Trip Overview

7
Days
2
Adults
May 9–15
Dates
Sat
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. 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

DayDay of WeekLocationHighlightsSleep
1Saturday, May 9Paris (arrive)Personal Paris itinerary — placeholderParis
2Sunday, May 10ParisPersonal Paris itinerary — placeholderParis
3Monday, May 11Poitiers → BordeauxPick up car · Battle of 732 · Notre-Dame la Grande (ext.) · Cathédrale 2pm only · Battle of 1356 · Musée + Baptistère CLOSED Mon · Drive to BordeauxBordeaux ①
4Tuesday, May 12Day trip: La Rochelle + RochefortTour de la Chaîne · Tour de la Lanterne · Vieux Port · Rochefort Corderie Royale — return to Bordeaux same eveningBordeaux ②
5Wednesday, May 13Day trip: Monpazier → SarlatMonpazier bastide · Sarlat Wednesday market (8am–1pm) ✓ · medieval town · optional La Roque-Gageac — return to BordeauxBordeaux ③
6Thursday, May 14 ⚠ AscensionDay trip: Rocamadour → BeaulieuRocamadour sanctuary + château · Beaulieu abbey · Back to Bordeaux · Place de la Bourse · Wine bar (last night)Bordeaux ④
7Friday, May 15Bordeaux → 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 9–15, 2026

Day 1 Sat, May 9 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 Sun, May 10 Paris — Full Day
  • 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.
Day 3 Mon, May 11 Poitiers (Outdoor Sites Only — Mon Closures) → Drive to Bordeaux
🚨 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.
  • 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 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.
  • 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 — CLOSED MONDAY
    ❌ Closed all day Monday. Not accessible on this visit.
    Gallo-Roman sculpture, prehistoric artifacts, medieval collections. Missed due to Monday closure.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
Day 4 Tue, May 12 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 Wed, May 13 Périgord Day Trip — Monpazier → Sarlat (from Bordeaux)
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.
  • 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 — 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 Thu, May 14 Rocamadour + Beaulieu — Day Trip from Bordeaux ⚠ Ascension Day
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.
  • 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 Fri, May 15 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 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.
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) 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.

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 (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

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