TGV high speed train Paris to Bordeaux + sightseeing walking tour of Bordeaux

9 am Black Cab taxi from Paris apartment to Gare Montparnasse train station go
The train station is on the left bank of Paris within minutes of our apartment location but it’s drizzly, we are on a tight schedule, so we decide on a cab to insure a timely arrival –  but it takes longer to get there by taxi due to construction and one way traffic. We stress, but do make it in time.

10:46 am TGV high speed train Paris to Bordeaux go
Along with other ticket holders, we sit in a glass front waiting room until boarding is announced 15 minutes before departure. There is a moment of panic as we can’t find our train car, people are rushing, assistance is negligible. We find the car and struggle to find luggage space before settling in for the ride. Once under way we are very quickly in the country side. Meadows, fields of yellow, small villages rush by. Ride is smooth, fast, a bit boring. Picture taking impossible.

  309 miles/497 km in 3.5 hours

2:32 pm arrive Gare de Bordeaux-Saint-Jean train station go
We grab a cab to the hotel only to find out we could have taken the tram (excellent system in Bordeaux). Cheaper, faster, easier, only 6 short stops and would have dropped us at the hotel door. Live and learn.

4 pm check into Hotel Hotel de Normandie go
Location, location, location! Great travellers hotel. Right in the heart of 18th century Bordeaux – near tourist bureau, trams, waterfront, main square, everything. Staff very helpful. Our room on second floor has high ceilings with big windows facing the Alles de Tourney. Although built in the 18th century, the hotel has been renovated: bath has latest innovations, there’s WiFi, a comfortable working area, lots of closet space. We make ourselves at home.

5 pm walk around downtown and gawk at everything
Bordeaux is very walkable. We explore the Esplanade des Quinconces, the Grand Theatre, the Grand Hotel, weaving through the side streets before deciding it is time to eat.

7 pm dinner Aflo Restaurant, 20 Allée de Tourny go
The desk clerk recommends a place for dinner – we try but can’t get in without a reservation. We amble down a few doors, read the menu at the Aflo and decide to dine there. Still early for dinner but we’ve had no lunch. We share two plates, a marvelous vegetable salad and a fish entrée – both delicious. A good decision.

stay Hotel de Normandie go
Fall asleep immediately – been a full day.

Photos
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