Gironde Estuary and Bordeaux

 


We were able to have a relaxed morning, as we're not getting into Bordeaux until late afternoon. It's another sunny day, cool on deck but warming up as the day progresses. Breakfast at the Buffet, then coffee in the Arts Cafe. I then went to a fantastic lecture on the French Revolution, going through the background, the main people and the time-line.

At noon we're approaching the French Coast, and entering the Gironde Estuary.  So now it's like we're on a River Cruise. The mouth of the estuary is quite wide, and there are sandy beaches on the Atlantic coast. There is an NCL cruise ship ahead of us, and various small craft around. It's breezy on deck, but very pleasant walking around as long as you have on a windbreaker. The NCL ship docked at La Rochelle near the mouth of the estuary. The large cruise ships have to dock there as they're too big to get into Bordeaux. The advantage of being on a smaller ship, no 2 hour drive into Bordeaux!

I went to the gym for a bit, then met Colleen for lunch at the pool grill. They have a good variety with snacks, salads and sandwiches as well as burgers and hot dogs. We shared a Ruben sandwich and quinoa salad.

I walked the decks again watching the scenery go by. The right side as we go up has small towns and fields, the left bank is more industrial. The land is very flat here. 

As we approach Bordeaux, an Atlas Cruise ship is departing. We sail under the 2 bridges into Bordeaux. The second one, Pont Jacques Chaban Delmas, is the tallest lift bridge in Europe. The Garonne River is a tidal river, and very muddy like the Fraser.

 It takes a while to get tied up to the pier, as the River current is very strong. We are able to get off just after 6pm, time for our included evening walking tour of the Chartrons  of district of Bordeaux, where the ship is docked. This area used to be all wine warehouses, but now they've been turned into apartments, shops and restaurants. This area is very popular for Parisians and for foreigners to live in. It's a beautiful evening and the air is so clear. The riverside area is very busy with bikers, joggers, skateboarders and walkers. There is a "Faire de Plesuire" or Fun fair with rides nearby.

Colleen and I have a lovely French dinner in Salt Kitchen. I have escargot and a soupe de poisson, with a white Bordeaux wine. No dessert tonight!








Comments

  1. Bonnie GabelOctober 17, 2025 at 3:35 PM

    You are now following our route from our Azamara cruise. Beautiful scenery, and adventures ahead

    ReplyDelete

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