Trip Overview

7
Days
2
Adults
May 18–24
Dates
Mon
Depart Day
OTP
Start & Return
✅ Bordeaux-base model — 2 hotel check-ins only. Paris (2 nights) → Bordeaux (4 nights). All day trips by rental car. Poitiers sites all open Wed May 20. La Rochelle towers open Thu May 21. Rocamadour open Sat May 23. Beaulieu abbey open daily.
⚠ Sarlat market timing: Day 5 falls on Friday May 22 — the famous Saturday market is missed. The Wednesday market (8am–1pm) is also out of reach. Sarlat's medieval town is still magnificent on a Friday, but plan accordingly.
🚧 Notre-Dame la Grande (Poitiers) — Interior closed until 2027 for renovation. The Romanesque facade is visible 24/7 from outside. Interior visit not possible on this trip.
🚧 Tour Saint-Nicolas (La Rochelle) — Closed for structural consolidation work. Tour de la Chaîne and Tour de la Lanterne remain open.

Route & Transportation

OTP → CDG  ✈ Fly Bucharest → Paris  |  Tarom/Air France direct, ~3h
Paris → Poitiers  🚆 TGV from Montparnasse, 1h 25min, ~€30–55/person (book ahead) — arrive 9:20am, visit all Poitiers sites same day
Poitiers → Bordeaux  🚗 Rental car (pick up at Poitiers station, one-way drop Bordeaux), ~2h 30min via A10 south — evening arrival at your base
Day 4 — Day Trip:  🚗 Bordeaux ↔ La Rochelle (1h 50min each way) + Rochefort loop (~400km total)
Day 5 — Day Trip:  🚗 Bordeaux → Monpazier (1h 30min) → Sarlat (45min) → Bordeaux (~2h) — Périgord loop
Day 6 — Day Trip:  🚗 Bordeaux → Rocamadour (2h 30min) → Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne (40min) → Bordeaux (2h 15min)
Bordeaux → Paris  🚆 TGV, 2h, ~€40–70/person (return rental car at Gare Saint-Jean same morning)
CDG → OTP  ✈ Fly Paris → Bucharest, ~3h
💡 Rental car: Pick up Wednesday morning at Poitiers train station on arrival — needed immediately to drive to the Battle of 732 site (20km north). One-way rental: drop Sunday morning at Bordeaux Gare Saint-Jean. Poitiers → Bordeaux one-way available at all major agencies (Europcar, Hertz, Avis) — expect a small one-way fee (~€20–40). Book a compact with full insurance (CDW + theft). Budget ~€240–320 for 4 days + one-way fee.

Day-by-Day Summary

DayDay of WeekLocationHighlightsSleep
1Monday, May 18Paris (arrive)Personal Paris itinerary — placeholderParis
2Tuesday, May 19ParisPersonal Paris itinerary — placeholderParis
3Wednesday, May 20Poitiers → BordeauxPick up car · Battle of 732 · Cathédrale · Notre-Dame la Grande (ext.) · Musée Sainte-Croix · Baptistère · Battle of 1356 · Drive to Bordeaux baseBordeaux ①
4Thursday, May 21Day trip: La Rochelle + RochefortTour de la Chaîne · Tour de la Lanterne · Vieux Port · Rochefort Corderie Royale — return to Bordeaux same eveningBordeaux ②
5Friday, May 22Day trip: Monpazier → SarlatMonpazier bastide · Sarlat medieval town · optional La Roque-Gageac — return to Bordeaux same eveningBordeaux ③
6Saturday, May 23Day trip: Rocamadour → BeaulieuRocamadour sanctuary + château · Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne abbey · Back to Bordeaux · Place de la Bourse · Wine bar (last night)Bordeaux ④
7Sunday, May 24Bordeaux → Paris → BucharestReturn car · TGV to Paris · Fly CDG → OTP—

