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 coming in 2026. Might the long awaiting ‘wine train’ finally be on the horizon?
Eurostar have also spotted the trend and are expanding their network of high-speed rail links that connect France, Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium and the UK and this includes their Nightjet trains that are well worth taking a look at.
However, the major excitement is coming from two companies that are looking to compete with Eurostar, creating the first non-stop routes from London to key destinations across Europe including Bordeaux, Geneva, Marseille, Cologne, Frankfurt and Zurich.
Things are certainly hotting up this month as the two companies, Spanish based Evolyn and Richard Branson's Virgin group, race to get their proposals in place and get the project moving following reports that the Office of Rail and Road in the UK is likely to decide that, in addition to Eurostar, there is only the infrastructure available at train maintenance hubs to support one other high-speed international rail provider.
The move away from being reliant on air travel looks to be a long-term shift. The regions along the northern coasts with good ferry port links - the Pas-de-Calais, Brittany and Normandy all remain strong contenders. Meanwhile, we eagerly await further news of the new direct London to Bordeaux train route. 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.
Just as an aside, one important note to mention if you are taking your car to France on either the Eurostar or the ferry this year, due to Brexit you need to have a ‘UK’ sticker on your car. The old ‘GB’ ones are no longer permissible. Don’t ask me why…..?
We have a selection of properties in the Dordogne valley 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.
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.
