Bordeaux Cruises

Explore Bordeaux on a Hotel Barge Cruise

• The first-class Rosa hotel barge carries 8 passengers on a Classic Cruise through Bordeaux in the summer and the autumn

Booking a holiday on a hotel barge in Bordeaux is perfect for exploring the area in a new way. The region is stunning in the summer, with gorgeous vibrant shades of colour everywhere, while the autumn makes for a cosy atmosphere as you cruise along the Canal de Garonne to various must-visit destinations.

The old Dutch ‘Klipper’ barge, Rosa, is a first-class vessel and accommodates 8 passengers. This charming hotel barge navigates the calm canals of southwest France with ease and offers a cosy bar, full en-suite facilities, and staterooms. You can relax on the spacious sun deck as you watch your approach the 1,900-foot Agen aqueduct or visit the renowned picturesque town of Saint Émilion.

Bordeaux Barge Cruise Highlights

Your Bordeaux hotel barge cruise will take you along the Canal de Garonne, which is a 120–mile–long canal containing 53 locks. Stretching from the Canal du Midi in Toulouse to Castets-en-Dorthe and the Garonne River, it is one of the most fascinating stretches of canal to visit in France.

The Rosa classic Bordeaux cruise is the best way to see the area. Get off the beaten path and instead take a hotel barge through this iconic area. Starting in Bordeaux, you’ll travel to the medieval town of Saint Émilion, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. As one of the largest and oldest wine regions in France, this is a must-visit and will take you to some of the amazing châteaux in the area.

Your next stop will take you on a tour of the Garonne River in a flat-bottomed boat, giving you the chance to explore a stretch of river that can be tricky to navigate for many boats. A stop at the village of Le Mas d’Agenais will give you the chance to see some of the beauty of the area in a relaxing setting.

The colourful market of Lavardac will make for some excellent photos before you visit Vianne to see a skilled glassblower at work. From here, you’ll cruise along to Serignac-sur-Garonne to visit the medieval town of Nerac. This town is an excellent destination for history lovers, as you’ll follow in the footsteps of King Henry IV and Queen Margot.

Your final destination of Bóe will take you across the Plan Canal d’Agen, which is one of the longest aqueducts in France. This makes for an unforgettable trip, and you’ll then enjoy a private chauffeured minibus back to your destination of choice in Bordeaux.

Looking to add some more history to your holiday? Why not visit Abbaye St-Pierre de Moissac during your stay? Dating back to the middle of the seventh century, this abbey boasts an impressive Romanesque sculpture at the entrance and a compelling story you’ll want to explore and discover for yourself.

Sample Bordeaux Wine and Culinary Delights

Bordeaux is known as the world’s most famous wine region, boasting a range of wines for you to enjoy. With 57 appellations, 61 grand cru classés, more than 9,000 wine-producing châteaux, and 13,000 wine growers, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to sampling the stunning wines of the region such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, or perhaps a Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and Muscadelle on your barge cruise.

If you are more interested in brandy, then you are in luck, as Armagnac is another popular drink in the area. We offer cruises to sample both wine and brandy – the oldest alcohol in France.

Food lovers will also find plenty of tasty treats to enjoy, such as confit de vin de Sauternes au safran, the Arcachon Bay oysters, and more delicious meals to enjoy. Attracting chefs from all over the world, you’ll enjoy amazing dinners at local restaurants and haute cuisine aboard your Bordeaux cruise.

Why Book a Bordeaux Region Cruise?

On your Bordeaux cruise, you will explore vineyards and orchards, sample world-famous wine, and try fois gras and Armagnac in one of the most beautiful locations in Europe. A cruise in Bordeaux will take you along the Canal de Garonne to some unforgettable destinations, and a hotel barge is the best way to explore.

Your holiday will combine medieval bastide towns and iconic vineyards with grand estates and natural landscapes. No matter what your interests are, Bordeaux has something for you.