Bandol Cruise Ship Port Guide

How to get to the port, by air, train, road

Getting to Bandol’s port is straightforward with three main ways to arrive. Take your pick between air, train or car travel.

1. By Air: Land at Marseille Provence Airport (MRS), which sits 70km from Bandol. From there, grab a taxi or hire a car for the 1-hour journey to the port.
2. By Train: Bandol train station is a mere 800 metres from the port. You can catch direct trains from Paris, Marseille and other big French cities. It’s a 10-minute stroll or 3-minute taxi ride to the cruise terminal.
3. By Road: If you’re coming by car, take the A50 motorway and follow the Bandol exit. Look for signs pointing to “Port de Bandol.” You’ll spot paid parking areas near the terminal, with both short-term and long-term spots available.

Port Parking Options

The port at Bandol has three parking areas for cruise guests. Zone A is right by the terminal – it’s pricey but good for quick stays up to 4 hours. Zone B is a bit further out (400 metres from the port entrance) and works well for parking between 4-24 hours, with more reasonable prices.

If you’re going on a cruise and need long-term parking, Zone C is your best bet. It’s 800 metres from the terminal, has a roof to protect your car, and comes with the lowest weekly rates. There’s a handy shuttle bus that runs to and from the port. You can book your space ahead of time on the port’s website or just pay at the machines when you get there. Keep your ticket where everyone can see it on your dashboard. Just remember – Zone A gets packed during the busy summer months from June to September.

Local Transport & Transfers

Getting around Bandol is straightforward once you’ve parked or reached the port. The local buses connect the cruise port to the town centre and neighbouring areas, running every half hour in peak season. You’ll spot taxi ranks just outside the terminal, with set fares to main spots.

1. A free port shuttle runs from 8 AM to 6 PM between the cruise terminal and Bandol’s centre every 15 minutes.
2. Trains from Bandol station will get you to Marseille (45 minutes) or Toulon (20 minutes).
3. From April to October, water taxis zip between beautiful coastal towns like Sanary-sur-Mer and Six-Fours-les-Plages – quite a lovely way to travel.

Port Terminal Facilities

The handy port terminal in Bandol might be small, but it has everything you need. You’ll spot a currency exchange, tourist info desk and free Wi-Fi throughout the main area. There are decent loos, a little café for snacks, and a shop selling local bits and bobs from Provence.

You can store your bags in the left luggage room for a small charge. The air-conditioned waiting space has comfy seats and spots to charge your phone and other gadgets. Need help? Pop over to the information counter where the staff speak English. Though it’s not as big as other Mediterranean port terminals, it’s kept in good nick and has all the basics sorted for when you’re coming or going on your cruise.

Things to Do Before Your Cruise in a Day

Fancy a brilliant day in Bandol? Start with a morning walk along the palm-lined Quai Charles de Gaulle, where local fishermen sell their catch straight from the boats at the harbour market. You’ll feel right at home in this lovely seaside town’s genuine Provençal atmosphere.

1. Pop down to Bandol’s lovely sandy beach for a swim in the crystal-clear Mediterranean or simply laze in the sun before your cruise sets off
2. Nip over to the well-known Bandol wine cellars near the port to sample the area’s fantastic rosé wines and learn about the local wine-making
3. Wander through the old town’s narrow streets, settling at pavement cafés for a proper French lunch – try the bouillabaisse or fresh seafood whilst watching the locals play pétanque in the town square

Walks near the port

Walking around Bandol shows you so much more than just the port area. The lovely coastal path runs alongside the Mediterranean, with brilliant views of the bay and its islands. The marked route goes on for 2 kilometres by the water, past lovely coves and rocky spots.

The port-to-Renécros Beach walk takes about 15 minutes and is lovely – you’ll see fancy yachts and local fishing boats bobbing about as you go. If you fancy something a bit more energetic, walk up to the Chapelle de la Pépiole for amazing views over Bandol’s vineyards and the sea. And don’t miss Rue Marçon, a sweet little pedestrian street full of shops and cafes, just a stone’s throw from the port.

Dining and Shopping

Bandol’s port area is packed with brilliant places to eat and shop. You’ll spot lovely waterfront restaurants dishing up fresh Mediterranean seafood and proper Provençal food. The streets near the harbour are full of local boutiques and craft shops selling everything from regional wines to handmade keepsakes.

Here are some top spots for food and shopping:

1. Le Port Bandol Market – Pop by on Tuesday and Saturday mornings for fresh local food, regional treats, and Provençal crafts
2. Rue du Docteur Victor Marçais – Browse through smart boutiques for local fashion, jewellery, and home bits
3. Quai du Port – Grab a bite at seafood restaurants and casual cafés whilst watching the boats bobbing in the marina

Make sure you try Bandol’s brilliant rosé wines – you can find them in loads of local wine shops and restaurants.

