Best Time for a Bordeaux River Cruise

When to Take a Bordeaux River Cruise?

The ideal window is during the harvest months of September and October, once the summer heat has eased. Sunny days and comfortable temperatures make this stretch especially pleasant for cruising through southern France.

The broader season, May through August, also works well for a Bordeaux cruise, though travelers should expect warmer conditions.

At a Glance

• Busy season: May-October (peaks in September & October)
• Shoulder season: March-April, November
• Avoid: December-February

Bordeaux is a newer name in European river cruising, but it's earning a following fast among wine lovers. Most river cruises include some element of wine tasting, but Bordeaux itineraries go further, building in vineyard visits and tours of the chateaux behind some of the world's best-known vintages.

Since local cuisine and wine sit at the center of a Bordeaux cruise, timing your trip well matters. September and October are great months for wine tasting, coinciding with the harvest. Many itineraries also include biking and walking excursions, another reason to plan around one of France's milder seasons. Spring and late summer bring their own appeal, with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds.


                                                               

 
Once December arrives, temperatures drop quickly and stay low through late February. Because of this, the season's last cruises typically depart in mid-November, and the first sailings of the following year begin in late March or early April.
 
Need help planning your Bordeaux travels? Contact our Adventure Life travel experts to find the right timing for your trip. Curious how Bordeaux compares to other regions? Browse Bordeaux river cruises to see the full range of French river routes.