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Sailing Under Bordeaux's Bridges by Boat

Sailing under Bordeaux's bridges is one of the standout moments of an event on the Garonne, but it comes with a few constraints worth knowing about.

Sailing along the Garonne through Bordeaux often means passing under several of its iconic bridges. This moment is one of the highlights of a cruising event, offering a different perspective on the city from the water, as covered in our article on Bordeaux as seen from the Garonne.

But this passage isn't always possible under the same conditions, depending on the boat and the timing of the cruise.

Bridge heights and boat dimensions

Each bridge has its own clearance height, and each boat has different dimensions. It's the partner operator who determines, based on their boat, which bridges can be passed under and under what conditions. This is something to confirm directly with them rather than assume.

How the tide affects the passage

The water height under the bridges varies with the tide, which can affect whether a given passage is possible or change its timing. Our guide to the tide covers this influence in more detail as it relates to organising an event.

A route to discuss with the operator

If sailing under one or more bridges is something you'd like included in the event, it's best to mention it in your initial enquiry. The partner operator can then confirm whether it's feasible with the boat and time slot in mind, and suggest a suitable route.

Talk routes and navigation with an operator

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