The Marmande gauge shows the Garonne running a little below its midsummer average, so navigation stays normal this week. Heat and light rainfall could drop levels toward caution territory by late July.
Current Conditions
Marmande (O909001001) gauge at 1.5 m (normal navigation range about 1.2 m - 4.0 m), no restrictions reported.
Seven-Day Outlook
Météo-France forecasts largely sunny, very warm afternoons for southwest France, with only isolated evening thunderstorms; hydrological models keep the Marmande gauge between 1.4 m and 1.6 m through July 20.
Three-Week Risk Forecast
| Period | Likelihood of Disruption | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1-7 | Normal | High |
| Days 8-14 | Caution | Medium |
| Days 15-21 | Caution | Low |
The Adour-Garonne hydrological bulletin and VNF's weekly network report both note falling tributary inflows. If the dry spell persists, light-draft limits could be triggered after July 26, so Cancel-For-Any-Reason insurance remains the safest hedge against itinerary tweaks.
Cruise-Line Responses
Spokesperson for Viking River Cruises says captains review Garonne gauges daily; if low water hampers Pauillac docking, they will bus guests from Bordeaux, but no changes are planned this week.
Spokesperson for Uniworld confirms that any low-water statement will appear on the Port Locations page at least forty-eight hours before a schedule revision, and none are posted for current departures.
Traveler Advice
First, expect afternoon highs in the upper 80s °F, strong sun on deck, and carry water on Médoc vineyard Tours.
Second, Bastille Day festivities can clog Bordeaux traffic on July 14, so allow extra time for transfers.
Third, if you sail after July 25, check your cruise-line app each evening for depth advisories before booking non-refundable shore plans, and make sure your Travel Insurance covers both delay and cancellation.
Methodology
Outlook combines real-time HydroPortail gauge data, Météo-France seven-day forecasts, VNF's weekly network bulletin, and the Adour-Garonne hydrological situation report.
Disclaimer
Forecasts beyond ten days are probabilistic and may change without notice. This information does not constitute financial or insurance advice.
Sources
- HydroPortail station O909001001 - Garonne at Marmande
- Météo-France seven-day forecast for Toulouse
- VNF weekly network bulletin, July 11 2025 (PDF)
- DREAL Occitanie - Bulletin hydrologique Adour-Garonne, 1 June 2025 (PDF)
- Viking River Cruises - Updates on Current Sailings
- Uniworld Travel Information - Water-Level Updates
FAQ
- How often is this page updated? Every Monday by 10 a.m. Central Time.
- What does "Caution" mean in the table? Minor depth limits may slow passages or require brief coach transfers but rarely cancel sailings.
- Where can I see day-of-sailing notices? Use your cruise-line app or the VNF "Avis à la batellerie" feed for real-time alerts.