Accommodation near the port

Looking for a place to stay near Bandol’s port puts you right where everything happens. You’ll spot different types of places to stay – from small hotels to holiday lets and lovely guesthouses – all an easy walk from the cruise terminal. Hotel de la Baie sits just 200 metres from the port, with rooms facing the sea and all the modern bits and bobs you’d need. The family who runs Hôtel Le Delos has made their place on Rue du Port really pleasant, with a nice Mediterranean touch.

If you fancy sorting your own meals, there are plenty of flats along Quai Charles de Gaulle. Most come with proper kitchens and balconies where you can watch the boats in the marina. If you’re watching your pennies, Hotel du Port has simple but well-kept rooms at good prices, while B&B Le Petit Port mixes friendly local hospitality with a handy spot near the port.

Tips for First-Time Cruisers from The Port

Getting ready for your first cruise from Bandol’s port? Here’s what you need to know. Turn up at least three hours before your ship leaves – this gives you plenty of time to sort out your paperwork and get your bearings. The port isn’t massive, which makes life easier, but being organised will help everything run smoothly.

1. Keep your cruise papers in a waterproof folder where you can grab them quickly – you’ll need to show them several times during boarding.
2. Get your euros sorted before you get to the port – the exchange rates at the terminal aren’t brilliant.
3. Grab the port’s free WiFi app on your phone beforehand – it’s dead handy for finding your way around and staying in touch until you set sail.

Top tip: Take photos of your luggage tags on your phone and write down any emergency numbers you might need.

Customs & Immigration at The Port

Getting through customs in Bandol is fairly simple. Bring your passport, cruise papers and filled-in customs forms for the officials to look at. French immigration staff will go through your documents and might ask why you’re visiting and how long you plan to stay.

The customs area is right where you get off the ship. It usually takes about 15-20 minutes when it’s busy, but can be faster during quieter times. You must tell customs if you’re carrying more than €10,000 in cash or similar items. France has limits on bringing in food, alcohol and tobacco – look up the current rules before you travel.

If you’re not from the EU, hang onto your passport stamps as you’ll need them when you leave. The customs staff can help in both French and English if you need anything.

See what’s on offer from the Port of St. Tropez for a different Mediterranean cruise destination.

Local Currency & Payment Options

Money & Payments in Bandol

You’ll need to sort out your money once you’ve gone through customs in Bandol. The Euro is what everyone uses here, and whilst most shops take major credit cards, it’s smart to have some cash for little purchases and cafés.

There are plenty of cash machines near the harbour and in the town centre, and most have English settings. You’ll get better exchange rates at local banks compared to the exchange shops or your cruise ship.

1. Most card machines work with contactless and chip cards
2. Let your bank know you’re going abroad to avoid any card troubles
3. Keep smaller Euro notes (5€, 10€, 20€) for the local markets and taxis

Worth noting that some of the smaller shops and traditional markets only take cash, so bring enough with you when you’re heading out shopping.

Emergency Contacts

Keep these emergency numbers with you while in Bandol: 112 for general emergencies (like 999 in the UK), 15 for medical help, 17 for police, and 18 for the fire brigade.

The closest hospital, Centre Hospitalier de La Ciotat, is 15 kilometres from the port. The local police station (Gendarmerie) sits at 165 Avenue du 11 Novembre, roughly a 10-minute stroll from the cruise terminal. If you need help with non-emergencies, pop into the tourist office at Allées Alfred Vivien – they’ve got an emergency line too: +33 4 94 29 41 35.

Before you head off the ship, jot down your cruise ship’s emergency contacts and your travel insurance’s round-the-clock help number. Most cruise companies have port agents on hand who can assist if anything goes wrong.

History of The Port

The port of Bandol has been keeping ships safe since Roman days, when traders would pop into the natural harbour while sailing their Mediterranean routes. You can still spot bits of the area’s sailing past in the old stone quays and ancient bits and bobs found around the place.

In medieval times, the port became rather important for shipping Bandol’s well-known wines, with local wine makers sending their bottles all over Europe. These days, there’s a modern cruise terminal – quite different from its humble beginnings!

A few important dates worth knowing:

1. They built the first wooden pier in 1595
2. The harbour got much bigger in 1848 when steam ships came along
3. The cruise terminal was added in 1972

Though it’s grown from a small fishing spot into a proper cruise port, it’s still kept its old-world character.

Environmental Initiatives at The Port

Taking the lead in Mediterranean green ports, Bandol has brought in plenty of eco-friendly changes since 2010. There are shore-to-ship power systems where cruise ships can plug straight into the local electrical grid, which means fewer emissions whilst they’re docked. The port sorts its waste rather well, with top-notch recycling spots and water treatment plants that handle all the rubbish and water waste from ships.

