At Priceline, every team member is a travel expert. In our Travel Stories series, we'll show you the best trips and tips from our own travels around the world. Here, read Madeline’s take on a whirlwind Paris vacation including Bordeaux, from museums to UNESCO world heritage sights. See Lynsey’s trip in Vienna and Brian’s trip to Washington D.C. for more.

Key takeaways

• Visit Bordeaux during your Paris vacation for a slower pace, enjoying the markets, riverfront and cultural and community highlights like the Darwin urban renewal and UNESCO world heritage sights.

• Take France’s high-speed train, the TGV, to get from city to city, but station seating is limited, so don’t arrive too early before departure.

• Book timed museum tickets as soon as you start planning your trip, and select early reservation times to beat busy crowds.

• If you’re planning a Paris vacation on a budget, pair one or two nights in Paris with two to three in Bordeaux, book museum and TGV tickets as early as possible, and take advantage of the markets and fresh groceries to save on meals.

Two years ago my mother came back from a months-long immersive French language course in Bordeaux, glowing from the slow walks, rich culture and perfectly flaky pastries. I booked a trip for myself to retrace her footsteps, while celebrating a friendship anniversary with my dear friend Ina, who I met while studying abroad in Paris. We planned five days in July, splitting time between Paris and Bordeaux. 

Our trip was part art pilgrimage, part nostalgia tour, and part slow wandering. I needed a little Paris time to pick up a sold-out shirt, and extra time in Bordeaux to walk the neighborhoods my parents loved, soaking up the city’s riverfront, eco-culture and community

If you’re planning a Paris vacation but want to see more of France than just the capital, our five-day itinerary started with a fast-paced day in Paris, then a few slower days in Bordeaux.

Five days across Paris and Bordeaux 

We only had five days to spend in both Paris and Bordeaux, so smart planning was key to making the most of our time. France’s high speed train, the TGV, got us from the Paris station, Gare Montparnasse to Bordeaux Saint-Jean station in about two hours. 

• Day 1: We caught an overnight flight into Paris, checked into the Hotel Le Lapin Blanc on Boulevard Saint-Michel. We visited the Grand Palais for the Matisse exhibit and took a quick shopping stop at Rubirosa's. 

• Day 2: We saw the Calder retrospective at the Fondation Louis Vuitton, the permanent collection at Musée Jacquemart-André, then took an evening train from Gare Montparnasse to Bordeaux, checking in at Adagio ApartHotel Gambetta. 

• Days 3–4: We wandered the markets at Chartrons, and took the ferry across the river to explore the Darwin urban renewal ecosystem, Musée des Arts Decoratifs et du Design Bordeaux, and saw the Roman ruins tucked into residential streets. 

• Day 5: We took a last walk in Bordeaux before leaving from the Bordeaux Airport (BOD), which is just a 20 minute cab ride from the old city center.

Where I stayed and why it worked

Hotel Le Lapin Blanc, Paris

I booked one night at the Hotel Le Lapin Blanc in Paris. The location is perfect if you want to be near the historic Latin Quarter and the 6th arrondissement, where you can still see ancient Roman ruins in the 5th. 

The rooms had light touches, breezy windows and my room had a small parlor with extra space to lounge. The extra space is a must for travelers working on the go, without feeling cramped. I was also pleased to find a mini-fridge, which can feel like a rarity in Europe. The complimentary macarons left by the coffee bar in the sitting area made an excellent first impression!

Adagio ApartHotel Gambetta, Bordeaux

In Bordeaux we stayed at Adagio ApartHotel Gambetta. The apartment-style room felt right for wandering the city, with enough room to drop our bags and plan our next move. Our room came with a queen bed, twin sleeping sofa, and a small kitchenette and dining area. This was perfect on the night when we were tired and more interested in enjoying all the food we got at the market rather than going out to eat. 

Bottom line: Choose the Latin Quarter or 6th arrondissement on your Paris vacation for easy museum stops and lively street life, then opt for an apartment-style hotel around Gambetta or Chartrons in Bordeaux so you have a kitchenette for market finds and simple neighborhood strolls.

Four stops in Paris: art, nostalgia and shopping

We were only in Paris for one day, so we wanted to prioritize the things we love. 

• Grand Palais, Matisse 1941–1954 exhibition. The exhibit opened with the art that came before Matisse’s famous “La Blouse Roumaine," reminding viewers that art is an iterative process, even for the great masters. Plan your visit around museum opening times to avoid the crowd. Museums book up quickly, so buy tickets as soon as you book your trip.

