A direct rail link between London and a number of major cities on the European mainland has taken the next administrative step in getting off the ground. Having been given the green light to use a major East London transport hub last autumn, the ORR have now granted access for Virgin's international trains to use the tracks. It seems that ticking things off the 'to do' list, for getting this service in motion can only be done at 6 monthly intervals! However, patience is a virtue as they say and the new service should be up and running by 2030.
As the era of cheap airfares has past and air travel feels ever more like a rather demoralising ‘herding’ process, many people are looking for an altogether more civilised, relaxing and greener way to travel across the continent. Ever since the pandemic, rail travel has been growing in popularity and some major changes in the international train network are in the pipeline.
In response to the impending end to their monopoly of the route, Eurostar are expanding their network of high-speed rail links that connect France, Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium and the UK. The network of OBB Nightjet trains are well worth taking a look at and an Italian rail operator is also looking to run services through the Channel Tunnel from 2029 using its subsidiary Trenitalia France.
The new route from London to Bordeaux will mean the journey time between the two cities will be around 5 hours and this will almost certainly expedite the move away from being reliant on air travel. With over one million passengers flying between London and Bordeaux annually, this new route looks set to be a bit of a game changer. Finally, the journey from A to B can become an enjoyable part of the experience again.
I have to say, having chosen to travel by rail from Exeter to Salzburg and back this summer, if I were able to convey a message to those involved in the customer experience side of planning this new service, it would be to do everything they can to retain their reputation for a more civilised mode of transport. The journey was, on the whole, a thoroughly enjoyable experience, but I don't feel the need to re-visit Brussels Eurostar station any time soon! However, with a direct service, hopefully one can by-pass the bottlenecks.
Once in Bordeaux, there is an excellent rail service east, providing a great service to the towns and villages all along Dordogne river valley. If you are interested in being able to hop to-and-from your pied-à-terre in south-west France, without entering the fray at the airport, this could be a really interesting area to explore. Electric mopeds or a run-around car kept at the property for use while there, completes the logistical plans.
We have a selection of properties in the Dordogne valley and the Gironde that would be ideally placed for the owners to make the most of the new direct train route from London to Bordeaux. Do get in touch to discuss your property search criteria and we'd be more than happy to see if we can find properties that might fit the bill. Our full portfolio of properties can be found here:
Do feel free to tell us about your plans at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and one of the team will be in touch.
Beautiful 17th Century farmhouse & gîte. 25 mins from Libourne TGV / 50 mins from Bordeaux
