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Planet Rail · Tailor-made rail holiday

Bordeaux by First Class Rail

London to Bordeaux in first-class rail comfort with three nights in the city centre.

Illustration of Bordeaux by First Class Rail

Planet Rail designs this four-day independent rail journey from London to Bordeaux via Paris, tailored to your preferences but without an escort. You travel in Eurostar Standard Premier Class through the Channel Tunnel, then TGV First Class from Paris Montparnasse south to Bordeaux, with light meals and drinks served at your seat on both trains. On arrival in Bordeaux you settle into the four-star Best Western Premier Hotel Bayonne Etche Ona de Bordeaux in the city centre. Days 2 and 3 are yours to explore at your own pace. The UNESCO World Heritage old town spreads across the Garonne's left bank with 18th-century neoclassical architecture; the Riverfront has been transformed from warehouses into bars and cafes; the Pont de Pierre bridge frames views across the water at dusk. The Musée d'Aquitaine, Musée des Beaux Arts, and Jardin Public with its botanical garden are all within reach on foot. On day 4 you return via TGV First Class to Paris and Eurostar Standard Premier to London. This suits couples and repeat rail travellers who value comfort and independent time.

What to know before you look closer

  • No guided arrival day; you make your own way from Bordeaux station to the hotel after the TGV arrives.
  • The itinerary describes exploration options but does not include admission to museums or organised activities; all visits are self-directed.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Bordeaux

    London to Bordeaux

    Board the Eurostar at London St Pancras International and travel through the Channel Tunnel to Paris at up to 186 mph, with a light meal and drinks served at your seat. From Paris Gare du Nord a private taxi transfers you to the Gare de Montparnasse for the TGV south to Bordeaux. On arrival make your way to the highly-rated Best Western Premier Hotel Bayonne Etche Ona de Bordeaux (4 star) in the city centre for a three-night stay.

  2. Day 2overnight: Bordeaux

    Exploring Bordeaux

    Two full days to discover Bordeaux. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage old town, renowned as an outstanding urban and architectural ensemble of the 18th century, and the Riverfront where old warehouses have become jaunty bars and cafes, leading to the impressive Pont de Pierre with spectacular views across the river and quayside at dusk.

  3. Day 3overnight: Bordeaux

    Exploring Bordeaux

    The Place de la Bourse marks the heart of the old town centre; stroll the ancient streets of bistros, boutiques and vintage shops. Visit the Musée d'Aquitaine and Musée des Beaux Arts, or relax in the Jardin Public with its botanical garden and Natural History Museum framed by honey-coloured 18th century townhouses.

  4. Day 4rail

    Bordeaux to London - Homeward bound

    After breakfast return to Bordeaux station for the First Class TGV journey north to Paris Montparnasse. A private taxi transfers you to the Gare du Nord, where you join the Eurostar with a light meal and drinks in your Standard Premier Class seat, returning to London St Pancras International.

    Meals: breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Board the Eurostar at London St Pancras and travel through the Channel Tunnel at up to 186 mph with light meal and drinks served in Standard Premier Class, then TGV First Class from Paris Montparnasse to Bordeaux.
  • Day 2Explore the Pont de Pierre bridge with its spectacular views across the Garonne river and quayside at dusk, or wander the Riverfront where converted warehouses now house bars and cafes.
  • Day 3Discover the Place de la Bourse in the 18th-century old town centre, visit the Musée d'Aquitaine or Musée des Beaux Arts, or stroll the Jardin Public with its botanical garden framed by honey-coloured townhouses.

Included

  • Eurostar Standard Premier service between London and Paris with light meal and drinks served at your seat
  • First Class rail travel on the TGV between Paris and Bordeaux
  • Private taxi transfers between the stations in Paris
  • 3 nights at the Best Western Premier Hotel Bayonne Etche Ona de Bordeaux (4 star)

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. The package includes Eurostar Standard Premier service between London and Paris with light meal and drinks, and TGV First Class rail between Paris and Bordeaux in both directions. Private taxi transfers between the two Paris stations are also included.
Is this an escorted tour?
No. Planet Rail tailors the itinerary for you, but there is no escort. You travel independently and have two full free days in Bordeaux to explore on your own.
What is included in the price?
Rail travel as described above, three nights at the four-star Best Western Premier Hotel Bayonne Etche Ona de Bordeaux in the city centre, and breakfast on the final morning. Meals are served during the train journeys.
How much free time is there in Bordeaux?
Days 2 and 3 are entirely yours. The itinerary suggests the UNESCO World Heritage old town, the Riverfront, Place de la Bourse, museums, and the Jardin Public, but no activities are organised or included.
What is the starting price?
Prices start from GBP 1,195 per person based on two people travelling together.

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