The tidal Dordogne is tracking near its midsummer average, keeping Bordeaux round-trip itineraries on time. Persistent heat after August 6 could trim inflow and move the outlook from Normal toward Caution.
Current Conditions
Bergerac gauge: 1.62 m (normal range about 1.1 - 3.0 m), navigation risk = Normal.1
Seven-Day Outlook
| Date | Forecast Stage | Trend | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mon Jul 28 | 1.62 m | Stable | |
| Tue Jul 29 | 1.60 m | -2 cm | |
| Wed Jul 30 | 1.59 m | Stable | |
| Thu Jul 31 | 1.60 m | +1 cm | |
| Fri Aug 01 | 1.60 m | Stable | |
| Sat Aug 02 | 1.61 m | +1 cm | |
| Sun Aug 03 | 1.62 m | Stable | 2 |
Three-Week Risk Forecast
| Period | Likelihood of Disruption | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1-7 | Normal | High |
| Days 8-14 | Caution (heat lowers basin inflow) | Medium |
| Days 15-21 | Caution (ridge may linger, isolated storms) | Low |
A subtropical ridge is forecast to anchor over southwest France after August 6, boosting temperatures and cutting rainfall in the Périgord highlands. Reduced runoff could shorten slack-water windows at Libourne and allow shoals to build near Castillon, so operators will monitor gauges daily and keep Cancel-For-Any-Reason coverage active.3
Cruise-Line Responses
Spokesperson for Uniworld Boutique River Cruises states that Brilliant Bordeaux departures "may reorder excursions or use short coach transfers when tides or water levels require."4 Spokesperson for CroisiEurope notes that Dordogne segments within its Aquitaine program "remain on schedule, with contingency buses ready if low water narrows the channel near Libourne."5
Traveler Advice
Pack a brimmed hat, SPF 50, and a refillable water bottle, because late-July sun reflects strongly off the broad tidal reach near Fronsac.
Gangways at Libourne and Bourg ride with the tide; low-water slack can make ramps steeper than usual, so wear shoes with solid tread and allow extra time for anyone with mobility concerns.
Check your insurance before final payment. Standard interruption clauses rarely compensate for tide-timing changes or low-water coach swaps, while Cancel-For-Any-Reason riders typically reimburse up to 75 percent of prepaid, non-refundable costs if you decide to skip extended bus days.
Methodology
Gauge data come from Vigicrues live Bergerac feeds, and hydrometeorological inputs blend Météo-France seven-day forecasts with publicly available ECMWF ensemble guidance.6
Disclaimer
Forecasts beyond ten days are probabilistic and may change without notice. This information does not constitute financial or insurance advice.