The 8 most spectacular train journeys in France

Barbara Noe Kennedy

Dec 25, 2023 • 11 min read

Portrait of a happy mother and son riding on the train and looking through the window while pointing away - transport concepts

Traveling across France by train might be the ideal way to take in its glorious scenery © iandresr / Getty Images

Chugging past rolling hills full of heritage vineyards, cutting through spectacular mountainous backcountry, or zipping along the coastline of the Mediterranean: there’s no better way to experience the beauty and bounty of  France than from the window seat of a train. 

The superb rail network in la République makes it easy to explore the far corners of this rich, varied country. We’ve chosen the following journeys because they offer scenic beauty, keep up a vintage heritage or are just plain fabulous. All aboard for the best train rides in France!

1. Le Cévenol is the most remote and wild train ride

Clermont-Ferrand to Nîmes; 303km (188 miles)  

The savage beauty of the isolated Massif Central opens up on one of France’s oldest train routes – and one of the most challenging to build, given the topography of the Gorges de l’Allier. In the mid-1800s, the technology to blast through granite and basalt mountains didn't yet exist, so in a triumphant feat of engineering, workers used rudimentary techniques to blast out the line’s tunnels. Le Cévenol (also known as La Ligne des Cévennes) opened in 1870 for both passengers and freight, including coal headed to the Rhône region and wine to Paris. 

The Cévenol forms part of a longer, cross-country route linking Marseille to Paris , but most riders jump aboard at Clermont-Ferrand , in the heart of volcano country. You’ll start off admiring volcanic plugs dotting the landscape before heading through the pièce de résistance: the Gorges de l’Allier. High above the Allier River, magnificent views open up, stretching far across the gorge.

Along the way, you’ll cross three historic viaducts, wind through several impressive valleys and traverse 106 tunnels. The highest point is La Bastide-Puylaurent at 1024m (3360ft), while the Chamborigaud viaduct promises a heart-in-mouth experience as you teeter high above the landscape for 409 endless meters (1341ft). 

Planning tip: Maintenance work is often carried out in the spring, and SNCF buses replace trains. Be sure to check ahead before booking. 

2. Le Train du Montenvers will get you up close to a glacier

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc to Montenvers; 5km (3 miles) 

Mont Blanc towers over the Alps, its eternally snow-capped peak providing a majestic vista from afar. To get up close to this age-old mountain, hop aboard the famous cherry-red Train du Montenvers , as sightseers have done since 1908.

Departing from the main train station in Chamonix , the rack-and-pinion train trundles up the mountainside at an angle greater than 9%, climbing through dark forests and tunnels pierced through the rock. Sit on the left side of the train to take in glimpses of Mont Blanc between the fir trees.

It takes about 20 minutes to ascend 1000m (3280ft) up the mountain and – just when you think the high mountain scenery can’t get any more stunning – you arrive at the foot of Mer de Glace , a valley glacier (literally, “sea of ice”) at an altitude of 1913m (6276ft). From here, you can take in the north face of the Grandes Jorasses, an immense face of rock and ice.

Yet the most amazing sights are the dense, blue-colored ice caves of the glacier, through which you can walk to admire ice sculptures (the excursion is included in the price of the train ticket). The interactive Glaciorium , which recounts the glacier’s history, is another must-see. Grab a hot chocolate at Le Panoramique cafe before heading back down, or spend the night at the historic Refuge du Montenvers , with its stunning patio overlooking the Mer de Glace.

A view of Villefranche-sur-Mer village, with yachts and purple bougainvillea, in Côte d’Azur, France

3. Marseille to Ventimiglia is the best train ride for dazzling sea views

Marseille to Ventimiglia; 187km (116 miles) 

Traveling from Marseille to Ventimiglia in southern France along the SNCF tracks might be a standard journey. The views, however, are anything but. You will be challenged to remain seated for much of the way, as stunning scenes of the azure-blue Mediterranean Sea slide by the train’s window, illustrating the allure of the South of France . Interspersed are glimpses of maquis-covered cliffs (maquis is the tantalizing blend of herbs that grow wild here), terracotta-colored villages, and palm-tree-bedecked hills. 

The stops along the way are fabled destinations unto themselves: legendary St-Tropez , made famous by then-unknown Brigitte Bardot; Cannes , with its star-studded legacy; Monaco , home of the Grimaldi royals; and Nice, with its intoxicating mix of world-class museums and legendary beaches. But there are lesser-traveled places as well, including gorgeous Èze Plage , with its medieval village perched impossibly high on a nearby peak, and down-to-earth Menton . Get out, explore, take in some sun – and catch the next train onward later.

The 50-minute stretch between Nice and Ventimiglia is perhaps the most stunning, as you glide past art deco villas, sparkling bays and pastel-colored towns marching up palm-tree-dotted hillsides. You end just at the Italian border, where you have the option of turning around and seeing it all over again.

4. Le Train des Pignes is a fabulous vintage train ride

Nice to Digne; 150km (93 miles) 

Behind the Mediterranean-lapped shores of Nice, the jagged gray peaks of the Mediterranean Alps beckon from afar. A ride aboard the “ Train of Pinecones ” chuffs from the glittery seaside up into those snowy mountains in just over three hours, providing stunning, ever-changing views along the way. From Provençal fields and olive groves, you’ll enter a land of deep river gorges and medieval fortresses.

Just 90 minutes from Nice,  Entrevaux  is a good stop to wander enchanting medieval streets and explore an ancient citadel. Digne-les-Bains , at the end of the line, is cute as can be, with cobblestone streets, bougainvillea-draped stone villas and shops purveying honey, lavender and other local products.

With its diesel railcars and gleaming varnished wood benches, this line is the only remnant of the meter-gauge Chemins de Fer de Provence that once crisscrossed southern France.

The pigne in its name means “pinecone”: perhaps because the train used to run so slowly that passengers could jump off to gather cones or because when the train ran short on fuel, the engineers resorted to burning them. Whatever the case, majestic pine forests surrounding the route add to its scenic allure. 

The old town and the Sauldre River in Romorantin-Lanthenay, Loire Valley, France

5. Orléans to Le Croisic on Interloire is the best train ride for cyclists

Orléans to Le Croisic; 338km (210 miles) 

The Loire Valley unfolds like a fairy tale, with a stunning array of Renaissance castles, green-emerald rivers and charming medieval villages. ( Azay-le-Rideau castle was, after all, the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty .) The Interloire railroad (run by the TER Centre-Val de Loire and TER Pays de la Loire ) traverses this legendary valley from Orléans , the hometown of Jeanne d’Arc, to the fishing harbor town of Le Croisic on the Atlantic.

Must-visit stops include Blois , crowned by the château once occupied by Louis XII; Amboise , Leonardo da Vinci’s final home; and Nantes , a historic Breton town with an evocative 15th-century château. 

Planning tip:  You can hop on and off the train with your bike to peddle parts of the 900km (559-mile) Loire à Vélo, a relatively flat bike path through this quintessentially French landscape. The train even has a car dedicated to bicycles in the summer. 

6. Eurostar through the Chunnel offers a quick escape to London

Paris to London; 451km (280 miles)  

If you fancy a quick getaway from Paris to London , perhaps to say hi to Big Ben or to wander through the V&A Museum , count on the Channel Tunnel. Completed in 1994, this extraordinary engineering feat – nicknamed the Chunnel – burrows deep beneath the expanse of water between France and England, allowing passengers in sleek, high-speed Eurostar trains to travel the channel portion of the trip – 51km (31.5 miles) – in just 30 minutes, with a full 38km (23.5 miles) of that underwater.

From Gare du Nord in the heart of Paris to St Pancras International in the heart of London, the entire trip takes just 2½ hours from door to door. Along the way, you’ll enjoy pretty French and English countryside – inside the tunnel itself, you shouldn’t count on seeing any sea life, only blackness until you emerge into the light of day.  

White horses drink in front of the Tour Carbonnière, Saint Laurent d’Aigouze, Camargue, France

7. The Nîmes to Le Grau-du-Roi Line is the best Wild West train ride

Nîmes to Le Grau-du-Roi; 37km (23 miles)

Wild bulls in Provence? And cowboys? Mais oui . Tucked away in the southwestern corner of Provence, the marshy Camargue – a river delta south of Arles where the Grand and Petit Rhône meet the Mediterranean – reigns as France’s version of the Wild West. Gardians – Camarguais cowboys – live on manades (ranches), riding indigenous white horses with flowing manes as they round up wild black bulls.

Bullfighting is a big part of the culture here (unlike Spanish bullfights, the bulls here are not killed or injured). As are paella (though Camargue rice differs from its Spanish cousin), jazzy  manouche music and an independent spirit developed from working a challenging landscape for centuries. You can get to the heart of it all aboard the Nîmes to Le Grau-du-Roi train route. 

Departing from Nîmes , the single-track train rumbles through the vineyards of Costières de Nîmes before passing by Aigues-Mortes . Kings departed on their Crusades from this medieval walled city, where you can still stroll ancient streets. From there, you head across the salt marshes and lagoons; keep your eyes out for horses and bulls, as well as pink flamingoes flying overhead. The route ends in Le Grau-du-Roi , just steps from the Mediterranean Sea. 

8. Le Petit Train Jaune is the most famous vintage train ride

Villefranche-de-Conflent to Latour de Carol; 64km (40 miles) 

This historic little train – or, literally, the “ little yellow train ” – may be the most famous of them all in France. It’s certainly one of its most stunning when it comes to scenery. Chugging through the mountainous Pyrénées-Orientales from medieval Villefranche-de-Conflent to Latour de Carol on the Andorra border, it winds through gorges and shadowy forests, across viaducts, past two historic fortresses and by one perilously perched ancient monastery. The highest point is the Bolquère Eyne depot, a gasp-inducing 1593m (5225ft) high – making it France’s highest station.  

Note that two different types of trains operate this route: a modern enclosed train as well as the vintage train that sometimes runs with open carriages. No need to worry about which one to choose, though – both are painted yellow.

Tips for train travel in France

Train options in France

Several different types of trains travel across France, including local and regional trains, overnight trains with sleeping accommodations and the TGV , the high-speed Trains à Grande Vitesse. To travel between most big cities, the TGV is your best bet: these pioneering high-speed trains travel between 255km/h and 320km/h (160mph and 200mph) and will get you there within hours.

Paris to Bordeaux, for example, is 2½ hours, with Paris to Marseille a mere 3 hours 40 minutes. That said, the slower local and regional trains open up lesser-traveled regions of the country.  TGV inOui is a new premium TGV train service operated by SNCF on certain high-speed rail services.

Two classes of tickets are usually available to purchase: first ( première ), with plush, reclining seats and ample space; and second ( deuxième ), which is still comfortable but often more crowded. Maps of the French rail network are available on the SNCF website.

How to book a train in France

While you can buy a ticket at the station, either from a ticket window or a vending machine, it’s often cheaper to book your ticket online in advance. Contact Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer (SNCF ) or, from the United States,  Rail Europe . 

Cheap train tickets in France 

France offers various rail passes, including the France Pass, with unlimited travel on the national rail network; and the Eurail Global Pass, which includes train travel to neighboring countries. Deals for hotels, museums and other attractions are often included, too. You’ll find more information on the  Rail Europe website .

The TGV offers Prem’s tickets (their term for affordable tickets) three months in advance (the booking horizon may be extended in summer).

The Eurostar high-speed train service connecting the United Kingdom with France (and Belgium and the Netherlands) offers a limited batch of discount fares six months in advance. The sooner you book, the better chance you have of getting a good price.

Set up a booking alert to be notified when discount tickets are released. 

How to get from Italy to France by train

You can get from Italy to France via Italiarail. It takes about 11½ hours to travel from Rome to Paris. SNCF also serves the route. 

How to get from Spain to France by train

Spain’s train company is Renfe . It takes about 10½ hours to get from Madrid to Paris, a route also served by SNCF. 

How to get from Switzerland to France by train

The TGV runs from Geneva to Paris in a little over four hours. 

How to get from Germany to France by train

The Deutsche Bahn ’s InterCity Express (ICE) is Germany’s high-speed train service, allowing travel from Frankfurt to Paris in as little as four hours (as long as you don’t have to connect in Cologne). SNCF also serves the route. 

How to get from Poland to France by train

It takes between 14 hours and 19½ hours to cross much of Europe from France to Poland, and you typically need to make two changes along the way. Train companies serving this route include Deutsche Bahn, SNCF and Eurostar (the French–Belgian high-speed train operator, which will take you as far as Cologne).

This article was first published August 2022 and updated December 2023

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Oui In France

Ultimate guide to train travel in France (plus where to buy tickets so you don’t get scammed!)

France · travel

As an American, when I think about taking a trip somewhere, I first think of flying or driving to my destination. But in France, train travel is actually one of the most popular ways to get from point A to B.

Whether you’re a commuter or looking to go on vacation, France’s railway system is a well-connected and efficient way to travel around France and to other destinations in Europe. Before considering train travel in France, keep reading to learn what you need to know before you go (and where to buy France train tickets)!

Quick guide to train travel in France

Other than commuting to work back in the US, I didn’t have much experience traveling by train. That all changed when I moved to France. From short regional trips to much longer journeys, traveling by train has a lot going for it.

Let’s get into what you need to know before you buy a train ticket in France.

best train journeys france

Photo credit: www.depositphotos.com/ursula1964

Table of Contents

Train travel destinations from France

France’s national state-owned railway company is called the SNCF, which stands for Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Français. The SNCF was founded in 1938, and runs all rail traffic nationwide as well as in Monaco. This also includes TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) service, the high-speed rail network. France has 27,483 kilometers of railway lines (only second to Germany) making train travel in France a popular option. (via Statista as of 2019).

All of France’s big cities are accessible via train, with Paris being a major hub. In Paris alone, there are six train stations that will get you to other areas of France and Europe: Gare du Nord, Gare de l’Est, Gare de Lyon, Gare d’Austerlitz, Gare Montparnasse, and Gare Saint-Lazare.

In addition to big cities, you can take the train to smaller towns and even more rural areas. Train travel is great for weekend trips from Paris as well. If you’re looking to travel to other areas of Europe via train, you’ve got options. Travel to London, Brussels, Amsterdam and more via SNCF service!

Must-know tips for your first trip to France >>

where to buy train tickets in france

Photo credit: www.depositphotos.com/Boarding2Now

Types of trains and service in France

Train service in France runs like a well-oiled machine with a wide variety of routes nationwide that include big cities, small towns, and even rural areas. As of 2019, the entire SNCF network has over 27,000 kilometers of railway lines, 58% of which were electrified. Over 15,000 commercial trains run daily, transporting more than 5 million passengers and more than 250,000 tons of goods, reported the SNCF.

Let’s talk about the different types of passenger trains available:

TGV INOUI : The TGV is France’s most well-known train, which stands for Train à Grand Vitesse which translates to high-speed train. They can hit speeds of up to 300 km/h (186 mph). The TGV services 200 destinations and has been operating since 1981. TGV Europe also services destinations in Germany, Italy, Spain, Luxembourg, and Belgium. The TGV is the train you take when you want to get from point A to B as quickly as possible.

TGV Lyria : High-speed service that connects France to destinations in Switzerland.

OUIGO: OUIGO is all about low-cost train fares on the TGV. Be sure to book early to score these offers! Small pets travel for free, a piece of luggage is included in the fare, and they’re a steal if your destination is one of the 41 they service. Kids 0-11 years old travel for 5€ one way.

One drawback of OUIGO service is that you have to arrive 30 minutes in advance so staff can check tickets. In addition, extra luggage and seats with a power outlet cost extra and there’s no dining car. Seats tend to be a bit smaller and less comfortable, so take all of that into consideration. None of these were dealbreakers for me when I’ve taken OUIGO trains, though they may be for some people.

As of April 2022, the SNCF launched the OUIGO Train Classique. It is a slower service debuting between Paris and Lyon and Paris and Nantes. The fares are between 10 and 30 euros each way (5€ for kids) and are a great budget-friendly option for those of us who don’t mind a longer trip. The fares are fixed – even for last-minute travel. Note that these fares are only sold online.

INTERCITÉS : Services 150 French destinations, some of which don’t require reservations in advance. They also offer overnight trains on some routes.

TER: France’s regional trains that operate in 11 regions and also connect to the main lines. These are not high-speed trains.

Thalys: High-speed service to Cologne, Amsterdam, and Brussels.

Eurostar : High-speed service to London from Paris, Lille, or Brussels.

Transilien and public transport in the Paris region: This includes the Paris metro and RER trains, bus lines, and more (operated by the RATP). Transilien refers to commuter service in the Paris area.

train tickets in france

Photo credit: www.depositphotos.com/anrymoscow

Where to buy train tickets in France

You have a couple of options for how to book train tickets in France. You can buy them in person at any train station either at the automated machine terminals or face to face at the ticket window. If you go the ticket window route, take note that they are generally open during French business hours and not 24/7.

Also be aware that there are different types of ticket machines. Some are only for TER train tickets in France, as shown above, and others are for TGV tickets, etc. 

Your other option for where to buy train tickets in France is to do so online. This is the only option for many of us if we’re not currently in France. It’s so important to buy from the French SNCF directly to avoid fees and extra hassle. If you do a quick web search for, “How to book train tickets in France,” the official site is often not the first one that comes up and I’ve heard from many of my readers how they’ve been ripped off.

As I mentioned, France’s railway network is called SNCF and the official website/app to buy train tickets is now called SNCF Connect (formerly known as OUI.sncf). The new site has easier route mapping, integrated commuter support and so much more that makes planning a trip a breeze. It’s also available in English.

You can buy tickets for all the types of transport listed above from your computer or phone via their website or the app. You then have the option of printing out a paper ticket or saving the digital version to your phone. The direct website for French train tickets:

best train journeys france

There are also other sites called Rail Europe and others geared toward English-speaking foreigners where you can buy France train tickets. They are third-party resellers that are not official sites. Prices are often elevated, so I don’t recommend ever using them. Always go the official route. It’s the best way to buy train tickets in France.

