Bordeaux: Farmers Market Tour & Gourmet River Cruise

Explore the vibrant tastes and scenic beauty of Bordeaux with the Farmers Market Tour & Gourmet River Cruise offered by Délicieux! Food Tour. Priced at $198 per person, this 4.5-hour experience combines a visit to a lively market and a relaxing cruise along the Garonne River. Starting from the Cité du Vin, it’s an ideal choice for those who appreciate local cuisine, fine wines, and scenic views, all in a comfortably paced itinerary.

The tour includes a visit to a charming local shop for tastings, a guided exploration of Bordeaux’s Marché des Chartrons, and a scenic 90-minute private boat cruise. Alongside the market delicacies, guests enjoy local wines paired with market produce—a true celebration of Bordeaux’s French art de vivre. The experience is not only about food; it emphasizes relaxed, scenic enjoyment, making it perfect for connoisseurs and casual food lovers alike.

While the tour offers many highlights, it’s worth noting that transportation to the starting point is not included, and comfortable shoes are recommended for walking. The intimate group size and the option for private groups make for a flexible, personalized experience. This tour delivers a well-rounded taste of Bordeaux’s culinary scene combined with scenic river views.

Key Points

• Price: $198 per person for 4.5 hours of guided activities.
• Includes: Visit to a local shop with tastings, farmers market exploration, a 90-minute private river cruise, and wine pairing.
• Starting Point: Meet at Cité du Vin, with no included transportation.
• Highlights: Sampling regional delicacies like oysters, cheeses, canelés, and traditional specialties.
• Experience: Combines lively market exploration with a scenic, leisurely cruise along the Garonne River.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, with options for private groups and flexible cancellations.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discovering Bordeaux’s Market and Food Scene

The tour begins at Cité du Vin, a well-known Bordeaux landmark dedicated to wine. From there, participants visit a local shop renowned for regional treasures like Lillet, a popular aperitif, and traditional delicacies. The shop’s intimate setting allows for a relaxed tasting experience that introduces the flavors that define Bordeaux cuisine.

Next, the Marché des Chartrons, considered the city’s best farmers market, comes into focus. The guide leads guests through the lively stalls where seasonal products are abundant—from fresh oysters and cheeses to roast chicken and canelés. The guide carefully selects the best ingredients to enjoy later during the cruise, adding an element of anticipation and excitement.

An Exclusive 90-Minute Garonne River Cruise

The highlight is the 90-minute private boat cruise along the Garonne River. With the Bordeaux skyline passing by, guests savor a carefully curated tasting of their market finds, paired with a selection of local wines. This slow cruise offers stunning scenic views and a chance to relax while enjoying the peaceful flow of the river.

The cruise is an immersive experience, emphasizing the French art of living—combining good food, fine wine, and gentle river views. The onboard pairing serves as a full meal, making this a satisfying segment of the overall activity.

The Market Visit and Tastings

The Marché des Chartrons is a central feature, where the guide explains the significance of regional products. Sampling delicacies such as oysters, cheeses, and canelés provides a taste of Bordeaux’s culinary traditions. The market visit lasts approximately 45 minutes, giving sufficient time to explore without feeling rushed.

Guests can expect seasonal, fresh produce and insightful commentary from the guide, making the market visit both educational and appetizing. The experience offers insight into Bordeaux’s rich food culture in an authentic setting.

Food and Wine Pairing on the Boat

On the boat, the pairing of local wines with market produce stands out as a major highlight. The 1.5-hour cruise is dedicated to tasting and enjoying the flavors of Bordeaux in a relaxed environment. The wines are carefully selected to complement the regional delicacies, elevating the tasting experience.

This part of the tour truly captures the essence of Bordeaux’s French lifestyle, with an emphasis on savoring moments and appreciating scenic views. The onboard meal is designed to feel like a leisurely tasting session, perfect for wine lovers and foodies alike.

More Great Tours Nearby

Practical Details: Meeting Point and Group Options

Tour participants meet in front of the Cité du Vin, a central and recognizable location. The tour is suitable for private groups and is wheelchair accessible, ensuring inclusivity.

While the tour does not include transportation to the meeting point, the flexible booking options, including free cancellation and reserve now, pay later, make planning easy. The experience is designed to be relaxed, with the pacing allowing guests to enjoy each segment comfortably.

The Guide and Overall Experience

The tour features a professional guide who leads guests through each stop, providing context and insight into Bordeaux’s culinary scene. The guide’s knowledge helps elevate the experience, turning food and wine tastings into engaging stories.

The combination of market exploration and scenic river cruise offers a comprehensive taste of Bordeaux’s food and wine culture. The scenic cruise paired with authentic market visits makes this tour a well-rounded, immersive experience.

Pricing and Value

At $198, the tour provides a good value considering the guided tastings, market visits, and scenic cruise included. The experience lasts 4.5 hours, offering plenty of time to enjoy Bordeaux’s flavors and views without feeling rushed. The inclusion of a full meal on the boat adds to the overall value.

The tour’s focus on authentic regional products, combined with scenic relaxation, makes it a worthwhile choice for those seeking an authentic Bordeaux experience.

Suitability and Recommendations

This tour suits food and wine lovers, travelers interested in local culture, and anyone wanting a leisurely way to explore Bordeaux. The guided format and private group option make it ideal for small groups, couples, or special occasions.

Participants should wear comfortable shoes for walking and bring a camera to capture scenic moments. Since the experience involves outdoor elements, checking the weather forecast and dressing accordingly is recommended.

Final Thoughts on the Bordeaux Food & River Cruise Tour

This 4.5-hour experience offers a balanced mix of culinary discovery and scenic relaxation. The combination of a lively market visit and a private river cruise with wine pairing creates a memorable way to enjoy Bordeaux’s gastronomic culture.

While the tour does not include transportation to the starting point, the flexible booking options and accessible locations make it convenient. The professional guide ensures that every aspect is informative and engaging, making this tour suitable for a variety of travelers.

The Bordeaux: Farmers Market Tour & Gourmet River Cruise delivers an authentic taste of the region’s flavors and scenery, making it a solid choice for anyone wanting to experience Bordeaux beyond the typical sights.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the duration of the tour? The tour lasts 4.5 hours.
• Where does the tour start? The meeting point is in front of the Cité du Vin.
• What is included in the tour? It includes a visit to a local shop with tastings, a farmers market visit, a 90-minute private boat cruise, and wine and food pairing on board.
• Is transportation to the meeting point provided? No, transportation is not included.
• Is the tour wheelchair accessible? Yes, it is wheelchair accessible.
• Can I cancel the tour? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• Are private groups available? Yes, private group options are available.
• What should I wear? Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking.
• What kind of wines are served onboard? The wines are local, paired specifically with the market produce.
• Is there a meal included? The onboard tasting serves as a full meal substitute.
• Can I bring a camera? Yes, bringing a camera is encouraged to capture scenic views.