I’ve always believed that a journey begins long before your plane touches down at your destination. For me, it starts in the planning, the countless searches, the excitement of piecing together the puzzle of flights, prices, and timing. Flying to Bordeaux — France’s capital of wine and elegance — was no different. I’ve learned how to stretch a budget without sacrificing comfort. I’ll share my very real experience flying from Paris to Bordeaux, step by step, including the flight I booked, my impressions of the cabin, what I paid, how I compared single vs. return tickets, the platforms I used, and some practical advice for anyone planning a similar trip.
Why I Chose to Fly Paris → Bordeaux Instead of Taking the Train
Most travelers instinctively book the high-speed TGV train from Paris to Bordeaux — and for good reason. It takes just over two hours. But in my case, I wanted to test out the flight experience, compare costs, and see if there were hidden deals. Plus, I was traveling with a larger suitcase after a week in Paris, and flights offered more generous luggage options than the cheapest train fares.
The Flight I Booked: Air France AF7626
After days of scanning comparison sites, I settled on Air France Flight AF7626, departing Paris Orly (ORY) and arriving at Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport (BOD).
• Departure: 09:20 AM, Paris Orly (ORY)
• Arrival: 10:35 AM, Bordeaux–Mérignac (BOD)
• Aircraft: Airbus A320
• Class: Economy Light (with one checked bag add-on)
• Booking Platform: Air France’s official site (after comparing prices on Skyscanner and Kayak)
Ticket Prices I Found
• One-way base fare: €69 (Economy Light, no checked bag)
• With checked baggage: €94 (I paid this, since I had luggage)
• Return option: €158 round-trip if booked directly via Air France.
• Discount I used: €10 off by registering for Air France’s Flying Blue loyalty program.
Why I Booked Economy Instead of Business
I’ll be honest — I was tempted by Business Class. The price was €245 one-way, which came with lounge access at Orly, free champagne onboard, and priority boarding. But my goal was budget travel, so I stuck with Economy, reasoning that the flight was only 1 hour 15 minutes long.
My Flight Experience: Honest Impressions
At Paris Orly (ORY)
Getting to Orly from central Paris was straightforward — I took the OrlyBus from Denfert-Rochereau, which cost €11.20 and took about 30 minutes. At Orly, the check-in counters for Air France were clearly marked, and the staff were professional but brisk. Security moved quickly, and I was airside in under 20 minutes.
The waiting lounge for domestic flights at Orly isn’t glamorous, but it’s functional: plenty of charging stations, a Paul bakery for croissants, and free Wi-Fi.
Boarding the Airbus A320
Boarding began promptly at Gate D22. Priority passengers went first, then the rest of us in Economy. I found my seat — 17A, a window seat — and immediately noticed the clean cabin. The leather seats were standard economy, but the pitch (legroom) was decent enough for my 5’10” frame.
In-Flight Service
Once airborne, the cabin crew came around with a complimentary service: a choice of coffee, tea, water, or fruit juice, along with a small snack (I chose a madeleine cake). Simple, but thoughtful, considering it was a short domestic hop.
The views were the highlight. As we flew southwest, the Parisian sprawl gave way to patchwork fields, and by the time we descended into Bordeaux, I caught my first glimpse of vineyards stretching like a green carpet.
Arrival at Bordeaux–Mérignac (BOD)
We landed on time at 10:35 AM. Bordeaux’s airport is compact, and within 15 minutes of landing, I had my checked bag. I hopped on the Lianes 1+ bus to the city center, which cost €1.80 and took about 35 minutes to reach Place Gambetta.
Comparing Single vs. Return Tickets
One of my key learnings while planning:
• One-way tickets between Paris and Bordeaux ranged from €55–€120 depending on the day and time.
• Return tickets offered better value, often starting at €150–€180 for round trips.
• Booking at least 3–4 weeks in advance saved me about 20%.
If you’re flexible with dates and book early, you can sometimes find flash sales from Air France for under €49 one-way.
Other Flights I Researched and Recommend
Before settling on AF7626, I looked at several options. Here are four that stood out:
- Air France AF7630
• Departure: Paris Orly 12:15 PM → Bordeaux 1:30 PM
• Why Consider It: Midday timing is convenient if you don’t like early starts.
