Trip Overview
✅ 2 hotel check-ins only. Paris (3 nights, May 8–11) → Bordeaux (4 nights, May 11–15). All day trips by rental car. Car picked up at Bordeaux — round-trip rental, no one-way fee. All Poitiers indoor sites open Tuesday May 12. Rocamadour open Thu May 14 (Ascension — religious site). Beaulieu abbey open daily.
✅ Château de Montaigne booked — Day 6 (Wed May 13) at 10:30. Guided tour of Michel de Montaigne's tower + château + park walk + wine tasting x2. Ref: P2604220057. ~2h total. En route to Monpazier and Sarlat.
⚠ Sarlat Wednesday market no longer reachable: Château de Montaigne tour ends ~12:30–13:00, then ~1.5h drive to Sarlat. Market closes at 1pm — arrival will be ~2:30pm. Sarlat medieval town remains excellent — just without the market.
🚧 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.
✅ Poitiers on Tuesday May 12 — all indoor sites open. Musée Sainte-Croix: 10am–5pm continuous (no lunch break on Tuesdays — free entry Tuesdays). Baptistère Saint-Jean: 2pm–6pm. Cathédrale Saint-Pierre: 9:30am–6pm. All 5 Poitiers P1 objectives accessible on Day 4.
⚠ 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 | Arrive Fri May 8 — check in Hotel Mercure Gare Montparnasse
Paris → Bordeaux 🚆 TGV INOUI 8571 — departs 06:29, arrives 08:48 (2h 19min, 1st class). Booking: 76W5ND. Coach 2 upper deck, seat 271. ⚠ Hotel Mercure is 3-min walk from Gare Montparnasse — leave hotel by 06:10.
Day 4 — Day Trip: La Rochelle 🚗 Pick up Europcar at 09:18 (Hall 3, Parking P4, OUTSIDE station) → La Rochelle (1h 50min) — towers + old town — return to Carbon-Blanc hotel
Day 5 — Day Trip: Rochefort + Poitiers 🚗 Bordeaux → Rochefort (1h 45min) → Battle of 732 (1h 45min) → Poitiers all P1 sites → Bordeaux (~2h 30min)
Day 6 — Day Trip: Château Montaigne + Périgord 🚗 Bordeaux → Château de Montaigne 10:30 tour (50min drive) → Monpazier (55min) → Sarlat (45min) → Bordeaux (~1h 45min)
Day 7 — Day Trip: 🚗 Bordeaux → Rocamadour (2h 30min) → Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne (40min) → Bordeaux (2h 15min)
Bordeaux → Paris 🚆 TGV departs 07:58, arrives Paris Montparnasse 11:31 (3h 33min). ⚠ Return Europcar at 06:28 (Hall 3, Parking P4) — desk opens 08:00 on Fri; confirm key drop procedure with Europcar. Check-in closes 07:43.
CDG → OTP ✈ Fly Paris → Bucharest — book 2pm+ departure from CDG
✅ Rental car confirmed — Europcar, ref FR980349730. Pickup Mon May 11 at 09:18 — Hall 3 Belcier, Parking P4, Niv 5 (OUTSIDE the train station — follow signs from Gare St-Jean). VW Polo or similar, automatic, A/C, Damage & Theft cover, additional driver included. Drop-off Fri May 15 at 06:28 same location. ⚠ Desk opens 08:00 on Fridays — call 33 0 977403259 in advance to confirm early key drop procedure for 06:28 return.
⚠ Car pickup — Europcar is OUTSIDE the train station. After arriving Bordeaux at 08:48, follow signs to Hall 3 Belcier, Parking P4, Level 5 (short walk from platform). Pickup booked at 09:18 — 30 min buffer after arrival. Bring: original full driving licence + International Driving Permit (required) + physical credit card in main driver's name.