7-Day Itinerary — Hour by Hour

Priority 1 objectives · Bucharest round-trip · Rental car from Poitiers · May 18–24, 2026

Day 1 Mon, May 18 Bucharest → Paris — Arrive
  • Morning
    Fly OTP → CDG
    Tarom or Air France direct, ~3 hours. Book morning departure to arrive Paris by midday. RER B from CDG to central Paris ~45 min, €11/person.
  • All day
    Personal Paris itinerary — placeholder
    Use your own Paris objectives list for Days 1 and 2.
Day 2 Tue, May 19 Paris — Full Day
  • All day
    Personal Paris itinerary — placeholder
    Use your own Paris objectives list for Days 1 and 2.
⚠ Note for Day 3: TGV departs Paris Montparnasse at 7:55am. Ensure hotel is near Montparnasse or allow 30–40 min transfer from central Paris.
Day 3 Wed, May 20 Poitiers (All Sites) → Drive to La Rochelle
✅ Wednesday May 20 = good for Poitiers. All sites open: Cathédrale and Musée Sainte-Croix open from 9:30–10am. Baptistère opens at 2pm — sequenced with lunch between. Note: Musée Sainte-Croix closes at noon (lunch break 12pm–1:15pm) in May — plan your visit before noon or after 1:15pm.
🚧 Notre-Dame la Grande interior — CLOSED until 2027. Exterior facade visible from Place Charles de Gaulle.
  • 7:55am
    TGV — Paris Montparnasse → Poitiers
    ~1h 25min journey. Book in advance on sncf-connect.com (~€30–55/person). Arrive ~9:20am.
  • 9:25am
    Pick Up Rental Car — Poitiers Train Station
    Pre-booked at Europcar or Hertz desk at Gare de Poitiers (open Thu from 8am). Collect car immediately on arrival — needed to drive to the Battle of 732 site north of town. Confirm drop at Bordeaux Gare Saint-Jean when booking.
  • 9:45am
    Battle of Tours 732 — Moussais-la-Bataille
    ⏰ Open-air site, always accessible · Free
    20km north of Poitiers (~20 min drive). Site of Charles Martel's victory over the Umayyad army in 732, one of the most consequential battles in European history. Monument and interpretive panels. Allow 30–40 min.
  • 10:45am
    🚗 Drive back to Poitiers — 20 min
  • 11:10am
    Musée Sainte-Croix
    ⏰ Open Wed–Fri 10am–12pm & 1:15pm–5pm (May hours) · ~€4/person
    ⚠ Updated: Closes at noon for lunch. Visit now (11:10–11:55am) before noon closure.
    Gallo-Roman sculpture, prehistoric artifacts, medieval collections. Allow 45 min.
  • 11:55am
    Cathédrale Saint-Pierre
    ⏰ Open Tue–Sat from 9:30am · Free entry
    Park near old town. Gothic cathedral with the oldest stained glass in France (12th century). Magnificent choir stalls. Allow 40 min.
  • 12:35pm
    Notre-Dame la Grande — Exterior
    ⏰ Facade visible 24/7 · Interior closed until 2027
    5 min walk. The Romanesque west facade (12th century) — finest in France. Allow 20 min.
  • 12:55pm
    Lunch in Poitiers old town
    Rue des Cordeliers area. ~1 hr.
  • 2:00pm
    Baptistère Saint-Jean
    ⏰ Open April–June 20: 2pm–6pm only · Closed Monday · ~€2/person
    5 min walk. Oldest standing Christian building in France (4th century). Merovingian frescoes, carved sarcophagi. Allow 45 min.
  • 3:00pm
    Battle of Poitiers 1356 — Maupertuis
    ⏰ Open-air site, always accessible · Free
    10km southeast of Poitiers (~15 min drive). Site of the Black Prince's victory over King Jean II. Monument and commemorative panels. Allow 30 min.
  • 3:45pm
    🚗 Drive to Bordeaux — 2h 30min via A10 south
    ~240km from Poitiers. Straight run down the A10 motorway. Evening arrival at your base for the next 4 nights.
  • 6:15pm
    Arrive Bordeaux — Check In (Base Hotel)
    Hotel near Gare Saint-Jean or city center. Park car at hotel garage. Dinner in the Chartrons district or old town — this is wine country. First of 4 nights here.
