Bordeaux River Cruises

Embark on a leisurely Bordeaux river cruise along the Garonne and Dordogne rivers and the Gironde estuary. Immerse yourself in French gastronomy as you take life one day, and one vineyard, at a time. Indulge your palate at châteaux and local markets and be treated to beautiful scenery. Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites, wander cobblestone streets and cycle the back roads of Bordeaux on a French river cruise.

Popular River Cruises View all

8 Days Bordeaux to Bordeaux

Operator: Uniworld River Cruises

From 3,071
Save 2,536

11 Days Bordeaux to Bordeaux

Operator: Scenic

From 5,638
Save 2,575

8 Days Bordeaux to Bordeaux

Operator: Viking River Cruises

From 4,252
Save 1,067

21 Days Bordeaux to Madrid

Operator: Scenic

From 13,355
Save 2,735

The Rivers of the Bordeaux

The Rivers of the Bordeaux

Wine and Waterways

Bordeaux is synonymous with wine, and cruising on its rivers - primarily the Garonne and Dordogne - offers unparalleled access to some of the world’s most renowned vineyards. Take a vineyard tour right from the port and enjoy tastings of Bordeaux’s famous reds and whites.

The Gironde Estuary

This is where the Garonne and Dordogne rivers meet, forming one of the most expansive estuaries in Europe. Its waters are a unique mix of salt and freshwater, creating a diverse ecosystem. Be on the lookout for the region’s specific fishing huts, known as 'carrelets,' perched on stilts.

Historical Richness

The rivers run through areas steeped in history, from ancient Roman ruins to medieval fortresses. Towns like Blaye offer glimpses of centuries-old architecture right from the river, such as the 17th-century Citadelle de Blaye, designed by the famed engineer Vauban.

Seasonal Timing

Spring and Autumn offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Bordeaux's vineyards are especially picturesque during the Autumn harvest season from late September to late October.

River Cruise Operators in the BordeauxFeatured Operators View all

Scenic
With Scenic, it’s more than a 5-star river cruise...it’s a seamless journey from start to finish that places you, our guest, at the heart of everything...more we do. It’s taking you to extraordinary regions and immersing you in meaningful and enriching experiences. It’s exquisite cuisine, indulgent wellness, and a world-class team who will anticipate your every need. You'll find the difference is in the details with Scenic: the innovative ship design, expertly trained crew, immersive journey, and an unrivalled focus on health and safety protocols.
Bordeaux Rivers107
Budget:Premium & Luxury
Known For:Luxury Cruising
Fleet Size:14
Viking
A Viking river cruise is the discerning traveller’s dream. Whether you choose to visit Egypt, Asia, Europe or the Mississippi, our itineraries are designed...more to immerse you in the history and culture of each destination. With us, you could be exploring a local food market with our head chef one day and experiencing an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of a world-famous museum the next. Our state-of-the-art ships take you right into the heart of each destination, and you won’t find any kids or ‘nickel and diming’ on board. In fact, our fares include everything you need - from meals, beverages and Wi-Fi to a culturally enriching shore excursion at every port of call. This unique combination of features has become affectionately known as ‘the Viking difference’. Viking has 70 award-winning river ships sailing all over the world, and we can’t wait to welcome you on board to discover the Viking difference for yourself.
Bordeaux Rivers93
Budget:Premium
Known For:Scandinavian Design
Fleet Size:74
Avalon
One of our favourite sayings that describes Avalon Waterways is ‘the possibilities are as wide open as the views’. From Europe to the Galapagos and Asia,...more you can cruise in relaxed luxury with Avalon Waterways, with choices as unique as you. Avalon offers you a range of choices from excursions, dining options, activities that help you tailor your experience. Just imagine gliding away down the world’s most spectacular rivers, all while enjoying a unique vantage point from your own private oasis. Our floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in our suites blur the line between where the world ends, and your suite begins; allowing you to experience the world less seen from the comfort of your bed. This is river cruising from a unique point of view.
Bordeaux Rivers68
Budget:Premium
Known For:Panorama Suites
Fleet Size:16

Discover Must do experiences and highlights in the Bordeaux region

Château Dining

Château Dining

Enjoy a meal at an age-old château, owned by consecutive generations who have perfected regional recipes and wine making techniques that will leave your palate aquiver.