Day-by-Day Summary
| Day | Day of Week | Location | Highlights | Sleep |
|---|
| 1 | Friday, May 8 | Bucharest → Paris (arrive) | Fly OTP → CDG · Check in Hotel Mercure Gare Montparnasse (20 Rue de la Gaité) | Paris ① |
| 2 | Saturday, May 9 | Paris | Personal Paris itinerary | Paris ② |
| 3 | Sunday, May 10 | Paris | Personal Paris itinerary · ⚠ Leave hotel by 06:10 next morning for TGV | Paris ③ |
| 4 | Monday, May 11 | Paris → Bordeaux + Day trip: La Rochelle | TGV INOUI 8571 departs 06:29 → arrives 08:48 · Pick up Europcar 09:18 · Drive La Rochelle · Tour de la Chaîne · Tour de la Lanterne · Old town · Return to hotel Carbon-Blanc ≥3pm | Bordeaux ① |
| 5 | Tuesday, May 12 | Day trip: Rochefort + Poitiers (all sites) | Corderie Royale · Battle of 732 · Musée Sainte-Croix ✓ (free Tues) · Cathédrale Saint-Pierre · Baptistère Saint-Jean · Notre-Dame la Grande · Battle of 1356 | Bordeaux ② |
| 6 | Wednesday, May 13 | Day trip: Château de Montaigne → Monpazier → Sarlat | ✅ Château de Montaigne 10:30 (booked) · Guided tour + park + wine tasting · Monpazier bastide · Sarlat medieval town (market closed by arrival) | Bordeaux ③ |
| 7 | Thursday, May 14 ⚠ Ascension | Day trip: Rocamadour → Beaulieu | Rocamadour sanctuary + château · Beaulieu abbey · Back to Bordeaux · Place de la Bourse · Farewell dinner | Bordeaux ④ |
| 8 | Friday, May 15 | Bordeaux → Paris → Bucharest | ⚠ Return Europcar 06:28 (confirm key drop) · TGV departs 07:58 → Paris 11:31 · Transfer to CDG · Fly CDG → OTP | — |
8-Day Itinerary — Hour by Hour
Priority 1 objectives · Bucharest round-trip · Rental car from Bordeaux (round-trip) · May 8–15, 2026
✅ Hotel confirmed: Hotel Mercure Paris Centre Gare Montparnasse · 20 Rue de la Gaité, Paris 75014 · Hotels.com ref: 73420507274621 · Check-in Fri May 8 from 2pm · Check-out Mon May 11 by noon. 3-min walk from Gare Montparnasse — ideal for the 06:29 TGV.
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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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Afternoon
Check In — Hotel Mercure Gare Montparnasse
Check-in from 2:00pm. Hotel is 3-min walk from Gare Montparnasse — perfectly placed for the 06:29 TGV on May 11. Classic Twin Room (2 beds), 2 adults. Total: €677.70 payable at property.
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All day
Personal Paris itinerary — evening arrival
Settle in, explore the Montparnasse neighbourhood, dinner nearby.
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All day
Personal Paris itinerary — placeholder
Use your own Paris objectives list for Days 2 and 3.
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All day
Personal Paris itinerary — placeholder
Use your own Paris objectives list.
⚠ Early start tomorrow (Day 4 — Mon May 11): TGV INOUI 8571 departs Paris Montparnasse at 06:29. Leave hotel by 06:10 (3-min walk to station). Pack bags tonight. Hotel checkout is noon — you'll already be on the train. Ask hotel about leaving luggage if needed (no bags to Bordeaux check-in until 3pm anyway). Boarding closes 2 min before departure.
✅ TGV confirmed — booking 76W5ND. Departs Paris Montparnasse 1 et 2 at 06:29, arrives Bordeaux-Saint-Jean at 08:48 (2h 19min). TGV INOUI 8571, 1st class. Coach 2 upper deck, Seat 271 (Linica). Dual side-by-side seating. Ticket: €53/person.
✅ Europcar confirmed — ref FR980349730. Pickup 09:18 at Hall 3 Belcier, Parking P4, Level 5 — located OUTSIDE the train station (short walk from platform, follow signs). VW Polo or similar, automatic, A/C, unlimited mileage, damage & theft cover included. Tel: 33 0 977403259.
🏨 Hotel: ACE Hôtel Bordeaux Carbon Banc — 5 Av. de la Gardette, Carbon-Blanc (suburb ~8km from Gare St-Jean). Check-in from 3:00pm (ref 73420557537620). Triple Room. Total €352.60 payable at property. Drive ~15min from Gare to hotel. You'll check in on return from La Rochelle (~evening).
