August 18

What a beautiful sunrise from our balcony as we sailed from the Bay of Biscay on to the Garonne River to Bordeaux.

Bordeaux is the world’s major wine industry capital.  The wine economy in the metro area moves 14.5 billion euros each year.  Terry Bishop narrated our approach to Bordeaux and gave us lots of information about the city and the wine regions.  There are about 287,000 acres of vineyards, 10,000 wine producing chateaux and 13,000 grape growers.

Most cruise ships are too large to sail here and only riverboats come because we had to go under two bridges, one a unique draw bridge that had a section raise up in the middle.

We saw a sailing ship on the way in, perhaps headed to the huge tall ship exposition that will be happening in Amsterdam.

When we approached the dock, we could see that there is no arrival building, we are right on the pedestrian walkway and will leave the ship directly to this walkway.  Now I know what zoo animals must feel like because the walkway was lined with people taking pictures of our ship! Here’s our view of Bordeaux even before we get off the ship.

Selfie from our balcony with church and riverboats in background

Headed out on tours today and tomorrow with good wine tasting.. and of course the special dinner tonight.