You’ll notice solar panels across all the terminal buildings, generating 30% of the port’s power. The port’s rules say all ships must use low-sulphur fuel when they’re in port waters – that’s part of their “Clean Air Programme”. They’ve put up air quality measuring stations all over the place too. If you walk along the waterfront, you’ll spot artificial reefs that help look after marine life and stop the coast from washing away.

Accessibility Information for Disabled Passengers

The Bandol port goes beyond being eco-friendly with its brilliant disabled access setup. You’ll spot good quality ramps, lifts and wheelchair-friendly paths all over the terminal and boarding spots. Port workers get special training to help passengers who need mobility support.

1. You can ask for special mobility buggies to help you get from the car park to your ship. Just ring up 48 hours before you arrive to book one.
2. All toilets come with accessible cubicles fitted with grab bars, lower sinks and emergency alarms.
3. The port lets you borrow wheelchairs for free, but you’ll need to book one ahead through your cruise company or the port’s accessibility team.

If you need extra help, ring the port’s accessibility coordinator on their round-the-clock helpline.

Cruise Insurance and Medical Facilities at The Port

You’ll need proper cruise insurance before setting sail from Bandol’s port – it’s absolutely essential. Make sure your policy includes medical care, trip cancellations and lost luggage cover. The cruise lines are quite strict about this – no insurance means no boarding.

There’s a handy medical centre right by the main terminal that deals with smaller health problems and basic emergencies. It’s staffed with qualified medical teams whenever cruise ships are in port. If anything serious happens, Bandol Hospital is just 3km away, with round-the-clock emergency care and staff who speak multiple languages.

Keep your insurance papers and emergency phone numbers with you during your cruise. If you’re unsure about anything insurance-related, pop over to the port’s information desk – they’ll sort you out.

Families: Child-Friendly Services and Activities

The cruise port at Bandol is great for families with children. The terminal has a lovely family lounge where kids can have fun whilst parents take a break on comfy seats.

1. Kids’ Corner: A watched-over play space with toys, games and learning activities for little ones aged 3-12
2. Teen Zone: A special area for teenagers with video games, board games and relaxed seating spots with places to charge phones
3. Family Rest Stations: Private rooms for nursing mums and baby changing areas, with baby supplies you can buy if needed

The port’s restaurants are brilliant for children, with special kids’ menus and high chairs at the ready. Staff at the port include proper childcare workers who can help with whatever your family needs.

Local Cultural Highlights and Events

Bandol’s got plenty going on for cruise visitors all year round. The town puts on a brilliant wine festival in December, where you can taste the famous Bandol rosés and reds straight from local wine makers. In summer, pop down to the port for weekly Provençal markets – you’ll spot local craftspeople selling their handmade bits and bobs, lavender goods, and tasty regional food.

Come July, the Bandol Music Festival fills the town’s outdoor spaces with classical and jazz tunes. The Blessing of the Boats in June is worth catching – it’s a lovely old sea tradition where locals decorate their fishing boats for a special blessing ceremony. If you fancy learning about the area’s wine background, the Maison du Terroir near the port runs exhibitions year-round, with regular wine and olive oil tastings to boot.

Best Times of Year to Cruise from The Port

Mediterranean sunshine makes Bandol a brilliant cruise spot from April through October, with the busiest time running June to September. You’ll see milder temperatures and fewer tourists during spring and autumn shoulder seasons, whilst summer brings lively scenes and warmer waters that are lovely for swimming.

Think about these points when planning your cruise:

1. May and September have great conditions with temperatures around 21°C, less humidity, and not as many visitors
2. July and August bring the warmest weather and a buzzing atmosphere, but be ready for higher prices and bigger crowds
3. Winter months (November-March) have fewer cruises running, cooler weather, and some attractions shut down, though you might find better rates if you can book a sailing

For most people, late May or early September are ideal times to go – you’ll get nice weather without the summer masses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Number of Cruise Ships That Can Dock Simultaneously?

The ships line up at port like beads on a string, but there’s only room for a single big cruise ship to dock at once – that’s all the space we’ve got here.

Are There Any Local Boat Tours Available From the Port?

Plenty of local boat companies run tours along the Bandol coast. You can join trips to the nearby calanques, islands and lovely coastal spots. Pop into the port’s tourist office to book your boat trip.

What Languages Do Port Staff Typically Speak?

Port staff usually speak French and English. Most workers know enough English to help foreign visitors, while French is what they normally use for everyday work.

Is There a Dress Code for Visitors at the Port Facilities?

No set rules about what to wear at the port, but casual clothes are the way to go. Stick to comfy gear and wear flat shoes that won’t slip – they’re much safer when you’re walking around the docks.

Can Passengers Store Luggage at the Port Before Check-In Time?

Sorry, there aren’t any storage spots at the port for your bags. If you get there early before you can board, you’ll need to hang on to your luggage or see if your hotel can look after it for you.

Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Sanary-sur-Mer Cruise Ship Port.