Extend existing network with Airport extreme and 3 airport express.

I want to extend an existing network (thomson TG787v) with an airport extreme (MD031Z/A) with 3 or 4 airport express(MC14Z/A)
The thomson is the router from the provider and must be used. The building is an old mansion with a lot of brick walls
I tried to connect the extreme with an ethernet cable (in bridge mode) and then connect the airport express in a line to have wifi in all rooms of the mansion.
But somehow the airport extremes cannot extend the network.
Can anyone tell me how to setup the apple devices to make this work?
Thanks
Bernhard

I tried to connect the extreme with an ethernet cable (in bridge mode)
This is the correct.
and then connect the airport express in a line to have wifi in all rooms of the mansion.
Apple's "extend a wireless network" feature will only allow you to "extend" the signal one time. So, the first Express would connect to the AirPort Extreme wirelessly and extend the signal.
But, you cannot "extend" the signal a second or third time. Each AirPort Express must be located so that it connects directly to the AirPort Extreme.  In other words, each AirPort Express must be located about the same distance from the AirPort Extreme.
Another way of thinking about his is to visualize the hub and spokes of a wheel. The AirPort Extreme would be located at the "hub".  Each AirPort Express would be located at then end of a "spoke".  As such, each AirPort Express communicates directly to the AirPort Extreme.....not to another AirPort Express at the end of another hub.
You may need to consider installing Ethernet cable to each location where you will need an AirPort Express and configure the network that way.  Performance wise, this is a much better way to "extend" the network.

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