🚗 Day trip logistics: Bordeaux → La Rochelle ~170km / 1h 50min via A10 north. Return Bordeaux ~170km / 1h 50min. Total driving ~4h on top of TGV travel. Long day — towers open 2pm–6:30pm, well-timed after noon arrival.
🚧 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.
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6:10am
Leave Hotel Mercure — Walk to Gare Montparnasse (3 min)
Hotel is at 20 Rue de la Gaité — 3-min walk to Paris Montparnasse 1 et 2. Boarding closes 2 min before departure.
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6:29am
TGV INOUI 8571 — Paris Montparnasse → Bordeaux Saint-Jean
2h 19min, 0 changes. 1st class, Coach 2 upper deck, Seat 271. Booking: 76W5ND. Arrive Bordeaux 08:48.
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9:18am
Pick Up Rental Car — Europcar, Hall 3 Belcier, Parking P4 Level 5
OUTSIDE the train station — short walk from arrivals, follow Europcar/parking signs. Ref FR980349730. Bring: original full driving licence + International Driving Permit + physical credit card (Linica's name). Additional driver (Dragos) pre-paid.
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9:45am
🚗 Drive Bordeaux → La Rochelle — 1h 50min via A10 north
~170km. Straight run north on the A10 motorway.
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11:35am
Arrive La Rochelle — Lunch at Vieux Port
Walk the Vieux Port — seafood lunch at a port café (moules-frites or oysters, €20–30/person). Stroll Rue du Palais and the old town arcades while waiting for towers to reopen at 2pm.
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2:00pm
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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2:45pm
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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3:30pm
La Rochelle Old Town Walk + Vieux Port
Covered arcaded streets (Rue du Palais, Rue du Temple), Hôtel de Ville (16th century). Harbor walk at golden hour. Allow 1 hr.
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4:30pm
🚗 Return to Carbon-Blanc — 1h 50min via A10 south
~170km back on the A10. Head directly to ACE Hôtel Carbon-Blanc (5 Av. de la Gardette — ~15min from A10 exit).
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6:20pm
Arrive ACE Hôtel Carbon-Blanc — Check In
Check-in opens at 3pm (ref 73420557537620). Park car at hotel. Carbon-Blanc is a suburb ~8km from Bordeaux center — use the car to reach city center restaurants. Dinner in Bordeaux old town. First of 4 nights.
✅ Tuesday May 12 — all Poitiers indoor sites open. Musée Sainte-Croix: 10am–5pm continuous, free entry on Tuesdays. Cathédrale Saint-Pierre: 9:30am–6pm. Baptistère Saint-Jean: 2pm–6pm. Both battlefields always accessible.
🚗 Route: Bordeaux → Rochefort (1h 45min) → north via A10 to Battle of 732 (~1h 45min) → Poitiers old town (~20min south) → Bordeaux (~2h 30min via A10). Total driving ~7h 30min. Very long day — start early, all P1 Poitiers objectives completed.
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7:30am
🚗 Bordeaux → Rochefort — 1h 45min via A10 north / D137
~145km. Early start essential — long day ahead.
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9:15am
Rochefort — Vieux Port & Arsenal District
Walk the Arsenal district and Vieux Port while waiting for Corderie Royale to open at 10am. Founded by Colbert in 1666 as Louis XIV's royal naval base. Allow 45 min walking.
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10:00am
Corderie Royale — Rochefort
⏰ Open daily 10am–1pm & 2pm–6pm (May) · Lunch break 1–2pm
Priority 1. 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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12:00pm
🚗 Rochefort → Battle of 732 site — ~1h 45min via D137 / A10 north
Drive north toward Poitiers. Grab a quick lunch on the road — the Battle of 732 site is 20km north of Poitiers city center.
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1:45pm
Battle of Tours 732 — Moussais-la-Bataille
⏰ Open-air site, always accessible · Free
20km north of Poitiers. 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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2:25pm
🚗 Drive south to Poitiers old town — 20 min
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2:50pm
Musée Sainte-Croix
⏰ Tuesday: 10am–5pm continuous (no lunch break) · Free on Tuesdays ✓
Gallo-Roman sculpture, prehistoric artifacts, medieval collections. Allow 45 min.