Day 4 Thu, May 21 La Rochelle + Rochefort — Day Trip from Bordeaux
🚧 Tour Saint-Nicolas is currently closed for structural work. Visit Tour de la Chaîne and Tour de la Lanterne instead — both open, combined ticket available.
🚗 Day trip logistics: Bordeaux → La Rochelle ~170km / 1h 50min via A10 north. Return via Rochefort directly to Bordeaux ~170km / 1h 45min via A10 south. Total driving ~4h. Start early.
  • 7:30am
    🚗 Depart Bordeaux → La Rochelle — 1h 50min via A10 north
    ~170km. Early start to make the most of the day.
  • 9:30am
    Tour de la Chaîne
    ⏰ Open daily (Apr–Jun): 10am–12:45pm & 2pm–6:30pm · ~€9/person or combined ticket
    14th-century tower that anchored the chain stretched across the harbor entrance to block enemy ships. Medieval rooms and harbor views. Allow 45 min.
  • 10:30am
    Tour de la Lanterne
    ⏰ Same hours as Tour de la Chaîne · Combined ticket recommended
    Tallest of the towers (15th century). Graffiti carved by English and Spanish prisoners. Panoramic views from the top. Allow 45 min.
  • 11:30am
    La Rochelle Old Town Walk
    Covered arcaded streets (Rue du Palais, Rue du Temple), Hôtel de Ville (16th century). Allow 45 min.
  • 12:15pm
    Lunch at Vieux Port
    Moules-frites or fresh oysters at a port café. Budget €20–30/person. Allow 1 hr.
  • 1:15pm
    🚗 Drive to Rochefort — 30 min via D137
  • 2:00pm
    Rochefort — Vieux Port & Corderie Royale
    ⏰ Town accessible at all times · Corderie Royale open daily 10am–1pm & 2pm–6pm (May) — lunch break 1–2pm
    Priority 1. Founded by Colbert in 1666 as Louis XIV's royal naval base. The Vieux Port and Arsenal district. The Corderie Royale (374m royal rope-making hall) is the longest 17th-century industrial building in France — extraordinary. Allow 1.5–2 hrs.
  • 4:00pm
    🚗 Return to Bordeaux — 1h 45min via A10 south
    ~165km direct from Rochefort. No need to backtrack to La Rochelle.
  • 5:45pm
    Back in Bordeaux — Dinner
    Explore the Chartrons wine district or Place du Parlement. Excellent wine bars and bistros.
Day 5 Fri, May 22 Périgord Day Trip — Monpazier → Sarlat (from Bordeaux)
⚠ Saturday market missed by one day. Sarlat is visited Friday May 22. The famous Sarlat Saturday market (8:30am–6pm) falls on Saturday May 23 — you'll be doing the Rocamadour day trip instead. Sarlat's medieval town is still magnificent on a Friday — fewer crowds. The next market would be Wednesday (8am–1pm) which is also not available.
🚗 Day trip logistics: Bordeaux → Monpazier ~135km / 1h 30min (D936 east). Monpazier → Sarlat ~60km / 45min. Sarlat → Bordeaux ~130km / 2h (D704/A89). Total driving ~4h 15min.
  • 7:30am
    🚗 Depart Bordeaux → Monpazier — 1h 30min via D936 east
    ~135km. Scenic drive through the Entre-Deux-Mers wine country and into the Périgord Pourpre.
  • 9:00am
    Monpazier — English Bastide Town
    ⏰ Outdoor — always accessible · Free to walk
    Priority 1. Founded by Edward I of England in 1284 — the best-preserved English bastide in France. The original grid layout, central arcaded market square (Place des Cornières), and fortified gates are essentially unchanged from the 13th century. A masterpiece of medieval urban planning. Allow 1 hr.
  • 10:15am
    🚗 Drive Monpazier → Sarlat — ~45 min via D53
  • 11:00am
    Arrive Sarlat — Medieval Town
    ⏰ Outdoor — always accessible · Park outside old town and walk in
    Best-preserved medieval town in France. The golden limestone glows in morning light. Key stops: Lanterne des Morts, Cathédrale Saint-Sacerdos, Jardin des Enfeus, Maison de La Boétie, Place de la Liberté.
