France’s Atlantic Coast
- 10 Days
- From £1,199
- Speed down to the Atlantic Coast by Eurostar and TGV
- Discover La Rochelle, the historic fishing port on the Bay of Biscay
- Sample some of the world’s best wines in Bordeaux
- Relax on the sheltered beaches of Saint-Jean-de-Luz
- Decide when you would like to travel
- Adapt the route to suit your plans
- Upgrade hotels and rail journeys
- Add extra nights, destinations and/or tours
- Standard Class rail travel with seat reservations
- 9 nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Comprehensive directions to your hotels
- Clearly-presented wallets for your rail tickets, hotel vouchers and other documentation
- All credit card surcharges and complimentary delivery of your travel documents
Suggested Itinerary
Catch a morning Eurostar from London St Pancras and head under the English Channel to Northern France, continuing from Calais down to Paris. Here, transfer by metro to the Gare Montparnasse for a high-speed TGV service to La Rochelle, arriving late in the afternoon. Once you arrive, make your way to the Best Western Premier Masqhotel (or similar) where you have a 3-night stay.
Known as ‘la Ville Blanche’ (the white city), thanks to its grand limestone façades, La Rochelle combines a prestigious historic pedigree with an irresistibly pretty centre and old port area. Spend your free time here wandering around the cobbled streets of half-timbered houses and eating delicious seafood around the Vieux Port. You might also like to visit one of the medieval towers guarding the harbour or take a boat trip to the Napoleonic Fort Boyard. Sun worshippers will enjoy a day trip to the famous Île de Ré.
Today’s rail journey is deliberately meandering, giving you the opportunity to enjoy an hour or two in the lovely Dordogne towns of Sarlat and Bergerac en route to Bordeaux. Both destinations offer a huge choice of options for a leisurely lunch. If you would prefer not to stop on the way, there are also direct services available. Just ask for details.
On arrival in Bordeaux, check in for a 3-night stay at the Best Western Bayonne Etcha-Ona Hotel (or similar).
Bordeaux is famous around the world for its wine and you will have passed through sun-drenched vineyards on your rail journey here. But the Bordelais are justly proud of their cuisine too so expect to be treated to something special when you dine out here. The city also boasts the largest urban UNESCO World Heritage Site, an 18th century city centre which Baron Haussmann used as his template when planning the modernisation of Paris. Don’t miss a relaxing cruise down the River Garonne or a visit to the tranquil botanical gardens, dating back to the mid 19th century.
A short journey of just over 2 hours brings you down the coast to Saint-Jean-de-Luz, where you have a 3-night stay at the Hotel Txoko (or similar).
Enjoy two full days in this attractive Basque resort, fashionable with English, Spanish and French tourists since the late 19th century. The strong sea walls protect the beaches from Atlantic winds, so if the weather is fine, you can enjoy some time relaxing with a good book or even paddling in the sea! St-Jean and its sleepy sister town of Ciboure are linked by bustling Pont Charles de Gaulle. In summer, the best way to cross the river mouth is to catch one of the regular ferries that run between the two towns.
It’s time to leave Saint-Jean-de-Luz this morning and return to the station for your return rail journey to London. A direct train will take you north to Paris, where you cross to the Gare du Nord and catch the Eurostar back to the UK.
Typical hotels on this itinerary
La Rochelle
The Best Western Masqhotel is conveniently located within easy walking distance of the main station and the Vieux Port. The contemporary style bedrooms all come with complimentary Wi-Fi internet access, flat-screen TVs and tea & coffee making facilities. There is also a lounge bar, laundry service and 24-hour reception at the hotel.
Bordeaux
This boutique, contemporary style hotel is located in the ‘Golden Triangle’ of Bordeaux. Each spacious bedroom has a private bathroom with bathrobes , as well as satellite TV, free Wi-Fi internet access and tea and coffee making facilities. Why not try some local Bordeaux wine in the hotel’s cosy bar?
Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Within walking distance of the beach, the Hotel Txoko provides a comfortable and convenient base to explore. Bedrooms are decorated in a classic, modern style and feature air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and en suite bathrooms. There is also free Wi-Fi internet access available throughout the hotel, which is a short walk from the station.
