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Paris to Bordeaux by train – all you need to know


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If you are looking for an exciting day trip from Paris, look no further than Bordeaux. This beautiful city is known for its world-class wine. But Bordeaux is also a World Heritage Site with impressive architecture, great museums, and an outstanding culinary scene. The best: the train Bordeaux Paris only takes 2 hours.

In this article, I tell you exactly how to plan a day trip to Bordeaux from Paris. You’ll learn what to do in Bordeaux and where to book train tickets for your day trip. But I also provide you with two itineraries that you can simply copy and use as a blueprint for your Bordeaux visit.

Bordeaux weekend trip
One of the many cafés in Bordeaux

Hence, a day trip to Bordeaux from Paris offers you plenty to see and do and allows you to explore more of France’s cultural diversity. All you need to do is hop on a train to Bordeaux from Paris and enjoy a 2h ride through the French countryside.

Bordeaux is perfect if you feel like exploring more of France, getting an idea of the countryside of France, and are keen on trying some of the best wines!

Plus: the renowned wine headquarters of Saint Emilion is just a short drive away from Bordeaux and you can join a half-day tour while in Bordeaux to visit this gem in the French countryside:

You might also like these articles:

Saint Emilion
The view in Saint Emilion is wonderful and you can easily visit from Bordeaux

Enjoy a leading wine Region: St. Emilion

Combine your trip to Bordeaux with a half-day trip to Saint Emilion, one of the top French wine regions.

Take a train from Paris to Bordeaux, enjoy Bordeaux in the morning, and join this afternoon tour to Saint-Emilion. You will return to Bordeaux in time to catch the train to Paris in the evening.

This tour includes

  • Visit 2 beautiful Châteaux
  • Taste 4 wines of Saint-Emilion
  • Guided tour through the medieval village of Saint-Emilion
  • Enjoy an aperitif platter with French products
  • transportation & tour guide

Is a day trip to Bordeaux from Paris worth it?

Truth be told, It sounds a bit like a crazy idea to visit Bordeaux for one day. Especially considering that Paris and Bordeaux are almost 600km apart. But France has the TGV!

day trip to bordeaux from paris - thanks to the TGV it's possible to spend one day in bordeaux
Distance Paris Bordeaux: 600km

The high-speed train manages the distance between Paris and Bordeaux in just a little more than 2 hours! which makes Bordeaux perfect for a day trip by train from Paris! If you wonder about the time in Bordeaux, it’s the same time zone as Paris 🙂 

For a few years, many Parisians actually move to Bordeaux while still working in Paris. They just hop on a train when needed and go back to Paris for the day. Working from home made things easier in this regard, but by French standards, 2h on a train is nothing and very normal to do for just one day.

Wait.. Do you prefer Champagne to wine? See our post about a day trip from Paris to Champagne!


Why you should visit Bordeaux from Paris

Many are saying that Paris is not France. And it’s kind of true.  The French understand France as consisting of two areas: Paris and not Paris, also known as “La Province”, not to be mistaken with “Provence”, a region in the south of France, that you – in case you’re asking – easily visit as a weekend getaway from Paris

That being said, if you wonder which places to visit in France, Bordeaux should be on that list. Bordeaux is a great and easy-to-reach destination from Paris. Plus, it’s so far away from the capital, that it grants an entirely different experience and will complement your impression of France.  

 

is bordeaux worth visiting
Is Bordeaux worth visiting?

A day trip from Paris to Bordeaux – visit for the wine!

Bordeaux is one of the leading wine regions worldwide and nothing is better than enjoying a wine-tasting locally. Together with the folks that produce it, and that put their heart and soul into it. As you can guess, there are plenty of wine tours in Bordeaux. Get a complete overview of all wine tours and activities in Bordeaux here.

Did you know that no wine is actually produced within the city limits of Bordeaux? But don’t worry, the famous wine regions St.Emilion and Medoc are just outside town, and most wine tours from Bordeaux are aiming for exactly those stunning regions.

Are you worried to get tempted to buy wine and don’t know how to transport your precious bottles? Click here to find solutions!

Catching a Paris to Bordeaux train brings you in no time to the famous wine region wich makes it perfect for a day trip to bordeaux from paris
A day trip from Paris to Bordeaux by TGV – you’ll be in the Bordeaux vineyards in no time

Bordeaux – a world heritage site

But even though wine is omnipresent in Bordeaux, there are more reasons to visit. Because Bordeaux is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site! The historic part of the city got included in the list of heritage sites as one of Europe’s biggest 18th-century urban and architectural areas. After all, Bordeaux is the city in France – after Paris – with the most preserved historical buildings. 

Did you know that Bordeaux was voted the top destination in Europe in 2015? And that’s not without reason. There is plenty to do in Bordeaux and not everything has to do with wine even. Some of the best things that you can do in Bordeaux and that make your day trip to Bordeaux from Paris an unforgettable experience are:

If you need more ideas, refer to the full range of attractions and activities in Bordeaux.