Cycle the Route de la Corniche Fleurie

Cycle the Route de la Corniche Fleurie

Pedal your way along the riverside paths and charming roads that weave through scenic countryside and quaint villages between Blaye and Bourg.

Oui, Chef!

Oui, Chef!

Shop the local food markets of Bordeaux and be guided on French cooking techniques as you whip up (and devour) a deliciously authentic meal.

Saint-Émilion

Saint-Émilion

This picturesque medieval village is enshrined as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and nestled amongst sprawling vineyards. Its fine wine is matched by its stunning architecture, led by its Monolithic Church piercing the skyline.

A Glass Among the Vines

A Glass Among the Vines

Breathe in the scent of woody barrels hanging in the cool cellar air, raise a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon in the vineyards of Médoc and sip a dessert wine in amidst the twisting vines of the Sauternes region.

Recent Reviews What our clients are saying about their cruises through the Bordeaux region

8 DAY CHATEAUX, RIVERS & WINE     , VIC, Australia, Nov 2023
Our Viking river cruise far exceeded our expectations. The crew provided exceptional service, the food was sensational the tour guides were professional, fun & informative, and the comfortable cabins were spacious and cleaned regularly. We will only book with Viking for future cruises and definitely recommend them to our friends. We also wanted to ...read more thank Georgie from Global Journeys for her great communication and help with our Viking holiday including organising our flights to ensure we have a seamless experience.😊
Enjoyable Bordeaux Cruise   , SA, Australia, Oct 2023
We didn't get off to a good start as the included transfer to the ship was 40 minutes late to meet us at Bordeaux airport but things improved from there. Overall the cruise was very good and well organized. The ship is in good condition and the cabin was well appointed, comfortable and very well serviced. The cabin size however is on the small side ...read more compared to other river cruise companies we have cruised with but we knew that when we booked and we know that you don't spend a lot of time in the cabin other than sleeping. The bathroom however was tight.

The food and service was very good and drinks were free flowing. The included excursions were all very good and the guides for the excursions were excellent. The passenger mix was about 50% Americans with the balance comprising Australians, British and Malaysians. We did enjoy the cruise but for a cruise longer than 8 days we would choose a river cruise company with larger cabins.
Unbelievable Uniworld   , WA, Australia, Sep 2022
If you are looking for a luxury cruise then Uniworld is the one. The Bordeaux, France, cruise is excellent for first time wine buff's to this famed area. The boat has had a very nice fit out and the lounge, dining room, top deck and cabins are a delight to be in. The food matched with Bordeaux wines was excellent, and there is always a number of choices ...read more for all palates. The cabins are fitted out with luxurious bedding and linens to ensure the best nights sleep. We thoroughly recommend this cruise and Uniworld.
Scenic Tour Portugal, Spain & Bordeaux river cruise in France   , SA, Australia, Sep 2019
Our booking through Global Journeys was all via email and went very smoothly, without any hitches. We would not hesitate to book with them once again and in fact already have!! The Scenic 21 Day Western Discovery Tour was very well organised and all went well. The Bordeaux River cruise varied a little from the original program, but this part of the ...read more tour depends on tides and water levels. We saw everything that was listed in the programme and more, but just not in the same order as listed. Scenic is a very professional team and we have travelled with them several times before and certainly will do again. They may be a little more expensive than some other tour companies, but we would recommend them to everyone.

Explore More Your guide to travelling through Bordeaux

Bordeaux's Waterways & Wine

07 November, 2023

Bordeaux's Waterways & Wine

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...