruising the rivers here. You'll have the chance to sample exceptional wines right at their source, with visits to appellations across the Left and Right Banks of Bordeaux, including Médoc, Margaux, Sauternes, Bourg, Blaye and Saint-Émilion.

A river cruise through Bordeaux offers a delightful mix of natural beauty, culinary excellence, and regional experiences. It's the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the heart of France's wine country and create memories that will last a lifetime.