Bordeaux Travel Guide

Gironde Estuary

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The estuary on the Bay of Biscay, in Gironde département, Aquitaine région, southwestern France, formed by the confluence of the Garonne and Dordogne rivers. It trends from southeast to northwest for about 45 miles (72 km) and is navigable for oceangoing vessels, although it has sandbanks and strong tides.

Various specialist facilities of the port of Bordeaux are located along the estuary. Ambès, at the confluence of the Dordogne and the Garonne, handles oil products and other bulk liquids; Blaye, on the right bank, specializes in the export of cereals; Pauillac is an oil port; and Le Verdun-sur-Mer is a container terminal.

The For tified Towns Road

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The region

The Entre-Deux-Mers, the largest of all the Bordeaux vineyards, owes its name to the two rivers surrounding it. It produces a host of wines - lively, fruity, red, rosé and clairet, a wide variety of dry whites to be enjoyed while still young and crisp, plus a range of semi-sweet and sweet white wines. This region is an open invitation to a trip through history - typical fortified towns and abbeys dating from the Middle Ages - and through literature in the footsteps of its famous writers, Montaigne, Mauriac and his Château at Malagar.

Your itinerary

To visit the wine châteaux and for further information, go to the Wine Houses of the appellations .

Route 1 : from the centre of Bordeaux, cross the river and take the D10 towards Cadillac, running along the river. Drive through the Premières Côtes de Bordeaux appellation, producing red and rosé wines, and then the appellations dedicated to sweet white wines, Cadillac, Loupiac and Sainte-Croix-du-Mont. Drive on to Saint Maixant to visit Château Malromé, owned by Toulouse-Lautrec and the neighbouring picturesque village of Verdelais before going on to Saint Macaire and La Réole.

Route 2 : from Bordeaux, cross the river and take the D671 towards Créon, and Sauve-Majeure with its House of Wine of the Entre-Deux-Mers appellation.
Visit the superb 11th century abbey. Drive on to Sauveterre-de-Guyenne to visit its superb fortress then through the vineyards to Monségur. Many vinegrowers offer guest-house accommodation for a stay in the region and to enjoy the local produce in the markets.

Route 3 : cross the river in Bordeaux, then take the D936 to drive through the vineyards to Sainte-Foy-La- Grande, via Branne.

Hiring a houseboat

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You do not need a license to steer a boat!

The boat owner will give you basic instructions before you start your cruise. This will include how to cope with maintenance, how to handle a boat, cruising tips and... how to go through a lock. Most of the time, these instructions are written down in a comprehensive and understandable cruising guidebook "manuel du capitaine" (the captain's manual), which is aboard. Once you have been through this tuition cruise and you have chosen your destination and confirmed your cruising route, you are ready to depart on the waterways at a gentle pace, between 6 km/hour and 8km/hour on canals (10km/hour on rivers).

When you have signed your contract, the professional will give you the "carte de plaisance" (pleasure cruising certificate) which testifies that the boat is insured and in good working order. This certificate is valid for the time of your trip and has to remain on board at all time, along with the other official papers, such as the waterway taxes card related to the payment of taxes inherent to canal holiday cruisers. You will not have to pay any tax when you sail on the river Lot and on the river Balse.

Which type of boat?

You will find a wide range of boats In terms of comfort and room. Some boats offer more inner space and others will favour outer space. The owners usually give you a brochure to take your choice.

These houseboats are as comfortable as a house and combine comfort and functionality. Each one has at least individual cabins, a bathroom (with shower and hot water), flush toilets, a well-equipped modern galley and heating.

Sheets, blankets and other house linen are usually already on board. You can hire bicycles to explore the countryside or go shopping. Car parking is provided. Some companies can ensure your car transfer when you book a one-way trip.
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The Canal from the River Rhone to Sete

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From Sete to Beaucaire

Here is a maritime itinerary, which is a long ramble along the Mediterranean coast, taking you downstream, serenely, from Sete, where the Canal runs along the lagoons, beaches and seaside resorts, to Beaucaire, at the door of Provence. A pink cloud of flamingos brightens the hoiizon, the rustling reeds are ccvered by the gallopping hoofs of Camarguais horses, bulls and gardians (local ccw beys) live together in a legendaiy osmosis.