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3:35pm
Cathédrale Saint-Pierre
⏰ Open Tue–Sat from 9:30am · Free entry
Gothic cathedral with the oldest stained glass in France (12th century). Magnificent choir stalls. Allow 40 min.
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4:15pm
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.
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4:35pm
Baptistère Saint-Jean
⏰ Open April–June 20: 2pm–6pm · Closed Monday · ~€2/person
5 min walk. Oldest standing Christian building in France (4th century). Merovingian frescoes, carved sarcophagi. Allow 45 min.
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5:20pm
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.
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6:15pm
Quick Dinner in Poitiers
Rue des Cordeliers area. Refuel before the drive south — allow 45–60 min.
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7:15pm
🚗 Drive Poitiers → Bordeaux — 2h 30min via A10 south
~240km. Straight run south on the A10 motorway. Arrive Bordeaux ~9:45pm.
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9:45pm
Back at ACE Hôtel Carbon-Blanc
Late arrival — hotel already checked in from Day 4. Park car at hotel. Early night before Day 6 (Château de Montaigne tour at 10:30).
✅ Château de Montaigne booked — ref P2604220057. Tour + Château + Park + Wine tasting ×2 on Wed May 13 at 10:30. Address: Lieu Dit Montaigne, 24230 St Michel de Montaigne. Total paid: €35.53. Duration: ~2–2.5h (45min guided tower tour + 45–60min château + park walk + dégustation).
⚠ Sarlat Wednesday market (8am–1pm) no longer catchable. After Château de Montaigne tour ends ~13:00, the drive to Sarlat is ~1.5h — arriving ~14:30, after market closes. Sarlat medieval town is still excellent in the afternoon — just without market stalls.
🚗 Route: Carbon-Blanc → Château de Montaigne ~55km / 55min (D936 east). Château → Monpazier ~55km / 55min. Monpazier → Sarlat ~60km / 45min. Sarlat → Carbon-Blanc ~130km / 1h 45min. Total driving ~4h 20min.
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9:30am
🚗 Depart Carbon-Blanc → Château de Montaigne — 55min via D936 east
~55km toward Bergerac. Scenic drive through Entre-Deux-Mers wine country. Arrive by 10:25 for the 10:30 tour.
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10:30am
Château de Montaigne — Guided Tour ✅ BOOKED
⏰ Tour at 10:30 · Ref P2604220057 · Lieu Dit Montaigne, 24230 St Michel de Montaigne · Tel: +33 5 53 58 63 93
Ticket prepaid €35.53. Michel de Montaigne's (1533–1592) private château in Périgord, near Bergerac and Saint-Émilion. The guided tower tour visits the philosopher's famous library room where he wrote the Essais — 75 Latin and Greek sentences still painted on the ceiling beams. Then the 19th-century château (family Magne), park walk, and a tasting of the domaine's wines. 2–2.5h total. Allow until ~13:00.
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1:00pm
🚗 Drive Château de Montaigne → Monpazier — 55min
~55km southeast toward Monpazier. Périgord Pourpre countryside.
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2:00pm
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. Original grid layout, arcaded Place des Cornières, fortified gates unchanged from the 13th century. A masterpiece of medieval urban planning. Lunch at a café on the square. Allow 1–1.5h.
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3:30pm
🚗 Drive Monpazier → Sarlat — ~45 min via D53
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4:15pm
Sarlat-la-Canéda — Medieval Town (afternoon)
⏰ Old town always accessible · Wednesday market closed at 1pm — not catchable today
Priority 1. Exceptional medieval golden-stone architecture — one of the best-preserved in France. Afternoon light is beautiful on the facades. Explore Place de la Liberté, Cathédrale Saint-Sacerdos, Maison de La Boétie, Lanterne des Morts. Optional 15-min detour to La Roque-Gageac (cliff village on the Dordogne). Allow 1.5–2h.
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6:00pm
🚗 Return to Carbon-Blanc — ~1h 45min via D704 / A89 west
~130km. Back on the A89 motorway heading west.
