QE2 August 5th: Port Thoughts?

[mike14c]

First trip on the QE2 for me will be this short little five day romp around to Bilbao, La Rochelle and Gurnesey. Bilbao is an easy one...anybody have any suggestions for what to do in the other two ports? Any insight much appreciated!

 

Michael

[Bramcruiser]

Also somewhat curious as I will be doing the exact same trip in August 2007 - also first time on the QE2. I see that its not so unsual for North Americans to cross the ocean for such a small cruise.:)

[guernseyguy]

First trip on the QE2 for me will be this short little five day romp around to Bilbao, La Rochelle and Gurnesey. Bilbao is an easy one...anybody have any suggestions for what to do in the other two ports? Any insight much appreciated!

Michael

 

The QE2 has to tender in Guernsey - but approaching St Peter Port from the sea is the best way to arrive! Once there it rather depends on what you want to do. The town of St Peter Port is small and easily navigated on foot - there is a Castle, from where the noon day gun is still fired - or Candie Gardens - lovely Victorian Gardens overlooking the town and Victor Hugo's house as well. Plenty of places to eat too - the Boat House on the Victoria pier does lovely seafood. You can find out more here:

 

http://www.visitguernsey.com/guernsey.aspx

 

If you want to venture out of town a tour is probably the best bet - but it depends on what they offer.

 

Peter

[Morgans]

If you wish to go into La Rochelle itself you will need either a shuttle bus or taxi into the town as the ship docks several miles away in La Pallice. From here a trip to the Ile de Re would be nice especially if it is hot - this is a small island connected to the mainland by a huge bridge which you will see in the distance when you dock. Again it is too far to walk. The Ile is very, very beautiful and known for its collection of beaches with white sands as well as its collection of celebrities such as Johnny Depp who also visit.

La Rochelle is a very attractive port with a beautiful harbour and marina as well as many fish restaurants and shops. It's one of my favourite ports of call. We enjoy a gentle stroll around the town and take lunch in one of the many creperies which also provide you with a bowl of cider to accompany your meal - highly recommended. (also good for brandy and cognac!)

[mike14c]

Great suggestion -- helpful website. Thanks to both of you! Looking more forward to these few, fun days every minute.

[pnhmrk]

To Bilbao, La Rochelle and Guernsey.

 

We did exactly the same trip in May. Here's what we did:

 

Bilbao - I know that they've got the Guggenheim, but unless you're particularly interested in something in the museum it's not worth going inside. Take the shuttle bus from the boat to the Plaza Moyula. Walk to the Guggenheim and then follow the river up, past the Zubizuri Footbridge and cross over the river by the Pte del Arenal for the Casco Viejo (Old Town). Don't miss the Café Boulevard once you're over the bridge - it's a fantastic Art Deco building that hasn't been restored. Wander around the Old Town and, once you've walked far enough, head back across the Pte del Arena and straight back down the Gran Via de Don Diego Lopez de Haro back to the Plaza Moyua.

 

Expect a long queue for the return bus - if it's sunny then it will be very hot! Also be aware that, when we were there, Bilbao could only provide one gangway; we queued for over an hour to get back on the boat!

 

La Rochelle - Again take the shuttle buss and collect one of the guides that the tourism reps are giving to passengers. The walking tour in this shows most of the major sights of La Rochelle - just beware - at the end of the tour it walks you up and down several streets for no other purpose than to pass the shops the leaflet advertises. The sites that you shouldn't miss on a first visit are: the harbour, the town walls, the town hall and the square whose name I can't remember but that the tour goes through.

 

St Peter Port - You can walk from where the tender drops you along the water front to Castle Cornet. There are various museums there and the firing of the midday gun shouldn't be missed. Then walk back to the tender through the town.

 

It's worth noting that at neither Bilbao nor La Rochelle is there anything of consequence within walking distance of where the ship ties up. Even if you intend getting a taxi to do a tour then you would probably be better getting the shuttle bus to the town first.

[mike14c]

Thank you for those excellent, detailed suggestions! I'll be sure to take them and will report back if I learn anything helpful or interesting.

 

Michael