Trip Overview
✅ Bordeaux-base model — 2 hotel check-ins only. Paris (2 nights) → Bordeaux (4 nights). All day trips by rental car. La Rochelle towers open Tue May 12. Rocamadour open Thu May 14 (Ascension — religious site). Beaulieu abbey open daily.
✅ Sarlat Wednesday market: Day 5 falls on Wednesday May 13 — the weekly market (8am–1pm) is running when you arrive ~11am. Catch the last 2 hours of local cheeses, foie gras, walnuts, and produce.
🚧 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.
🚨 Day 3 is Monday May 11 — Poitiers indoor sites CLOSED on Mondays. Musée Sainte-Croix: closed all day. Baptistère Saint-Jean: closed all day. Cathédrale Saint-Pierre: open 2pm–6pm only (not 9:30am). Only outdoor/open-air sites are accessible in the morning: Battle of Tours 732, Notre-Dame la Grande exterior, Battle of Poitiers 1356. See Day 3 for revised schedule.
⚠ Day 6 = Thursday May 14 = Ascension Day (Jour de l'Ascension) — French public holiday. Rocamadour sanctuary and Beaulieu Abbey are religious sites and remain open (Ascension is one of the most important Catholic feasts — Rocamadour may have special services). Château de Rocamadour ramparts: verify closer to trip — some monuments adjust hours on public holidays.
🚧 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
| Day | Day of Week | Location | Highlights | Sleep |
| 1 | Saturday, May 9 | Paris (arrive) | Personal Paris itinerary — placeholder | Paris |
| 2 | Sunday, May 10 | Paris | Personal Paris itinerary — placeholder | Paris |
| 3 | Monday, May 11 | Poitiers → Bordeaux | Pick up car · Battle of 732 · Notre-Dame la Grande (ext.) · Cathédrale 2pm only · Battle of 1356 · Musée + Baptistère CLOSED Mon · Drive to Bordeaux | Bordeaux ① |
| 4 | Tuesday, May 12 | Day trip: La Rochelle + Rochefort | Tour de la Chaîne · Tour de la Lanterne · Vieux Port · Rochefort Corderie Royale — return to Bordeaux same evening | Bordeaux ② |
| 5 | Wednesday, May 13 | Day trip: Monpazier → Sarlat | Monpazier bastide · Sarlat Wednesday market (8am–1pm) ✓ · medieval town · optional La Roque-Gageac — return to Bordeaux | Bordeaux ③ |
| 6 | Thursday, May 14 ⚠ Ascension | Day trip: Rocamadour → Beaulieu | Rocamadour sanctuary + château · Beaulieu abbey · Back to Bordeaux · Place de la Bourse · Wine bar (last night) | Bordeaux ④ |
| 7 | Friday, May 15 | Bordeaux → Paris → Bucharest | Return car · TGV to Paris · Fly CDG → OTP | — |
7-Day Itinerary — Hour by Hour
Priority 1 objectives · Bucharest round-trip · Rental car from Poitiers · May 9–15, 2026
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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.
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All day
Personal Paris itinerary — placeholder
Use your own Paris objectives list for Days 1 and 2.
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All day
Personal Paris itinerary — placeholder
Use your own Paris objectives list for Days 1 and 2.
⚠ Note for Day 3 (Monday May 11): TGV departs Paris Montparnasse at 7:55am. Ensure hotel is near Montparnasse or allow 30–40 min transfer from central Paris. Note: Musée Sainte-Croix and Baptistère Saint-Jean are closed Mondays — see Day 3 alerts.
🚨 Monday May 11 — significant closures in Poitiers: Musée Sainte-Croix: CLOSED all day. Baptistère Saint-Jean: CLOSED all day. Cathédrale Saint-Pierre: open 2pm–6pm only (not 9:30am). Morning is outdoor-only: Battle of 732, Notre-Dame la Grande exterior, Battle of 1356. Cathédrale can be fitted in at 2pm before driving south.
