A dinner cruise in Bordeaux, one of the most popular wine areas in the world, is a great thing to do when you visit. Located in the southwestern part of the country, the city offers pastoral allure, easy accessibility to the Atlantic Ocean, and brilliant gastronomy.

Bordeaux is unique among other wine regions because it takes visitors deep right into rural France, where people do not mind shopping daily for the evening’s dinner in local markets. Perched on the Garonne River, trips are based in Bordeaux.

The city is fondly referred to as a small Paris for its cosmopolitan vibe. Its UNESCO World Heritage site is a place to visit while it blends beautifully restored historic buildings with a solid waterfront and distinct dining and shopping.

Beyond Bordeaux, most tourism centers on wine chateaus just outside the city, including Haut-Medoc, Margaux, Sauternes, Cognac, and Graves. Some companies offer a dinner tour to Arcachon, a coastal resort town that is one of the country’s top sources of fresh oysters.

The tour itineraries travel on three waterways: the Gironde estuary, Dordogne, and the Garonne, which are highly determined by dramatic tides that influence when vessels can sail. Therefore, the schedule can be inflexible- or can demand to skip planned ports.

Lovers of scenic days on the rivers should bear in mind that the solidity of the area’s compactness means there are only a few opportunities for daylight sailing and dinner cruises. And while the area is impeccably stunning, it lacks the stark, dramatic topography of a Danube River or Rhine River cruise. But for lovers of wine, culinary arts, gorgeous gardens, and palace homes, the city of Bordeaux is bound to satisfy them.

You should take a dinner cruise in Bordeaux because the city is an enchanting place for cruises because of its nice waterways. The city’s culinary credential is second to known as well. When you go for a dinner cruise there, having a tasty local specialty while you take in the awesome views on the cruise is nothing short of magic.

Here Are Some Of The Best Dinner Cruises in Bordeaux:

The Official Dinner-Cruise in Bordeaux 

The authorities in Bordeaux have an official dinner cruise designed for visitors. Visitors can board the SICAMBRE vessel to see Bordeaux along the UNESCO facades and well-lit bridges, while enjoying a scrumptious dinner prepared on board, using fresh and local ingredients.

The cruise is a two-hours bridge along the UNESCO-recognized facades. The dinner is made on-board, so you do not have to worry about its freshness or quality. There is also the chance to discover the city by night and the well-lit quays.

The trip usually starts by 20:00 when participants will board on SICAMBRE, the restaurant boat. By 20:30 is the departure time for the two-hour dinner cruise along the UNESCO facades on the Garonne River. Then Apéritif is served prior to the starter seasons main course, and dessert.

Their menus come differently depending on the season. So if you have gone on a dinner cruise by the operator before now, there is a chance that you are served from a different menu. Coffee, wine, and cheese ‘a la carte’ are available as well. Participants will pass through La Cite du Vin and the lifting bridge after the Pont d’Aquitaine. 22:30 is the returning time.

The tour guide is provided in English and French and allows for only a maximum of 20 passengers. Intending participants should know that the placement is chosen by the Maître D and not them. Facing au n 24 Quai des Chartrons, 33000 Bordeaux, is the meeting point. The dinner cruise costs as low as 58 euro per adult.

Bordeaux Dinner Cruise

The Bordeaux River Cruise operates this special dinner cruise tour. It offers a gourmet cruise along the UNESCO World Heritage waterfront while enjoying a delightful dinner. The meal is made with regional products and is also prepared on-board in the vessel’s own kitchen.

The tour is hosted all year, from Wednesday to Saturday, Sundays in June and September. It kicks off by 8:00 pm and then concludes at 10:30 pm when the boat returns to the pier. To follow this tour, reservation is required.

Their caterer provides nice and delicious regional food for everyone. You will be treated to the best seasonal products from local suppliers. And just to maximize the time, both banks will be discovered on the boat. Though the menu is dependent on the season, each one offers nothing short of quality.

Seasonal Estuaire Menu

Crémant de Bordeaux Soup is the welcome cocktail, and Foie Fras terrine with pear chutney makes up the starter. For the main course, duck breasts, along with pumpkin-chestnuts and its foam, are served. Alternatively, seasonal turbot mushrooms, bacon cream, and its garlic emulsion and parsley are served for the main course, while homemade ice cream and poached pear would go for the dessert.

Seasonal Garonne Menu

This has Gin fizz as its welcome cocktail before tomato goat cheese, and pesto mille-feuilles are served for the starter. The main course includes peas and estuary fish blanquette casserole coconut milk. Dessert is banana-caramel.

Seasonal Vegetarian Menu

A gin fizz is the welcome cocktail, and tomato goat cheese and pesto mille-feuilles will be served for a starter. Participants will be treated to ricotta cannelloni and traditional spinach as the main course, while banana-caramel “mille-feuille” rounds up the show for dessert.

Child Menu

The little ones are not left out on this interesting cuisine tour. Cheese and tomato pie are for the starter while the fried chicken in breadcrumbs with homemade French fries make up the main course. Banana-Caramel is for dessert.

Bordeaux River Dinner Cruise Tips

Be Careful in Selecting Your Cabin

Due to tidal issues, ships- which dock for many nights in the city- are tied up in the same direction. Cabins facing the city can be noisy because the promenade is usually not short of movements and activities. This can hamper privacy, and as such, a river-front cabin could be considered.

Reserve Your Spot Ahead For a Winery Trip

A winery’s trip is an oenophile’s delight. Even though cruise lines offer few stops at wineries, this is not a suitable place for solo travelers unless they have planned in time. The Bordeaux region wine estates are open by appointment only.

Best Time for Bordeaux Dinner Cruise 

March, April, and November are the value season for a Bordeaux river cruise when the weather is variable. But September to October is the best period (also the most comfortable in terms of temperature), while May through August is decent.

Bordeaux Dinner Cruises – Summary

With a gorgeous boat and beautiful cruise, a dinner cruise in Bordeaux will be a revelation to any participant. The menu and wine choice are usually impressive, and the sights are often lovely along the river. A waterway experience in southwestern France couldn’t be better!