Bordeaux (Port de la Lune) Cruise Ship Port Guide

Why Cruise from this Port?

Bordeaux offers something most cruise ports can’t: immediate immersion into authentic French culture without the tourist trap atmosphere of larger ports. You’ll find yourself walking cobblestone streets lined with 18th-century architecture within minutes of disembarking, not battling shuttle buses or overpriced taxis. The city’s compact size means you can easily explore on foot, sample world-class wines, and return to your ship for lunch if the mood strikes.

The positioning is brilliant for river cruises along the Gironde Estuary and Atlantic coastal itineraries. Plus, Bordeaux has invested heavily in sustainable tourism infrastructure, making it increasingly popular with cruise lines seeking environmentally conscious destinations.

As Marie Dubois, Deputy Harbor Master at Port de La Lune, puts it: “We’ve designed our facilities to feel more like a welcoming gateway than a transit point. Passengers often tell us they wish they’d scheduled more time here because the city reveals itself so effortlessly from our doorstep.”

Cruise Terminal Overview

Port de la Lune operates with a refreshingly simple setup – no maze of terminals to navigate or shuttle buses between facilities. The main terminal building handles both river and ocean cruise vessels, though the infrastructure adapts based on ship size and passenger volume.

Transport Options to the Port

Getting to Port de la Lune is remarkably straightforward, especially compared to ports that require complex transfers. The city center location means most transport options are both convenient and affordable.

Parking and Accessibility at the Port

• Short-term parking: Street parking available on Quai des Chartrons, €2-3 per hour, 2-hour maximum
• Long-term parking: Parking Esplanade des Quinconces, €15-20 per day, 5-minute walk to terminal
• Premium parking: Valet services available through select cruise lines, €25-35 per day
• Accessibility features: Wheelchair accessible ramps, designated disabled parking spaces, assistance available upon request
• Insider tip: Park at Place des Grands Hommes garage – it’s covered, secure, and only slightly farther but often cheaper for multi-day stays

Best Restaurants Within Walking Distance

• Le Petit Commerce: Legendary oyster bar, 2-minute walk, cash only, expect queues but worth it
• La Tupina: Rustic southwestern French cuisine, 8-minute walk, book ahead
• Miles: Modern bistro with excellent lunch menu, 5-minute walk, English-friendly
• Chez Dupont: Classic French café, 3-minute walk, perfect for quick coffee and croissants
• Bar à Vin: Wine bar by the École du Vin, 6-minute walk, ideal for pre-cruise tastings

See what’s on offer from the Port of La Rochelle for a different Western France (Atlantic Coast) Cruise destination.

Short Walks and Things to Do Before Boarding

• Place de la Bourse reflection walk: Start at terminal, 800 meters, 10 minutes – iconic water mirror creates stunning photo opportunities, especially at sunset
• Rue Sainte-Catherine shopping stroll: Start at Quai des Chartrons, 1.2 km, 15 minutes – Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping street, perfect for last-minute souvenirs
• Jardin Public escape: Start from terminal, 1 km, 12 minutes – peaceful gardens with botanical collections, ideal for stretching legs before long voyages
• Wine museum visit: Start at Cité du Vin, 600 meters, 8 minutes – architectural marvel with wine tastings, cultural exhibits
• Cathedral Saint-André exploration: Start from terminal, 900 meters, 12 minutes – Gothic masterpiece with separate bell tower, climb for city views

Common Mistakes First-Time Cruisers Make

• Arriving too early: Terminal opens only 3-4 hours before departure – explore the city instead of waiting in queues
• Overdressing for embarkation: Bordeaux’s climate can be unpredictable, dress in layers
• Missing wine shop opportunities: Airport wine shops are expensive – buy local wines near the port before boarding
• Not checking tram schedules: Sunday and evening services run less frequently than expected
• Forgetting restaurant reservations: Popular spots book up quickly, especially during cruise season
• Underestimating walking distances: Cobblestones and rolling luggage don’t mix well – pack smart

Bonus Insider Tips

• Secret timing: Board between 2-3 PM for shortest queues and best cabin steward availability
• Currency hack: Many port-area shops accept cards, but small cafés prefer cash – grab euros from Crédit Agricole ATM near Place de la Bourse
• Weather wisdom: Bordeaux’s Atlantic influence means sudden rain – the terminal has umbrella lending (with deposit)
• Local connection: Download the “Bordeaux Métropole” app for real-time transport, parking, and event information

Emergency Contacts

• Port Authority Emergency: +33 5 56 90 58 58
• Police (Emergencies): 17
• Medical Emergency (SAMU): 15
• Fire Department: 18
• Tourist Police: +33 5 56 99 43 43
• Bordeaux Hospital CHU: +33 5 57 82 12 34
• Pharmacy (24hr) Barrière du Médoc: +33 5 56 95 02 52

Common Questions

Can I store luggage at the port if I arrive early? Yes, but limited space is available. Consider using the city center luggage storage at Gare Saint-Jean station for more flexibility and lower costs.

Are there currency exchange services at the terminal? Basic services only. Better rates available at banks along Cours de l’Intendance, 5-minute walk from port.

How early can I access the ship for river cruises versus ocean cruises? River cruise boarding typically starts earlier (around noon) while ocean cruises usually begin mid-afternoon. Check your specific cruise line’s policies.

Is the port area safe for evening walks? Generally very safe, well-lit and patrolled. The Chartrons district around the port is considered one of Bordeaux’s safest areas.

Can I receive packages at the port? Limited services available through the port authority, but most cruise lines prefer you arrange delivery directly with them in advance.

Port de la Lune represents cruising at its most civilized – no industrial sprawl, no endless transfers, just immediate access to centuries of French culture and world-renowned wine country. It’s the kind of port that makes you wonder why more cities don’t integrate their cruise facilities so seamlessly into their historic hearts. Your biggest challenge won’t be getting to your ship; it’ll be tearing yourself away from those riverside café terraces for the final boarding call.

Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Bassens (Bordeaux area) Cruise Ship Port.