The lower town by the harbor once was a flurry of activity, where barges transported goods along the river and out to the Atlantic Ocean.  The harbor was once loaded with regional goods for trade or sale:  barrels of wine, salt, and honey-colored stones, quarried from nearby caves, used to build the historic buildings of Bordeaux.

Today the harbor side of Bourg has expanded for the increased tourism and the wine renaissance taking place in the Bordeaux region, adding deep-water moorings and new docking platforms. Bourg plans to welcome larger cruise ships and European river ships - all with easy access to Bordeaux. Most river cruises offer scheduled port stops in sweet hamlets and villages for wine tours, tasting, and visits to world-renowned vineyards, along the Garonne, Dordogne, and Gironde rivers in southwest France.

Even though Bourg may seem off the beaten path in the Aquitaine region, it is worth a visit to fully enjoy the rich and stunning countryside, abundant wineries, historical chateaux, and picture-postcard villages, along with the wines of the Côtes de Bourg appellation.

J. Christina is the author and owner of Scribbles and Smiles. Through our blog, we share stories of the wonderful discoveries we have made on our European travels. Christina (Christie) is married to John, a.k.a. Mr. Christie.  Hence, their bespoke pen name, J. Christina.  Christie often travels solo.