Narbonne and Bordeaux

Just a few notes and information.

In Narbonne, there's a local bus (Citibus line 8) that goes to Gruissan (not Gruyssan). It doesn't run on Sundays or public holidays.
The fare is €1.20. Here's the timetable and route map:

https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/files.citibus.fr/s3fs-public/documents/RDGN_CITIBUS_Rentre%CC%81e%202025_De%CC%81pliant%20horaires%208_HD.pdf

The main Canal du Midi doesn't pass through Narbonne, but only a branch about 30 km long called the Canal de la Robine. The Canal du Midi itself is further north. That being said, the Canal de la Robine is near Gruissan, as it begins at the Mediterranean Sea, and Gruissan is a very pretty, wild place, with fishermen's huts and some pink flamingos.

Note that although the weather is unpredictable, March is generally a rainy month. So it will be a matter of luck (or bad luck).

There is a direct train line from Narbonne to Carcassonne. It's a 30-minute journey, with at least 15 trains a day for a cost of just a few euros. There's no need to book these regional TER trains; it's an easy day trip. However, Carcassonne train station is a bit far from the medieval city (about 1 mile) if you plan to walk there.

I'd say your timing is good. For context, St. Émilion is a small (and beautiful) village and can be completely visited in a half day (unless you want to add wine tasting at surrounding Châteaux then it can be full day.) You can easily take the train, which is about 25-30 mins from Gare St. Jean or you can take the bus (I think it takes 50 mins) from Place des Quinconces to the top of St. Émilion town. In March you should not need to prebook either of these. Keep in mind, it is about a 20 min walk from the train station to the lower town in St. Émilion but it's a flat, easy walk. In March the Tuktuks are not running and you may have to prebook a taxi if you don't want to walk. If you want to take an organized tour from Bordeaux, I'd recommend Rustic Vines. We've used them a few times when we've had guests and loved each tour (they also run out of St.Émilion.) Enjoy your trip!

Thank You All for your input

We also visited St. Emilion from Bordeaux on a half day wine tour.

We booked with O La La Bordeaux on their small group tour, and it was fabulous, only six people so enough for a bit of fun but not too crowded.

We actually did two half day tours with them, one in the morning to the Medoc region, returned to Bordeaux for lunch in O La La's office and then the second tour to St. Emilion in the afternoon.

I highly recommend this company, they were excellent tours.

https://www.olalabordeaux.com/en/home-olalabordeaux/

If you are willing to use transit, I would forgo the organized tours. You will save a lot of money this way. Saint-Emilion is easily accessible from Bordeaux via train. The best tour in Saint-Emilion is underground Saint-Emilion. This tour can be booked at the Saint-Emilion tourism office or on their website.

I’d recommend that you take a look at Sauvistication (www.sauvistication.com). It will teach you how to navigate Bordeaux on your own.

Safe Travels.

Yes, it's a good pace. Bordeaux gives plenty to fill a few days. St-Emilion is easy to reach on your own, so there's no need to overcomplicate it.

The St.-Emilion train station is a healthy walk from the nearest part of the commercial district, and once you get there, you have the upper part of the historic center to consider. I was happy I took the little tourist pseudo-train from the station and stayed on it up to the top of the town, which was relatively untouristy. I then gradually wound my way downhill. The lower level is full of businesses catering to tourists. Walking back to the station wasn't a problem.

A weather warning: There are some steep, cobbled streets in St-Emilion. They are quite slippery when wet.

I was in Narbonne for five nights in October and can confirm that yes, it's a great base for day trips without a car! I took advantage of the Occitanie Rail Tour (https://www.ter.sncf.com/occitanie/decouvrir/rail-tour-traduction-anglaise) and visited Carcassonne, Beziers, and, my favourite, Collioure. I'd come from Nimes and went back to Montpellier as my departing airport - all covered by the rail pass as long as you take the local liO trains. The buses are also great and only 2E per ride, though they take more planning to use as schedules aren't that frequent for most destinations.

Narbonne itself is pleasant and calm, which is just what I was looking for as a base. I had an apartment while there and enjoyed picking up things from the excellent food market.

Different people will have different perspectives; I personally would much prefer to stay in Carcassonne than in Narbonne, as the charms of the latter city sadly eluded me. However, Saint-Emilion indeed should not be missed. Touristy? Sure, but it remains one of the most charming places you'll ever see. And a long stroll around the outskirts of the village will afford you views of some of the most beautiful and iconic wine châteaux in the world. Have a wonderful time!

l personally found that St. Emilion, although pretty, was extremely touristy, full of wine shops and other tourist attractions. Also tends to be quite crowded, although March may be better than most months (I was there in
April). And if you are elderly or otherwise find walking at all difficult, be aware that St. Emilion is quite hilly. The suggestion of getting the tourist train to the top of the village and walking down is probably a good one, although it is not easy on the knees. I also found the food in the village to be pretty mediocre.