On SNCF Connect , in addition to actually buying/exchanging your France train tickets, you can also plan your trip, find the best door-to-door route, get traffic updates and alerts in real time and buy and renew regional cards and passes. You can also access bus lines and ride sharing offers.

If you travel frequently, are a student, or a senior citizen, it may be cost effective to look into special train passes, so see if you qualify to save a few bucks.

Just like with flights, train ticket prices in France fluctuate as well. You can usually get a much better deal well in advance, while last-minute tickets are usually the most expensive.

BIGGEST MISTAKES tourists make in Paris >>

luxury france train travel

Empty first class TGV seats. Photo credit: www.depositphotos.com/Pixavril

Expert tips for train travel in France

1. Buy tickets early for the best price and availability. If you’re looking to travel by train and know your plans well in advance, it pays to buy the tickets well in advance. You’ll get the best price. Another reason why you’ll want to book early whenever possible is because trains in France sell out since all seating is reserved.

This can be especially true during the peak summer months, during school vacation periods, and on popular routes. As I recommended above, be sure to only use the official site SNCF Connect for the most accurate information and cost-effective tickets.

2. Book a seat that makes sense for you. All TGV seating is reserved. TGVs and longer trips require you to book a specific seat and there are different configurations. Most are two by two and you have the choice of an aisle or window seat. There are also “family” seats called carré (square) which are 4 seats in a two-by-two configuration but facing each other with a table in between (imagine sitting at a 4-person dinner table).

That means two are riding backwards. It can be a little awkward facing a stranger the whole ride. Also, riding backwards isn’t always comfortable for people prone to motion sickness, so pay close attention to what seat you’re choosing.

In addition, some trains are double deckers and have an upstairs level accessible by a staircase. If you have several pieces of luggage or aren’t able to easily climb stairs, upstairs may not be the best option. The booking system will assign you a seat that is easily changed before finalizing your reservation, so again just be sure you’re comfortable with the seat you’re selecting.

3. Consider first class. Along with the above, it might make sense to book a ticket in first class. Sometimes they’re only slightly more expensive than regular second class fares, especially when booked in advance. For more comfortable seats with a little more leg room, more luggage storage, a plug for electronics, and more, first class might be a good choice for business travel or long trips where comfort is important.

Overall, I’ve found that first class seats on the TGV aren’t that different from second class so they aren’t worth a splurge if the difference in fare classes is steep.

4. Show up early. If you’re not used to taking the train in France, be sure to give yourself enough time to navigate the station and get to the right platform and track (called voie in French. You’ll see tracks noted as Voie A, for example).

Paris stations are big and it can be confusing if you’re not used to how things are organized. Spare yourself the added stress that comes along with rushing or having to rebook a missed train and get there on the early side.

5. Note the number of your train car and line up on the platform accordingly. This is a VERY IMPORTANT tip . For trips with reserved seating, it’s imperative that you look closely at your ticket and mentally note the specific train carriage number in which you’ll be seated.

Then find the black display sign on the platform titled “Composition des Trains” that tells you where to stand for your specific car number. It looks like a lit up outline of a train and will usually have a “You are here” dot so you can gauge how far left or right you need to walk to get into position.

TGVs and other international trains can be quite long with 20 or more cars or even two trains that are attached. Because stops are often only a couple of minutes long, you need to be in the vicinity of your assigned seat because you won’t have time to run the length of the platform if you’re near car 4 and yours is actually car 18. This happened to my aunt and uncle in Marseille. They couldn’t get to their train car in time with all their luggage and missed the train.

You can’t just get on and walk between the cars because they aren’t always connected and with the crowds and luggage, it’s not feasible. In some cases, as I mentioned, two separate trains might be connected as they depart Paris but at some point they split and go to different final destinations.

It’s really important you check that you’re in the right seat and in the right car! Definitely take extra care when it comes to lining up ahead of time and then finding your seat once on board.

A final note on the Composition des Trains display sign: There won’t be an employee directing you and it’s not required to line up in any specific place. It’s just that the Composition des Trains display is there for a reason, so be sure to take a look so you aren’t on the opposite side of the platform when the train comes. That way you’ll be in the general vicinity of your assigned seat and won’t have to run.

6. Note the train number. Each train has a specific number so when you look up at the big board or screen in the station that lists out all the departures, you’ll see a train number that corresponds to the destination and time.

Several trains may be going to or coming from the same place so it’s important to know you’re on the train you actually bought a ticket for.

Must-know travel phrases for your France trip (with audio) >>

europe train travel

The yellow machine is where you validate your paper ticket prior to boarding. Photo credit: www.depositphotos.com/ursula1964

7. Don’t forget to validate your ticket. All paper tickets for Europe train travel need to be validated before you get on the train in France. To do this, look for the yellow machines with a ticket slot in the train station. There are several usually at the entrance, on the platform, and around the ticket machines and are marked “Compostez votre billet” (validate your ticket).

You insert your ticket into the machine and two seconds later it spits it out with a stamped line of text validating that the ticket is now used. You’ll need to show it to the train employee (contrôleur in French) when he or she checks your ticket after boarding (or in some cases before you board).

Along with that, be sure to have a photo ID with you even for regional trips. In the case of buying your France train ticket online, it’ll be in your name and sometimes they check ID as well. Keep in mind there is no validation process required for e-tickets because they have a special QR code that is scanned directly from your phone. Just the paper ones require the stamp from the yellow machine.

As you’d expect, ID is always checked for TGV and other international trips. Another note on tickets is to always play it safe and buy a train ticket. While the conductor doesn’t always check all tickets, fines are heavy if you try to get a free ride.

Another important tip I should mention is make sure your phone is charged if you have an e-ticket since you’ll need it on and functional to show your ticket.

8. Keep your voice down. Train cars tend to be on the quieter side in France and Europe. People tend to keep their voices low when having private conversations and phone calls are not allowed in some cars. It goes toward respecting the public space and not disturbing those around you. The general attitude for train travel in Europe is to keep your voice down.

American social norms that don’t translate to French cultur e >>

Pros of train travel in France

Easy and efficient way to travel. While France train travel isn’t perfect, it’s a pretty stress-free way to travel. You can easily book your ticket online, arrive at the station, and go. Voilà!

The country is extremely well connected and whether you’re traveling within France or to neighboring European countries, SNCF Connect has you covered. Also, train travel in France doesn’t require you to arrive hours early like air travel does.

Comfortable seats. Compared to regular economy class on most airlines, trains in France are quite comfortable. You have more legroom, big picture windows to take in the view, decent sized bathrooms, and more.

You can head to the bar/food car on some trains where you can buy something to eat or drink. You’re always welcome to bring your own food as well. Many newer trains also have free Wi-Fi.

Lots of options in terms of timing. Most routes have several trains per day (even hourly!) so you have your pick as to whether you leave in the morning or evening or somewhere in between. Train travel is extremely convenient and that’s a top pro.

france train routes

Cons of train travel in France

Possibility of strikes and delays. Like air travel, train travel in France isn’t without its drawbacks. Strikes and delays are not uncommon occurrences. The bright side is strikes are usually announced in advance so you can plan ahead but delays come down to luck.

Weather, technical issues, and more play into whether your trip will be delayed so it just comes with the territory. I take the train regularly and I’m happy to say I’ve only been inconvenienced by strikes and big delays a handful of times in 10 years.

Trips can be long and routing isn’t always direct. If you’re in a rush, train travel may not be for you. TGV and other international high-speed options aside, if you’re trying to get from Angers to Perpignan like I had to when my flight was canceled a couple of years back, be ready for a long day. Routes aren’t always direct and many go through Paris.

In my case I had to change train stations (not just the train!) in Paris which required a taxi. Then my second train was a very slow one that made all the stops. I think the trip was over 8 hours total (flight would have been an hour and 20 minutes).

If you’re in a rush or hate long trips, train travel may not make sense for your specific situation depending on your route.

Not great if you have a lot of luggage. Unlike air travel where you can check large pieces of luggage, when you go by train, you’re responsible for hauling your suitcase(s) onto the train and stowing it in the luggage area. Depending on where you’re seated, this can mean lugging it up or down stairs.

This can be even a bit more challenging on crowded trains when luggage areas are already full. While there aren’t firm luggage limits on regular fare trains, it can get really cumbersome when you have two or three suitcases.

If you are traveling solo and have two or more pieces of luggage, keep in mind that trains only stop for a few minutes so take steps to make the whole on/off process run as smoothly as possible. This includes booking a ticket on the lower level so you can avoid stairs and making sure that you line up on the platform in the area that corresponds to your reserved seat, as we talked about above.

Also, when it’s time to get off, start getting your suitcase out of the luggage area a few minutes before the train arrives in the station. People who got on after you might have boxed your suitcase in so leave yourself time to get organized.

Have you taken a French train? How was the experience? I hope my guide to train travel in France was helpful! Buy your French train tickets and bon voyage!

Traveling to France soon and want to be prepared? Check out my eGuide titled “ 75 Beginner France travel tips for a standout trip! ”

Need some tips on how to dress like a French woman? This is my no BS guide on how to dress in France .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored collaboration between SNCF Connect and Oui In France. All opinions are my own.

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April 22, 2022 at 5:34 pm

Hey Diane, Great article! Good timing as I’m on a Thalys heading Paris-Amsterdam. I have a question about seats. I did switch seats online when I bought them but I’m stumped as how to make sure I’m not sitting backwards. There’s nothing on the seat map that shows if you’re going the correct direction of train or backwards. Am I missing something? Thanks and be well!

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April 23, 2022 at 11:32 am

I’ve been traveling a lot by train in France for the last 2 weeks mostly using the SNCF connect app. The TER tickets I’ve bought with the app are only available on your phone. You can’t print them. The OUIGO and inOui tickets are on the app and sent as PDFs by email so they can be printed if you have access to a printer. The OUIGO tickets can’t be printed at the station if you bought them using the app. The only downside I’ve found is that scanning the tickets is sometimes necessary to get to the platform and it doesn’t always work from the phone. I and a lot of other people had to get assistance from an SNCF employee. That employee was very helpful but only spoke French. Overall I think the app works very well.

If you’re over 60 and book the tickets more than a day in advance you get a 10% discount even without buying a loyalty card.

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April 23, 2022 at 2:54 pm

When traveling via TGV, is there a way to tell which end of your car has the luggage racks? We were a group of 7 in December and sometimes boarded on the end opposite the racks. That made life a little challenging! Also, when booking three sets of TGV tickets for 7, I couldn’t get SNCF to register me. It said I had created an account and would receive an email but nothing ever arrived! Therefore, I couldn’t look up my account to see my tickets. Luckily I had the confirmation numbers and could find them that way. A little frustrating. But the train travel itself was wonderful! We did Paris-Reims-Strasbourg-CDG.

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April 24, 2022 at 1:48 pm

Hi ! Racks for luggage can be at several places. It depends if your train is TGV, a TER ou another type of train. In TGV (INOUi and OUIGO), racks are most of the time at both end of the seated areas and in the middle of them. You can also slide under your seat your luggage if it’s not too big.

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April 23, 2022 at 6:25 pm

Nice article. I always use trains in Europe, as they are faster than using an airplane. I tried to take your advice and tried to sign up for sncfconnect. After entering my credentials, I received an email that says click on Activate my account. Upon doing so, I received

Unauthorized url: https://www.sncf-connect.com/app/en-ww/account/activation , for application: ccl

Upon replying to the email asking for assistance, it was returned as Undeliverable.

Using the Chat feature on the website got me a See our FAQ.

I’ve always used Rail Europe for tickets. While they may be a touch more expensive, at least you can reach a real person if there’s a problem or issue.

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April 24, 2022 at 8:40 pm

Now this was really interesting , I love train travel just don’t have a reason to take a train anywhere.

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April 29, 2022 at 11:42 pm

Great article. I wished there were more photos of things you talked about. I found it hard to find the right car (several years ago so maybe the signage has changed) and when I asked an employee, he was less than helpful, a bit irritated (it wasn’t because of my French; I’m bilingual). I had a hard time finding the right car. Also is the lining up new? I don’t remember having to line up for my car by a sign. I would love to see that photo. Anyway, great practical advice. And safe travels to you and your family. Looking forward to reading about it when you return

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April 30, 2022 at 5:55 am

Hi Jacqueline, thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it! Sorry for any confusion about the composition du train display. It’s not required that you line up anywhere and there isn’t an employee who will direct people to the right spot on the track. It’s just there to help people get to the right spot more or less so they aren’t on the opposite side of the platform when the train comes (thus increasing the chance of missing their train). It was just my tip to take a peek at the display to get close to the spot where your particular car will come to a stop? Does that make sense? I will update the post with a line clarifying that (and add a pic of the display after I next take the TGV). Thx again & bon week-end !

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June 8, 2022 at 6:49 pm

This was an awesome guide to the French trains and systems. I will save it for when we get to go for a few months, maybe next spring. Thanks so much for this and other blogs and videos that you do. They are helpful for us who plan on visiting in the future as well as those there. One question I have is about pets…I think I have read that you can take dogs on the trains except for the TGV high speed. We will have our little 14lb papiillon with us when we travel, so will need to plan accordingly.

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July 23, 2022 at 9:54 pm

Thank you for this article, I found it quite useful. Do you happen to know, if I pre-purchase TER tickets on the SNCF Connect app, am I able to retrieve them while offline? Or would a screenshot do the trick? I will not have cellular access while travelling in Europe (just wi-fi at my destination), and I want to be sure that I can show the conductor my ticket when he/she comes around 🙂

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Early morning in #istanbul when the streets are still calm. Something that caught us by surprise was the fact that cars and scooters really don’t slow down much for pedestrians and they get really close to you when they pass. Definitely use the sidewalk whenever you can! Lots of fun shops and cafes here near the Galata Tower where we’re staying.

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Discover the best of French life with this spectacular France itinerary. Start your trip in beautiful Paris and let the train carry you down to the sunny Mediterranean, while cruising through hillside vineyards and endless lavender fields. Reserve a seat on France's TGV high-speed train for fast and comfortable journeys between major cities. Or take it easy and explore the French countryside with RET regional trains, one charming village at a time. When traveling with a Eurail Pass , you simply can't miss out on la belle France .

Itinerary in short

Cities visited in this trip:.

Click here or on the map to view this route in our Trip Planner.

France

For this itinerary we recommend:

  • Eurail pass: France
  • Travel days:  7 days within 1 month

Most of the high-speed trains in France, like the TGV and some InterCités, require reservations. These reservations are not included in your Eurail Pass. Make sure to book your seats in advance, there are limited seats available for Eurail Pass holders. It's also possible to avoid reservations all together, simply by taking regional trains . 

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Paris, France

Paris is known as the city of love, and what a lovely place it is! Take a stroll underneath the famous Eiffel Tower and have a glass of wine on the banks of the Seine river. You can do some fancy shopping on the Champs Élysées by day and visit the magnificent Paris Opera by night. The city is a haven for culture vultures, who could spend days exploring the wonderful collection of the Louvre museum . Make sure to visit the art district of Montmartre , where famous painters like Picasso, Dalí, and Van Gogh used to work. Here you'll also find the pristine white Sacré-Coeur Basilica , the second most famous church in Paris, after the hunchback's hideout - the Notre Dame .

View of Montmartre, Paris

From Paris to Versailles

Travel time:

Gare Montparnasse

Versailles, France

Versailles-Chantiers

For splendor with a capital S, visit the magnificent Palace of Versailles . A symbol of flamboyance, it was the royal palace for two centuries right up to the French Revolution. Take a stroll around the Versailles Gardens to follow in the footsteps of Louis XIV, the infamous Sun King. Inside the palace, you’ll find extravagance in every room. Don’t miss out on the Royal Apartments and the fabulous Mirror Hall (Galerie des Glaces). Visit the Hall of the Battles (Galerie des Batailles) to see France’s military history in paintings and in sculptures.

The palace of Versailles

From Paris to Mont St. Michel

Reservation needed:

Reservation required

Rennes, France

Gare de Rennes

Mont St. Michel, France

Mont St. Michel

Mont Saint-Michel, France

An hour out of Rennes, just off the coast of Normandy, you'll find the tiny island of Mont Saint-Michel. It is dominated by the monastery from which it draws its name and was an important place of pilgrimage in medieval times. These days, Mont Saint-Michel is one of the major tourist attractions in France. For centuries, you could only reach the island when the tide was low, but these days a bridge connects the town to the mainland. Take a regional train from Rennes to get to Mont Saint-Michel.

Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy

From Mont St. Michel to Bordeaux

Nantes, france.

Gare de Nantes

Bordeaux, France

Gare de Bordeaux-St. Jean

The port city of Bordeaux is France’s uncontested wine capital. You’ll find many luscious vineyards and charming chateaux in the region, which have been producing wine since Roman times. If you're interested in a wine tour , by foot or by bike, beautiful Bordeaux is the perfect place for it! The city itself is rich in architectural highlights from all periods. Climb to the top of the bell tower next to Bordeaux Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-André) for a stunning view of the city. In the Musee des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux you can find a large collection of masterpieces by famous European painters.

Vineyards in the Bordeaux region

From Bordeaux to Carcassonne

Carcassonne, france.

Gare de Carcassonne

On your way to the sunny Mediterranean, hop off the train in Carcassonne for a sight you'll never forget. The town's medieval citadel will make you believe you’ve stepped out of a time machine. Take a walk through history and visit the Chateau Comtal and the gothic Basilica of Saint-Nazaire . Stand in front of the impressive Narbonne Gate where the centuries look down upon you.

The medieval fortress of Carcassonne

From Carcassonne to Nice

Marseille, france.

Gare de Marseille-Saint-Charles

Nice, France

The city of Nice is located on the Mediterranean coast near the Italian border. It’s one of the most popular tourist cities in France, second only to Paris. Enjoy the gentle sea breeze on the Promenade des Anglais and work on your tan on Nice’s beautiful beaches. Only twenty minutes away from Nice you’ll find the tiny city-state of Monaco . Take a daytrip there to see the yachts in the marina and the Lamborghinis in the streets. If you’re feeling lucky, you can place a bet at the famous Monte Carlo casino.