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7:45pm
Back at Hotel — Dinner in Bordeaux
Drive from Carbon-Blanc to Bordeaux city center (~15min). 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.
⚠ Car return at 06:28 — Europcar desk opens at 08:00 on Fridays. The voucher shows drop-off at 06:28, but the desk opening is 08:00. Call Europcar Bordeaux RRS (33 0 977403259) before the trip to confirm the key drop procedure for early return. The TGV departs at 07:58 (check-in closes 07:43) — there is no time to wait for the desk to open.
⚠ Early morning logistics: Hotel ACE Carbon-Blanc checkout is 11am, but you need to leave the hotel by ~06:00 to return the car and catch the train. Pack bags the night before. Return to hotel after trip to collect any stored luggage if needed — or take all bags to station.
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~5:50am
Leave ACE Hôtel Carbon-Blanc — Drive to Europcar
~15min drive to Hall 3 Belcier, Parking P4, Level 5 (Gare St-Jean area). Bags in car.
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6:28am
Return Rental Car — Europcar Hall 3, Parking P4 (BORDEAUX RRS)
Ref FR980349730. Return at 06:28 as booked. ⚠ Confirm key drop process in advance — desk opens 08:00. Walk to Gare St-Jean platforms (~5–10min from parking).
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7:43am
Check-in closes — TGV Bordeaux → Paris Montparnasse
Check-in closes 15 min before departure (07:43). Be on platform by 07:40.
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7:58am
TGV Bordeaux Saint-Jean → Paris Montparnasse
3h 33min, 0 changes. Trainline ref 377749211595 (return leg). Arrive Paris Montparnasse at 11:31.
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11:31am
Arrive Paris Montparnasse
Transfer to CDG: RER B via Saint-Michel (~45min, €11/person) 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 2pm+ departure from CDG.
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 Tuesday May 12 — open 9:30am–6pm ✓ Full hours available. |
| 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 Tuesday May 12 — open 10am–5pm continuous (no lunch break Tuesdays). Free entry on Tuesdays ✓ |
| Baptistère Saint-Jean, Poitiers |
Tue–Sun (Apr–Jun 20) |
2pm–6pm only |
Monday · Morning closed |
You visit Tuesday May 12 — open 2pm–6pm ✓ |
| 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. |
Hotels — Confirmed Bookings
2 check-ins · 2 adults · May 8–15, 2026 · Both pay at property
✅ Both hotels confirmed and booked. Paris 3 nights (May 8–11) → Bordeaux area 4 nights (May 11–15). Combined hotel cost: €1,030.30 payable at property.
✅ Paris — 3 nights (Fri May 8 → Mon May 11)
Hotel Mercure Paris Centre Gare Montparnasse
20 Rue de la Gaité, Paris 75014
3-min walk to Gare Montparnasse — ideal for 06:29 TGV on May 11
Hotels.com ref73420507274621
Reserved forDragos Bogdan Suceava, 2 adults
RoomClassic Twin Room, 2 Twin Beds
Check-inFri May 8 · from 2:00pm
Check-outMon May 11 · by noon
Fri May 8€194.55
Sat May 9€203.64
Sun May 10€171.82
Taxes€56.99
City tax (at property)€50.70
Total — pay at property€677.70
⚠ Free cancellation until May 7 at 11:59pm property time
⚠ TGV departs 06:29 Mon May 11 — leave hotel by 06:10. Checkout formally at noon but you'll be gone since 6am. Store bags if needed.
✅ Bordeaux Area — 4 nights (Mon May 11 → Fri May 15)
ACE Hôtel Bordeaux Carbon Banc
5 Av. de la Gardette, Carbon-Blanc, Gironde 33560
Suburb ~8km from Bordeaux center / ~15min drive from Gare St-Jean
Hotels.com ref73420557537620
Reserved forLinica Suceava, 2 adults
RoomTriple Room, nonsmoking
Check-inMon May 11 · from 3:00pm
Check-outFri May 15 · by 11:00am
Mon May 11€73.64
Tue May 12€81.82
Wed May 13€73.64
Thu May 14€73.64
Taxes€30.26
City tax (at property)€19.60
Total — pay at property€352.60
⚠ Free cancellation until May 10 at 6:00pm property time
⚠ May 15 checkout 11am — but you need to leave ~06:00 for car return + TGV. Pack the night before. Checkout may need to be arranged early.
