High-tide stages at Pauillac reach 5 m, comfortably above the draught needed for Bordeaux-area vessels. Ensemble weather models point to a hotter, drier turn after August 6, so we keep today's risk at Normal but flag a shift to Caution if the estuary's freshwater inflow tapers.
Current Conditions
Pauillac tide gauge (high tide July 27, 20: 53 h): 5.2 m above hydrographic zero, low tide 0.6 m, well within the navigational window, risk = Normal.¹
Seven-Day Outlook
| Date | Forecast High Tide | Trend | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mon Jul 28 | 5.2 m | Stable | |
| Tue Jul 29 | 5.1 m | -0.1 m | |
| Wed Jul 30 | 5.1 m | Stable | |
| Thu Jul 31 | 5.2 m | +0.1 m | |
| Fri Aug 01 | 5.2 m | Stable | |
| Sat Aug 02 | 5.3 m | +0.1 m | |
| Sun Aug 03 | 5.3 m | Stable | ² |
Three-Week Risk Forecast
| Period | Likelihood of Disruption | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1-7 | Normal | High |
| Days 8-14 | Caution (persistent heat lowers inflow) | Medium |
| Days 15-21 | Caution (dry spell may continue) | Low |
A regional heat dome is forecast to linger over southwest France after August 6, warming the Garonne and Dordogne catchments and reducing net freshwater push into the estuary. If inflow weakens, slack-water windows tighten, and sediment can build near Blaye, so itineraries could shift to adjusted docking or longer tidal waits.³
Cruise-Line Responses
Spokesperson for Uniworld Boutique River Cruises states that Brilliant Bordeaux sailings "are subject to modification when water levels, closures, or public-holiday restrictions make it necessary," and guests will be advised on any coach transfers.⁴ Spokesperson for CroisiEurope notes that Aquitaine itineraries "may reorder excursions according to the tides" to keep shore visits on schedule.⁵
Traveler Advice
First, summer sun reflecting off the estuary is intense; pack a brimmed hat, SPF 50, and a refillable water bottle.
Second, tidal range means gangways at Blaye and Libourne can sit steeply at low water; wear shoes with good grip and allow extra time for anyone with mobility concerns.
Finally, review your booking terms before final payment. Standard policies seldom compensate for tide-timing changes, while Cancel-For-Any-Reason riders typically refund up to 75 percent of non-refundable costs if you choose to skip coach-heavy substitutions.
Methodology
Gauge heights come from the Pauillac tide chart, and seven-day water-level trends blend Meteo-France forecasts with harmonic tide predictions.¹²
Disclaimer
Forecasts beyond ten days are probabilistic and may change without notice. This information does not constitute financial or insurance advice.
Sources
- [Pauillac high- and low-tide heights, July 27 2025 - Tides4Fishing ]: contentReference[oaicite: 0 ]{index=0 }
- [Bordeaux seven-day forecast - Météo-France ]: contentReference[oaicite: 1 ]{index=1 }
- [Heatwave cuts reactor output on the Gironde and other rivers - The Local ]: contentReference[oaicite: 2 ]{index=2 }
- [Water-level modification note on Brilliant Bordeaux itinerary - Uniworld ]: contentReference[oaicite: 3 ]{index=3 }
- [Excursion order may change according to tides - CroisiEurope ]: contentReference[oaicite: 4 ]{index=4 }
FAQ
- How much clearance do Bordeaux-class ships need? Operators begin bussing when high-tide peaks slip below about 4 m, because sandbars restrict the estuary's fairway.
- Can low inflow affect tidal height? Yes, sustained drought on the Garonne and Dordogne can shrink the freshwater push, lowering overall stages by 20-40 cm.
- Do Gironde cruises ever cancel outright? Rarely; lines usually juggle moorings or coach segments instead of canceling, but CFAR insurance protects you if a hybrid itinerary does not appeal.