The city of Nice on the French Riviera

From Nice to Lyon

Avignon, france.

Gare d’Avignon Centre

Lyon, France

Lyon Part-Dieu

If you’re making your way back to Paris, the city of Lyon is the perfect stopover. For centuries now, Lyon has been known as the gastronomical capital of France. Go to a bouchon , a typical Lyonnais restaurant, to taste authentic local cuisine and have a glass of Beaujolais wine. In Lyon's bustling center, you’ll find plenty of interesting sights. Have a look inside the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière and observe the city from the top of Fourviere hill. If you’re looking for some peace and quiet, visit the Parc de la Tete d’Or , one of the most beautiful parks in France.

View of Lyon from Fourviere hill

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France by Train Itinerary – 6 Ways to Spend 2 Weeks in France by Train

Article written by Elisa - Travel Writer & Local in France This article may contain compensated links. Please read disclaimer for more info.

2 Weeks in France Itinerary by Train – Where to Go?

So you’ve got a trip planned for  two weeks in France . Now what? Trying to decide how to visit France in 2 weeks isn’t an easy task. After all, there are so many beautiful places to see that it’s impossible to cover everything in 2 weeks in France.

That being said, you can have a fantastic trip to France and travel back home with the feeling you had a great taste of France.

But where to go? We’ve broken down six ways to spend 2 weeks in France by train, visiting different geographical areas and French regions with no rush. Starting from Paris , CDG Airport , or Nice , and traveling only by train, choose that France itinerary 14 days that tempts you most.

READ MORE – How to Plan a Trip to France

Train Station in France

Touring France by Train – Itinerary and Tips

All these proposals are by train, with direct train connections most of the time. French trains are a fun and easy way to visit the country, you can read more in our quick guide to France by train .

Make sure you book the train tickets between the main stops online well in advance: TGV train connections between the main cities sold out fast! For your convenience, we’ve added links to our favorite trusty providers so you can book the train tickets directly from this post.

Most of the itineraries described below start from Paris. You can travel to Paris by train from many European cities in Germany, the UK, Catalonia, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Italy. If you are traveling to France from overseas, use this link to book your flight tickets to Paris .

And don’t leave home without travel insurance. SafetyWing , our trusted travel insurance policy for long and short trips, covers COVID-19 for new policies purchased, and since April 2021, unplanned quarantine is covered, too.  Click here for more info and pricing .

best train journeys france

2 Weeks in France by Train Itinerary #1: Paris – Avignon – Marseille – Nice

Avignon - France

This 2 weeks in France by train itinerary explores the French capital and some of the best places in Provence and the French Riviera in Southern France.

Stop 1 | Paris (4 days)

Paris is a city that really needs no introduction. During your time in the French capital, you will want to visit some of the city’s main sights – perhaps with a couple of leisure strolls around the most picturesque areas – and a day trip to Versailles . If you need some inspiration on things to see and do, this 4-day Paris itinerary will be helpful.

If you count on visiting many museums and Paris landmarks, consider purchasing the Paris Museum Pass for 2 or 4 days . Château de Versailles and the Trianons are included in this Paris Museum Pass.

For your stay in Paris, book at the  Hotel Ducs de Bourgogne . Located just 500 meters from the Louvre Museum, this hotel offers its guests great facilities and always gets the best reviews.

Paris highlights:

  • Louvre Museum
  • Eiffel Tower
  • Cruise on the Seine River
  • Medieval Ile de la Cité
  • Best things to do in Paris

For your day trip to Versailles , check out this Versailles guide , with all the information and our best tips to visit the Versailles Palace, Gardens, and more.

Stop 2 | Avignon (3 days)

Avignon’s main station is Avignon TGV , and it is well connected to Paris by TGV trains. Count on it taking 2 hrs 45 min from Paris Gare de Lyon train station. From Avignon TGV train station, there’s a train shuttle that takes you to Gare d’Avignon-Centre, in the city center, in only 5 minutes.

Click here to book your train tickets to Avignon

After your time in Paris, board one of the first trains to  Avignon for a different taste of France. Located in the South Bank of the Rhône River, Avignon was, for a brief moment in time, the center of the Catholic world, as the popes left Rome and came to live in this city. The  Papal Palace , built in Gothic style, is a Unesco World Heritage Site and a must-see of Avignon.

In Avignon,  Hotel Central  has a great and central location near the train station, and it comes with a pleasant front garden and an on-site bar. For something really special, check out  Hotel Cloitre Saint Louis Avignon . This hotel is set in a 16th-century building featuring arches and vaulted ceilings, and it has a beautiful garden and an outdoor swimming pool.

Enjoy  one day in Avignon . Here everything is within walking distance, and you can easily explore the city while strolling through its small cobblestone lanes. Be sure to visit the Papal Palace and walk through the Pont d’Avignon  (the famous bridge) or at least admire it from afar.

Use the second day in Avignon to explore the Luberon . During the lavender season in Provence , take this top-rated lavender tour  that includes the 12th-century  Senanque Abbey  and its surrounding  lavender fields , plus the oh-so-pretty village of  Roussillon . 

Out of this period, we recommend this  Best of Provence tour  that takes you to the Roman aqueduct of  Pont du Gard  and some of the most beautiful villages of Provence .

Stop 3 | Marseille (3 days)

Marseille’s main station is Marseille St Charles , and it is well connected to Avignon by TGV trains. Count on it taking 35 min from Avignon TGV train station.

Click here to book your train tickets to Marseille

Marseille is the capital of Provence, a vibrant port city with a strong character and some beautiful places to visit. For your trip to Marseille, follow this Marseille 2-day itinerary or create your own itinerary from this list of best things to do in Marseille .

Marseille highlights

  • Stroll around the Old Port, Marseille’s beating heart
  • MuCEM, the Museum of the Mediterranean Cultures
  • Basilica Notre Dame de la Garde
  • Fort Saint-Jean
  • Cathédrale La Major
  • Le Panier neighborhood
  • Best things to do in Marseille

For your stay in Marseille, Hotel la Résidence du Vieux Port is a great choice, with the perfect location – on the banks of the Old Port – and the best view of Marseille.

For your third day in the city, we recommend a day trip to the amazing Calanques de Marseille – Cassis . You can visit some of the Calanques on a day hike or on a boat tour with lunch .

Stop 4 | Nice (4 days)

Nice’s main train station is Nice Ville, and it is well connected to Marseille by TGV trains. Count on it taking 2 hrs 45 min from Marseille St Charles train station.

Click here to book your train tickets to Nice

Nice is the capital of the French Riviera , the glitzy and perfect grand finale for these 14 days in France. Here, you will find beautiful baroque architecture, a picturesque Old Port, some of the best beaches on the French Riviera , and the famous Promenade des Anglais !

Nice highlights

  • La Colline du Château
  • The Old Port
  • The Old Town
  • Promenade des Anglais
  • Cimiez Monastery
  • Matisse Museum
  • Chagall Museum
  • Best things to do in Nice

For your stay in Nice, book at the Hotel La Pérouse Nice Baie des Anges . This 4-star hotel is nestled into the Colline du Château, and it comes with a great view over the Baie des Anges.

We recommend spending at least two days in Nice . Use the rest of your time in the city to visit other places on day trips from Nice . We especially like Eze Village , but the city-state of Monaco is also a good option.

2 Week France Itinerary by Train #2: Paris – Colmar –Strasbourg – Nancy

Stanislas Square - Nancy

This 2 week France itinerary by train explores Paris and some of the most beautiful places in the Grand Est region (Alsace and Lorraine).

If this is your first time in Paris, you can use this itinerary for 3 days in Paris , which dedicates two days to exploring the Seine’s right bank and one day on the left bank. For the last day, choose one of these day trips from Paris .

If you count on visiting many museums and Paris landmarks, consider purchasing the Paris Museum Pass for 2 days . There are many historical buildings outside Paris included in this Paris Museum Pass; check it out!

For your stay in Paris, book at the  Handsome Hotel by Elegancia . Located just 800 meters from the Louvre, this hotel offers its guests great facilities and always gets the best reviews.

Stop 2 | Colmar (4 days)

Colmar train station is connected to Paris by TGV trains or German ICE trains. There are 2-3 direct connections daily, while the rest of the connections imply a change of trains in Strasbourg. Count on it taking 2 hrs 50 min from Paris Gare de l’Est train station.

Click here to book your train tickets to Colmar

This France 2-week itinerary continues in Colmar , one of the most picturesque cities in the Alsace region . Colmar’s Old Town has a beautiful ensemble of half-timbered houses, quaint canals, and many interesting sites. Colmar is also a must of the Alsace Wine Route and an excellent base to explore some of the most beautiful Alsace villages on day trips.

For your stay in Colmar, book at the  Hotel Le Colombier , a charming property located in the district of Little Venice, with spacious and stylish rooms, a bar, and a garden.

Colmar highlights:

  • The Unterlinden Museum
  • The Bartholdi Museum
  • Little Venice
  • The Food Market
  • The Toy Museum
  • The Choco-Story Colmar
  • Best things to do in Colmar

Spend the first day in Colmar exploring the city – use this list of best things to do in Colmar to create your own itinerary. On day 2, take a day tour to visit other Alsace attractions . We like this Alsace Villages Tour and Wine Tasting , which visits pretty Alsace villages , the medieval Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg , and it comes with some wine tastings at a typical wine bar.

Stop 3 | Strasbourg (3 days)

Strasbourg is connected to Colmar by regional trains (TER) and TGV trains. The Swiss Railways also cover this connection. Count on it taking 33 min from Colmar to Strasbourg.

Click here to book your train tickets to Strasbourg

Strasbourg is the capital of the Grand Est region and the Alsace region. It is an interesting and lively city worth visiting during your France by train itinerary. Strasbourg is world-known for the Strasbourg Christmas Market , the oldest in France! The Old Town boasts some beautiful architecture and one of the best Gothic cathedrals in France.

Strasbourg highlights:

  • Notre Dame Cathedral
  • The Petite-France, a picturesque neighborhood
  • The covered bridges and the barrage Vauban
  • Strasbourg river cruise
  • History Museum
  • The European neighborhood
  • Best things to do in Strasbourg

In Strasbourg, book two nights at the  Hotel Cathédrale , located just opposite Notre Dame de Strasbourg ,  with incredible and spectacular views over the cathedral.

For your stay in Strasbourg, check out this Strasbourg in 2 days itinerary , or choose some activities from this list of best things to do in Strasbourg . If you want to see more of the Alsace region, consider one of these day trips from Strasbourg .

Stop 4 | Nancy (3 days)

Nancy-Ville train station is connected to Strasbourg-Ville train station by regional trains (TER) trains. Count on it taking 1 hr 30 min from Strasbourg to Nancy.

Click here to book your train tickets to Nancy

Nancy is one of the most dynamic cities in the Grand Est region. Thanks to a rich past, the former capital of the Duchy of Lorraine boasts today a sumptuous architectural heritage and can rightfully be considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

For a long time, Nancy was considered the European capital of Art Nouveau. The 18th-century Stanislas Square , built in classic and rococo style, is one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, if not the most beautiful one!

Nancy highlights

  • Place Stanislas
  • Parc de la Pepinière
  • Musée des Beaux-Arts
  • The Ducal Palace
  • Villa Majorelle
  • Notre Dame de l’Annonciation Cathedral

For your stay in Nancy, book at Hotel de Guise Nancy Vieille Ville . Set in a historic building in the Old Town, the hotel offers comfortable rooms and beautiful interiors and decorations.

France Itinerary 14 Days #3: Paris – Rouen – Bayeux – Mont St. Michel

best train journeys france

This beautiful France itinerary 14 days by train, travels through Normandy , visiting vibrant cities, historical sites, and the wonder of Western France.

Stop 1 | Paris (5 days)

Start your France train itinerary in Paris , the City of Light. For your stay in the French capital, use the Paris 5-day itinerary , which covers the city’s main highlights and a couple of sites nearby. You can also check this list of the best things to do in Paris and craft your own Paris itinerary.

For your stay in Paris, book at the  Hotel de l’Abbaye , in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Located just 800 meters from the lovely Luxembourg Gardens, this hotel offers its guests great facilities and always gets the best reviews.

Stop 2 | Rouen (3 days)

Rouen’s main train station is Rouen Rive Droite which is well connected to Paris by regional trains (TER). Count on it taking 2 hrs from Paris Saint Lazare train station.

Click here to book your train tickets to Rouen

Rouen is one of the main cities in Normandy , and it boasts the best-preserved medieval center in all of France, with beautiful architecture and picturesque cobbled streets. Nicknamed ‘the City of 100 Bell Towers,’ which dominate the city’s skyline, Rouen is also famous for being the place where Jeanne d’Arc was burned alive.

Rouen highlights

  • Musée le Seq des Tournelles
  • Historial Jeanne d’Arc – her trial site turned into a museum
  • Tour Jeanne d’Arc
  • Eglise Sainte Jeanne d’Arc de Rouen
  • Old Market Square
  • Notre Dame de Rouen Cathedral
  • Picnic lunch in the Jardin des Plantes
  • Best things to do in Rouen

For your stay in Rouen, book at the  Best Western Plus Hotel Litteraire Gustave Flaubert , inspired by the French poet who was born in Rouen. The hotel has a central location in the Old Town and a beautiful terrace from where you can admire Rouen’s famous skyline.

Spend two days strolling around this beautiful city and visiting its main highlights. For your third day in Rouen, take a day trip to Giverny to see Monet’s gardens . You can travel by train to Vernon (40 min) and then jump on a bus to Giverny (10 min, five buses a day).

Stop 3 | Bayeux (3 days)

Bayeux is well connected to Rouen Rive Droite train station by regional trains (TER). All the options include a change of trains in Caen. Count on it taking 2 hrs 40 min from Rouen to Bayeux.

Click here to book your train tickets to Bayeux

The lovely city of Bayeux may not be large, but it boasts plenty of worthwhile sights. Bayeux’s attractive center is dominated by the imposing  Cathedral de Notre Dame , built in Gothic style and consecrated with the presence of William the Conqueror. However, a bigger drawcard is the Bayeux Tapestry , a 70-meter-long embroidery that depicts the Battle of Hastings when William the Conqueror invaded England in 1066.

For your night in Bayeux, we recommend  Clos de Bellefontaine B&B , a beautiful 19th-century private mansion set in a beautiful 2,000m2 park, with private parking on-site. Clos de Bellefontaine is located 200m from the Bayeux Tapestry.

Bayeux highlights

  • Bayeux Cathedral
  • The Bayeux Tapestry
  • 19h-century Botanical Gardens (labeled Historical Site of France)
  • Bayeux Market

Bayeux is also an excellent base to explore the D-day Landing sites of Normandy . This American D-Day Sites in Normandy Tour is a very informative and in-depth tour of the main battle points, and it always gets excellent reviews.

Stop 4 | Mont Saint-Michel (2 days)

The train journey from Bayeux to Mont Saint-Michel is easy to plan. Count on it taking 3 hrs 45 min by regional train (TER) with a change of trains in Pontorson . From Le Mont St-Michel train station, it’s a 7 min walk (570 m) to the abbey.

Click here to book your train tickets to Mont St.Michel

These two weeks in France by train end with a visit to Mont Saint-Michel . This stunning island abbey is also known as the Wonder of Western Europe.

Located at the border with Brittany, Mont Saint-Michel was for centuries one of Europe’s major pilgrimage destinations, and today, 2.5 million tourists from around the world flock here every year. In the bay of Mont Saint-Michel, you will also see Europe’s highest tides!

You can visit Mont St-Michel alone – book your ticket with priority entrance . You can also fly over Saint-Michel Bay to admire the famous Abbey from the sky.

For a more relaxed trip, spend one night on-site in one of the hotels in Mont Saint Michel . Wander around the medieval streets when the crowds are gone and watch the waters rise to inundate the entrance to the island. The hotel Le Mouton Blanc is one of the best hotels in Mont St-Michel, nestled at the foot of the famous abbey. Le Mouton Blanc dates back to the 14th century, and it is perfect if you want to really soak in the island’s past.

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14 Days in France Train Itinerary #4: Nice – Cannes – Marseille – Toulouse

Toulouse - France

This south of France itinerary by train starts in Nice , and it explores some of the most beautiful places in the regions of Occitanie and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, with the possibility of many lovely day trips.

Stop 1 | Nice (4 days)

You can reach Nice by train from Paris and many other French cities. Nice Airport (NCE)  is the third busiest international airport in France , and it covers many international destinations in Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and America via regular or seasonal flights – Check out how to travel from Nice Airport to the city .

Click here to book your flight tickets to Nice

Nice is one of the best places to visit in the French Riviera , a must of any trip to Southern France. Spend two days in Nice and use the rest of your time visiting other places on day trips. We especially like Menton , but the city-state of Monaco and Eze-Village are also good options.

For your stay in Nice, book at the Hotel La Pérouse Nice Baie des Anges . This 4-star hotel is nestled into the Colline du Château, and it comes with a great view over the Baie des Anges. Summers in Nice are hot, and you will be happy to book one of the Nice hotels with a pool .

For more information about Nice, jump to the France two-week itinerary #1.

Stop 2 | Cannes (3 days)

Cannes’ train station is well connected to Nice by regional trains (TER). Count on it taking 30 to 40 min from Nice Ville train station.

Click here to book your train tickets to Cannes

Cannes is one of the most glamorous places on the French Riviera, world-famous for its cinema festival. However, Cannes has retained its authentic Provencal charms and offers visitors much more than walking the legendary carpet and social events.

Cannes highlights

  • Le Suquet neighborhood
  • La Croisette promenade
  • Notre Dame d’Espérance Church
  • Chic shopping at Rue d’Antibes
  • Cannes’ sandy beaches
  • Best things to do in Cannes

For your stay in Cannes, the Villa Pruly Hotel Cannes Centre is an excellent option. This 3-star hotel, recently renovated, is located a 5-minute walk from the beach, and it has charming rooms, a lush garden, and a terrace with sun loungers.

