Bordeaux
The Bordeaux skyline
(Image credit: Credit Unknown)

A new train route set to cut out the changeover in Paris and go direct from London to Bordeaux is in the advanced planning stages, according to train operators.

A new London to Bordeaux direct train service would bring the journey down to just over four hours, according to HS1, which runs the UK’s high speed rail route that carries the Eurostar from central London the English Channel.

The return Bordeaux – London route currently takes longer, more than six hours, due to the need for security checks during the Paris connection.

This new proposed route will avoid Paris and use a new high speed train line that links Tours with Bordeaux. The total journey time will be under 5 hours, HS1 said.

It said that it was currently in talks with international rail operators about the proposed route, and they hope it will be running in a few years.

‘The service will take passengers direct from city centre to city centre, taking the hassle out of travel to South West France,’ said Dyan Crowther, Chief Executive of HS1 Ltd.

‘As we’ve seen with the recent introduction of the Eurostar London-Amsterdam service, there’s a real demand for international train services to provide a comfortable and better-connected service, especially for leisure journeys.’

‘The route is almost ready for a train operator to turn up and turn the key as soon as the UK and French Governments agree on border controls.’

‘With the right commitment, we could be looking at new services in the next couple of years.

Bordeaux wine tourism

As well as proximity to vineyards, Bordeaux city offers many options for wine lovers.

Wine museum, Cite du Vin offers the chance to explore wine regions across the world.

There are Michelin-starred restaurants to dine at, and many others with strong wine lists. 

Ellie Douglas
Ellie Douglas
Digital Editor

Ellie Douglas is digital editor at Decanter.

She has worked at Decanter since 2013, when she joined as editorial assistant, then moving to the web team as assistant web editor in 2015.

Over her years at Decanter, Ellie has helped to significantly grow Decanter’s social media presence and with the launch of Decanter Premium in 2017.

She holds her WSET Level three in Wine, and in 2018 was shortlisted for PPA Digital Content Champion of the Year.