It is time to rest, for the body as well as for the soul. The lagoons present a peaceful sight, made moreimpressive by the wonderful cathedral of Maguelone, papal fief at the XIIth century Aigues-Moites has become famous because of its remains, and Saint Louis took to the Crusade from its ramparts. Nearby the modem architecture of La Grande Motte, has opened new horizons. After tlie calm landscapes of small Camargue, the lovely little port of Beaucaire lets everybody knew that it is as lively as in the XVIIIth century, during which the "Foire de la Madeleine" (kind of scone festival) made it become rich and famous.

The Canal du Midi

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From Carcassonne to the Thau lagoon

District Area from the Somail to Sete, towards Beziers, the Bassin de Thau, and the coast of LanguedocWhen you leave the City of Carcassonne the meandering Canal Royal plays with an environment of wide expanses of vineyards reminding us that we are in the first area for wine production, such as Cabardes, Minervois, Corbieres, all AOC (controlled origin). In the waters of the Canal you will see the reflection of wonderful villages, Colombiers, Poilhes... When approaching Beziers sailing through the 9 locks of Fonseranes or gliding on the Canal Bridge, the city looks quite spectacular. The Enserune hillfort, the old fishermen's village of Marseillan. And now Sete the favourite island of Paul Valery, the philosopher and poet born here, then the Etang de Thau (a lagoon) waiting for the gourmets to visit and enjoy the oyster farms products.

The area from the Somail to Port-la-Nouvelle an old branch of the river Aude, converted into a canal In the XVIIth century, and the joining Canal, which was developed a century later, opened a new waterway from the Somail to Narbonne and further towards Port-la-Nouvelle. In Salleles d'Aude the elegant mansions let their admirers enjoy their reflection in the Canal. Amphoralis, with its museum for Gallo Roman pottery, shows through its modern architecture that it lias definitively entered future. The extraordinary "epanchoir" of Gailhousty, (kind of overflow) listed in the National Trust, tells us we are near Narbonne, the capital during the Roman Times. To get to the seaside resort of Port la Nouvelle, you have to go through wide wild pieces of ground, the Lagoons of Baizes and Sigean and you can catch a glimpse of the lush vegetation of Sainte Lucie island, nearby.

The Canal du Midi

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From Tolouse to Carcassonne

It had already occurred to the Romans to link the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, an unfulfilled dream, of course! However, in 1662, Pierre-Paul Riquet, fascinated by the Montagne Noire that he used to pace up and down, managed to convince Louis XIV and Colbert. Then the Canal Royal started the first hours of its history. It took 12 000 workers and more than 14 years to achieve this 240 km canal, fed by a unique hydraulic system and punctuated by 350 works of art. The "rigole of Riquet" was opened In 1681 and In 1996 classified as world heritage by the U.N.E.S.C.O. The original trading purpose has changed into a major tourist attraction. Sailing on the "Canal du Midi" will always bring the same happiness, while watching the magical reflection of the hundred-year-old plane trees in the waters.

Toulouse, the ever lasting red brick city, that Claude Nougaro, born here, sings so successfully, hides many secrets in its enchanted little historical squares and in the choir of the famous basilique Saint Sernin. The waters flow serenely like a fairy tale that feeds the imagination of adults as well as children...Sunflowers and wheat gently quiver in the breeze, followed by vineyards promising bewitching and heady wines. The "Seuil de Naurouze", a parting place where the rivers flee respectively towards the Mediterranean or the Ocean, gives way to Castelnaudary well renowned for its food. Its "Grand Bassin" is as interesting as the art of cooking the famous "cassoulet". We will come back to History with the Ramparts of the city of Carcassonne, the wonderful medieaval town, with its stoned narrow streets and charming shops, restored in the XIXth century by the architect Viollet Le Due.

The Canal of Garonne

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From Agen to Tolouse

The marvellous combination between Nature and History is an invitation to visit the local ait of living and Romanesque Art. It is a new adventure marked by discoveries and sensual pleasures. Senses are thrilled by small images between sweet Agen and Toulouse, the capital of Midi-Pyrenees. Agen, which has always treated gourmands to its dried plums of Ente, can also change itself into stone with the Canal Bridge, rich with its 23 arches, that you will pass on arriving. There are only a few hours of navigation between the Church of Jacobins in Agen and the Church of Jacobins in Toulouse. But, in between, wonderful stops will mark your way, such as the Abbey of Moissac. This resplendent Romanesque "Abbaye" built in the XIIth century is well known beyond the French frontiers.