  • 12:30pm
    Lunch in Sarlat
    Restaurant on Place de la Liberté — confit de canard is the regional specialty. Le Présidial (terrace in historic courtyard) or La Rapière. Allow 1 hr.
  • 1:30pm
    Continue Sarlat Walk + Optional Detour
    Explore the back lanes of the medieval quarter. Optional: 15 min drive to La Roque-Gageac or Beynac-et-Cazenac — both spectacular on the Dordogne cliff, quick stops. Allow 1.5 hrs total.
  • 3:30pm
    🚗 Return to Bordeaux — ~2h via D704 / A89 west
    ~130km. Straight run back on the A89 motorway.
  • 5:30pm
    Back in Bordeaux — Dinner
    Wine bar dinner in Saint-Pierre or Chartrons. Sample the local Bordeaux AOC.
Day 6 Sat, May 23 Rocamadour + Beaulieu — Day Trip from Bordeaux (Last Full Day)
🚗 Day trip logistics: Bordeaux → Rocamadour ~230km / 2h 30min via A89 east. Rocamadour → Beaulieu ~40km / 40min. Beaulieu → Bordeaux ~200km / 2h 15min via A89 west. Total driving ~5h 25min. Start early — worth it for two P1 sites.
  • 7:00am
    🚗 Depart Bordeaux → Rocamadour — 2h 30min via A89 east
    ~230km. Take A89 east to Brive-la-Gaillarde, then D704 south to Rocamadour.
  • 9:30am
    Rocamadour — Grand Staircase & Sanctuary
    ⏰ Sanctuary chapels: open daily from 8am · Château: 10am–7pm · Free to walk; some chapels €1–2
    Priority 1. Park at l'Hospitalet (upper level) for the classic panoramic view. Walk down to the Cité (village) then climb the Grand Staircase (216 steps) to the Sanctuaire: 7 chapels including the Chapel of Our Lady with the Black Madonna. Allow 2–2.5 hrs.
  • 10:00am
    Château de Rocamadour
    ⏰ Open daily 9am–6pm (ramparts) · ~€3/person
    Above the sanctuary. 14th-century fortified residence. Panoramic views over the canyon and pilgrimage village below.
  • 12:00pm
    Lunch at L'Hospitalet (above Rocamadour)
    Better value than the village restaurants below. Known for Rocamadour AOC goat cheese. ~45 min.
  • 12:45pm
    🚗 Drive Rocamadour → Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne — ~40 min via D840/D14
  • 1:30pm
    Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne — Abbey of Saint-Pierre
    ⏰ Abbey open daily; tympanum visible from exterior at all times · Free to view
    Priority 1. The 12th-century Romanesque tympanum (carved stone portal) is considered one of the finest in France — in the same league as Moissac and Vézelay. The Last Judgement carving is extraordinary in detail. Also: the old town along the Dordogne riverfront, the Chapelle des Pénitents. Allow 1.5 hrs.
  • 3:00pm
    🚗 Return to Bordeaux — 2h 15min via A89 west
    ~200km. Back on the A89 motorway heading west.
  • 5:15pm
    Bordeaux — Last Evening
    Freshen up. Walk to Place de la Bourse and the miroir d'eau (water mirror) for sunset. Explore the Chartrons district.
  • 7:30pm
    Farewell Dinner — Bordeaux
    Le Chapon Fin (historic restaurant, stunning interior) or Le Pressoir d'Argent for a memorable last evening. Pair with a local Bordeaux AOC.
Day 7 Sun, May 24 Bordeaux → Paris → Bucharest
  • 7:30am
    Return Rental Car — Gare Saint-Jean Bordeaux
    All major agencies have desks at Bordeaux Gare Saint-Jean. Drop car, collect luggage.
  • 8:00am
    TGV Bordeaux → Paris Montparnasse
    ~2 hours. Book same time as Paris–Poitiers ticket. Arrive Paris ~10am.
  • 10:30am
    Transfer to CDG Airport
    Montparnasse → CDG: RER B via Saint-Michel or taxi (~€50 flat rate). Allow 1h 15min for transfer + check-in.
  • Afternoon
    Fly CDG → OTP (Bucharest)
    Tarom or Air France direct, ~3 hours. Book afternoon departure from CDG (2pm+ recommended given the morning transfer from Bordeaux).