Passage Sainte Catherine
Distance Paris Bordeaux: 600km .. but with the TGV Paris Bordeaux line your’re there in 2h15

How to get to Bordeaux from Paris?

Bordeaux lies roughly 600 km southwest of Paris. The ride from Paris to Bordeaux by train will take you only a bit more than 2 hours, though. Thanks to the famous French high-speed train TGV, long-distance traveling in France is super convenient and easy. 

You can of course also rent a car or take the plane, but those options will definitely take longer much longer in travel time, cost you a pretty penny, and spoil your carbon footprint. They are no good option for a Bordeaux day trip from Paris.

If you are traveling on a shoestring budget and the good train deals are already sold out, you also can take a bus to Bordeaux from Paris. However, this will take significantly longer, and you need at least one overnight stay in Bordeaux.

The best value for money if you’re on a budget offers the hotel Eklo Bordeaux Centre Bastide

Paris to Bordeaux in a Nutshell

Transportation

Trip duration: 2h15

First train to Bordeaux: 6:06 am

Last train to Paris: 8:50 pm

Tickets from 25€

Plan your day in Bordeaux

#1 Visit the Cité du Vin (get tickets here)

#2 Stroll through the Quartier Chartrons

#3 Spend a half day in Saint-Emilion and discover the world-famous wine region (book it here)

#4 Book a Cruise on the Garonne River

St. Emilion and Bordeaux are one of the best places to visit in France - you have enough time to catch the last train bordeaux to Paris
St.Emilion is the famous wine village next to Bordeaux. Plan in some time to visit on your Paris to Bordeaux day trip!

How to take the train to Bordeaux from Paris

The TGV is the French high-speed train that connects French major cities at up to 320 km/h (200 mph) and transports more than 110 million passengers per year. The TGV is also one of the safest ways of traveling. It is unarguably the best way if you are looking into how to get from Paris to Bordeaux for a day trip.

Paris Montparnasse Train station

If you are traveling from Paris to Bordeaux by train, you need to head to the Montparnasse train station in the south of Paris. The station is reachable by Metro lines 4, 6, 12, and 13. It is also serviced by the Transilien suburb train that connects communes in the southwest to Paris.

Where’s the TGV leaving at Montparnasse?

When arriving at the train station, head to the train platforms on Level 2. The TGVs are leaving usually from Platform 1-9, on the very left. Please make sure to arrive 30 minutes before the train departure and have your mobile vouchers ready for the ride. If you are not sure if you’ll have an internet connection, simply take a screenshot of the QR code

Train Bordeaux Paris from Montparnasse
The traint to Bordeaux usually leaves from the very left side of the train station Montparnasse

Purchasing tickets for your trip from Paris to Bordeaux by train

Book your Bordeaux train tickets here in advance to get a better price

To avoid super expensive train tickets or – and more likely – sold-out tickets, plan your trip to Bordeaux in advance. You easily can purchase train tickets here. Make sure that your purchased ticket is a mobile ticket, so you only need to have them on your phone and don’t need to print them out.

However, if you are not sure you’ll have an internet connection, take a screenshot, just to be on the safe side.

Interesting read: 15 mistakes most tourists make in Paris – how to avoid them!

You can purchase your train tickets also at the ticket office on Level 2, directly next to platform 1, or at the yellow ticket vending machines that you find all over the station. However, buying your ticket on the day will be expensive, and you risk that the train you plan to board is sold out.

Purchase your tickets in advance and online!

Paris to Bordeaux Day Trip in Summer
A train to Bordeaux from Paris is easy to book and brings you to a very different part of France

To support you best in planning your day trip to Bordeaux from Paris, I created 2 itineraries for you that you can use as a blueprint. I added also the links to book each step to make it easier and quicker for you to book your day trip to Bordeaux.

Itinerary #1: Full-day wine tasting from Bordeaux

Click here to see all available wine-tasting experiences in Bordeaux!

This is your perfect itinerary if you are traveling to Bordeaux because you are a wine lover and want to visit one of the best wine regions in France!  

# Leave Paris first thing in the morning

In order to make the most of your day in Bordeaux, hop on the first train that leaves Paris direction Bordeaux. The earliest train is at 6:06 am from Montparnasse. You’ll be at the Bordeaux Saint-Jean train Station at 8:14 am. Click here to book your train ticket for the lowest price.

There is an earlier train leaving Paris for Bordeaux at 05:55 am but it is a slower one and you arrive only after 9 am. Hence, not a good choice.

# Take the tram or walk to the Center of Bordeaux

Arriving early in Bordeaux leaves you with enough time to take the Tram to the center from the train station Bordeaux Saint-Jean. Don’t worry, it’s a very short ride of 15 Minutes.

You could even walk there in 35 Minutes if you fancy seeing a bit of Bordeaux.