You will be greatly moved at the sight of Montauban, mother of the South West bastides, and birthplace of two famous artists, Emile Antoine Bourdelle and Jean-Auguste Dominique Ingres. This museum-town retains in its heart an extaordinary collection of sketches, paintings, sculptures of its local artists. This immersion in creativity leads you straight on to Montech water sluice, (pente d'eau) a unique system in the world. As fortune never comes singly, you will be offered the most prestigious product of the terroir: the golden Chasselas grapes matured on the hillsides of the Tarn and Garonne, putting a final touch to that horn of plenty, so rich with delicious fruit: cherries, apples, pears, strawberries, greengages. Do not miss any gourmand stop off on the small square of a village, a real bright coloured postcard with a full scented market.

The river Baise

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From Buzet-sur-Baise to Valence-sur-Baise

Between Valence-sur-Baise and Condom you will sail past beautiful rolling landscapes and historical places castles and fortified villages. All along the medieval centuries ecclesiastical and feudal alliances resulted in building quite interesting monuments and villages in the Baise valley. You will enjoy visiting the wonderful bastide of Valence-sur-Baise, founded in the XIIth century, as well as Vianne. Here was the foremost place for glassmaking and there is still a glass blower whose workshop is worth a visit. On the bank of the Baise, the superb Cistercian Abbey of Flaran deserves a stopoff, as well as the local cuisine which gastronomes will enjoy.

Then Condom, its cellars and its traditional production of Armagnac that connoisseurs consider as the best of all brandies, Lectoure, a town of Art and History, Vic Fezensac, so fond of bulls and horses with famous Summer festivals. It is the birthplace of some well known characters too. D'Artagnan, born Charles de Batz de Castelmore, in Lupiac, a famous Musketeer, was immortalized by Alexandre Dumas. Arriving in Buzet you will immediately be taken to the renowned cellars of that very famous wine AOC. In that land of sunshine, historic memories will attract the traveller to Nerac. Here the impetuous Henri of Navarre (Henri the Fourth) spent his boyhood in the family chateau des Albret. Do not forget, you will never be able to leave before you have tasted the rich cooking of Gascony.

The river Lot

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From Aiguillon to Saint-Cirq-Lapopie

Here you will be offered the choice between two representations, either grand landscapes or delicious nectars, glorifying Bacchus! The first itinerary stretches through the orchards and the tobacco fields from the beautiful Villeneuve-sur-Lot to Aiguillon. Do not miss Penne d'Agenais, a little way out. The second route will take you near the impressive limestone sentries guarding Saint-Cirq-Lapopie! Perched at the top of the cliffs, the village commands the Lot Valley.

You can have a walk on the towpath, cut in the huge blocks in 1877. It rises above the river for more than one km (1/2 mile). You will proceed to Cahors by easy stages, seeing old chapels or nautical stopover on your way. At last the medieval bridge of Valentre, which has spanned the Lot for more than six hundred years now, will appear. Little by little the landscape changes, the Lot meanders lazily, watering wide expanses of vineyards, the terroir of Cahors wine, the most important in Midi-Pyrenees.

The Canal of Garonne

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From Castets-en-Dorthe to Agen

Little by little vineyards give place to lands of plenty. In the plain of Marmandais, you can have as much fruit as you wish, full of a generous sunny weather. The Lot et Garonne, "producer of holidays" as it calls itself, grows gorgeous peaches, juicy melons, fragrant strawberries, and other enjoyable foods. Perched on a terrace overlooking the river, you can catch a glimpse of "Le Mas d'Agenais", the halting-place on the road to Compostelle, the famous pilgrimage, worldwide renowned for the painting of Rembrandt hidden in the choir of the Romanesque Church. The architecture of the villages stands in harmony with the geometry of the orchards and the rectilinear fields.

It is most interesting to stop and visit the old fortified castles (bastides) built between the XIIth and the XIVth centuries, to disccver this country while sailing along. You will stroll In a maze of narrow streets, lined with old stone houses, with fortified churches, and angle-posted squares. After a glass of the red wine of Buzet, you will soon get to Agen, the first important town after leaving Bordeaux. The famous "Pont Canal" (bridge and canal at the same time!) that spans the Garonne helps the pilot on his way. After eating a few prunes, you will be led into a giddy round of marvellous things to admire in the town that has been elected "the happiest town in France".