Attraction Opening Hours — May 2026

Updated for actual trip dates (May 18–24, 2026). Always confirm closer to travel — hours can change.

⚠ May 1 (Labour Day): Louvre, Sainte-Chapelle, La Rochelle towers, and most public sites are CLOSED. Do not plan a French public holiday for key attractions.
AttractionOpen DaysHours (May)ClosedNotes
Louvre Museum, Paris Mon, Wed–Sun 9am–9:45pm (Wed/Fri extended)
9am–6pm other days		 Tuesday · May 1 Book timed entry online. Visit Wednesday for extended hours.
Sainte-Chapelle, Paris Daily (exc. May 1) 9am–9:30pm (Wed, May–Sep)
9am–7pm other days		 May 1 Last entry 45 min before close. Combined ticket with Conciergerie.
Cathédrale Saint-Pierre, Poitiers Tue–Sat 9:30am–6pm Monday (2pm–6pm only) Free. You visit Wednesday May 20 — open from 9:30am. ✓
Notre-Dame la Grande, Poitiers Facade 24/7 Interior CLOSED until 2027 Interior renovation Exterior Romanesque facade fully visible. Plan 20 min for exterior viewing.
Musée Sainte-Croix, Poitiers Tue–Sun May hours (Oct–May 31): Tue 10am–5pm continuous; Wed–Fri 10am–12pm & 1:15pm–5pm; Sat–Sun 2pm–6pm Monday · Lunch break 12–1:15pm (Wed–Fri) ~€4/person. You visit Wednesday May 20 — plan visit 10–11:50am OR after 1:15pm. Closes at 5pm (not 6pm) in May.
Baptistère Saint-Jean, Poitiers Tue–Sun (Apr–Jun 20) 2pm–6pm only Monday · Morning closed ~€3/person (updated). Opens 2pm sharp on Wednesday May 20 — plan Poitiers afternoon around this. Admission: adults €3, groups €2, children €1.
Tour de la Chaîne, La Rochelle Daily (exc. May 1) 10am–12:45pm & 2pm–6:30pm May 1 · 1st Mon morning/month Note the midday closure 12:45–2pm. Combined ticket with Tour de la Lanterne.
Tour de la Lanterne, La Rochelle Daily (exc. May 1) 10am–12:45pm & 2pm–6:30pm May 1 · 1st Mon morning/month Tallest tower, 360° views. Same ticket as Tour de la Chaîne.
Tour Saint-Nicolas, La Rochelle CLOSED — structural consolidation works (no reopening date confirmed) Visit Chaîne and Lanterne instead.
Corderie Royale, Rochefort Daily (Apr 4–Jun 30) 10am–1pm & 2pm–6pm Closed 1pm–2pm (lunch break) You visit Thursday May 21 — arrive by 10am or plan around the midday closure. Ticket office closes 45 min before closing.
Sarlat-la-Canéda old town Daily Outdoor — always accessible — You visit Friday May 22 — Saturday market (Sat 8:30am–6pm) is the following day. Town is beautiful without market crowds. Wed market (8am–1pm) also not available on this trip.
Rocamadour Sanctuary Daily Chapels from 8am–7pm (May) — Free to walk. Individual chapels may have small entry fees (~€1–2).
Château de Rocamadour Daily 9am–6pm (ramparts year-round) — ~€3/person. You visit Saturday May 23 — open. Views over the canyon and sanctuary below.
Battle of Poitiers 1356 (Maupertuis) Daily Always accessible — Open-air site, free. 10km SE of Poitiers. Small monument.