Use the first two days in Cannes to visit the city and relax on the beach. On the third day, you can opt for a catamaran cruise with lunch or explore Sainte-Marguerite – the biggest of the Lérins Islands – on a day trip. Located off the city of Cannes, Sainte-Marguerite is the easiest Lérins island to reach by ferry, and it has some lovely beaches far from the Cannes crowds – Book your ferry tickets to Sainte-Marguerite

Marseille’s main station is Marseille St Charles , and it is well connected to Cannes by TGV and regional trains. Count on it taking 2 hrs 10 min from Cannes train station.

The capital of the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur , Marseille is an exciting and lively city great for culturally curious visitors and nature lovers.

For the list of things to do in Marseille, jump to the France by train itinerary Option 1. For your stay in Marseille, Hotel la Résidence du Vieux Port is a great choice, with the perfect location – on the banks of the Old Port – and the best view of Marseille.

Stop 4 | Toulouse (3 days)

Toulouse’s main station is Toulouse Matabiau, and it is well connected to Marseille by Intercités trains. Count on it taking 3 hrs 50 min from Marseille Saint-Charles train station.

Click here to book your train tickets to Toulouse

Toulouse is the capital of the Occitanie region in Southern France. Nicknamed ‘the Pink City’ because of the color of the stone used for its buildings, Toulouse is a lively city with pretty little squares, elegant private mansions, interesting museums, and beautiful parks.

Toulouse highlights

  • Place du Capitole
  • The private mansions
  • Saint-Sernin Basilica
  • The Cité de l’Espace
  • Things to do in Toulouse

Toulouse is easy to visit in two days. Use the third day to visit the medieval Cité de Carcassonne . The train journey to Carcassonne takes only 1 hour, and you will love the citadel and the history of the Cathars and the Crusaders behind it.

For your stay in Toulouse, the Ibis Styles Toulouse Capitole has an unbeatable location on the city’s main square, and it offers an excellent breakfast in a pleasant open space.

France 2 Week Itinerary #5: Paris – La Rochelle – Bordeaux – Biarritz

Biarritz - Basque Country

This 2 weeks in France itinerary by train starts from Paris , and it explores some of the most beautiful cities in Western France. Spend 14 days in France, combining sightseeing with relaxing days by the beach.

Stop 1 | Paris (3 days)

For your three days in the French capital, you can use this Paris 3-day itinerary or craft your own itinerary from this Paris bucket list . You can also use this itinerary for Paris in one day plus two of these day trips from Paris by train .

Stop 2 | La Rochelle (3 days)

La Rochelle’s main station is La Rochelle Ville, and it is well connected to Paris by TGV trains. Most of the train connections are direct, while others imply a change of trains in Poitiers. Depending on the train chosen, count on it taking 3 to 4 hrs from Paris Montparnasse train station.

Click here to book your train tickets to La Rochelle

La Rochelle  is a historic seaport in the Bay of Biscay along the sandy west coast of France. It is the perfect little city for a relaxing break by the ocean and a great base to explore the area.

La Rochelle’s main feature and attraction is the Old Port , which is central to nightlife and restaurants. La Rochelle is also rich in culture, architecture, and gastronomy.

La Rochelle highlights

  • Towers of La Rochelle (14th century)
  • La Rochelle Heritage Segway tour
  • Local market
  • The Aquarium

For your stay at La Rochelle, we recommend Hotel Les Brises . Located on the seafront, just 1.9 km from the Old Port, Hotel Les Brises offers lovely rooms with sea views.

After some busy days in Paris, you may want to take your time to visit La Rochelle and its surrounding area. Use one or two days to visit the city. For the rest of the days, head to Châtelaillon-Plage (15km south) to enjoy the beah. You can also take a sailing cruise to reach the famous Fort Boyard or cross the bridge to Ile de Re for a lovely day in one of the most beautiful French islands .

Stop 3 | Bordeaux (4 days)

Bordeaux’s main station is Bordeaux Saint-Jean, and it is well connected to La Rochelle by regional trains (TER) or Intercités trains. Count on it taking 2 hrs 40 min from La Rochelle Ville train station.

Click here to book your train tickets to Bordeaux

Bordeaux is the capital of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. Home to some of the world’s best wines, sites like the Wine Museum or the Cité du Vin are ideal to start your wine explorations. Bordeaux is also known for its beautiful collection of 17th-century private mansions, excellent restaurants and pastry shops, and the world’s largest reflecting pool.

If you count on visiting many museums and landmarks in the city, consider purchasing the Bordeaux City Pass for 2 or 3 days .

Bordeaux highlights

  • Port of the Moon (UNESCO perimeter)
  • Place de la Bourse
  • The Water Mirror
  • Cité du Vin
  • Garonne River Cruise
  • Best things to do in Bordeaux

For your stay in Bordeaux, we recommend the Yndo Hotel , set in a 19th-century private mansion in the heart of Bordeaux, this chic hotel features individually decorated rooms, a fragrance garden, and a sun terrace.

Bordeaux is also a great base to explore the wine country or the Atlantic Ocean on day trips. Spend two days visiting Saint Émilion , a town world-known for its wines, and the Bay of Arcachon with Dune du Pilat .

Stop 4 | Biarritz (4 days)

Biarritz’s train station is well connected to Bordeaux by regional trains (TER). Count on it taking 2 hrs from Bordeaux Saint-Jean train station. Biarritz train station is far from the city center, but it is well connected to the city center by bus.

Click here to book your train tickets to Biarritz

This two weeks in France train itinerary ends in Biarritz , a splendid seaside resort nestled in the Bay of Biscay on the Atlantic coast. You will most likely fall in love with Biarritz, a lively city with magnificent vestiges of the past, exceptional cultural sites, and rich natural heritage.

For your stay in Biarritz, book at Hotel Windsor Grande Plage . Located in an ancient private mansion facing the Grande Plage beach, the hotel is ideally situated close to the main attractions.

Biarritz highlights

  • Les Halles (local market)
  • Grande Plage with Sainte Eugénie Church and the Basta Rock
  • Biarritz’s lighthouse
  • Le Rocher de la Vierge
  • Views from the Atalaya Plateau
  • Best things to do in Biarritz

Visit Biarritz in one or two days and spend the rest of your time visiting other places in the Basque Country. The lovely town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz and the city of Bayonne are easy to reach by train from Biarritz.

2 Weeks in France by Train Itinerary #6: French Wine Regions

Dijon - Bourgogne

This two weeks in France itinerary explores some of the best wine areas in France . This France train itinerary starts from Paris CDG TGV airport, and it is perfect for wine lovers.

TIP:  If you plan to bring a few bottles home (who could resist?!),  make sure you pack your wine properly  so it arrives safely home!

Stop 1 | Lyon (3 days)

Lyon’s main station is  Lyon-Part-Dieu , and it is connected to Paris CDG Airport by TGV trains. Count on it taking 2 hrs from Paris CDG Airpot train station.

Click here to book your train tickets to Lyon

Lyon  is a beautiful and cultural city, bisected by the river Rhône from north to south. The city has an interesting Roman heritage and interesting museums, and it is also an excellent place for enjoying good food and wine. The Old Town has a fascinating network of hidden passages, the traboules , that you must explore when visiting Lyon.

For your stay in Lyon, book at  Villa Florentine . This former convent, located in the heart of Old Lyon, offers elegant guest rooms and fabulous panoramic views of the city.

For your visit to Lyon, steal this  2 days in Lyon itinerary . or choose your favorite activities from this list of best things to do in Lyon .

If you count on visiting many museums and landmarks, consider purchasing the Lyon City Pass for 1 or 2 days .

Lyon highlights:

  • Saint-Jean Cathedral
  • Lugdunum – Musée et Théâtres Romains
  • Fourvière Hill and Basilica
  • Old Lyon and the Saône River Banks
  • Parc de la Tête d’Or
  • Lyon e-bike tour
  • Musée des Confluences
  • Best things to do in Lyon

Lyon is an excellent place to explore the Rhône Valley wine region , which produces some of the most renowned wines in France, most notably its full-bodied reds. Visit some wineries in the Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie appellations, meet the winemakers, and sample a variety of Côtes du Rhône wines with this guided tour from Lyon .

Also, Lyon is not far from the Beaujolais Wine Region (wines of Burgundy), which produces vibrant, fruity wines with the Gamay grape variety. The Beaujolais Wine Region also boasts an exceptional heritage of beguiling villages, old churches, beautiful estates, and country roads that complement this rural paradise. Discover Southern Beaujolais with this unusual and gourmet tour with tastings that will show the highlights of this beautiful region, from history to wine!

Stop 2 | Dijon (3 days)

Dijon’s main station is  Dijon Ville , and it has direct connections with Lyon with regional trains (TER), and there are also some TGV trains. Count on taking 2 hours from Lyon Part Dieu to Dijon Ville.

Click here to buy your train tickets to Dijon

Dijon is the capital of the Burgundy region and is probably best known for its picturesque architecture and great wine. It was home to the Dukes of Burgundy, and as such, it has a fascinating cultural and architectural heritage. And of course, it also has incredible food, just like the rest of France.

In Dijon, the  Grand Hotel La Cloche Dijon  is a good option, conveniently located close to all the main attractions. 

Visit the Old Town , which became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2015 and is full of beautiful, half-timbered houses and little squares. Before exploring the surrounding vineyards, we suggest taking this wine master class with tastings to get to know the Burgundy wines.

Dijon highlights:

  • Hotel de Ville
  • Jardin des Ducs
  • Musée des Beaux-Arts, in the Palace of the Dukes
  • Notre Dame Church
  • Central Market
  • Best things to do in Dijon

Dijon is one of the main stops of the Route des Grands Crus , and you can visit some parts of it by train or with a guided bike tour .

Take a train to Beaune (no need to buy train tickets in advance) to visit the famous Hospices de Beaune and do some tastings. Domaine Chanson and Maison Champy offer tours with tastings in English (book in advance).

Stop 3 | Reims (3 days)

Reims’ main train station is Gare de Reims and it is connected with Dijon via regional trains and TGV trains. There is only one direct connection a day between Dijon and Reims , which we recommend taking. Connections with a transfer in Paris arrive at Paris Gare de Lyon and depart from Paris Gare de l’Est , so you will need to take the metro between the two train stations in Paris.

Click here to buy your train tickets to Reims

The capital of Champagne, with many historical gems to visit, is undeniably an important place for French history. Between sipping  champagne wine , visiting the main sites, and experiencing a memorable and moving visit to a critical piece of WWII history, there are many things to do in Reims .

For your night in Reims, we recommend the  Domaine Les Crayères , an iconic property in the city nestled in a seven hectares park, 300m from the Pommery Champagne House. Inaugurated by the Marquise de Polignac, this wonderful villa belonged to her descendants until 1978.

Reims is famous for its magnificent Cathedral Notre Dame de Reims , which is one of the  best Gothic Cathedrals in France . From King Clovis to the French Revolution, almost all the Capetian Kings of France were crowned in the Reims Cathedral. 

Reims highlights

  • Palais de Tau
  • Saint-Remi Church
  • Champagne Tasting
  • Art-Déco architecture
  • Taste the rose biscuits
  • Best things to do in Reims

If you go for a champagne tasting, which we recommend!, check out this article on the  best champagne houses in Reims . You can also explore the surrounding vineyards by e-bike or take a day trip by train to the champagne town of Epernay (no need to book train tickets in advance).

Stop 4 | Paris (1 day)

Paris Gare de l’Est is one of the capital’s main train stations. Gare de l’Est serves the main cities in Eastern France, and also Germany. Count on taking it 1 hour from Gare de Reims to Gare de l’Est .

Click here to buy your train tickets to Paris

This 2-week itinerary France only spends one night in Paris. If this is your first time in Paris, you can decide to stay more time in the French capital. For only one night in Paris, you can use this one-day Paris itinerary , which covers the main sights. If you have already been to Paris, go off the beaten path and check out a few of these lovely hidden gems in Paris .

For your stay in Paris, book at one of these lovely hotels near Gare du Nord , which is just in front of Gare de l’Est. When you arrive from Reims, avoid the hassle of taking the metro with your luggage. From here, you have direct metro connections to Gare de Montparnasse for the day after.

Stop 5 | Bordeaux (4 days)

Bordeaux’s main station is  Bordeaux Saint-Jean  and it has fast and direct connections from Paris (count on taking it 2 hrs 30 min from Paris Gare Montparnasse to Bordeaux Saint-Jean . On the way back home, you can take a train from Bordeaux directly to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport . Bordeaux has some (but not all) direct connections with Paris CDG Airport. Count on taking it 3h 45 m from Paris CDG Airport to Bordeaux St-Jean with direct trains.

This France itinerary 2 weeks ends in Bordeaux , home to some of the world’s best wines. The city is located in the region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine , in Western France, and it is bisected by the Garonne River . Don’t miss Bordeaux’s beautiful collection of private mansions from the 17 century, and of course, its wine shops and bars!

For your stay in Bordeaux, we recommend the  Hotel La Cour Carrée Bordeaux Centre , set in a 19th-century private mansion in the heart of Bordeaux. This beautiful hotel features individually decorated rooms, all air-conditioned, and a terraced patio.

For your visit to Bordeaux, we recommend starting with a guided walking tour to learn more about the city’s history. This top-rated Bordeaux wine master class will help you decode the complexity of Bordeaux wines. If you count on visiting many museums and landmarks, consider purchasing the Bordeaux City Pass for 2 or 3 days .

  • The water mirror
  • Bassin des Lumières
  • Garonne River Cruise with a glass of wine

Bordeaux is the perfect base to explore the wine areas of Saint-Émilion and Médoc . There’s a direct regional train that connects Bordeaux Saint-Jean to Saint Emilion (30 min, one way). However, we recommend this Saint Emilion wine tour if you also wish to explore the wine châteaux.  

Take this Médoc guided tour with tastings to follow Medoc’s famous Route des Châteaux and learn all about different wine-tasting techniques along the way.

So there you have it, our selection of the best itineraries to spend 2 weeks in France. Which France by train itinerary tempts you most?

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Exploring France by train: Our top five train rides in France

Categories France , Travel Tips

Exploring France by train: Our top five train rides in France

Last Updated on January 21, 2024

Our favorite way to see France is by train. With one of the best rail networks in Europe, France has over 32,000 kilometers of railway, and 14,000 trains running every day. The trains are comfy and fast, especially the TGV, France’s high speed train, which hits speeds over 300 kilometers per hour, and even at those speeds it is easier to relax and take in the scenery instead of maneuvering a car and paying expensive highway tolls. Not only is rail travel more comfortable, it is also pretty cheap – you can always find great deals for the TGV. Make sure to read our tips for riding trains in France at the end of the article.

Table of Contents

Here are our top five train routes in France:

Paris to nice.

The train ride from Paris to the Cote d’Azur in Southern France passes by some of the country’s most remarkable scenery, from the Rhone valley, quaint little villages dotting the countryside, and in the spring, the beautiful purple lavender fields in the Provence region, to the beaches of the Mediterranean. Many of the trains on this route are double-deck Duplex TGVs which offer the best views from the upper level.

riding the train in France

Nimes to Clermont Ferrand

This 5.5-hour train journey takes you through the Cevennes, a mountain range in southern France, and with 106 tunnels and 1,300 bridges (including the 41-arch Chamborigaud Viaduct ) it makes for a spectacular ride. Passengers can barely put their cameras down, thanks to the magnificent viaducts and bridges. The train connection has been built in 1870 – a notable construction achievement at the time. The Cevennes Railway is also known for its popular hiking path that follows the rails.

Villefranche to Latour de Carol

This train journey through the Pyrenees – the highest train tracks in France – is covered by Le Petit Train Jaune, a little yellow train that travel high up in the mountains. In the summer months open carriages are used which offer stunning mountain vistas and passengers can enjoy the impressive gorges, river valleys and viaducts along the way.

The distance between Villefranche-de-Conflent and La Tour de Carol is only 63 kilometers long, but takes three hours – enough time to truly enjoy some of the country’s most spectacular scenery. There are two UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the way:  the historical town of Villefranche and Mont Luis – we recommend you get off at these two stops and wander around the beautiful mountain town and France’s highest fortress.

France trains

Le Petit Train des Combes

Le Petit Train des Combes is also known as the Two Valleys train and still uses steam and diesel locomotives on a 60cm narrow gauge railway. The train operators between Les Combes and Le Creusot in the Burgundy region of France. During the 1.5 hour train ride passengers can enjoy scenic views of the town and the natural park it goes through.

Nice to Digne-Les-Bains

Even though this is a very touristy train ride, it is well worth the experience since the train passes through some of France’s most marvelous scenery. It starts in Nice on the Cote d’Azur and travels 3.5 hours up the Verdon Valley to an altitude of over 1000 meters. You start with palm trees in and around Nice, later on passing through the lavender fields, vineyards and finally steep-sided mountain valleys, before pulling into Digne-Les-Bains. Most of the stations along the way are the original ones from the beginning of the 20th century, when this rail line opened.

Tips for taking the train in France

Always book your train tickets in advance.

It is considerably cheaper to book your tickets in advance, instead of showing up at the train station and buying a ticket on the spot. No matter if you’re buying the tickets directly through the French railway operator SNCF (Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer), or if you use easier-to-use third-party operators like The Trainline (for discount train tickets) or Omio (which compares the cheapest and fastest routes from one destination to another – see below).

Be warned though: If you book your ticket in advance and you miss that train, that money is lost. There’s no way to rebook for a later train, so you’ll have to pay for a new ticket on the spot. Plan in plenty of time to get to the train station, especially if you don’t speak the language. Signage can be confusing.

France trains

Paris has several train stations

If you’re taking the train from Paris, be aware that there are six different train stations! Make sure you know which train station your train leaves from, and look up how to get there.

