Bordeaux was built for the river, and the best way to understand its shape is from the water. The crescent bend of the Garonne that earned the city its nickname, the Port of the Moon, is lined with an unbroken run of 18th-century stone facades, and from a boat you see the whole sweep at once: the Place de la Bourse, the spires of the old town, the elegant brick arches of the Pont de Pierre and, downstream, the soaring towers of the Pont Jacques Chaban-Delmas, whose central deck lifts to let tall ships pass. Further on come the Chartrons quays, La Cité du Vin and the wartime submarine base. This 90-minute cruise is run by Croisières Burdigala and departs from the pontoon on Quai Richelieu, in the heart of the city. A live guide comments in English and French, the boat is wheelchair accessible and you can cancel or reschedule until six hours before. Drinks are not included on this version. This page links to the Tiqets booking.
How to visit: the boat leaves from Quai Richelieu, behind the Maison Éco-Citoyenne, a short walk from the Place de la Bourse; show your ticket at the pontoon entrance at 186 Quai Richelieu. Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure, so do not cut it fine. Departure times vary with the season and the tides, and winter schedules are lighter, so choose your slot when you book.
What to expect: the commentary covers the history of the port, the wine trade and the architecture you pass, and the cruise gives you perspectives you cannot get from the quays, especially of the bridges. In November dress warmly and expect a breeze on deck, though there is usually covered seating. The river is wide and brown with estuary silt, which surprises some first-time visitors.
Making the most of it: take the cruise early in your stay to get your bearings, then walk the riverside promenade afterwards. If you would like a canelé and a drink on board, Tiqets sells a separate version that includes them, as well as combinations with the Bassins des Lumières and La Cité du Vin.
What to expect
The experience
A 90-minute narrated boat trip on the Garonne with a live guide speaking English and French.
Best time
Late afternoon for warm light on the facades, or early in your trip to get your bearings.
How long
About an hour and a half, plus 30 minutes for boarding.
Tips
Arrive at the Quai Richelieu pontoon half an hour before departure and bring a warm layer for the open deck in winter.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-time visitors who want to see the whole Port of the Moon and its bridges in one go.
- Families
- A relaxed outing for all ages, with wheelchair access and plenty to point at.
- Couples
- Pair a late-afternoon sailing with dinner in the old town afterwards.
- Pair with
- A walk across the Place de la Bourse, or the Bassins des Lumières as a Tiqets combination.
- Time needed
- Two hours including boarding.
Good questions
Where does the Garonne cruise depart from?+
It departs from Quai Richelieu, behind the Maison Éco-Citoyenne, with the pontoon entrance at 186 Quai Richelieu. Boarding starts 30 minutes before departure.
How long is the cruise?+
The cruise lasts about an hour and a half. Allow extra time for boarding.
What language is the commentary in?+
A live guide gives commentary in English and French. The commentary covers the port, the bridges and the wine trade.
Are drinks included on the cruise?+
No, this version includes the cruise and commentary only. Tiqets sells a separate version with a drink and a canelé.
Can I cancel the Garonne cruise?+
Yes, you can cancel or reschedule until six hours before departure. The boat is also wheelchair accessible.
