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Where to stop on train - San Sebastian to Paris?

Just for one night.
2 parents 3 kids ages 12 and 10. Towards end of trip so would like to stop somewhere scenic, easy with out car, and relaxing.

TIA!

Posted by
27230 posts

It appears that the fast trip involves a 10:55 AM departure and a change at Hendaye. The stops between Hendaye and Paris are:

St-Jean-de-Luz-Ciboure 13:33

Biarritz 13:54

Bayonne 14:15

Dax 14:52

Bordeaux-St-Jean 16:08

Paris Montparnasse 18:12

I haven't been to any of those places except Paris, but I know that Bordeaux (large) and the much smaller Biarritz and Bayonne are on the target lists of travelers.

Posted by
275 posts

The most scenic places are not near the end of this train trip but near the beginning, in the Basque region near Biarritz and Bayonne. I have been to Bayonne, and it is a nice town, but if you want scenery, then you should go to the seaside at Biarritz or St Jean de Luz. I understand that Biarritz train station is about 2 km from the beach areas. All of the the rest of the train trip is not particularly scenic. It is a TGV line designed for speed, so it goes through the flattest, and mostly less scenic areas.

Posted by
7175 posts

There are currently 6 direct TGV services from Hendaye to Paris. Getting to Hendaye is not so straight forward because of the change in rail gauge at the France Spain border. Bordeaux is a logical mid point, as you then travel on the new high speed line onwards to Paris. Another option would be a night in St Jean de Luz, from where you have no changes needed to reach Paris.