Bordeaux is one of France’s best hub cities. Elegant, walkable and brilliantly connected by TER regional trains, it makes exploring southwest France effortless.
Here are five easy, rewarding day trips — all under 2 hours.
1. Saint-Émilion (35–40 mins)
Frequent TER trains from Bordeaux Saint-Jean.
A UNESCO-listed medieval wine town surrounded by vineyards.
What to see:
Monolithic underground church
Tour du Roy views
Cobbled lanes
Lunch idea: terrace dining with Grand Cru wine.
Hidden gem: walk out into the vines for quiet countryside views.
2. Arcachon (50 mins)
Direct TER trains hourly.
What to see:
Ville d’Hiver 19th-century villas
Climb Dune du Pilat (Europe’s tallest sand dune)
Oyster huts by the bay
Perfect seafood lunch with chilled white wine.
3. Libourne (30 mins)
Often skipped — unfairly.
River town charm, relaxed atmosphere.
Visit:
Riverside market
Place Abel Surchamp arcades
Wine bars without Saint-Émilion prices
Hidden gem: quiet Dordogne river views.
4. Cognac (1h45)
Change in Angoulême.
Tour major houses like Hennessy or Rémy Martin.Beautiful Charente riverfront.
Book tastings in advance.
5. Périgueux (1h30)
Medieval + Roman heritage.
See:
Saint-Front Cathedral
Vesunna Roman museum
Foie gras markets
A taste of Dordogne without renting a car.
Train Tips
TER tickets are flexible
No seat reservations required
Arrive 15 minutes early
Check return schedules carefully (some smaller towns have fewer evening trains)
Bordeaux makes slow travel easy. Pick one destination per day, return for dinner in the city, and avoid hotel hopping entirely.
Planning a longer trip? Find practical rail itineraries, travel tips and independent travel advice in Touring France by Train by Sophie Picot.
