Hello, your suggestions please for a city close to the Atlantic coast where I could spend two to three days after a long flight.
And, perhaps, explore the coast on day trips by public transport.
I arrive at CDG last week of September. I plan to take a TGV to either Bordeaux or Nantes. Which of the two are easier to navigate, for instance? Which other cities should I consider?
I will head towards Basque country after the first three days.
Merci! [edited for clarification]
Posted by
Citizen of the World
3342 posts
Bordeaux and Nantes are not on the ocean, but are near the French coastline. You could take a TGV to Bordeaux (3.5 to 4 hours) upon arriving at CDG and overnight there and then continue the next day to HENDAYE which is a beautiful beach town and is right on the border between France and Spain in the French Basque Country. Hendaye is where TGV trains terminate.
HENDAYE is 2.5 hours by TGV from Bordeaux. Nearby is the very French Basque beach town of ST JEAN DE LUZ. Pirates based here in the 17th and 18th centuries. Just across the river from Hendaye is the medieval Spanish beach town of HONDARRIBIA— a town with three castles! These 3 towns are all connected by good bus service.
At Hendaye, you can transfer to the local Spanish train serving the Basque coastline called the “Euskotren.” The Euskotren continues from Hendaye to San Sebastián/Donostia in about 30 minutes.
Posted by
OP
vancouver
9 posts
Thank you Kenko, Hendaye sounds like a perfect base for that area. Very good suggestion. I think Bordeaux first for a few days will work and help me get my bearings. Merci bien.
Posted by
Citizen of the World
3342 posts
Bordeaux is beautiful, and you’ll love Basque Country. Have a great trip!