French Bullet Train from Bordeaux to Paris

[AZluv]

Hello!

We would like to take the French Bullet Train from Bordeaux to Paris in August.

Unfortunately, we will have heavy carry-on size suitcases to lug on board.  Will this be a problem?

Are there storage compartments for large pieces of luggage?

We would appreciate advice.

Thanks!

[Gourmet Gal]

The TGV does have areas to store large bags.

[AZluv]

Are the storage areas in the same car that we will be on?

Edited March 22, 2023 by AZluv

[Gourmet Gal]

I know for sure yes if traveling premium class.  I wouldn’t know, otherwise.

[Host Jazzbeau]

The luggage areas are near the doors, so you don't have to negotiate the aisle – but that also means you can't see your luggage once you proceed to your seat.

[Canal archive]

A bit like Eurostar. but trying to make a getaway with a heavy suitcase on  a train would be just a bit stupid.

[Host Jazzbeau]

1 hour ago, Canal archive said:

A bit like Eurostar. but trying to make a getaway with a heavy suitcase on  a train would be just a bit stupid.

True, but it doesn't stop me from worrying the whole journey!

[Canal archive]

Your right. I don’t know what I’ll be like this year for the first time we’re having our large cases couriered so there’s no way I can see them.

[TMLAalum]

When I was researching trains from Paris CDG to Bordeaux for this August via the SNCF website, Inoui! seemed to be the only option. Our arrival time at the airport was too late for a direct train from there or way too early for the next train so I was planning on booking an 1100 train from Gare Montparnasse. My two attempts to purchase tickets via the SNCF website failed so I took that as a sign to forgo Bordeaux, since the focus of our trip is the Dordogne.

 

With all your luggage, why not consider a one-way car rental?

[Canal archive]

You’ll miss a treat with no Bordeaux but you’ll love the Dordogne.

[gnome12]

44 minutes ago, TMLAalum said:

My two attempts to purchase tickets via the SNCF website failed so I took that as a sign to forgo Bordeaux, since the focus of our trip is the Dordogne.

The French railway site is not foreign friendly. I suggest checking The Man in Seat 61 (seat61.com) for the best way to buy tickets for French railway trips.

[TMLAalum]

@gnome12

Thanks. I use the Man whenever planning Europe train travel. We were on a cruise when I received an email fare alert from SCNF that the seats were now available for our travel date! My first attempt was navigating the French site on my Ipad and the 2nd was on my laptop using the English link when the ship's internet crashed just as I was to enter my cc info.

 

So....I took that as a sign to rethink plans. We will pick up a rental car at CDG the morning we arrive vs picking one up in Bordeaux the following day. We'll have a drive @1 hour to Fountainebleu, check into the Ibis hotel there which has a standard arrival time of noon (Hotel manager has emailed me that we could likely check in at 11), and drive to Sarlat the next day.

 

Less schlepping, less money and hopefully a rest area along the route!

[Canal archive]

Ibis in France seem to be especially good, no frills but friendly and clean.

[dd57]

We did this in October 2021 with carryon bags and struggled going up and down the stairs to our seats on the top level.  The stairs are narrow, twisted, and steep.  If you have heavy bags, I recommend picking seats on the lower level.  The trip was great.

[caripoo]

We had first class tickets on this train......UNFORTUNATELY we had to lug our heavy suitcases up a spital staircase to the top level......Never been in first class and had to go upstairs.....We are usually down with our luggage in sight....We do cable several bags together.

[CielBleu]

We take a full-sized suitcase that holds things for both of us and then 2 carry-on sizes (1 each), plus personal items.  We have always had room in the train cars for our luggage.  When you buy your tickets and choose your seats, you should be able to see where the luggage racks are on the diagram.  You can choose seats closer to the luggage if you want.  We've also been on some cars with storage above the seats, but I cannot remember whether it was TGV or ICE.  If the train has 2 levels, be sure to choose seats on the lower level.  Someone mentioned The Man in Seat 61.  We sometimes book on the SNCF Connect site; sometimes on Trainline.

[Canal archive]

If you want to know the layout of your chosen mode of travel ‘the man in seat 61’ is the person on line to go for, note where you want to sit then go to your choice of ticket provider and book.