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 2,803pp
Save 1,162pp

8 Days Bordeaux to Bordeaux

Operator: Viking River Cruises

From 2,799pp
Save 500pp

11 Days Bordeaux to Bordeaux

Operator: Scenic

From 5,795pp
Save 8,895pp

8 Days Bordeaux to Bordeaux

Operator: Avalon River Cruises

From 4,089pp
Save 874pp

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

River Cruise Operators in the BordeauxFeatured Operators View all

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 Rivers70
Budget:Premium
Known For:Scandinavian Design
Fleet Size:94
AmaWaterways
From the moment you step aboard AmaWaterways award-winning ships you'll be welcomed by a dedicated crew committed to making your voyage unforgettable....more Sail through the heart of Europe, Asia, or Africa and explore enchanting destinations while indulging in exquisite, locally inspired cuisine and world-class amenities. AmaWaterways thoughtfully designed excursions immerse you in the rich culture and history of each port with every detail of your itinerary crafted to exceed your expectations and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Bordeaux Rivers158
Budget:Premium
Known For:Twin-Balconies
Fleet Size:29
Uniworld
Once you step onboard the world’s finest and most awarded river cruise line for the first time, we are quite sure the refined luxury onboard our fleet...more will sweep you off your feet. We draw our inspiration for the design philosophy of every one of the 17 ships in our fleet directly from the destination in which they sail. The craftsmanship, the attention to detail, the art onboard, the handcrafted furniture and intricacy of the fabrics are lovingly assembled to be a masterpiece in and of itself. Stepping onboard is to step into a world of beautiful colours and one-of-a-kind details that truly bring your destination to life. Crafting experiences you can’t find anywhere else, means continuing to elevate Uniworld to new heights year after year. From the addition of four new Super Ships in Egypt, Vietnam, Portugal and Italy, to the award winning service that comes from the heart, we’re putting even more emphasis on what’s onboard to enhancing several itineraries to accommodate guest’s diverse tastes for the future. We truly look forward to welcoming our Australian guests onboard.
Bordeaux Rivers98
Budget:Luxury
Known For:Boutique River Cruising
Fleet Size:18

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

Paris & Bordeaux   , WA, Australia, Aug 2025
Well this was a wonderful trip. Two very good river cruises with Avalon. Great food great touring and well organised by tour guide Marco. Thanks to Hannah for yet another well organised river cruise.
Delightful   , VIC, Australia, Jul 2025
Our trip was better than we could have hoped. Viking lived up to its expected reputation with food, drinks, service and entertainment. What was unexpected was the special dining experience off the boat at a chateau, which was delightful. The itinerary looked repetitious on paper, but also worked wonderfully. I would recommend this trip highly.
Relaxing River Cruise in French regions with few other tourists     , SA, Australia, Jul 2025
This being the third Avalon cruise I have booked with Global Journeys through Hannah, I know what to expect. River cruising is the best way to be a tourist and surpasses ocean cruising with 1000s of other passengers. Based around Bordeaux we visited chateaux and villages where there were few tourists, apart from locals, a stark contrast from other parts ...read more of France. Every day there were various options from which to choose. The passengers were mainly retirees, so it was an older crowd compared to a previous Avalon cruise. The focus was strongly on wineries, so would appeal strongly to those that appreciate and understand the finer things in life. In my case, I, however stuck to Orangina. This is the 12th trip that I have booked with Hannah and expect to continue with Global Journeys due to their efficient service.
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.😊

Explore More Your guide to traveling 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,...