• Fondation Louis Vuitton, Alexander Calder retrospective. The glittering curved surfaces of the facade alone make the museum worth the trip, and the sculptural art of Alexander Calder played beautifully inside the building. 

• Musée Jacquemart-André. In this museum, we walked through the timeless, private collection and the former home of Edouard André and his wife Nélie Jacquemart, two prolific collectors. It’s a more quiet setting to take in the Italian Renaissance and classic French works. 

• Rubirosa's Paris. Rubirosa’s is a jewel-box shop selling classic, unisex staples in classic French textiles and materials. You can find cashmere sweaters and cotton pajamas in every color, along with buttery loafers and other footwear. Pro tip: I was able to pre-order a popular cotton button down and pick it up at the store. Order via WhatsApp to arrange the drop.

  

Here’s what you need to know for an easier jaunt across Paris: 

• Grand Palais and Fondation Louis Vuitton both run rotating exhibitions and occasionally “blockbuster” shows by major modern artists like David Hockney, Mark Rothko, and more. Check times and buy timed-entry tickets in advance. This will save you time waiting in line so you have more time to take it all in.

• Fondation Louis Vuitton sits by the second largest park in Paris, the Bois de Boulogne, and it’s farther from the center of Paris. If you walk through the park from the métro or RER, make sure you’re wearing comfortable, closed-toe shoes. My recommendation? An Uber or cab will be worth the fare for the convenience, especially if you’re on a schedule. 

• I left Paris for Bordeaux via Gare Montparnasse. Pro tip: don’t arrive super early for France’s high-speed trains, TGVs. I got to Gare Montparnasse an hour early to discover that track announcements can be delayed and seating is limited during peak holiday travel. Unlike major hubs that let you linger, Montparnasse is not set up for long waits. Give yourself enough time to get oriented, but not enough for the uncomfortable wait. I’d say about 30 minutes.

Five stops in Bordeaux: sustainability and community 

Bordeaux is a city that rewards slow walking. The historical contours of the city span thousands of years, so it’s not unusual to see something ancient rubbing up against a newly renovated building.

• UNESCO old town and Roman ruins. Walking through Bordeaux’s UNESCO heritage old town and spotting Roman ruins tucked into residential streets was unexpectedly moving. The layers of history and modern life makes the center feel lived in.

• Marché des Capucins and the local markets at Chartrons. The markets are where Bordeaux shows you its relaxed culinary side. The local fruits and cheeses make a perfect lunch or snack during the day.

• Librairie Mollat. This bookshop, opened in 1896, will scratch an itch for book lovers who can't get enough of the smell of freshly printed pages. They carry a selection of English language fiction and nonfiction if you need a read for the train.

• Darwin Eco-Système. This rehabilitated former military barracks is now an urban renewal hub with street art, cafés, bookshops, and a lively local crowd. It’s a great place to hang out, write, and practice your French by listening to locals who lounge in the open air pavilion between buildings. 

• Musée des Arts Décoratifs et du Design. This museum offers a curated permanent collection and thoughtful rotating exhibitions. The annex has interesting shows featuring artists from Bordeaux. We loved the Jean Dupas retrospective that showcased the life’s work of the prolific French art deco painter.

Here’s what you need to know for a smooth exploration of Bordeaux: 

• If you want to explore across the river Garonne, allow transit time as local ferries can take 20-30 minutes to arrive. The Darwin Eco-Système area rewards an afternoon visit.

• Bordeaux is extremely walkable, with iconic spots like the historic center, local markets, and Librairie Mollat all within a quick 20-minute stroll, meaning cabs or public transit passes are rarely necessary once you arrive. Bring comfortable shoes.

Boulangeries and bites I recommend from Paris to Bordeaux

The best way to discover the best cuisine that France has to offer is by asking the locals. In Bordeaux, we stumbled into small places recommended by shopkeepers that made our meals feel more like discoveries than checkboxes.

• We made a point to take advantage of French baking throughout our trip, and Gllm Guillaume was our favorite. The shop had French patisserie and most importantly, the perfect flaky croissant. Enjoy with a coffee. 

• Market stalls at Chartrons. For casual local bites like the smallest strawberries that taste like candy, the markets are unbeatable.

• Both bakeries and market stalls are also some of the lowest cost and best meals you'll find on the trip, and a pastry, coffee and market fruit can easily replace a sit-down lunch for a few euros.