Car rental includes parking at Carbon-Blanc hotel. Use car to reach Bordeaux city center (~15min) for dinners each evening.
Confirmed Booking Summary
| Item | Reference | Status | Amount |
|---|
| Paris hotel (3 nights) | Hotels.com 73420507274621 | ✅ Confirmed | €677.70 at property |
| Bordeaux hotel (4 nights) | Hotels.com 73420557537620 | ✅ Confirmed | €352.60 at property |
| TGV Paris → Bordeaux | 76W5ND · Coach 2 Seat 271 | ✅ Confirmed | €53/person (paid) |
| TGV Bordeaux → Paris | Trainline 377749211595 | ✅ Confirmed | Included in booking |
| Europcar rental car (4 days) | FR980349730 · Conf: 1201385497 | ✅ Confirmed | +€52 add'l driver (paid) |
| Château de Montaigne tour | P2604220057 · May 13 10:30 | ✅ Confirmed · paid | €35.53 (paid) |
Budget — 8 Days, from Bucharest
Round trip OTP ↔ CDG · 2 adults · May 8–15, 2026 · Confirmed costs in bold
Full Budget Breakdown
Flights
✈ OTP → CDG (round trip, 2 pax) — Tarom/Air France€400–800
Accommodation (7 nights — 2 check-ins) ✅ confirmed
🏨 Paris — 3 nights · Hotel Mercure Gare Montparnasse · ref 73420507274621€677.70
🏨 Bordeaux/Carbon-Blanc — 4 nights · ACE Hôtel Carbon Banc · ref 73420557537620€352.60
Transportation ✅ confirmed
🚆 TGV Paris → Bordeaux · 06:29→08:48 · 1st class · booking 76W5ND · 2 pax~€106 paid
🚆 TGV Bordeaux → Paris · 07:58→11:31 · booking 377749211595 · 2 pax~€123 paid
🚗 Europcar 4 days · VW Polo automatic · CDW included · ref FR980349730€52 paid + at pickup
⛽ Fuel — hub-and-spoke from Carbon-Blanc (~1,400km + commute to center)€140–190
🚇 Paris metro + RER (CDG transfers, 2 pax)€50–80
Food
🍽 €60–70/day for 2 adults × 8 days€480–560
Attractions & Entrance Fees
🎟 Louvre (2 pax × €22)€44
🎟 Sainte-Chapelle + Conciergerie (2 pax)€40
🎟 Château de Montaigne — tour + park + tasting ×2 · ref P2604220057€35.53 paid
🎟 Poitiers: Musée free (Tues!) + Baptistère (€4 × 2)€8
🎟 La Rochelle towers — combined ticket (2 pax)€36–40
🎟 Rocamadour: Château (€6) + misc€10–15
TOTAL — 2 people
€2,600–3,400
Per person: ~€1,300–1,700
Hotels confirmed at €1,030.30 total. Trains confirmed at ~€229 total (both legs, 2 pax). Château de Montaigne €35.53 prepaid. Remaining variable: flights, fuel, food, Paris attractions.
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 — and your visit is Tuesday May 12! No entry fee for either adult.
- 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
Confirmed costs so far (hotels + trains + car + Montaigne)~€1,260 booked
Remaining variable (flights + fuel + food + attractions)~€1,300–2,100
Total estimate — 2 people~€2,600–3,400
All figures in euros, for 2 adults total. Does not include travel insurance (recommend ~€80–120 for 2).
Remaining To Book / Action Items
- ✈ Flights OTP ↔ CDG — if not yet booked
- 🎟 Louvre timed-entry tickets — book online at louvre.fr
- 📞 Call Europcar Bordeaux RRS (33 0 977403259) — confirm key drop procedure for 06:28 Fri May 15 return (desk opens 08:00)
- 🪪 International Driving Permit — required by Europcar; obtain from auto club before trip
- 📞 ACE Hôtel Carbon-Blanc — confirm early checkout / bag storage for May 15 (you leave ~06:00, checkout is 11:00)