Bonjour, fellow wanderers! 🌍 I took my first big leap into French travel with a day trip to Bordeaux—a city famous for its wine, elegant architecture, and vibrant culture. If you’re new to planning trips solo, like I was, the thought of organizing everything yourself can feel daunting. But trust me, it’s absolutely worth it. Here’s a recap of my day in Bordeaux, along with some tips for building your own itinerary and keeping the trip budget-friendly.
Toulouse to Bordeaux is just a 2-hour train ride on the SNCF, making it perfect for a day trip. I booked my tickets in advance using the Trainline app, which often offers discounts for early bookings. A round-trip ticket cost me about €40—a great deal for a weekend adventure.
Building My Itinerary 🗺️
Planning an itinerary for a single day in a city as rich as Bordeaux can be tricky, but here’s how I managed:
- List the Must-Sees:
Bordeaux’s highlights are conveniently close together. My top picks were:- Place de la Bourse: This iconic square with its reflective Water Mirror is a must-visit for photos.
- Rue Sainte-Catherine: Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping street, where I explored boutiques and grabbed a coffee.
- Cité du Vin: A modern museum dedicated to wine (though I skipped the wine tasting this time to stick to my budget).
- The Garonne River Walk: Perfect for a peaceful stroll with stunning views of the city’s bridges and architecture.
- Map Your Route:
I used Google Maps to plot these spots in order of proximity, ensuring I wouldn’t waste time backtracking. - Plan Meals:
For lunch, I opted for a quaint café serving quiche and salad for under €10, followed by a dessert stop at a local patisserie for canelés—a caramelized pastry unique to Bordeaux.
The highlight of the day was definitely Place de la Bourse, where I spent an hour soaking in the views and watching the Water Mirror create magical reflections of the surrounding buildings. It felt surreal to be standing in such a historically rich spot, imagining all the stories these streets have seen.
The Garonne River Walk was another favorite. As the sun began to set, the soft golden light made the city feel even more magical. I sat by the river for a while, letting the experience sink in, before heading back to the train station.
Bordeaux was the perfect choice for my first day trip in France. The city has a charm that blends history, culture, and modern vibrancy, and even with just one day, I felt like I got a real taste of its beauty. Plus, the satisfaction of organizing the trip on my own made it even more memorable.
So, if you’re considering a day trip from Toulouse (or wherever you’re based), Bordeaux is a fantastic destination that won’t break the bank. Ready to start planning? Bonne chance!
