See Bordeaux from an authentic Oyster boat

One of my most fun memories from last season as a private wine and food guide was sipping at fresh white Bordeaux wine while seeing my favorite city from a different angle, from its life-line that goes straight through the city, the Garonne River.

The setting sun behind St Michel spire and the Pont de Pierre. Seafood by sunset. @bordeauxsurleau

It was not from a touristy river boat but an authentic flat bottomed Oyster boat (un chalande) more at home near the Atlantic coast in the Bassin d’Arcachon. But here we were, a group of 8 close to the water, music, sunshine, chugging by Bordeaux’s creamy coloured monuments and sampling a wine producer’s wines. Bliss!

I was leading a group of US wine buyers on a trip organised by the CIVB (Bordeaux wine trade council). Our boat was docked near to the Maison Ecocitoyenne just in front of the old stone Pont de Pierre Bridge in Bordeaux. It was a beautiful sunny evening and I had just met the group. But we were in safe hands with our able Capitan Pierre-André.

Seafood platters enjoyed on the Garonne River

We set off southwards first enjoying the fresh fruit wines presented by the wine producer of Château Nicot.

Château Nicot fresh, fruity Entre Deux Merd from the Dubourg family with its pristine flavours accompanied the seafood perfectly.

And headed down to the restaurant le Mercy to pick up our dinner hand delivered!

We went under the Chaban Delmas bridge towards Le Cité du Vin

Bateau sur l’eau ( @bateausurleau) – original oyster boat for groups of 8 pax. Private tours from the centre of city of Bordeaux down river to Begles and up to the Cité du Vin. Food, music and wine!