5 Easy Day Trips from Bordeaux by Train: Wine Villages, Atlantic Air & Medieval Streets

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.

For longer regional itineraries, see Touring France by Train: https://mybook.to/TouringFrancebyTrain