• Price: Around €79 one-way. - EasyJet U24153
• Departure: Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) 10:05 AM → Bordeaux 11:25 AM
• Pros: Budget airline, often cheaper than Air France.
• Cons: Add-ons for luggage and seat selection. Prices start at €49 but can rise quickly. - Air France AF7638
• Departure: Orly 7:00 PM → Bordeaux 8:15 PM
• Pros: Great for squeezing in a full day in Paris before flying.
• Price: Around €89 one-way. - Transavia TO7360
• Departure: Orly 6:45 AM → Bordeaux 8:00 AM
• Pros: Super low-cost option; I saw fares at €39.
• Cons: Very early, limited onboard service, strict baggage rules.
Nearby Airports: Good to Know
• Paris Orly (ORY): Closer to Paris center, better for domestic flights like Bordeaux.
• Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG): Main international hub, but farther and busier.
• Bordeaux–Mérignac (BOD): Small, efficient, easy to navigate. Public transport links are reliable (bus or shuttle to Saint-Jean station).
Platforms I Used for Booking
Here are the sites I compared and recommend:
- Skyscanner – best for quick comparisons and flexible date searches.
- Kayak – handy for setting price alerts.
- Air France official site – I booked directly here for loyalty points and customer service.
- Omio – great for comparing flights vs. trains vs. buses all in one place.
Tips I Wish I Knew Before Booking
• Check baggage policies carefully. Low-cost carriers advertise €39 fares but add €25–40 for bags.
• Avoid peak weekends. Flying Friday evening or Sunday afternoon costs 30% more.
• Set price alerts. I saved €15 because Skyscanner notified me of a fare drop.
• Weigh flight vs. train. If you’re only bringing a backpack, the TGV might be cheaper and faster.
My Honest Verdict
Flying from Paris to Bordeaux isn’t the most common choice, but for me, it worked beautifully. The ticket was affordable, the service was smooth, and it gave me the sense of starting my Bordeaux adventure with a clean slate — arriving refreshed, luggage intact, and on time.
Why This Flight Was More Than Just a Journey
Looking back, my flight from Paris to Bordeaux was more than just a quick domestic hop — it was a reminder of why I love traveling. Yes, it was only 1 hour and 15 minutes in the air, but the process of researching fares, weighing the pros and cons of flying versus taking the train, and finally stepping off the plane into Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport felt like a little adventure in itself.
Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing all comfort. It means knowing where to compromise and where to treat yourself. For this flight, I saved money by booking Economy instead of Business, but I allowed myself the extra add-on of a checked bag, which made my trip far less stressful. That small decision, costing me €25, was worth every cent when I didn’t have to cram souvenirs into my backpack.
Another key takeaway? Flexibility and preparation are your best allies. By setting fare alerts, comparing different booking platforms, and checking both one-way and return fares, I managed to get a deal that suited my needs perfectly. If I had waited until the last minute, I could easily have paid double.
Arriving in Bordeaux by plane also gave me a fresh perspective. As the aircraft descended, I saw the vast patchwork of vineyards from the window — the very landscapes that have made this region world-famous. It felt like an overture, a prologue to the wine-tasting, château-hopping, and riverside strolling I was about to enjoy. Had I taken the train, I might not have had that same bird’s-eye view of Bordeaux’s countryside, and it genuinely set the tone for my trip.
Most importantly, this experience reminded me that the journey matters just as much as the destination. Sitting in my window seat with a cup of Air France coffee, I wasn’t just getting from A to B — I was transitioning, letting go of Paris and preparing to embrace Bordeaux. That pause in the sky gave me time to reset my traveler’s mindset, something I’ve come to value deeply after years of travel.
So, would I do it again? Absolutely. And next time, maybe I’ll try an evening flight to catch the sunset over the vineyards or even test a low-cost airline to see if the savings justify the trade-offs. Because every journey adds a new story, and each small choice along the way becomes part of the larger travel experience.
If you’re planning your own trip from Paris to Bordeaux, don’t just think of it as transportation. Think of it as the first chapter of your Bordeaux story — one where budget-savvy planning, comfort, and a dash of excitement meet somewhere above the French countryside.
And trust me: when that glass of Bordeaux wine is finally in your hand later that same day, you’ll be glad you started the journey smart.