Train Travel from Bordeaux to Paris

It’s very easy. Take a cab to the train in Bordeaux. You can buy your ticket in advance. Luggage is no problem.

It’s a great way to travel. Have fun.

You're not likely to have any problem at all, but it will help if you don't have a lot of luggage, especially large pieces that won't fit above your seats (or that you cannot lift above your seats). Too much or too heavy luggage will make boarding the train an unnecessary challenge as well.

The limited space on the luggage racks near the carriage doors was the thorn in my side during a trip to France in 2017. However, the problem primarily occurred during August, when half the natives seemed to be on the move. I think the situation will be much better in October. And since you'll be boarding in Bordeaux, I'd expect there to be plenty of space for you.

The other thing you need to know is that those train tickets will be much cheaper if you can snag promo-fare seats shortly after your travel date goes on sale. Those tickets will be non-refundable and non-changeable, so you must be absolutely certain of what train you want to take. October tickets aren't on sale yet, and I'm not going to speculate about when the will be available. I imagine one of our other posters knows. In the meantime, you can look at the schedule and the fares for as far out as tickets are being sold, which seems to be late May/June 2 (choose the right day of the week). I think there's a schedule change in early June, so tickets for that month sometimes show up a bit late and in a big block.

Use the SNCF website. Specify your actual travel date and take advantage of SNCF's offer to notify you when your date goes on sale. Being the cautious sort, I'd still check myself as often as I remembered to. There's a lot of money on the line. The range of fares on the fastest trains seems to be from €25 to €119 per person. Do not research schedules on or buy tickets from RailEurope, because it is likely to cost you quite a lot of extra money.

If you want to read about French trains and see photos of the carriages, this is an excellent resource: Seat61.

Thanks so much for your knowledgable responses. We plan to pack light, so I don't see that as a problem!

Did that same trip last June. Very easy and fast. Two hours to Paris. Buy early for best fares. Sit up top for best view.

Joyce, for info about trains from Bordeaux to Paris, photos etc., see here: https://www.seat61.com/international-trains/other-cities/trains-from-Bordeaux.htm#Bordeaux_to_Paris

This will be easy, comfortable and fast. The one proviso is what the others say about luggage. You will be carrying all your own luggage. No checked luggage.