All Objectives with Coordinates

#ObjectiveTypePriorityCoordinatesTrip Day
1ParisHistory, CultureP148.8566°N, 2.3522°EDays 1–2 (personal itinerary)
2La Rochelle Vieux Port + RochefortHistoryP146.1591°N, 1.1520°W / 45.9413°N, 0.9596°WDay 4
3RocamadourHistory, ArchitectureP144.7991°N, 1.6182°EDay 6
4Notre-Dame la Grande, PoitiersHistoryP146.5813°N, 0.3394°EDay 3 (exterior only — interior closed 2027)
5Cathédrale Saint-Pierre, PoitiersHistoryP146.5804°N, 0.3402°EDay 3
6Baptistère Saint-Jean, PoitiersHistoryP146.5799°N, 0.3418°EDay 3 (2pm sharp)
7Musée Sainte-Croix, PoitiersHistoryP146.5795°N, 0.3382°EDay 3
8Battle of Poitiers 1356 (Maupertuis)HistoryP146.5200°N, 0.4100°EDay 3 afternoon
9Battle of Tours 732 (Moussais-la-Bataille)HistoryP146.7911°N, 0.3574°EDay 3 morning
10Sarlat-la-CanédaArchitectureP144.8898°N, 1.2172°EDay 5
11MonpazierHistory, ArchitectureP144.6818°N, 0.8940°EDay 5 morning
12Beaulieu-sur-DordogneHistory, ArchitectureP144.9780°N, 1.8330°EDay 6 afternoon
Priority 2 — not included in 7-day plan
13Donjon de NiortHistoryP246.3238°N, 0.4693°W—
14Musée Maritime, RochefortHistoryP245.9424°N, 0.9596°W—
15Château d'OléronHistoryP245.9241°N, 1.1885°W—
16Bidart (friends visit)—P243.4358°N, 1.5958°W—
17La Roque-GageacArchitectureP244.8237°N, 1.1859°EOptional Day 5
18DommeArchitectureP244.8063°N, 1.2121°EOptional Day 5
19Beynac-et-CazenacArchitectureP244.8324°N, 1.1510°EOptional Day 5
20LimeuilArchitectureP244.8838°N, 0.8873°E—

Route Map

Paris (Days 1–2)
Poitiers (Day 3 — en route)
Bordeaux BASE (4 nights)
La Rochelle + Rochefort (Day 4 day trip)
Monpazier + Sarlat (Day 5 day trip)
Rocamadour + Beaulieu (Day 6 day trip)
Priority 2 (not in plan)

Hotel Recommendations

Mid-range · 2 adults · May prices · Not basic, not luxury

✅ 2 hotel check-ins only. Paris (2 nights) → Bordeaux (4 nights). No more packing/unpacking in La Rochelle and Sarlat.

Paris — 2 nights (Mon May 18 – Tue May 19)

Stay: Marais or Latin Quarter. Close to Louvre, Sainte-Chapelle, and Île de la Cité.

Hôtel des Grandes Écoles
Latin Quarter · Garden courtyard · ~€130–160/night
Hôtel Émile
Le Marais · Rooftop terrace · ~€140–180/night
Hôtel Saint-Louis Marais
Île Saint-Louis · Historic building · ~€150–190/night
Budget: €260–380 (2 nights)

Bordeaux — 4 nights (Wed May 20 → Sun May 24)

Base hotel for all day trips. Stay near Gare Saint-Jean or city center — parking essential for rental car. Book with guaranteed parking.

