According to www.viamichelin.com it takes about 5.5 hours by car with a cost of 30-50 euros in tolls and around 50 euros for gas. A few years ago we took the TGV to Bordeaux and as I recall it took about 3 hours and was very comfortable.

Yes, 3 hours Paris to Bordeaux by high-speed train and if you book the right trip it can be extremely cost-effective!

Not to mention a 186mph journey.

Check out times and fares at www.sncf.com

I made this drive about a month ago during the public service strikes that swept across France. It took six hours on the autoroute (including the necessary rest stops and cost around 50 euros in tolls and 70 euros for gas. (Hertz gave me a big Volkswagen 4x4, which is probably not the most fuel efficient car, but was all that was available.)

However, another aspect to consider when making your choice--one which is simple tally of time and tolls will reflect--is the nature of the trip itself.

The autoroute will take you on a path that will greatly remind you of driving on an interstate in the US; you will not be going through much beautiful scenery and none of the towns that can make a trip through the French countryside such an attractive option when comparing a car vs. a train for travel. Not only is the train faster, but you can relax and look at the countryside.

I have made the trip between Paris and Bordeaux on several occasions using the more picturesque national and departmental roads, and while more interesting you can expect to spend over 10 hours driving.

Just voice of personal experience.

The the TGV and relax, and save on money and carbon emissions