Chateaux between Paris and Bordeaux or near Provence or Nice

Travelling Paris to Bordeaux I suggest spending a night in or around Tours and visiting the chateau of Chenonceau. Tours is Between Paris and Bordeaux, so you're not going out of your way.

You could even get an early train from Paris to Saint Pierre des Corps, do a tour of Chenonceau (it would have to be pre-booked) and catch a mid afternoon train on to Bordeaux.

Thanks so much for the recommendation. It looks absolutely stunning and I can see why it's such a beloved destination. The architecture and gardens are breathtaking, and I appreciate the suggestion. Unfortunately, with our limited travel time, we're hoping to visit a chateaux that's a bit closer to a train station or more easily accessible. Thanks again!!

If you visit Versailles, it is really not "on the way" to Bordeaux. Your fastest way from Versailles is back to Paris Gare Montparnasse and take the TGV to Bordeaux.

Thanks for letting me know that!

A high speed TGV train will not stop anywhere between Montparnasse and Bordeaux. You might devote a half day to Versailles and travel in the (late) afternoon. It would involve the mechanics of stashing luggage somewhere, getting to Versailles and back, retrieving your bags, and getting to Montparnasse. It could be done but would limit your time at Versailles and the hassles of accomplishing the plan.

Thanks! Your insight really helped me think through the logistics more clearly, especially about the TGV and the time constraints with Versailles. I appreciate it!

"A high speed TGV train will not stop anywhere between Montparnasse and Bordeaux. "

Not so. A direct TGV could stop at Massey, Vendôme, Saint Pierre des Corps, Châtellerault, Poitiers, or Angoulême.

But the fast ones are nonstop Montparnasse to Bordeaux. 2 hours and 8 minutes.