The six Paris train stations are:

  • Gare du Nord (trains to the north of France, highspeed Thaly trains to Amsterdam and Brussels, Eurostar trains to London)
  • Gare de Lyon (trains to the south of France, including cities like Nice, Marseille, Lyon, and Montpellier – but also trains to Switzerland, Italy and Eastern Spain)
  • Gare de l’est (east-bound trains to cities like Strasbourg and Nancy, as well as international trains to Germany and Luxembourg)
  • Gare Montparnasse (west-bound trains to cities like Rennes, Nantes and Brittany)
  • Gare d’Austerlitz (trains to Bordeaux and Toulouse and Western Spain)
  • Gare St Lazare (trains to the Northwest of France, including Rouen, Le Havre and Caen)

Take trains to neighboring countries, don’t fly!

It’s tempting to buy a cheap €20 flight to Berlin or Amsterdam, but compare the price to the price of the train ticket, and factor in the inconvenience of flying: you have to pay for transportation to the airport, and from the airport to the city center upon arrival, while train stations in Europe are always conveniently located right in the city center.

In the example below, the flight may seem more convenient at first sight: only 1 hour and 15 minutes! But if you add on the time to get to the airport, the time to get through security at the airport, waiting at the gate, and then getting from Schiphol Airport into the city – it takes way longer than taking the train.

Side note: Taking the bus would be considerably cheaper in the example below, but take into consideration that it takes more than twice as long.

best train journeys france

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James Mcavoy

Tuesday 7th of March 2023

Very Excited “inspired by your informative blog “already started planning and booked cheap train tickets To Paris

The Tales of a Traveler

Beautiful Destinations | Luxury Resorts | Travel Tips & Itineraries | Travel Fashion

The Ultimate Guide – France Itinerary by Rail

July 4, 2023

In this blog post, we share some of the best places to visit in France, things to do, and loads of tips that it helps you in planning your Ultimate France Itinerary by Rail. 

France is much more than Eiffel Tower and Paris. 
  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Swati & Sam (@thetalesofatraveler) on Sep 4, 2018 at 3:31pm PDT

In this blog post, we share our France itinerary by rail that will take you to some of the fairy-tale towns, lavender fields, one of the highest dunes in Europe, mesmerizing lakes, stunning canyons,  sunflower fields, and a beautiful national park.

It is hard to narrow it down to just a few places when the country has so much to offer. 

We also have a few suggestions that you could incorporate if you are planning to do this trip by train like us or by road. Though by car it might take a bit more time in comparison to the train, as France is not a small country like Slovenia, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, or Luxembourg.

France is a stunning country to explore and hopefully, by the end of this post, we can inspire you to plan an amazing trip to France.

France-Itinerary-Eiffel-Tower-Paris

BEST TIME TO VISIT TO VISIT FRANCE

France is an all-year-round destination. If lavender fields, sunflower fields, and beaches are part of your France itinerary then obviously from June – August when the weather is at its best, beaches are warm, and days are longer but that’s also the time when prices go up and it’s crowded as well. If budget and crowd are your concern, we would suggest visiting during the shoulder season. We did this trip in the month of July.

  • Learn some French words and phrases.
  • Greet with a smile and say “Bonjour ” before starting any conversation
  • Locals are reserved and might not be over-friendly but they are quite helpful.
  • Waiters might not greet you with a smile at some restaurants but don’t be rude to them in return
  • Smile and try to interact with locals

Common French Words

Here are some common French words that you will come across. It will come in handy if you can remember these.

  • Départ = Departure
  • Arrivée =  Arrival
  • Gare = Station
  • Sortie = Exit
  • Désolé = Sorry
  • Excusez moi = Sorry, Excuse me
  • Quai = Platform

Our first and last stop in France was Paris. We flew into Amsterdam as we got a dirt cheap flight and then took a train from Amsterdam to Paris with Thalys . 

Paris has been always high on our list and no doubt it’s a beautiful city somehow we felt it was way too crowded when we visited in July but we absolutely loved our time there. We had no fixed agenda and spent our days loitering, devouring Croissants and Macrons, and capturing tons of pictures. 

I think the best thing to do in Paris is to  Flâner aka “to stroll”.  Go with the flow but if you want to know our recommendation then we would highly suggest visiting the following places.

The Ultimate Guide - France Itinerary by Rail

Things To Do In Paris 

  • Visit the iconic attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris, Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris
  • Champs-Élysées is an amazing neighborhood to admire the Parisian buildings, shop, and eat.
  • Pont Alexandre III
  • Don’t miss the Grand Palais and   Petit Palais.
  • If you love visiting Museums, don’t miss out –  Musée d’Orsay, Musée de l’Orangerie, Musée de l’Armée Invalides and Musée de Rodin .
  • For Architecture lovers — head to Sainte-Chapelle, Le Moulin de la galette. Get lost in the world of Picasso at  Hôtel Salé which houses the largest collection of Picasso’s works in the world.
  • Don’t miss the pretty neighborhood — Monmarte .  
  • Parc des Buttes-Chaumont which is the third-largest park in the city.
  • Discover the statues and artwork of the Luxembourg Garden
  • Jardin D’erivan
  • For Shopping & Food Market – visit Marché des Enfants Rouges (The oldest  market in Paris where you can find a lot of options for food and fresh produce) ,  Galeries Lafayette Haussmann – a one-stop destination for shopping and gastronomical experience,  North Marais is also one neighborhood that is being loved by locals
  • Offbeat Places – Les Catacombes ( Underground tunnels lined with skulls and bones ), Père Lachaise Cemetery
  • Things to Eat – Try all-natural and chemical-free flavors of ice cream at Berthillon , Macaron at the famous Ladurée, and  hot chocolate at  Angelina’s.
  • For views that include Eiffel Tower – Arc de Triomphe,  Montparnasse Tower, or Tour Saint Jacques, ( only open to visitors from June to September)  
  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Swati & Sam (@thetalesofatraveler) on Sep 6, 2018 at 2:42pm PDT

Where to Stay in Paris

We stayed at CitizenM La Defense which is in the La Defense area and is quite close to the metro station but if you are looking for hotels with the iconic view of the Eiffel Tour then below are a few recommendations based on popularity and hospitality –

  • Shangri La Hotel
  • Plaza Athene

Other Options:  Hotels ( Booking.com )  

Getting Around in Paris

Getting around in Paris is pretty easy. We used the metro and train services to travel within Paris. The frequency is also very good and you don’t have to be stuck in traffic. There are different tickets for different zones. You can opt for the one based on your preference and stay. There are taxis and buses too that you can opt for . 

Alsace Region ( Strasbourg, Obernai, Colmar, Eguisheim )

If you ever google picturesque villages in France, you will find pictures of beautiful towns and villages of the Alsace region popping up on your feed. The half-timbered houses, colorful decorations on the exterior walls of the houses, and prettiness all around will charm you. No doubt the villages have been an inspiration for many Disney movies like Beauty and the Beast and many others. 

We stayed in Strasbourg for three days and explored the beautiful Alsace region — Strasbourg, Obernai, Colmar, and Eguisheim. We could not visit the other fairy-tale villages like Riquewihr, Ribeauvillé, & Kaysersberg.

France-Itinerary-Colmar-Petite-Venice

I won’t say that public transportation is great, there are public buses connecting to smaller towns but the timings and the frequency of the bus service are not that great.

Note: It is best to rent a car and explore these places. Another option to explore the Alsace region is you can opt for the Wine Trail which is quite famous and covers a lot of places and also takes you to some of the scenic destinations.

How to Reach – It is just an hour and a half from Paris. We took a fast train from Paris to Strasbourg with our Eurail Global Pass . From Strasbourg, you can either rent a car or travel to other places by train & bus.

The Ultimate Guide - France Itinerary by Rail Colmar

Places To Visit/ Things To Do in Alsace Region

Things To Do In Strasbourg

  • Visit the stunning Strasbourg Cathedral. There is no escalator so be prepared to climb up to the rooftop for the panoramic views.
  • Stroll through the picturesque “Petite France”, one of the prettiest neighborhoods in Strasbourg by the river 
  • Batorama boat tour
  • Palais des Rohan
  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Swati & Sam (@thetalesofatraveler) on Nov 9, 2018 at 6:46am PST

Things To Do In Colmar 

  • Walk around and take in the beauty of the charming village.
  • The beautiful “Petite Venice” can’t be missed – Petite Venice is one of the most attractive parts of Colmar. The river Lauch flows past half-timbered houses and bridges and the best way to see these is to take a canal boat tour.
  • Visit the covered market of Colmar for some local produce. 
  • Hop on a tourist train if you fancy one to know more about the village and all the major attractions.
  • You can also visit the Museum Musée Bartholdi dedicated to French sculptor Auguste Bartholdi who is the sculptor of the Statue of Liberty in New York.
  • You can also visit the Statue of Liberty, yes, there is one in Colmar as well. 😉 
Note: If you are planning to visit on Sundays, most of the shops will be closed so be prepared for that but, restaurants & cafes will be open in Petite Venice and public transportation is also not great compared to weekdays. The tourism office closes by 12 pm on Sundays.
  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Swati & Sam (@thetalesofatraveler) on Sep 24, 2018 at 2:32pm PDT

Things To Do In Eguisheim 

  • Wander along the Rue du Rempart Sud
  • Visit the Eguisheim Castle & Place du Chateau
  • Don’t forget to try the local wine which is quite famous. 
  • Enjoy your time in the Vineyards
  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Swati & Sam (@thetalesofatraveler) on Oct 1, 2018 at 8:17am PDT

Where to Stay in Strasbourg

We stayed at IBIS Strasbourg and explored the Alsace region by train as we had EURAIL Global Pass . We highly recommend renting a car to explore the region if you are planning to do it at your own pace.

Other Options:  Hotels ( Booking.com )  Compare Prices before booking. 

Provence Region (Provence, Manosque, Valensole )

This region has to be one of our favorite regions in France. The rustic charm of the small towns, the warmth of the locals, and the endless Lavender and Sunflower fields for the company. We can’t wait to go back again this summer and chase the slow life. 

France-Itinerary-Lavender-Fields-Valensole

Things to do in Provence

  • Visit Lavender Fields –  Rent a car and visit the famous Lavender fields of Valensole. Read our blog post on where to visit the lavender fields here.
  • Visit one of the most beautiful lakes in France –  Sainte Croix du Verdon 
  • Rent an Airbnb and enjoy the rustic charm of the Provence Region
  • Visit Provincial villages like Aix, Provence, Sault, Gordes, and Mount Ventoux to name a few.
  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Swati & Sam (@thetalesofatraveler) on Jan 2, 2019 at 12:15pm PST
  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Swati & Sam (@thetalesofatraveler) on Aug 20, 2018 at 5:59am PDT

READ: BEST LAVENDER FIELDS IN FRANCE

How to Reach – 

Plane  | You can either fly to Cannes, Marseille, Lyon, or Paris 

Train  | Eurail Pass or Interrail Pass are good options if you are planning to visit the Provence region. Avignon & Sault are the major stations. Public transportation in Manosque where we stayed was free of cost. 

Bus  | There are buses connecting to all the major destinations but it is advisable to check the timings beforehand during public holidays and weekends.

Car  | You can rent a car and drive. The roads are awesome. 

Note: You need to rent a car to explore the region as public transportation is not that great. There are multiple buses connecting cities and towns but always factor in the weekend schedules. 

Where To Stay in Provence

We stayed at Manosque instead of Provence because most of the hotels were sold out in Provence and we were not able to find a perfect Airbnb last minute. Manosque is also the headquarters of Lo’ocatainne and is close to the below Instagram spot.

France-Itinerary-Lavender-Fields-Valensole

Marseille  

France-Itinerary-Marseille

A beautiful port city in the Mediterranean region, Marseille will enchant you with its interesting mix of culture, food, and vibes. We were in Marseille for just 2 days. We explored the city and the port area on day one and did all the touristy stuff. The next day we opted for a day trip to Calanques National Park. Unfortunately, we couldn’t do the hike as it was too hot on that day so we opted for a 4-hour boat ride.

France-Itinerary-Marseille

Things To Do in Marseille

  • Explore Le Panier neighborhood
  • Hang out at the Old Port of Marseille
  • Visit Cathédrale de la Major (Marseille Cathedral)
  • Enjoy your time at La Corniche
  • Don’t forget to buy the famous soap of Marseille – Savon – de – Marseille
  • Take in the breathtaking view of the city from Notre Dame  de la Garde 
  • Visit Chateau D’If
  • Hop on a boat to explore Frioul Islands and don’t miss the stunning  Calanques National Park

France-Itinerary-Calanques-National-Park-Marseilles

Read More:  Things To Do in Marseille 

Marseille is well connected by rail, road, and air with all major cities of France and Europe. 

Plane  | You can fly to Marseille from Paris / London or any other major hub. 

Train  | Eurail Pass or Interrail Pass are good options if you are planning to visit multiple cities and countries. 

Car  | You can hire a car from any city and drive to Marseille. 

Where To Stay in Marseille?

We stayed at IBIS  which was right next to the train station. It was quite cheap and we just walked into the hotel at night 9 PM without any prior reservations and booked the room for 2 nights.  If you follow us on Instagram, you might know that Marseille & Bordeaux were initially not part of our France itinerary, we were supposed to do the French Riviera but we changed our itinerary on the go.

Options:  Hotels ( Booking.com ) |   Compare Prices before booking. Prefer staying close to the city center if you are planning to explore the city .

France-Itinerary-Bordeaux

Bordeaux is located on the west coast of France and the city is famous for its wine region. It is also called the wine capital of the world. Though our intention of visiting Bordeaux was a little different, we wanted to visit the Dune of Pilat, which happens to be the highest sand dune in Europe. The city is a perfect base for a day trip to the Dune of Pilat and also for numerous vineyard tours.

We were in Bordeaux for 3 days and opted for the Bordeaux city pass. The city pass allows you to use public transportation for free and many attractions like La Cite Du Vin are also included in this pass. The city is known for its splendid 18th-century architecture. If you have time at hand then we would suggest a 4 to 5-day stay as you can visit many UNESCO world heritage villages nearby Bordeaux. We felt that the 3 days we spent at Bordeaux were not enough to explore the city and the neighboring areas.

France-Itinerary-Dune-of-Pilat

Things To Do in Bordeaux

  • Explore the origins of winemaking and varieties of wine at La Cite Du Vin . A museum dedicated to wines.
  • Enjoy your time at numerous vineyards and stay in an Airbnb or Chateau amidst Vineyard for an experience to cherish.
  • Porte Cailhau – A 35-meter tall tower from where you can enjoy the panoramic views of the river and the oldest bridge, the Pont de Pierre.
  • Water Mirror – A shallow pool of water on smooth granite, across the Place la de Bourse, which creates a beautiful reflection.
  • Pont de Pierre – The oldest bridge in Bordeaux over the river Garonne.
  • Basilica of St. Michael – A 114-meter bell tower and basilica. The basilica is one of the three monuments accepted by UNESCO as part of the French Pilgrim routes of Santiago de Compostela which is added to the list of World Heritage sites.
  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Swati & Sam (@thetalesofatraveler) on Nov 12, 2018 at 2:15pm PST

Read  – Things To Do In Bordeaux

How to reach bordeaux – .

Bordeaux is well connected by rail, road, and air with all major cities of France and Europe. 

Plane  | You can fly to Bordeaux from Paris / London or any other major hub. 

Where to Stay in Bordeaux 

We stayed at IBIS which is quite close to the train station. As it was a last-minute plan and most of the hotels were sold out, we ended up staying at the IBIS. 

You can check on Airbnb or find hotels on Booking.com .

France-Itinerary-Sunflower-Fields-Valensole

OTHER BEAUTIFUL REGIONS TO VISIT IN FRANCE  

You can also include the below regions if you have more days on hand. We are planning to visit a few places this year. We will keep you posted with more details.

  • Normandy Region   (Mont Saint-Michel, Rouen, Honfleur, Caen)
  • French Riveria ( Cannes, Nice, Eze, Menton )
  • French Alps ( Chamonix, Annecy, Grenoble, Aix-les-Bains )
  • Cities you can include in your France itinerary if you are planning a month-long trip – Dijon, Lyon, and Metz to name a few. 

Related Posts

Things To Do in Bordeaux 

Things to Do in Marseille

Best Lavender Fields in France

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Share this:

best train journeys france

February 17, 2019 at 7:42 pm

Love France and getting around by train is such a fun way to explore the country. Your yellow dress in the lavender fields is gorgeous. May I ask where you bought it from?

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February 18, 2019 at 2:29 pm

It looks and sounds like you both had an incredibly romantic time traveling in France. The lavender fields are incredibly beautiful and oh so photogenic. Good to know that the best time of the year to visit if we want to see the fields is in June – August. Alsace also looks so great and I am loving all the old buildings. Ohhh if those buildings could talk, I could only imagine the stories they would share! And how I would love to explore Bordeaux and wine taste my way around this area. Good to know it’s very well connected by transport in France.

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February 18, 2019 at 6:22 pm

Valensole is so stunning! I’ll be heading to Marseille this March, and looking forward to it already! I’ve not yet been to Alsace, or Bordeaux, though I love the wine from this region! I like your hotel options for each place too, they’re great places by the sound of it.

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February 18, 2019 at 9:52 pm

I love traveling by train in Europe, but never took a train trip in France. It seems you had an incredibly beautiful time on this trip. I’d love to do this itinerary sometimes in spring. Europe is less crowded at that time of year. I’ve not yet been to Alsace, but I’m hoping to get there next year. Beautiful pictures, by the way (especially the ones at Trocadero).

' src=

February 18, 2019 at 10:05 pm

What a great article for planning to travel around France by rail. We have done a little bit of rail travel, but definitely need to see more of France in this way. Aren’t the lavender fields amazing? The colours and your photos are beautiful.

' src=

February 19, 2019 at 9:15 am

You have such wonderful pictures out there. No doubt your Instagram fans loved them. France is a beautiful country and the beauty is pretty evident in all your pictures. I have only been to Paris in France. So you know there is so much more to explore. Would love to see the lavender fields and explore Alsace and Marseille. Train is our favorite travel companion in Europe. So France will also be by rail in all probability.

