Bordeaux Considers Relocating Cruise Ship Docking

The city of Bordeaux, France, is currently evaluating the possibility of moving the docking area for cruise ships away from the historic Port de La Lune. This proposal is championed by Mayor Pierre Hurmic, who is advocating for a complete ban on cruise ships in this area due to concerns that their presence detracts from the city's beauty and disrupts local life.

Presently, cruise ships travel up the Gironde estuary to reach Bordeaux, docking at Port de La Lune, which is conveniently located near the city center. This allows tourists to disembark and immediately start exploring the city. However, the new plan suggests that cruise ships should dock about two miles downstream on the right bank of the Garonne River. This shift would require tourists to take buses to reach the city center, altering their current experience.

Port de La Lune is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and local officials are pushing to protect its integrity by keeping cruise ships at a distance. Residents have often described these ships as "floating buildings," highlighting their disruptive presence.

The community is divided on this issue, with both supporters and opponents of the proposal. Environmental advocates and many residents back the move, believing it would reduce both pollution and crowding. However, local businesses are concerned that the change could negatively impact their revenue. 

Critics argue that moving the docking site could discourage tourists from visiting as many attractions, particularly affecting the wine industry, which draws significant interest from cruise passengers.

In response to these concerns, local authorities have suggested setting up shuttle services, both by road and river, to connect the new docking location with the city center. This proposal mirrors actions taken by other major European cities like Venice, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, and Bruges, which have implemented measures to restrict or relocate cruise ships, impose tourist taxes, or limit the number of cruise ships allowed each day.