The River Garonne

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From Bordeaux to Castets-en-Dorthe

When you hear the word Bordeaux your mouth waters and your nose fills with those various marvellous enjoyable fragrances and you will be carried away with the best beverage In the world... the wine of Bordeaux. Here is the beginning of our great sailing adventure In the South of France. Here is the paradox of these waters frisking about, in the veiy heart of a world where vine reigns supreme. Our history starts In Bordeaux, prettily named "Port de la Line" (Harbour of the Moon), because of the sketch drawn by the river In its centre, and will come with us all along the river. You will read it in the castles and palaces around: from the castle of "Vayres" built in the Middle Ages to the palace of "Louvieres", an elegant, neo classical building erected during the Revolution.

You will see it in the vineyards that have generated an important international trade for centuries, and the growing progress of famous estates such as Chateau Yquem on the lands of Sauternes. There is the environment, too, those beautiful landscapes with the Pyrenees as a background, far off mountains from where the river Garonne springs. Everything, here, is passion and the sweet things of life and, Montesquieu, who used to enjoy and love this country so deeply, would not disagree. As he wrote: "In those places they create a powerful art of living".

From the Atlantic to the Mediterranean

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What a fabulous story the building of the "Canal du Midi" was! It was achieved by Pierre Paul Riquet at the end of the XVIIth century and completed, in 1856 by the "Canal Lateral" (side canal) joining the river Garonne, called nowadays "Canal de Garonne". This junction allowed the creation of an important commercial waterway, which had been expected for quite a long time in the South of Europe, between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. The rivers Lot and BaTse, although they are partly navigable, now wild, now majestic, complete this vast water system.
Today you will see new boats but the country is as attractive as it used to be and Rivers and Canals keep surprising holiday makers who have set out to explore the area off the beaten tracks. The navigable waterway promises rich quiet and original holidays, combining different and beautiful landscapes with the warm welcome and help of the local people. The navigation sectors presented in this brochure are perfectly adapted to waterway tourism. Some other rivers, partly navigable, such as the Dordogne, the Isle, the Adour and the river Tarn, as well as the Gironde estuary, the widest in Europe, deserve a call too.

The Aquitaine bridge

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Every day nearly 90.000 vehicles use the Aquitaine bridge to travel across the Garonne river, thus relieving the traffic flow passing through Bordeaux's city centre. In 1999 the Highway Authority decided to replace the bridge's entire suspension and to widen the road deck, whilst maintaining normal traffic flow during the construction work. For the realisation of some of this important work the Vinci Construction group, and in particular the Baudin Châteauneuf company, employed Enerpac technology.
The Aquitaine bridge, France's second largest suspension bridge, was inaugurated in 1967. It comprises three spans measuring 143, 394 and 143 metres respectively. Its effective road surface is 20 metres wide and is suspended 53 metres above the river. The deck weighs 11.460 tonnes (metal frame and superstructure). The suspension weighs 1900 tonnes and the support pylons are 104 metres high.

Bordeaux, Bergerac, Armagnac, the South-West

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From prestigious Bordeaux to distinctive local wines, the south-west of France can lay claim to great diversity. A city, a river, a vineyard… Bordeaux, the capital of one of the most prestigious wine-producing regions on the planet, bids you welcome! From its UNECSO world heritage site cathedrals, its 18th-century architecture, its Grand Théâtre, town hall and quayside walks, the riverside city distills a unique charm full of elegance.After a stroll along the Garonne, set off in discovery of a few of the 57 appellations contrôlées (regulated high-quality wines) produced by the Bordeaux vineyards.

Your first stop within the city is the Conseil Interprofessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux, an organisation promoting Bordeaux wines. In addition to detailed documentation, you can discover all the subtlety of Bordeaux wines at a tasting session or take a course at the Wine School.And now, en route for some practical work! Head for Sainte-Croix-du-Mont. At the foot of the château, a tasting cellar presents the sweet white wines that have made the village's reputation. Nearby are the Sauternes vineyards, which need no introduction. Château Yquem and Château de Malle are two prestigious vintages. A jewel among mediaeval towns in Aquitaine, Saint-Emilion is famous for the finesse of its high-quality wines, but also for the beauty of its location. Don't miss a visit to the remarkable underground church, and it is worth climbing the 187 steps up the clock tower to admire the view of the surrounding area, a UNESCO world heritage site. If you fall for the charms of the place, visit the Saint-Emilion Excellence tourist agency, which can put together a tailored stay combining exploration of the vineyards with good living. Before Libourne, take a detour to Pomerol, which produces one of the most sought-after wines of the region.