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February 21, 2019 at 8:30 am

I love your photographs, or should I commend your Instagram man here 😀 France is such a lovely place especially during the summer, no wonder my beau is bugging me to visit him this summer. And if things went well, I will definitely visit these places you’ve been too!

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February 22, 2019 at 3:04 pm

Wow, you people had a fabulous time in France. I love all the pictures here. We could only manage to visit Paris on our trip to Europe. So nice to read about these amazing places in France. The lavender fields look exceptionally beautiful.

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July 28, 2019 at 8:50 am

I’d love to visit Paris sometime soon, and your post has put my plans into perspective.

Hope fully, I’d have collected enough funds to visit there by the end of next year.

Love your blog, especially the design 🙂

' src=

December 5, 2019 at 6:17 pm

France is one of the most beautiful country i have visited… its the perfect blend of fairytale and high Street fashion… btw did you go to Moulin Rouge?

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Seeing the Best of France: How To Travel France By Train

Updated 9 March 2024 by  Leyla Alyanak  — Parisian by birth, Lyonnaise by adoption, historian by passion

Taking the train in France is relatively straightforward and one of the best ways to get around. Here's everything you need to know about train travel in France.

France's public transport system will get you to most places in the country, from major cities to small towns, usually through fabulous scenery and often skirting exquisite villages and the odd UNESCO World Heritage site.

There are other ways to visit France, of course, and sometimes, these have advantages over the train, but that's rare.

I'm French and I live in France, and have all the different modes of transport at my fingertips, including a car.

But still, when I travel (as I often do, to collect stories for this website), four times out of five, it is by train.

Why trains are the best way to see France

Other ways to travel in France

  • By rideshare

Different kinds of train in France

Intercity trains

Train travel with your pet in France How to use French trains How to book train tickets in France The France railpass Train rides from Paris The Best Train Trips In France What to do if there's a train strike Book your railway tickets and passes

FAQ: Train travel in France

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Perhaps we hanker back to those grand old days of the Orient Express, of wood-paneled coaches and crystal dining ware... Or maybe we're being environmentally conscious... Or like to end up downtown, or rested when we arrive, or enjoy the countryside slipping by...

Whatever the reason, we're taking the train in increasing numbers.

Small rural train station you'll come across when you travel France by train

Why is train travel the best way to see France? 

Traveling by train in France has many advantages over other forms of transportation. Here are the main ones:

✓  Lower carbon emissions ✓  Comfort and relaxation, great scenery ✓  No limits on luggage weight or size ✓  You can get work done if there's wifi ✓  If you book ahead trains can be highly cost effective ✓  Train stations tend to be in the center of town

As with everything, there are also disadvantages to rail travel in France:

✗   Not every town and village can be reached by train ✗   Trains can be full around major holidays ✗   You may have one or more connections ✗   Some areas around stations can be a bit rough, especially at night ✗  You can be subjected to train strikes (I deal with that below) ✗   You can't really choose your seat mates

If I love train travel so much, it's because I've done it hundreds of times. I've also traveled dozens of times in other ways and I can compare from my own first-hand experience. (In other words, yes, I'm biased!)

Beautiful view of France seen from a French train

Although direct trains and main lines help you travel quickly and easily, they are not always available, and sometimes, you simply have to find an alternative to the train. 

Here are a few:

Traveling around France by car

✓ No place is out of reach, even the most remote ✓   Freedom – you don't have to stick to a timetable and can come and go ✓   You can go straight to your destination without having to change trains

✗    Driving in France can be... interesting ✗    You'll have to contend with parking, which is often difficult in popular places ✗   Many cities have low emission zones that restrict driving downtown ✗   Cost can be high: gasoline, motorway tolls, parking ✗   When traffic is heavy, safety can be a concern ✗   Less relaxing for the driver than the train  ✗   You could get lost and waste precious time ✗   You'll have to forget the wine, even if you're visiting a renowned château

Bus travel in France

✓  Like trains, bus stations are usually in the center of town ✓  Buses often go where trains do not ✓  This is often the cheapest way to travel in France

✗   Buses are far less frequent than trains ✗   You'll drive along soul-less autoroutes, usually France's least lovely sceneries ✗   Not as comfortable as the train ✗   Bus stations can be in even rougher neighbourhoods than train stations ✗   Buses can be a bit worrisome if you dislike the combination of high speed and narrow roads (they aren't all like this but all it takes is one)

Flixbus in France - travel by bus

Travel by air in France

✓  Low-cost airlines can cost less than the train if you book ahead ✓  East-West transport in France is poorly served and flying may be the only way to avoid doubling your distance and traveling through central Paris

✗   Your carbon footprint may be significant ✗   Airports are often far from town, a waste of time and money fo extra transport ✗   Flights to your destination may be infrequent (unless you're headed to Paris) ✗  With all the extra security, a flight can take far longer than a train ride ✗  All that waiting can also be a source of frustration ✗  You're a bit of a hostage to weather and strikes

Easyjet - one of the most popular low-cost airlines in France

Rideshares in France

✓  The cheapest way to travel ✓  Allows you to meet people and socialize during your journey

✗   You have to trust someone you don't know ✗   You have no idea of whether the driver is qualified, good or sober ✗   You have no way of knowing if the vehicle is safe or has been properly maintained

    You might also like these stories!

Thumbnail - Unexpected places in France, the Camargue

The different kinds of French trains

Until recently, most French trains were managed by the SNCF,  the national railway company, with a very few private trains.

France is privatizing its railways so foreign trains are beginning to appear on the tracks. Most recently, the Spanish high-speed AVE train has been connecting Madrid and Barcelona with cities in France, including Paris, Marseille, Perpignan, Lyon, Toulouse and others.

The Italian Trenitalia also started rail service between Paris, Lyon and Milan, although it has been hampered by technical difficulties and rockfalls.

Still, we can expect the number of foreign trains to increase.

TGV, Inoui, Ouigo trains and similar high-speed trains

The TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse, or High-Speed Trains) are long-distance trains that travel between main destinations in France at an average speed of 320kph (nearly 200mph) along specially built tracks.

If you've never taken one of these, it might take you a few minutes to acclimatize, especially if they post the speed on a screen – quite impressive. The TGV whips across the French countryside passing everything in a blur of pastures and cows.

This is the queen of French trains and you should make it a point to take it at least once.

You do need to reserve your seat and buy your TGV ticket ahead of time – the earlier you buy, the cheaper the ticket. You can buy a ticket in either first or second class and if you book early and online, the price difference between the two classes might be negligible on some trips, so treat yourself...

The TGV comes in several flavors: there is a low-cost version – Ouigo, which you can book online only, and Inoui, which is a TGV brand for newer or refurbished older trains (soon, all normal TGV trains will become Inoui).

All of these are high-speed trains, and you can book your tickets through  Trainline  or SNCF .

France train map

The major failing of this rail network – and of much French transportation – is that most roads lead to or through Paris . So if you want to travel from, say, Lyon in the southeast to Bordeaux in the southwest, you cannot do it directly and will usually have to go north to Paris, change stations, and head back down again.

However, in recent months I've found direct trains from Lyon to a few cities but it's still very much the exception to the rule.

While the TGV train has a cafeteria car, I prefer to buy my lunch in town or at the station before boarding – the food is better and definitely cheaper.

Perhaps the one thing I dislike about TGV trains is that seats can face either forward or backward . Sometimes you can choose, but often you cannot. So if you suffer from motion sickness (as I do) and happen to be assigned a back-facing seat, you might end up spending your entire trip standing up in the restaurant car. Trains that are double-deckers make this even worse if you're upstairs, because of the ultra-bouncy suspension, but you can usually choose your floor and seat, if not your direction.

Check schedules and book your TGV here

TGV train in Paris train station

Eurostar and Thalys trains

The Eurostar is a direct train from Paris Gare du Nord to London St. Pancras. At just over 2h15, this is perfect for traveling downtown to downtown and avoiding all those pesky ferries and airport delays. Still, the cost is high and this isn't considered a bargain at all. Just a convenience.

Thalys is the train that connects you to Europe north of Paris – you can take it from Paris to Brussels, Amsterdam, Cologne, Dusseldorf, and places in-between.

Book your Eurostar and Thalys trains here

The Intercités are slower than the TGVs and link many of France's medium-sized routes, although some of these routes may also be covered by TGVs. You can decide which to take, a decision that will depend on schedules and prices.

Unlike the TGV, these trains do not require reservations. You can buy your ticket ahead of time if you don't want to bother with ticket machines or queues at the train station, but you don't have to.

I recommend that you do, because the machine might be broken or confusing – an online ticket bought ahead of time provides me with greater peace of mind. Also, you can't buy your ticket on board, so best be prepared.

Check schedules and book your Intercity here

The TER trains are regional express trains, and act as local trains if you're going to smaller towns.

For example, my town, Seyssel, doesn't have any high-speed trains but I can take a TGV from Paris to Valserhône and change there to a TER for a 10-minute ride.

Most often, the regional trains will wait for the TGV and Intercity if these are late. However, if your TER is late, your TGV will not wait. So if you're starting a journey on a TER and then connecting to a TGV, please give yourself ample time.

Contrary to France's faster trains, y our TER ticket is usually valid for the entire day so if you miss your TER, you can catch the next one. Check when you're buying it.

Also, there is no seat reservation on the TER.

What are the most popular international train routes in France?

To recap, several international trains will either get you to France or take you away from the country:

  • The Eurostar from France to the UK (you can also catch the Eurostar to south of France)
  • The TGV Lyria, between France and Switzerland 
  • The Thalys to Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands
  • Other highly popular routes include the Italy to France train or the Barcelona to Nice train

Book your international trains and your rail passes here.

TGV Lyria train travel in France

Auto train: taking your car on French railways

You can no longer do this.

There used to be a car train from Paris to the south of France but that has been discontinued. Most people heading to the Côte d'Azur (the French Riviera) will choose to drive, or will take the train and rent a car at their destination.

However, it's worth keeping an eye out because with the resurgence of overnight trains, taking your car along might be next.

Click here to compare car rental prices

Night train

In my youth, before the advent of fast trains, we used to have sleeper cars and a trip was as much an adventure as a distant voyage. I remember taking the night train from Paris to Geneva, where I was attending university, and have fond memories of the people I met on these trips.

With the advent of high-speed trains and low-cost airlines, night trains began to disappear in France, until perhaps one or two were left just a few years ago.

But the overnight may have been saved by President François Macron, who has committed to returning these night trains to service.

From Paris, you can now catch an overnight train to Albi, Argelès-sur-Mer, Ax-les-Thermes, Briançon, Cannes, Lourdes, Nice and Toulouse.

People are appreciating the value of slow travel, and sometimes the journey is as much fun as the destination.

Don't expect the magnificent sleeper cars of yesteryear but you can at least lie on a bunk for the duration of the trip. Not quite the romantic night trains of our imagination... but let's call it a work in progress.

How easy is it to travel around France by train with your pet?

You can absolutely travel with your pet on the France train system and it's quite straightforward.

  • Whatever its size, you'll have to pay €7 for your pet.
  • If your pet weighs more than 6kg (usually a dog), you'll have to muzzle and leash it but it will have to travel at your feet, not on the seat beside you. I'm not sure what happens if you have an 8kg Maine Coon, though...
  • If you want to reserve a ticket for your pet, you'll have to book it directly from the French railway company, SNCF. In some regions, however, a technical glitch won't allow you to book an online ticket for your pet and you'll have to get it at the station. And of course, in some stations, the machines don't work or there's no staff... In these cases, I would just board the train and stop the conductor the second you see him and explain the situation. If you wait, you will get fined. If you explain the first time s/he walks by, you "might" get fined...

Train travel in France with pets - Coco the Traveling Samoyed

How do you use the train in France?

The French train system isn't overly different from other European train systems and getting around France by train is relatively simple.

But, France being France, we do have a few idiosyncrasies...

  • First and most important, many French cities (even smaller ones) have several train stations so make sure you know where your train trip starts or ends. This is crucial if you're connecting: Paris, for example, has seven major (and several minor) stations, some of which are at opposite ends of the city and may require several subway rides.
  • If the letters TGV are included in your destination's name, beware: it might be a station designed specifically for high-speed trains , and these are often outside the city center. For example, Avignon Centre is right downtown, but Avignon TGV is 5km away. Not far, mind you, but not a pleasant prospect if you're lugging suitcases behind you.
  • French train stations can also be works of art. Many of them are quite old (in fact, some were so beautiful they have been converted into museums, like the Musée d'Orsay, which was once the Gare d'Orsay). Some are small and picturesque, others are modern and look no different from subway stations. Just be prepared for the variety.
  • Most train stations have departure boards. I say most because some tiny stations have put up new, electronic boards but because there is insufficient maintenance staff, these often break down and repairs may take time.
  • Where there are boards, especially large mural ones, you should know that French trains all carry numbers . You may have two trains leaving at almost the same time for the same destination but since the arrival time at destination isn't listed, you might not know which to take. Use the number (it's on your ticket) to tell them apart or you might spend a lot more time touring the countryside than you expected.
  • Always take your luggage with you wherever you go, including the bathroom. If you leave it unattended, there's every chance it will soon be surrounded by armed soldiers and sniffer dogs. Terrorism is rare in France but incidents, however scarce, have been violent and authorities are always on the lookout for anything suspicious. Like abandoned luggage. Not too long ago I had to spend more than an hour outside the Part-Dieu train station in Lyon while explosives experts blew up a backpack, probably forgotten by someone rushing to catch a train.
  • And finally, if you're traveled by train in France before, you'll know about  compostage , when you slip your paper ticket into one of the bright yellow machines you'll find scattered throughout the station as well as on your platform. Not for long, though, as they're being phased out! If you have a paper ticket (which you bought in a machine or at the station), you MUST validate it, however hard it is to find the machine, or be fined. If you really can't find one, make sure you grab the conductor as soon as you get on the train and explain. It's a confusing interim situation so I suggest you save yourself the trouble and buy an electronic ticket online, which does not need validation.

SNCF ticket validation machine, called Compostage in French

How to buy train tickets in France

There are several ways to buy your France train tickets.

  • Online is probably the easiest and most straightforward way of booking a train in France, because you can take your time and study all the options, and you don't have to worry about validation. If your plans are relatively clear, just head to  Trainline  or Rail Europe and book your ticket. 
  • You can buy your ticket from a travel agent, if your ticket is perhaps part of a larger trip.
  • You can buy it at the train station, either from the office or from the machine. Large train stations have offices that are usually open all day. Smaller stations, however, may only be open a few hours a day – if that. If the office is closed, there will be a (complicated) machine to sell you your ticket. There is an English option but you may have to click up to ten times to buy a simple ticket, and you'll need a card with a chip and a pin. A regular credit card won't work. Save yourself the hassle and use your phone, the information office, or buy your ticket before you leave home and print it out or download it.
  • Please be aware that you CANNOT buy TGV tickets or TER tickets on the train! If the machine is broken and the office is closed, you cannot claim you were unable to buy a ticket (I speak from experience). Get on your smartphone and buy it online before the train leaves the station otherwise you will pay a fine . If everything has failed and you do not have a ticket when you board, keep an eye out for the conductor, who must be stopped during his or her "premier passage" or first swing through the train. It's sort of a "grace" period which may avoid a fine...

Train passes in France

If you're planning on doing a lot of train travel in France, then a pass of some sort may well be cost effective. If, on the other hand, your journeys will be occasional and not necessarily predictable, a pass will probably cost you more than buying your tickets individually.

Here's what you should know about French rail passes.

  • There are two distinct but relatively similar passes: Eurail if you live outside Europe, and Interail if you live within Europe (UK included, despite Brexit). Find out more about these passes here .
  • Either pass allows you to travel between three and eight days during a one-month period.
  • You can get a pass for several European countries if you're traveling around Europe by train but you can also get a single-country pass if you're planning a trip to France only.
  • Whichever pass you choose, remember that if you take the TGV, you'll need a reservation, which costs extra. You cannot just hop on.

To recap, a  rail pass is a good idea:

  • if you plan many long-distance trips
  • if you plan to use plenty of trains that don't require a reservation
  • if you want the freedom of not having to plan (except for TGVs, you can board all other trains on a whim, in any direction).

Individual train tickets are better:

  • when you only plan to take the train a few times
  • if there aren't many trains to your region, for example in the Ardèche or in the Luberon region of southern France.

Train rides from Paris

As you can see, taking the train in France is pretty straightforward. And since there's a good chance you'll be coming across Paris at some point, here are a few extra points to know.

The one most confusing element when taking the train to or from Paris is the multitude of train stations . Here's a quick breakdown of the main ones:

  • Gare d'Austerlitz: if you're headed to the southwest
  • Gare de l'Est: for eastern France, Germany and northern Switzerland
  • Gare de Lyon: south towards Lyon and onward to the Riviera, to Spain and to western Switzerland
  • Gare Montparnasse: western France
  • Gare du Nord: northern France and Belgium, the Netherlands and parts of Germany – and the Eurostar for the London to France train
  • Gare Saint-Lazare: Normandy

Bear in mind that these distinctions are more general than exact, so do check your ticket carefully to make sure you head for the correct station. Getting to them isn't complicated because they're all on either commuter lines or rapid subway lines.

Also bear in mind that if you're changing trains in Paris, you may have to cross town to do so. Sometimes not, but it pays to check.

And finally, if you have a paper ticket, make sure you validate it in the bright yellow machine.

The best trips by train around France

Organizing a France by train itinerary can be a fun experience. We have a very dense railway network combined with a huge variety of landscapes, so getting on the train will often yield something stupendous.

For example, taking the train from Marseille to Nice is a delight. Not only do you avoid the dense road traffic (especially in summer), but you'll be treated to a delightful sequence of cliffs, beaches, turquoise seas, marinas, yachts, glorious flowered gardens... the journey is a vacation  in itself.