🚧 Notre-Dame la Grande interior — CLOSED until 2027. Exterior facade visible from Place Charles de Gaulle.
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7:55am
TGV — Paris Montparnasse → Poitiers
~1h 25min journey. Book in advance on sncf-connect.com (~€30–55/person). Arrive ~9:20am.
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9:25am
Pick Up Rental Car — Poitiers Train Station
Pre-booked at Europcar or Hertz desk at Gare de Poitiers (open Mon from 8am — confirm when booking). Collect car immediately on arrival — needed to drive to the Battle of 732 site north of town. Confirm one-way drop at Bordeaux Gare Saint-Jean when booking.
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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.
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10:45am
🚗 Drive back to Poitiers — 20 min
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11:10am
Musée Sainte-Croix — CLOSED MONDAY
❌ Closed all day Monday. Not accessible on this visit.
Gallo-Roman sculpture, prehistoric artifacts, medieval collections. Missed due to Monday closure.
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11:15am
Notre-Dame la Grande — Exterior
⏰ Facade visible 24/7 · Interior closed until 2027
5 min walk from Musée. The Romanesque west facade (12th century) — finest in France. Allow 20 min.
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11:35am
Lunch in Poitiers old town
Rue des Cordeliers area. Longer lunch break — Cathédrale doesn't open until 2pm on Monday. ~1.5 hrs.
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1:15pm
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. Back in town by 2pm.
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2:00pm
Cathédrale Saint-Pierre
⏰ Monday hours: 2pm–6pm only (full hours Tue–Sat 9:30am) · Free entry
Gothic cathedral with the oldest stained glass in France (12th century). Magnificent choir stalls. Allow 45 min.
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2:50pm
Baptistère Saint-Jean — CLOSED MONDAY
❌ Closed all day Monday (open Tue–Sun 2pm–6pm). Not accessible on this visit.
Oldest standing Christian building in France (4th century). Merovingian frescoes, carved sarcophagi. Missed due to Monday closure.
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3:00pm
🚗 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.
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5:30pm
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.
🚧 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.
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7:30am
🚗 Depart Bordeaux → La Rochelle — 1h 50min via A10 north
~170km. Early start to make the most of the day.
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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.
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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.
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11:30am
La Rochelle Old Town Walk
Covered arcaded streets (Rue du Palais, Rue du Temple), Hôtel de Ville (16th century). Allow 45 min.
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12:15pm
Lunch at Vieux Port
Moules-frites or fresh oysters at a port café. Budget €20–30/person. Allow 1 hr.
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1:15pm
🚗 Drive to Rochefort — 30 min via D137
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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.
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4:00pm
🚗 Return to Bordeaux — 1h 45min via A10 south
~165km direct from Rochefort. No need to backtrack to La Rochelle.
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5:45pm
Back in Bordeaux — Dinner
Explore the Chartrons wine district or Place du Parlement. Excellent wine bars and bistros.
✅ Wednesday May 13 — Sarlat market running on arrival. The weekly Wednesday market (8am–1pm) covers Place de la Liberté and surrounding streets. Arriving ~11am means you catch the last 2 hours — local cheeses, foie gras, walnuts, truffles, duck confit, antiques.
🚗 Day trip logistics: Bordeaux → Monpazier ~135km / 1h 30min (D936 east). Monpazier → Sarlat ~60km / 45min. Sarlat → Bordeaux ~130km / 2h (D704/A89). Total driving ~4h 15min.
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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.
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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.
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10:15am
🚗 Drive Monpazier → Sarlat — ~45 min via D53
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11:00am
Arrive Sarlat — Wednesday Market Still Running ✅
⏰ Wednesday market: 8am–1pm · Place de la Liberté & surrounding streets
Park outside the medieval center and walk in. Market covers Place de la Liberté, Rue de la République, and old town lanes — local cheeses, foie gras, walnuts, truffles, duck confit. Browse market stalls before exploring the medieval town. Allow 1 hr for market.