The pickup location of your full-day wine tour is 12 Cours du 30 Juillet. Take the tram Tram C and Tram D and get out at the station Quinconces. The ride costs 1,70€ and you can purchase a ticket at one of the vending machines at the station.

Streets of Bordeaux
The way to the center of Bordeaux

# Join a wine tour and have a fantastic day

As you arrive at 8:14 am in Bordeaux, I recommend booking a tour that starts at 9:30 am to avoid stress and have a little buffer. Here you have two choices:

#1 Option: Full-Day St. Emilion Wine Tasting Tour

This tour is limited to 8 participants and includes

  • visit of 3 Châteaux
  • wine tastings
  • a walking tour of the beautiful St. Emilion village
  • transports and tour guides

#2 Option: St. Emilion Vineyards eBike Tour with Wine & Lunch

This fantastic tour includes

  • transportation to Saint-Emilion & e-Bike rentals
  • the visit of 2 Châteaux
  • Picnic lunch at a Château
  • Wine tastings
  • walking tour of the medieval village of Saint-Emilion

# Return to Bordeaux and take the train back to Paris

Both tours last in total around 8,5h and you’ll be back in Bordeaux in the late afternoon. Enough time to either visit Bordeaux or to return to Paris right away. However, the last train from Bordeaux to Paris leaves at 8:50 pm.

click here to know more about these full-day wine-tasting activities

Day trip to Bordeaux from Paris: St.Emilion is a wonderful side trip
The cobblestone roads of Saint-Emilion

Itinerary #2 Half day wine tasting and sightseeing in Bordeaux

Take a look at these wonderful half-day wine-tasting events in Bordeaux!

Are keen to visit Bordeaux but also don’t want to miss the vineyards. Then this itinerary is for you. It combines both: sightseeing in Bordeaux and a half-day trip to the beautiful vineyards of Saint-Emilion.

# Leave Paris for Bordeaux in the morning

In order to make the most of your day in Bordeaux, hop on one of the first train that leaves Paris direction Bordeaux. The earliest train is at 6:06 am from Montparnasse but as you are not on a schedule, you can also take a train that leaves a bit later. Click here to book your train ticket for the lowest price.

Just don’t arrive too late for not to have too little time to explore Bordeaux.

# Explore and enjoy Bordeaux

After arriving in Bordeaux, you can spend the morning sightseeing or stroll around. There are many things to do in Bordeaux!  I recommend you head over to the Place de la Bourse, the world’s biggest mirroring pool, and then take a walk through the historical part of Bordeaux. 

The most popular things to do in Bordeaux are:

The last train Bordeaux to Paris leaves at 9pm - that leaves you plenty of time to spent a full day in Bordeaux
Plan in some time to visit the city when taking a day trip from Paris to Bordeaux

# Join a half-day tour of St. Emilion

After you spent the first half of your day in Bordeaux sightseeing, it’s time for the wine now!  The most popular tour from Bordeaux is this half-day trip to the St. Emilion region. It includes transportation from Bordeaux to St.Emilion, a guided tour through the village of St.Emilion, and a wine tasting on a Château. 

The tour leaves at 1:50 pm from the center of Bordeaux and lasts 5 hours. It fits perfectly in your itinerary and you’ll be back in time to catch the train back to Paris. Check here if they still have availabilities on your travel dates

If they are sold out, you can also take one of these tours:

So even though Bordeaux is quite far away from Paris, the wine metropole makes nevertheless a spectacular destination for a day trip. Thanks to the French high-speed train, it takes only 2h to travel to Bordeaux from Paris. On top of this, by booking a tour, you can also easily visit St.Émilion without much preparation.

I did this trip last summer and it was wonderful. I strongly recommend it.

PS: Check out these posts, they will help you plan your trip to Paris

FAQ Paris to Bordeaux Daytrip

Can you do a day trip from Paris to Bordeaux?

Yes, you can do a day trip from Paris to Bordeaux. The train takes only 2 hours and leaves as early as 6 am. This leaves you enough time to explore Bordeaux and even squeeze in a side trip to Saint Émilion.

Is there a high-speed train from Paris to Bordeaux?

Yes. The TGV connects Paris with Bordeaux. The journey takes 2 hours.

How far is Bordeaux from Paris?

The distance between Paris and Bordeaux is 600km

Can I take a wine tour when visiting Bordeaux for one day?

Yes. Wine tours and wine tastings in Bordeaux last from 1.5h for simple tastings to up to 9 hours for the full-day tour, including vineyard and châteaux visits.

Where do I buy the train ticket for Bordeaux?

You can purchase your train ticket either at the train station or online in advance. I advise you to buy it in advance as the prices tend to be more expensive closer to your travel date, and you risk that no tickets are available anymore.

Planning a trip to Bordeaux for later? Pin this post and find it back 🙂

Paris to Bordeaux

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