Next, cross the Dordogne towards Bordeaux. In Beychac-et-Caillau, a visit to the Maison des Bordeaux et Bordeaux Supérieur is not to be missed. The immense cellar reveals the prodigious variety of Bordeaux reds, whites and rosés.Having crossed the Garonne, travel along the Gironde estuary to explore Haut-Médoc, which, echoing with the sweet names of Château Margaux, Mouton-Rothschild and Lafite-Rothschild, evokes the labels yellowed by time of ageless vintages. Feel like breathing a little sea air? Head for the nearby coast, lined with an immense pine forest, which houses the elegant seaside resorts of Lacanau and, further south, Arcachon.

After this stunning Bordeaux circuit, head off in discovery of the wines of the South-West, starting in Bergerac. Located 119 km east of Bordeaux, the small town on the banks of the Dordogne welcomes you to its mediaeval streets leading to the port and the Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins de la Région de Bergerac, which promotes Bergerac's wines. Established in an old cloister, it presents the great wealth of this wine-producing region. On the slopes overlooking the Dordogne, the wine-producers will be only too happy to let you sample a fruity red called the Pécharmant. Monbazillac wines rule further south, where the town's impressive château dominates the plain. Bergerac, Montravel, Rosette, Saussignac… sample them all in the shade of the cellars.Further south again is Duras, which will seduce you with its magnificent château and its vineyards near Bordeaux. In Marmande, take the Agen direction. On the slopes lining the Garonne are the vineyards of Buzet, dominated by meaty reds.
The route then turns south towards Pau, where a surprise awaits. The Jurançon, a white wine in both dry and sweet varieties, much appreciated by connoisseurs, is produced at the foot of the Pyrenees.

From here, take the motorway to the "pink city" of Toulouse, the gateway to some vineyards of great character, the Gaillac towards Albi, the Fronton south of Montauban and finally the pearl of south-western wines, the Cahors, to be savoured with truffles and red meat in the restaurants of the capital of Lot.

touristic routes

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Art & Wine - Itinerary for Medoc lovers

Three wine chateaux owners of Medoc, Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, Lynch Bages à Pauillac and Château d'Arsac in Arsac offer the possibility to discover the history of their vineyard, to taste their wines and present their love for Art by visiting their exhibitions.

Ten prestigious great growths, distinguished by the 1855 Classification, will exceptionally open to the public. Every Wednesday, three chateaux in turn show their wines, terroirs and the history of this classification.

Chateau Branaire-Ducru (Saint-Julien)
Chateau Cantemerle (Haut Medoc)
Chateau Cantenac Brown (Margaux)
Chateau Ferriere (Margaux)
Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste (Pauillac)
Chateau d'lssan (Margaux)
Chateau Kirwan (Margaux)
Chateau Lascombes (Margaux)
Chateau Leoville Barton (Saint-Julien)
Chateau Pontet-Canet (Pauillac)

From 3rd May to 25th October 2006: every Wednesday

Program
Full-day guided coach tour (French and English) leaving from Bordeaux:
9.15 a.m. Departure Bordeaux Tourist Office.
visit of two properties and tasting.
1.00 p.m. Lunch "au chateau",
visit of one property and tasting in the afternoon.
6.30 p.m. Back to Bordeaux.

leisure

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accommodation

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events

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partner links

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Welcome to Bordeaux

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Bordeaux is located near the European Atlantic coast, in the south west of France and in the north of the Aquitaine region. The city is built on an arch of the river Garonne, and is thus divided into two parts: the right bank to the East and left bank in the West. Historically, the left bank is the most developed of the three. In Bordeaux, the Garonne River is accessible to the ocean liners.
Bordeaux has a reputation for producing some of the world’s great wines, the majority of Bordeaux wine is produced to be drunk straight from the shelf. This is what this selection is all about, the very best “everyday” Bordeaux wines without the fuss!
Tourism is a fast growing industry in Bordeaux. The city and the beautiful Aquitaine region surrounding it hope to attract more and more visitors in the coming years. Bordeaux attracts 3 million visitors each year.