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12:00pm
Lunch in Sarlat — Market Stalls or Restaurant
Buy lunch from the last market vendors (€8–12/person vs. €20–25 at restaurants) or sit at Le Présidial or La Rapière. Allow 1 hr. Market closes at 1pm so act early for the best stalls.
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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.
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3:30pm
🚗 Return to Bordeaux — ~2h via D704 / A89 west
~130km. Straight run back on the A89 motorway.
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5:30pm
Back in Bordeaux — Dinner
Wine bar dinner in Saint-Pierre or Chartrons. Sample the local Bordeaux AOC.
⚠ Ascension Day (Jour de l'Ascension) — French public holiday. Rocamadour sanctuary: open — Ascension is one of the most important Catholic pilgrimages, expect special masses and more visitors. Beaulieu Abbey: open (religious site). Château de Rocamadour ramparts: verify closer to trip — some national monuments adjust hours on public holidays. Roads may be busier (long weekend traffic).
🚗 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.
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7:00am
🚗 Depart Bordeaux → Rocamadour — 2h 30min via A89 east
~230km. Take A89 east to Brive-la-Gaillarde, then D704 south to Rocamadour.
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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.
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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.
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12:00pm
Lunch at L'Hospitalet (above Rocamadour)
Better value than the village restaurants below. Known for Rocamadour AOC goat cheese. ~45 min.
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12:45pm
🚗 Drive Rocamadour → Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne — ~40 min via D840/D14
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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.
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3:00pm
🚗 Return to Bordeaux — 2h 15min via A89 west
~200km. Back on the A89 motorway heading west.
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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.
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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.
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7:30am
Return Rental Car — Gare Saint-Jean Bordeaux
All major agencies have desks at Bordeaux Gare Saint-Jean. Drop car, collect luggage.
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8:00am
TGV Bordeaux → Paris Montparnasse
~2 hours. Book same time as Paris–Poitiers ticket. Arrive Paris ~10am.
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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.
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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 9–15, 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.
| Attraction | Open Days | Hours (May) | Closed | Notes |
| 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) |
You visit Monday May 11 — open 2pm–6pm only on Mondays. Morning hours (9:30am) are Tue–Sat only. Plan visit for 2pm. |
| 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) |
You visit Monday May 11 — CLOSED all day Monday. Not accessible on this trip date. Open Tue–Sun. |
| Baptistère Saint-Jean, Poitiers |
Tue–Sun (Apr–Jun 20) |
2pm–6pm only |
Monday · Morning closed |
You visit Monday May 11 — CLOSED all day Monday. Open Tue–Sun 2pm–6pm only. Not accessible on this trip date. |
| 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 Tuesday May 12 — arrive by 10am or plan around the midday closure (1pm–2pm). Ticket office closes 45 min before closing. Open daily Apr–Jun. |
| Sarlat-la-Canéda old town |
Daily |
Outdoor — always accessible |
— |
You visit Wednesday May 13 — Wednesday market (8am–1pm) is running on arrival (~11am). Catch the last 2 hours. Saturday market (8:30am–6pm) is 2 days later and not accessible 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 Thursday May 14 (Ascension Day — public holiday). Verify hours closer to trip — most national monuments stay open on Ascension but confirm. 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. |
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 (Sat May 9 – Sun May 10)
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 (Mon May 11 → Fri May 15)
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
- Book all hotels as soon as dates are confirmed — May in Sarlat and Paris sells out fast
- Request rooms with parking info when booking in La Rochelle and Sarlat (rental car)
- booking.com or direct hotel websites — direct sometimes includes breakfast
- Ask for côté cour (courtyard side) in Paris for quieter rooms
- Sarlat hotels often have high Saturday demand — check refundable rates in case plans shift
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
- Flights (book first — sets your dates)
- Paris hotel (high demand in May)
- Louvre timed-entry tickets
- TGV Paris → Poitiers + Bordeaux → Paris
- Bordeaux hotel — 4 nights with parking (book early, confirm car parking)
- Rental car — one-way Poitiers pickup → Bordeaux drop