The Bordeaux-Saint-Jean Train Station, or formerly known as Bordeaux-Midi, is more than just a railway station in the heart of the picturesque city of Bordeaux, France. It’s a historical masterpiece, a transport hub, and a gateway to the scenic wonders of the region.

Designed by M Toudoire and S Choron, the station’s facade hides behind it a giant cast-iron concourse built by Daydé and Pillé in 1907. The metallic train shed, one of the largest in Europe, covers a sprawling 17,000 m^2 area and was constructed by the famous Gustave Eiffel (the same Gustave Eiffel that designed the tower in Paris).

The sheer size of the station’s structure, unique in France, is a testament to the engineering marvel that the station embodies. Its metal canopy has been registered as a historic monument since 1984.

The Bordeaux Train Station’s Rich History

The station was built in 1855 as Gare du Midi (Midi station) by the Chemins de fer du Midi. Initially, it played second fiddle to the former Bordeaux-Bastide station, but things changed with the construction of a long metal viaduct by Gustave Eiffel in 1860.

The current station building opened its doors in 1898 and became the main Bordeaux train station. The evolution from a two-track bridge to a modern four-track railway bridge in 2008 reflects the station’s adaptation to changing times. The inauguration of the St-Pierre-des-Corps-Bordeaux high-speed line in 2017 marks another milestone in its illustrious history.

French Travel Convenience and Modernity

Today, the station is the main railway interchange in Aquitaine, linking Bordeaux to Paris, Sète, Toulouse Matabiau, and even Spain. With the arrival of the TGV and the commissioning of the LGV Sud Europe Atlantique, the travel time to Paris has been reduced to a convenient 2 hours and 5 minutes.

Bordeaux-Saint-Jean has embraced modernity with renovations and upgrades, yet it retains its original features. It’s more than a travel hub; it’s an everyday meeting place for a mass of travelers, sure to find what they’re looking for.

Train Station Opening or Visiting Hours

The station is open to travelers and visitors alike.

• Monday to Friday: 7 am to 9 pm
• Saturday: 7 am to 8:30 pm
• Sunday and holidays: 9:15 am to 10:45 pm

Generally, the ticket counters and related travel services operate from early morning until late at night.

The Bordeaux-Saint-Jean station stands as an emblem of Bordeaux’s rich history and vibrant present. Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast, a history lover, or a tourist eager to explore Bordeaux, Gare St Jean offers a fascinating starting point. Its blend of architectural grandeur, historical significance, and modern functionality makes it more than just a railway station; it’s a living piece of Bordeaux’s cultural tapestry.