France is a feast in every sense of the word. It’s that flaky croissant you bite into on a quiet Parisian morning, the glass of Bordeaux shared over laughter, the castles that look like something out of a fairy tale. Travelling by train from Paris through the Loire Valley and down to Bordeaux is a journey that blends everything France is loved for — food, wine, culture and scenery — into one delicious adventure.
This isn’t just about sightseeing. It’s about slowing down, tasting, and soaking it all in. Here’s how a Paris to Bordeaux by train trip with a stop in the Loire Valley can turn into the ultimate French food and wine journey.
Paris Food and Wine Experiences in the City of Light
Paris is the perfect place to start. The city has an energy that’s hard to describe until you’re there — one moment you’re standing in front of the Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre looking out across rooftops, and the next you’re tucked into a cosy café watching the world go by.
If you’re into art and atmosphere, a stroll around Montmartre is a must. Its cobbled streets once inspired artists like Picasso and Renoir, and even now it feels like the kind of place where creativity hangs in the air.
But let’s be honest — the food and wine are the real stars here. You could easily spend an afternoon on a Paris wine tasting tour in the Latin Quarter, slipping into hidden cellars and sampling vintages you won’t find back home. And when the evening rolls around, a champagne cruise on the Seine is pure magic. There’s something unforgettable about sipping bubbles as the Eiffel Tower glitters in the distance.
Loire Valley Châteaux and Romantic Vineyards
Hop on the high-speed train and suddenly the buzz of Paris melts away into rivers, vineyards and rolling countryside. The Loire Valley is all about slowing down and soaking up the romance of rural France.
The castles here — or Loire Valley châteaux — are breathtaking. Think turrets, moats and grand staircases that look like they belong in a fairytale. Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau are two of the most famous, but even the smaller ones tucked into sleepy villages are full of charm.
And then, of course, there’s the wine. A Loire Valley wine and castles trip means sipping crisp Sauvignon Blanc or fruity rosé in sunny vineyards, often with a platter of local cheese and bread to go with it. If you’re the active type, you can even cycle between towns, stopping off for tastings and picnics along the way. It’s France at its most romantic and unhurried.
Bordeaux and the Best Wine Regions in France
Your final stop is Bordeaux, a city that knows how to do elegance. Its grand squares, tree-lined boulevards and historic buildings set the scene, but what makes Bordeaux unforgettable is how it lives and breathes wine.
Wander through the city and you’ll find chic wine bars around every corner, each one buzzing with locals. The Bordeaux food markets are another highlight — stalls piled high with gooey cheeses, rustic breads, oysters fresh from the Atlantic, and sweet canelés (the city’s caramelised pastry speciality).
But it’s outside the city that Bordeaux really shines. The surrounding vineyards are some of the best wine regions in France. From the medieval village of Saint-Émilion, with its cobbled lanes and hillside vines, to the prestigious estates of Pauillac, home to some of the world’s most famous reds, every glass tells a story. A guided Bordeaux wine tour gives you a glimpse into centuries of tradition — and, of course, plenty of tastings along the way.
Why a Paris to Bordeaux Journey is Unforgettable
Travelling from Paris to Bordeaux by rail, with the Loire Valley in between, is like tasting France one course at a time. Paris dazzles with its art and champagne cruises, the Loire Valley enchants with its castles and countryside wines, and Bordeaux serves up pure sophistication in every glass.
This isn’t the kind of trip where you rush from sight to sight. It’s about lingering — over a glass of wine, a picnic by the river, or a sunset walk through a vineyard. It’s about stories, flavours and views that stay with you long after you’ve left.
At Journeys Made, we believe those kinds of moments deserve to be remembered. That’s why we create handcrafted travel keyrings with engraved tokens for each destination. Whether it’s Paris, the Loire Valley or Bordeaux, you can carry your French adventure with you wherever life takes you.