Sometimes, a banal everyday journey can be stunning. If you're traveling from Geneva, Switzerland towards Aix-les-Bains, as I have often done, you'll discover two distinct visual gems: the gorges and aqueduct over the Rhône as you speed across the Swiss-French border, and the beautiful shore of the Lac du Bourget, where the train line was built hugging the water.

Here's a wonderful list of some of the most beautiful French train journeys .

What if there's a France train strike?

Ah yes, the dreaded train strikes.

They're a fact of life but they don't have to be as problematic as they are made out to be. You are not powerless in the face of striking trains: there is plenty you can do to minimize your headaches if you travel by train in France, even if workers do decide to walk off the job during your holidays.

Find out about strikes ahead of time

France does not usually have "wildcat strikes", or strikes without warning. They are planned, announced, and efforts are made to minimize disruption.

  • First, check the  SNCF website page  that lists service disruptions.
  • Scour local media looking for these words: "grève + sncf + month and year". This should yield some information, which you can then translate through Google or other translation methods.
  • Check TheLocal.fr . Although this is a subscription newspaper, it often has free coverage for public service items.
  • The Trainline app often lists route disruptions.

Get information at the station

If your train is on strike, go directly to the station, at least if it is a large one. Unfortunately, small stations will often not have information counters. The information counter should be able to direct you to an alternate train or point you towards a bus.

In France, when rail services are on strike, buses are sometimes put into service on certain routes.

Rebook or get a refund

Most tickets are refundable, unless you've bought the absolute cheapest. Even then, you might be able to get something if you show up at the train station before your train is supposed to leave.

If you cannot get a refund, you might be able to rebook to a later train, because even during a strike, there is some train service, although it is often minimal.

These days, the SNCF has a Twitter account so you can usually contact them @sncfconnect or @sncfvoyageurs.

Have a Plan B

The most important thing you can do is be flexible, whether to catch another train or to find an alternative.

  • I mentioned the bus, but if the SNCF hasn't put one on, you can still check regular bus services for yourself.
  • You can also rent a car (here's a comparison engine ) to get to your destination. There is an extra cost but you can usually drop off the car in a different city than the one in which you picked it up.
  • Check out Bla Bla Car , the ride-sharing service. It's rare you'll find something at the last minute but if you're desperate...

Is it easy to travel around France by train?

Train services go almost everywhere in the country, to most major cities, so yes, train travel in France is simple.

What is the most beautiful train ride in France?

There are so many beautiful spots along the French rail network! You can ride the Mont Blanc Express between France and Switzerland, or the Train Jaune in Occitania, or why not the InterLoire between Orleans and Saumur in the Loire Valley, to name just a few.

Can you travel from England to France by train?

Yes, but only by taking the Eurostar through the Channel tunnel.

Can you travel from Spain to France by train?

There are two main entry points across the Spanish border, one in the west, in the  Basque country , and the other in the east, from Barcelona.

A few final tips on French train travel

  • Departure times are only displayed about 20 minutes before the train leaves. So don't fret if you've arrived at the station early and your platform isn't listed yet.
  • Speaking of arriving at the station, be attentive because trains often change platforms. The announcements are made on a loudspeaker and are often incomprehensible, so keep your eyes on the departure board for changes (and if you see everyone rushing off your platform, that may be an indication too). Train stations often have attendants roaming around so if you see a train company uniform, don't be shy and ask. Just don't forget to say "bonjour" before you launch into your question!
  • Bring something to eat if your train journey is more than a few hours. TGVs have an onboard cafeteria but most other trains do not. Gone are the days of a uniformed steward pushing a trolley down the hall with coffee, tea and pastries...

Top header photo credit  Florian Pépellin   CC BY-SA 3.0  via Wikimedia Commons

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best train journeys france

Bonjour! I’m Leyla - I was born in Paris and now live in the bucolic mountain foothills of Eastern France between Lyon and Annecy. My days are spent exploring my country. 

I'm rediscovering my own back yard after years of living abroad as a journalist and diplomat - and I'm loving every minute.

Passionate about history and culture, I’ve created Offbeat France to seek out my country’s mysteries and legends, less-traveled destinations, along with plenty of food stops and many castles – I am French, after all!

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Iconic train journeys in France

Iconic train journeys in France

The excellence of the French railway network isn’t only down to the TGV. You can slow things down and hop on a slower train to enjoy breathtaking scenery that no high-speed train, car or bike can reach. Bon voyage!

best train journeys france

Le Petit Train Jaune

This 100 year-old train line, also known as ‘la Ligne de Cerdagne’, runs from Villefranche-de-Conflent to Latour-de-Carol-Enveitg in the Pyrenées. It’s famous for the little yellow train that ploughs through stunning mountain landscapes in the regional park of the Pyrénées Catalanes and even trudges up a steep track that leads to France’s highest railway station, Bloquère-Eyn, reaching an altitude of 1593m. With sometimes hair-raising drops on either side of the tracks and gentle curbs revealing little villages and narrow valleys, this train journey is emblematic in every way.

best train journeys france

La Ligne des Hirondelles

Deemed one of France’s prettiest train journeys, la ligne des Hirondelles links Dole to Saint Claude in the Jura . The tracks cross 36 tunnels and 18 viaducts so the ride is exciting in itself! The 123km journey is a great way to experience the Jura’s natural and cultural heritage as the train whizzes past forests, vineyards, vast plains and valleys alike, all in 2h30 and comfortably sat in one of the SNCF’s modern TER trains. 

best train journeys france

Le Train de la Côte Bleue

The train that links Miramas to Marseille is named after the stretch of coast it follows, the Côte Bleue. This picturesque train line treats passengers to incredible views of the sea that you cannot enjoy when driving, including cute little ports and hidden calanques beaches. With the turquoise blue sea to one side and pine wood landscapes to the other, it’s a fun journey for everyone and a great way to explore this beautiful part of France. Bonus: in the summer, you can enjoy unlimited travel in a day on this line for as little as €6 per person or €10 for two with the Pass Bermuda!

best train journeys france

La Ligne des Cévennes

Linking Clermont-Ferrand to Nîmes, this line crosses a variety of natural landscapes including the spectacular Gorges de l’Allier and the peaceful Cévennes national park . It was built in the 19th century and is probably one the country’s most astonishing engineering accomplishments, if only for the number of bridges and viaducts on the line. Several trains take on the journey each day, including the tracks very own ‘Cévenol’ train.

best train journeys france

The Côte d’Azur

The dramatic and beautiful coastline of the Côte d’Azur is made all the more attractive by the amazing train ticket deals the region offers. Not only can you enjoy fantastic views from your train wagon – the train hugs the cliffs to one side as the sea washes up towards the tracks to the other – but you can do it on the cheap. The Carte Isabelle is a great option for families: for €35, a family of four (including up to two adults under 16) can travel any number of times the same day in the same department. The Zou! pass works the same way for single users for €15 during the summer.

best train journeys france

Nîmes – Le Grau du Roi

If you want to reach the stunning ‘petite Camargue’ and its beaches , the seaside resort of le Grau-du-Roi and Aigues-Mortes, then you should hop onto this historic train departing from Nîmes which will take only 50 minutes to get you to the lush sandy beaches. You’ll skip the busy traffic and endless queues and will see some of Camargue’s prettiest countryside. The best part? The ticket is only €1…

best train journeys france

This train links Orléans to Croisic several times a day and therefore serves as a perfect shuttle that cuts through the whole Loire Valley, passing through well-known cities such as Nantes and Angers. It also follows the Loire à Vélo path and, naturally, is a popular line for cyclists. In the summer, you’ll even find an extra wagon where cyclists can deposit their bike for free while they travel comfortably in a regular seat. Nifty!

best train journeys france

For a step back in time in Ardèche, board a 120 year-old train called Le Mastrou for a fun day trip. Its open, panoramic carriages are pulled by an old-fashioned steam engine and the journey takes you through the raw but beautiful Ardèche landscape as it crosses the Gorges du Doux before reaching the little town of Lamastre in the mountains. The all-day trip lets you wander around Lamastre for lunch before returning to Tournon-Saint Jean in the early afternoon.

Le train de Montenvers

For more than 100 years, this bright red snow train has been transporting passengers through the Chamonix valley, climbing steep, snow-covered summits and winding around craggy precipices of the Mont Blanc. After the slow, 20-minute ride, the track reaches an amazing vantage point of the Mer de Glaces, France’s largest glacier. As well as the breathtaking panoramas, passengers have the opportunity to explore ice caves carved into the glacier.

Inspired to travel to France? Read more:

Best train journeys in France

7 Alpine ski resorts you can reach by train

10 insider tips for travelling by train in France

Tips for using French public transport

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The Luxury train Travel Company

Le Grand Tour: The Finest Luxury Train Tour in France

About le grand tour luxury train.

Already hailed as one of the great rail journeys, Le Grand Tour is making serious waves in luxury train travel with its summer 2023 launch. Le Grand Tour de France offers an escorted tour of 4000km to visit the country’s top destinations. The eighteenth-century Belle Époque styled train welcomes passengers onboard the most spectacular train tour of France. The six-day journey will enable you to explore French and European history, culture, architecture, art and magnificent French cuisine. Every other luxury rail tour in France pales in comparison to the Le Grand Tour, which is making the dreams of many travellers come true for 2025 and the years to come.

View the Le Grand Tour trip we offer to get your tour going.

Cabin Classes

Full details of the cabin classes available on Le Grand Tour.

Life On Board

Learn about life on board the Le Grand Tour Luxury Train.

Frequently asked questions about the Le Grand Tour train.

Le Grand Tour Luxury Train Tour Through France

Below are the rail tours we offer that use the Le Grand Tour Train. Just click on any tour to open a PDF containing all you need to know about the trip including a detailed itinerary, dates and prices.

● Please remember that booking as far ahead as you can in advance is essential for these trains ●

5 Nights from UK £ 6,210 / US$ 7,590 pp

Contact us for quotes in other currencies

Epernay ● Reims ● Beaune ● Annecy ● Avignon ● Les Alpilles ● Arcachon ● Saint-Emilion ● Chenonceau ● Puy Du Fou

Le Grand Tour France: Highest Standard of Luxury Available On French Railway Holidays

Le Grand Tour has set out early to embellish all Le Grand tourists with the highest standards in luxury train tours in France. A trip on this opulent train will treat guests to a range of luxurious accommodations, from a Classic Cabin, a Tour Suite, and Le Grand Tour Adjoining Suites. Touring France by train in one of these sumptuous suites, with each carrying the name of a historical personality, allows for an added touch of authentic elegance on the train trip through France.

As well as the tangible luxuries in place on this train trip around France, the crew’s comprehensive personal service that passengers are treated to means that you’ll want for nothing. With a maximum occupancy of thirty-six passengers and fifteen crew, these holidays in France by train provide a unique and intimate atmosphere that is like taking a step back in time and slowing down the pace of life. This new France train tour is unparalleled by any other escorted rail tours, and Le Grand tourists can relax for six days in nirvana.

Le Grand Tour Luxury train Gallery

A selection of photos below give a flavour of life on board the Le Grand Tour Luxury Train.

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How Can We Reach You?

How can we help, how did you hear about us, luxury train tour of france packed with unique cultural and culinary delights.

Le Grand tourists are treated to one of the great masterpieces of rail travel on this spectacular Belle Époque inspired luxury train. Paris provides the perfect garrison from which to begin six days of extraordinary cultural experiences and culinary delights. Among the genuinely great rail journeys in France, Le Grand Tour provides passengers with cultural highlights, including a visit to a champagne house, the Pope’s Palace in Provence, and a private tour of Château de Chenonceau, for many, a highlight of their France train trip.

Between passengers enjoying all the incredible architecture and historical elements on these France train tours, they can relax onboard Le Grand Tour and relish the great culinary adventure the two Michelin-starred chefs will take them on. As one of the best luxury trains in France, the journey takes to multiple destinations where the chefs will use the local produce to prepare a genuinely world-class menu, making it a wholly unique experience train tour in France.

6-Day Itinerary for Le Grand Tour De France Railway Holiday

Le Grand Tour France is the latest creation to emerge from the imagination of Puy du Fou, the historical theme park in Les Epesses, in the Pays de la Loire region of western France. Puy du Fou has long set the standards for immersive shows based on French and European history. Train tours in France aboard Le Grand Tour give passengers a sense of old-world charm and luxury as they take a step back through the years.

These holidays in France by train provide incredible curated itineraries that allow the perfect blend of relaxation and discovery during the 6-day, 4000km journey around the country. Onboard guests are treated to an intimate atmosphere with a maximum capacity of 36 and a complete crew of 15. New for the summer of 2025, this train tour of France is unrivalled and has everything you could want from a luxury train tour in France.

Day 1 – Paris to Champagne

Day one of Le Grand Tour train tours from Paris will see passengers depart from Paris Gare de l’Est in the morning. Heading through the stunning hillside vineyards, they’ll reach the first destination of Épernay. They’ll enjoy a private tour of a champagne house as part of the France train tour. After a refreshing lunch stop, our escorted rail tours head for the champagne-growing capital, Reims. A visit to the spectacular cathedral and city tour, and it’s back onboard Le Grand Tour for a well-earned supper to complete the second half of the first day of this train trip around France.

Day 2 – Burgundy to the French Alps

The second day of Le Grand Tour France will allow passengers to explore Burgundy’s history, culture, and art. Known for producing fabulous wine and having France’s most extensive navigable river system, a private tour is planned for passengers to savour the astonishing architecture and many colourful properties. The afternoon sees Le Grand Tour depart, and passengers enjoy a fabulous onboard lunch with incredible Alps views on the way to Annecy. Most grand tourists will opt to personalise their France train tours here with custom-made itineraries that can include sports and outdoor activities.

Day 3 – Provence

The overnight luxury rail tour in France will lead to Provence, particularly Avignon, for day three. Here there is the opportunity to visit the Pope’s Palace and indulge in plenty of wine tasting on this leg of our holidays in France by train. The afternoon can be spent taking a leisurely stroll with the scent of lavender in the air in Jul-Aug and viewing some Roman ruins while soaking up the charm and beauty of Mediterranean living. On the back of the mistral wind blowing into the Gulf of Lion, the Le Grand Tour rail holidays in France meander west towards the Mediterranean Sea.

Day 4 – Arcachon Basin to Bordeaux

Day four begins with passengers waking to the smell of the Atlantic Ocean air in Arcachon Bay and its magnificence on these train tours from Paris. Passengers board a boat to cross the bay, visit the fabulous Dubourdieu boat workshop, and enjoy an amazing seafood-tasting session. The afternoon sees the Le Grand Tour snaking its way through the region’s picturesque vineyards, where these France tours take in the finest wineries and confirm the tour’s place as the best train trip from Paris.

Day 5 – Chenonceau to Puy du Fou

Set on the river Cher, Château de Chenonceau provides a spectacular start to the fifth day of this Le Grand Tour de France. This incredible limestone masterpiece spans the river Cher and is known as the “Castle of Ladies.” Passengers on this luxury train tour in France are treated to an engaging and fascinating private tour before the head gardener at the château conducts a floral workshop. The afternoon sees the train trip around France move toward Puy du Fou, where passengers step back in time with a spectacular evening extravaganza.

Day 6 – Return to Paris

Day six will see one of the great rail journeys in France come to its conclusion. Passengers can relax onboard the Le Grand Tour and soak up the spectacular landscape of the French countryside on the way back towards Paris. Passengers can enjoy the onboard facilities as the train rewinds to Paris Gare de l’Est. Touring France by train in total luxury and receiving so much culture, history, and art as a grand tourist is magical and makes for an unforgettably wonderful holiday.

2-Day French Train Tour Itinerary – Le Grand Tour Reims & Beaune

If you’re looking for a short break away and want to experience the most luxurious way of touring France by train, this two-day and one-night holiday could provide the perfect getaway you need. As France specialists, The Luxury Train Travel Company can arrange everything you need to explore Beaune, Burgundy, and Reims. Take a look below at the basic itinerary of the trip, and you’ll see why our customers love these train holidays in France.

Day 1 – Paris to Beaune to Burgundy

The afternoon on the first day of this France train trip has the Le Grand Tour leaving Paris and winding through Burgundy as it makes its way toward Beaune. A town blessed with incredible architecture and spectacular brightly coloured buildings, the world-famous Hospices de Beaune awaits passengers, where the best train trip in France takes in history and gastronomy. The evening of this train trip through France is spent as the guest of a fabulous wine house.

Day 2 – Reims to Paris

As the sun rises on the second day of these rail holidays in France, Le Grand Tour travels east into the region packed with champagne vineyards where many grand tourists can visit a champagne house. During the afternoon of the best train trip from Paris, passengers can stroll the aisles of the Cathedral of Reims and follow many historical figures’ footsteps during an off-the-beaten-track exclusive tour before the Le Grand Tour luxury rail tour in France heads back toward Paris.

The 5-Star Accommodation On The Le Grand Tour Train Makes It The Most Luxurious Train Tour France Offers

Rail holidays aren’t simply about the destination but getting to the destination in style and on a luxury train. Paris Gare de l’Est is where passengers will first witness the true beauty of the Belle Époque inspired Le Grand Tour train. With a variety of suites available, from a 10 m² cabin perfect for single or double occupancy with a double queen-sized bed. A Le Grand Tour suite at 15 m² with a choice of bed set-ups and comfortably accommodated three people. Or a 25 m² adjoining suite that sleeps up to five guests.

All the five-star accommodation options onboard are luxuriously appointed and come with private bathrooms, heating and air-conditioning, and full butler service. As passengers relax aboard for France train tours around the country, they can do so in opulent grandeur. Whether it’s rail holidays to south of France, central France, or any region of the country, no luxury train tour in France has a more sumptuous level of onboard living than the Le Grand Tour.

Interested in the Le Grand Tour Luxury Train Holidays in France? Speak To Our Travel Experts Today!

