We will fly into Paris. We have booked a Canal trip from Carcassonne (Argens-Minervois) to Lattes near Montpellier. After 5 days visiting Provence from Montpellier (car rental), we then take a train from Montpellier to London. My question is, is it worth spending $50/pp more to take the train Paris-Bordeau-Carcassonne or should we just take Paris-Narbonne-Carcassonne even though that line will overlap with countryside we'll see after the canal trip? Either trip takes about 5.5 hrs. We will not have time to get off at Bordeau, but is it worth the extra cash to see the countryside by TGV? Thanks!
Posted by
Portland, Maine
2916 posts
Offhand, I would say no. First of all, many TGVs go too fast to really appreciate the scenery. The Paris-Bordeaux TGV route, which we took in April, is slower than many TGVs (it took us 3 hours), but I believe they've just upgraded the tracks and cars and the trip will take only 2 hours (I don't know when that starts). At that speed, I'm not sure how much you can see. Secondly, when we took that route, I enjoyed the scenery, but I've always enjoyed the scenery while on French trains, and I didn't think there was anything special about it. Just the usual lovely French countryside..
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
On the train schedules that DB is suggesting, the route via Bordeaux is taking 7 hours, rather than 5.5, published through most of June.
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
The prospect of fantastic scenery passing your window is a romantic thought. The reality is you are going to fast to notice/appreciate/enjoy. Just pick the quickest or most convenient journey.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you for your replies! Really value this feedback. Simplifies things on my end. Thanks again!