Getting around in France: trains, transit and timing

We took the TGV from Gare Montparnasse to Bordeaux. The train makes the trip efficient, and booking in advance usually gets better fares. In both cities, public transit and walking handled most local travel.

I used Priceline for both of our hotels. For TGV tickets, book directly with the carrier or a trusted rail portal, and match arrival and departure stations to minimize transfers.

Travel tips for Paris and Bordeaux

• Pack light, packable layers. July in France is warm, but museum interiors and morning metros can feel cool. Bring a light layer that’s just warm enough to keep you comfortable and just light enough to fit in your bag.

• Carry a lightweight day bag for markets and museum purchases. A small tote will save you time and bag check fees. Extra points for a long strap so you can go hands-free when you’re strolling the Seine or exploring the ruins in Bordeaux.

• Buy timed-entry tickets in advance for popular exhibitions. Lines can get long for museum visits, and time slots fill up quickly. Book early to make sure you don’t spend too much time in line. 

• Pick a hotel with a sitting area for at least one night. Whether you need a little extra space to work or relax, it makes a quick stopover feel like a proper base.

• Reserve high-speed train tickets well in advance. France’s TGV pricing mirrors airline tickets, climbing steeper as travel dates approach. Securing your seats early yields substantial savings over last-minute purchases.

Opt for an apartment-style hotel with a kitchenette. Savoring local market finds for a casual dinner saves cash and frequently provides a superior culinary experience, particularly when exploring Bordeaux.

From the bustling shops in Paris to the quiet and history in Bordeaux 

On our whirlwind, dual city trip we got the best of both worlds: shopping wins and museums in Paris, with community and calm at the riverfront in Bordeaux. Picking up one of my wardrobe staples at Rubirosa’s was almost as exciting as visiting the city my mom loved and learned from a few years ago. Traveling with Ina made it part reunion in France, part rediscovery.

However you plan your own Paris vacation, pairing it with a slower few days in Bordeaux is a great way to see two very different sides of France in one trip.

FAQ

How can I plan a trip to Paris and Bordeaux?

Start with a five-day frame: one to two nights in Paris, two to three in Bordeaux. Book timed museum tickets and TGV train seats as soon as your travel dates are confirmed, since both rise in price closer to departure. Priceline can bundle flights and hotels to make your planning a little easier.

What is the best way to travel from Paris to Bordeaux?

The TGV high-speed train from Gare Montparnasse is the best way to travel from Paris to Bordeaux, since it’s faster than driving, frequent, and about two hours door to door. Book tickets in advance for the best fares, and don't arrive more than 30 minutes early, since Montparnasse seating is limited.

What are the top four things I should do in Paris?

Hit a local market for fresh produce and cheese for lunch. Visit museums beyond the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay for a more intimate experience. Shop the boutiques clustered in the Marais and walk. Priceline makes it easy to find a hotel near museums and boutiques that you want to go to so you spend less time in transit. Just ask Penny to make it easy.

What are the top four things I should do in Bordeaux?

Walk the UNESCO old town walls, visit the eco-friendly Darwin urban renewal project, and shop Bordeaux-exclusive spots like Beau Rivage alongside Parisian brand outposts. Finish with a local meal and a canelé, the city's famed caramelized pastry.

Which museums should I prioritize in Paris?

Pick one large exhibition at a major venue like the Grand Palais or Fondation Louis Vuitton, plus one smaller museum such as Musée Jacquemart-André. Timed tickets make the visit smoother.

Where should I stay in Paris and Bordeaux?

In Paris, the Latin Quarter or 6th arrondissement puts you near museums and cafés, with Hotel Le Lapin Blanc on Boulevard Saint-Michel being a solid pick. In Bordeaux, an apartment-style stay near Gambetta or Chartrons, like Adagio ApartHotel Gambetta, gives you kitchen space and easy walking access.

How can I save money on a trip to France?

Book TGV tickets and hotels early, since both get pricier closer to your dates. Compare rates on Priceline, where bundling flights and hotels often lowers the combined price. Pick a room with a kitchenette to skip a meal or two, and eat at markets and boulangeries instead of restaurants.

Where should I book a trip to Paris?

Priceline offers deals on flights, hotels and vacation packages in France, whether you're looking to walk along the Seine in Paris or take in the slower scenery in Bordeaux or other areas of France.