Hôtel Mama Shelter Bordeaux
Near Gare Saint-Jean · Modern, parking available · ~€100–140/night
Hôtel de Sèze
City center · Boutique · parking nearby · ~€110–150/night
Hôtel Burdigala
City center · 4-star · valet parking · ~€150–200/night
La Maison Bord'eaux
Chartrons district · Boutique · garden · ~€130–170/night
Budget: €400–800 (4 nights) · Save vs. 3 separate hotels
⚠ Confirm secure overnight parking when booking — you'll have a rental car all 4 nights

Booking Tips

Budget Estimate — 7 Days, from Bucharest

Round trip OTP ↔ CDG · 2 adults · Mid-range · May 2026

Full Budget Breakdown

Flights

✈ OTP → CDG (round trip, 2 pax) — Tarom/Air France€400–800

Accommodation (6 nights — 2 check-ins)

🏨 Paris — 2 nights (~€145/night avg)€290–380
🏨 Bordeaux — 4 nights (~€130/night avg)€520–800

Transportation

🚆 TGV Paris → Poitiers (2 pax, book early)€60–110
🚆 TGV Bordeaux → Paris (2 pax, book early)€80–140
🚗 Rental car 4 days one-way Poitiers→Bordeaux (compact, CDW)€220–320
⛽ Fuel — hub-and-spoke day trips from Bordeaux (~1,400km total)€130–180
🚇 Paris metro + RER (CDG transfers, 2 pax)€50–80

Food

🍽 €60–70/day for 2 adults × 7 days€420–490

Attractions & Entrance Fees

🎟 Louvre (2 pax × €22)€44
🎟 Sainte-Chapelle + Conciergerie (2 pax)€40
🎟 Poitiers: Musée (€8) + Baptistère (€4)€12
🎟 La Rochelle towers — combined ticket (2 pax)€36–40
🎟 Rocamadour: Château (€6) + misc€10–15
TOTAL — 2 people €2,250–3,350
Per person: ~€1,125–1,675
Note: extra fuel for day trips (~+€50–60 vs original) offset by fewer hotel check-ins and no Sarlat 1-night premium rate

Cost-Saving Tips

  • TGV tickets: Book 60–90 days ahead on sncf-connect.com. "Ouigo" fares as low as €10/person
  • Louvre: Book timed entry at louvre.fr — no queue surcharge, same price
  • Sainte-Chapelle: Combined ticket with Conciergerie saves ~€4 vs. buying separately
  • Musée Sainte-Croix: Free on Tuesdays — but your visit is Thursday, so plan accordingly
  • Sarlat market: Buy lunch from vendors (€8–12/person vs. €20–25 at restaurants)
  • Rental car: Book compact class, pay online in advance — avoids station upsell. Compare Rentalcars.com vs. direct.
  • Rocamadour: Parking at l'Hospitalet is cheaper than Cité parking. Town walk is free.
  • Flights: Tarom OTP–CDG direct is typically cheapest. Book 8 weeks ahead.

Budget Summary by Scenario

Conservative (budget hotels, Ouigo trains)~€1,900
Recommended (mid-range)~€2,250–2,800
Comfortable (nicer hotels, flexible trains)~€3,350
All figures in euros, for 2 adults total. Does not include travel insurance (recommend ~€80–120 for 2).

Booking Order

  1. Flights (book first — sets your dates)
  2. Paris hotel (high demand in May)
  3. Louvre timed-entry tickets
  4. TGV Paris → Poitiers + Bordeaux → Paris
  5. Bordeaux hotel — 4 nights with parking (book early, confirm car parking)
  6. Rental car — one-way Poitiers pickup → Bordeaux drop