If you’re interested in luxury rail holidays in France as a surprise for a wedding anniversary or retirement surprise, or you’ve always dreamt of taking off on a train tour of France. Please speak to a travel expert at The Luxury Train Travel Company today, and let us help you organise the train tour in France of a lifetime! Train holidays in France are truly spectacular, and with the Le Grand Tour, you get the absolute height of luxury combined with world-class destinations and experiences.

THE MOST POPULAR QUESTIONS

Le grand tour luxury french rail holidays faqs, what is le grand tour.

Le Grand Tour is an eighteenth-century Belle Époque styled train that operates great train journeys in France with a regional departure from Paris. The train trip through France is a 6-day, 4000km holiday that takes passengers around the country in the height of luxury.

Why is the Le Grand Tour one of the best train trips in France?

As great train journeys in France go, Le Grand Tour is out in front of others for several reasons. During the 4000km Le Grand Tour de France, passengers enjoy the highest standards of onboard amenities. From the beautifully appointed cabins and suites, butter service, and culinary wonders prepared by the two-starred Michelin chefs to the spectacular curated itinerary and choice of historical destinations, this is without question the finest luxury rail tour in France.

Does the Le Grand Tour offer train tours from Paris?

Yes, the Le Grand Tour offers holidays in France by train that departs from Paris Gare de l’Est. Whether you enjoy the whole 6-day train trip around France or the shorter 2-day and 1-night France train tours, embark and disembark in Paris.

Is the Le Grand Tour the most luxurious train in France?

Le Grand Tour is new for the summer of 2025 and is already widely recognised as the best luxury rail tour in France. The Le Grand Tour de France offers the best available accommodations, butler service, and onboard Michelin-starred chefs prepare a variety of regional cuisines.

How much does a Le Grand Tour French railway holiday cost?

Luxury train trips in France can vary depending on whether you take a shorter 2-day trip or immerse yourself fully in a 6-day train tour in France onboard the Le Grand Tour. If you’d like to gather more information and specific prices for the summer of 2025 and beyond, contact the team at The Luxury Train Travel Company. An expert on luxury trains in France will gladly help you curate the holiday of a lifetime.

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Scenic rail routes in France: go where the roads don’t go!

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a train on a scenic rail route in provence france

Traveling by train can be one of the greatest moment of your journey. Discover new landscapes from the seat of a train and it is a more relaxing experience than driving as well. Read more about the Best scenic rail routes in France to enhance your trip and prepare your future adventures.

old touristic red train in the alps

In Brittany: between Paimpol and Pontrieux, enjoy the charm of the olden days  by hopping aboard the famous Trieux steam railway . Pulled by a Mallet locomotive, let yourself drift along to the commentary, given by a hostess in period costume. After departing from Paimpol, the train runs along the river Trieux, inaccessible by car. The 45 minute stop at the manor in the Traou Nez estuary , in the centre of the forest, will give you just enough time to have some pancakes and cider whilst listening to the sound of bells ringing. Back on board, don’t miss the Château de la Roche-Jagu , behind whose defensive façade hides a beautiful Breton manor house. The train then crosses the viaduct over the Leff , a few kilometres before reaching Pontrieux. An original and picturesque way to see the region!

Have a look on  our suggestions of trips in Brittany where we could include that train

a man stepping outside a green train

In Charente (close to the Atlantic Ocean and the estuary of Gironde): between Saujon and La Tremblade, board the Seagull Train for a fabulous experience, a journey back in time, with family or friends. At 30 km/h, you will take the railway line, opened in 1876 and formerly dedicated to the transport of oysters , which links the two villages of Saujon and La Tremblade, serving the stations of Mornac-sur-Seudre, one of the most beautiful villages in France and Chaillevette , high place of oyster farming. On board, pulled by the oldest steam locomotive in France (1891), classified as a historical monument , you will admire the marsh landscape, the oyster beds, the small bridges and the shimmering huts. And for children, a wagon is specially reserved for them, transformed into a padded and secure play area!

Have a look on our suggestions of  trips including Bordeaux (the closest big city to Charente).

In Alsace: take a journey through time aboard the Doller Valley train. This steam railway runs between Cernay Saint-André and Sentheim on a line of approximately 15kms. It operates every Sunday from June to September and also on Wednesdays in July and August. The journey is completed with a discovery of the valley organized by the tourist office of the Doller Valley. Many animations and shows are proposed  : « Small Montmartre with artists », « The Doller western with horses, cowboys and indians », « The train of stars with observations by the telescope », « The Halloween train and its participatory games », « The Christmas train »…On arrival in Sentheim, visit the Artists’ Station, which presents different painters and visual artists every weekend.

Have a look on  our suggestions of trips in Alsace where we could include that train.

people waiting at the train station in alsace to take the train

In the Western Pyrenees:  r ide along the mountainside on the Little Train of Artouste (in the Central Pyrenées, south of Lourdes).  Imagine rocky cliffs in full sun , their peaks piercing an indigo sky. It is a quite delicious experience of heights that the Little Train of Artouste has to offer. Climbing the peaks up to 2000 m altitude , it is one of the highest trains in Europe ! A unique chance to reach the summits, to discover the Artouste lake and coming across the sheep as they move pastures in transhumance… and all this without getting tired ! Originally, the Little Train of Artouste was created to transport the men and materials necessary for the construction of the Artouste lake dam (in 1920). It was only 12 years later that it began to be used for tourism purposes. It is 100 years old !To find out more about this great adventure, go to the museum which is to be found at the start of the train ride, in Fabrèges. The entry is included in your ticket.  Have a look on  our suggestions of trips in the Western Pyrenees where we could include that train.

touristic train in the french mountains

In Eastern Pyrenees: the Little Yellow Train of the Pyrenees – a famous mountain train running from Vernet les Bains, near Perpignan , to Latour de Carol, at 1200 metres altitude, on the Spanish border, a distance of 63 km. The line winds up through the Eastern Pyrenees and sunny area of Cerdagne, amid spectacular scenery, to a summit at 1593m . The name derives from the colour of the coaches, which are bright yellow. Our tip : book a ticket in one of the open coaches (if weather permits), offering spectacular viewing of the surrounding mountains.  Operates all year round ! Have a look on  our suggestions of trips in Northern Spain and French Catalonia where we could include that train

yellow touristic train on a scenic rail route in france

In Côte d’Azur: Nice-Digne les bains . This is the surviving part of the once extensive Chemins de Fer de Provence . It is a one-metre gauge private railway (owned by Veolia), linking the seaside city of Nice with Digne les Bains , a distance of 151 km. The route is operated by diesel railcar (not the most comfortable), and runs through the spectacular scenery of the Mediterranean Alps . The single journey takes about 3 hours and 15 minutes. In summer, there is a steam service at weekends over a short section of the line. Ardèche (Rhone valley).  Have a look on  our suggestions of trips in Nice where we could include that train.

a futurist red train to nice

In Rhône Valley : The Chemin de Fer du Vivarais  is a delightful 33 km line winding  up through the hills of the Ardèche from Tournon, on the Rhône, to Lamastre, high in the Cévennes . The line operates steam services in the summer season. 2013 saw the line reopened for service after five years of interruption. Have a look on  our suggestions of trips in Lyon and Rhone Valley where we could include that train.

Of course this list is not comprehensive, and there are many other touristic and scenic trains in France . So don’t hesitate to ask us if this kind of experience is on your bucket list! Next time I’ll talk you about the scenic trains of Switzerland , another fabulous country for rail lovers!

This article has been written with the help of  About France . I hope you enjoyed this article about the Best scenic rail routes in France .

a red train through a snow scenery in the alps

If you are interested in discovering more pre-designed paths than you just have to follow to discover beautiful scenery, check out my following article on the GR34 The Customs Trail in Brittany

best train journeys france

Author:  Joël

" When you're on travel, the best is to get lost... when you do that, the surprises replace your projects and it's from that moment only that the trip really begins..." L'usage du Monde / The use of the World - Nicolas Bouvier

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paris Pass

a) Long distance rail-tourism routes

Garabit viaduct

Tourist trains, heritage lines, steam lines and other scenic routes:

Heritage railways in northern france:.

  • Brittany : The Trieux estuary steam railway, between Paimpol and Pontrieux in the Côtes d'Armor.   Website
  • Picardy : Le Crotoy. Baie de Somme steam railway . Scenic heirtage line round the estuary of the river Somme from Le Crotoy to   Cayeux sur Mer.   Website
  • Picardy : Neuville les Bray. Petit train de la Haute Somme . 4 miles of restored narrow-gauge line, once part of the extensive network built to serve soldiers on the front during the Great War . steam services.

Heritage railways in Western France:

  • Charentes: Train des Mouettes - the Seagull line21 Km from Saujon (between Royan and Saintes) to la Tremblade, along the valley of the Seudre. steam on summer weekdays.

Heritage and scenic railways in Eastern France : Jura and Vosges mountains.

  • 1. Franche-Comté : (SNCF) Besançon - Morteau - Le Locle (Switzerland) - a line across the high Doubs.
  • 2.  Franche-Comté : "Le Conifer" - short steam railway (8 km) from les Hôpitaux Neufs to Fontaine Ronde, close to the Swiss border near Pontarlier. Uses historic Swiss stock
  • 3. Mouchard - Saint Claude - (SNCF) beautiful line across the Jura mountains, with a spectacular drop down into the deep valley of St. Claude.
  • 4. Alsace: The Doller valley steam railway. 13.6  km  from Cernay-Saint André to Sentheim, in the south eastern part of the Vosges mountains.

Heritage railways in the south of France :

Artouste mountain railway

  • Aquitaine : Le Petit train d'Artouste -  Laruns , Pyrénées-Atlantiques, south of Pau. Ten kilometer very scenic narrow  (50 cm) gauge railway, at an altitude of 1920 to 1940 metres (over 6300 ft) above sea level. Diesel traction. Originally built for access to hydro-electric installations high in the Pyrenees. Access by cablecar from Artouste-Fabrèges. Pre-booking recommended. Open late May to late September.   Website
  • Auvergne : Velay Express - Velay railway A 25 km metre-gauge line between Raucoules (Haute Loire) and Saint Agrève (Ardèche), altitude 1025 m - once connected to the Vivarais railway.  Much of the line is at an altitude of over 1000 metres, running through a very sparsely populated area of forests and meadows ;  steam services Sundays May-October plus Wednesday and Thursday July and August.   Website
  • Auvergne :  Agrivap. Standard gauge tourist line running about 40 km from Ambert, in the Puy de Dome, to La Chaise Dieu, altitude 1089 metres, in the Haute Loire. Diesel service :  June, Sundays; July-August, most days except Fridays,  September: Sundays and Thursdays. Website
  • Languedoc: The Yellow Train of the Pyrenees - famous mountain train running from Villefranche-Vernet les Bains, near Perpignan , to Latour de Carol, at 1200 metres altitude, on the Spanish border, a distance of 63 km. The line winds up through the French Pyrenees, amid spectacular scenery, to a summit at 1593m. The name derives from the colour of the coaches, which are bright yellow; particularly popular with tourists are the open coaches, offering spectacular viewing of the surrounding mountains.  Operates all year round. See Yellow Train
  • Languedoc :  Train du Pays Cathare et du Fenouillèdes The Fenouilledès and Cathar Country railway opened as a tourist train in 2001; mostly diesel operated. The line runs from Rivesaltes, near Perpignan, to Axat in the Pyrenees, through vineyards and fields and forests, past towering Cathar country castles, over viaducts and through tunnels. Open waggons on many trains  Length: 60 km   Website
  • Languedoc : Train à Vapeur des Cévennes The Cévennes steam line, a heritage line running between Anduze and St. Jean du Gard, in the Cevennes hills of Languedoc. Steam trains daily between 1st April and  31st August, and then five or six days a week until November.
  • Midi-Pyrénées : Chemin de fer du Haut Quercy A 6.5 km line from Martel to St. Martin de Martel, in the Lot department. Open April to September. Steam trains on Sundays and on five days a week (not Friday or Saturday) from 15th July to end of August.     Website

The only private public-service railway in France

  • Alps   Montenvers railway - Mer de Glace railway.  Metre gauge rack-and-pinion railway running from the railway station at Chamonix, to an altitude of  1913 metres, on the slopes of Mont Blanc. Electric railway. Length; 5.1 kms.
  • Ardèche (Rhone valley) The Chemin de Fer du Vivarais  This is a delightful 33 kilometre line winding  up through the hills of the Ardèche from Tournon, on the Rhône, to Lamastre, high in the Cévennes. The line operates steam services in the summer season. 2013 saw the line reopened for service after five years of interruption.   Website

Chemin de Fer de Provence - steam

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best train journeys france

Traveling by train is one of the most scenic and relaxing ways to explore the diverse landscapes of France. From rolling vineyards and sunflower fields to majestic mountains and azure seas, the French rail network offers an array of breathtaking journeys that promise a feast for the eyes. Here are some of the best train journeys in France that offer a window to the soul of this beautiful country.

1. The Côte d’Azur Line: Nice to Marseille

Journey along the stunning French Riviera on the Côte d’Azur line connecting Nice to Marseille. This picturesque route hugs the Mediterranean coastline, offering glimpses of sparkling blue waters, lush palm trees, and colorful towns dotting the seashore. Highlights include the glamourous city of Nice, the rock formations around Estérel, and the bustling ports of Marseille.

2. Paris to Mont Saint-Michel line

Embark on an enchanting trip from Paris to Mont Saint-Michel, where you can marvel at pastoral landscapes and Norman villages before reaching the iconic island commune with its gravity-defying abbey. The final leg requires a switch to a bus, but the train journey provides a serene approach to this UNESCO World Heritage site.

3. Bordeaux Wine Region Route: Bordeaux to Sarlat

Wine enthusiasts will love traversing through the heart of Bordeaux wine country on their way to Sarlat. This journey offers views of renowned vineyard estates and historical chateaus every oenophile dreams of visiting. The medieval town of Sarlat itself is ahidden gem, boasting some of France’s most well-preserved architecture.

4. The Flåm Railway: Dijon to Chamonix

Though not typically top-of-mind when it comes to French train routes, this incredible trip takes you from Dijon, across Burgundy vineyards, onward into Alpine landscapes until you reach Chamonix at the foot of Mont Blanc. This journey perfectly captures France’s transition from rural vineyards to imposing snowy peaks.

5. The Loire Valley Line: Tours to Orleans

Experience the splendor of France’s “Garden”, traveling from Tours to Orleans through the sumptuous Loire Valley. Known for its opulent Renaissance castles such as Chambord and Chenonceau, this route also meanders through quaint towns and rich tapestries of woodland and river scenes that inspired generations of artists.

These train journeys not only provide comfort and convenience but also access to some of France’s most evocative sceneries and destinations. From luxury seekers looking for a serene voyage along the coast to adventurers eager to discover hidden historical treasures inland, France’s trains offer an unforgettable way to explore this richly varied country.

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On the Luce travel blog

One-week South of France by train itinerary

Posted on Last updated: March 10, 2023

Explore the South of France by train in just one week on this Provence and Côte d’Azur rail itinerary, visiting historic towns and coastal resorts including Avignon, Arles, Cassis, Antibes, Nice and Monaco.

* This site contains affiliate links , where I get a small commission from purchases at no extra cost to you.

One-week South of France by train itinerary

Soak up the sunshine and sea air on this South of France by train itinerary which takes you through Provence and along the glamorous Côte d’Azur. Starting in the historic cities of Avignon and Arles, the route heads southeast to the fishing village of Cassis before hugging the coastline as it passes through Cannes, Antibes, Nice, Èze and Monaco.

The fairly short distances mean you can explore the region in one week without spending too much time travelling. This South of France rail itinerary will show you which trains to take, how much they cost, how to book and what to see and do along the way.

South of France by train map

Day 1: Avignon

Start your South of France by train trip with a full day in Avignon . It’s one of Provence’s biggest cities, with impressive art and architecture thanks to the 14th-century Popes, who fled Rome and made Avignon their base. Take a look around the Palais des Papes – their huge fortress palace is now a museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Next door is the Musée du Petit Palais, which specialises in Italian religious art and is just one of Avignon’s five art museums. Shop for tasty Provençal produce at the Las Halles Markets or just grab an aperitif and watch the world go by in Place de l’Horloge.

The Palace des Papes in Avignon, South of France

Or you can dance Sur le Pont d’Avignon (on the Avignon Bridge). It partly collapsed in the mid-17th century so don’t try to get all the way across, but was immortalised in a French children’s song. Instead you can take a short trip on the free ferry to L’île de la Barthelasse, a peaceful 700-hectare island with miles of walking and cycling paths.

Where to stay in Avignon: La Banasterie * is the oldest B&B in Avignon, in a 16th-century building close to the Palais des Papes. Its six rooms – three standard, two suites and an apartment – are set around a terrace. There’s lots of communal space, with four lounges including a bar and library, and a gourmet breakfast is included.

Read more: Ponts and palaces: The best things to do in Avignon

The Pont d'Avignon and Île de la Barthelasse in Avignon

Day 2: Day trip to Arles

The following morning, take a day trip to the nearby city of Arles. Local TER (regional) trains run from Avignon Central station to Arles around once an hour and take 20 minutes – for example you could catch the 09.53 and be in Arles at 10.12. You don’t need to reserve TER trains and fares are fixed so you can buy tickets at the station on the day.

Arles is one of the oldest cities in Europe, and there are plenty of well-preserved remnants of its Roman past. Like Les Arènes amphitheatre which was constructed in 90 AD, the Théâtre Antique d’Arles and the Thermes de Constantin Roman baths.

Les Arènes Roman amphitheatre in Arles

Wander through the picturesque streets which inspired Vincent Van Gogh, who painted over 200 paintings in just one year (and cut off his ear) while living in Arles. Some of his works are on display at the Van Gogh Foundation alongside those of other artists. You can also visit the Place du Forum which inspired his painting Café Terrace at Night .

Alternatively, instead of Arles you could take a day trip from Avignon to the Luberon lavender fields * or the Côtes du Rhône wine villages of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas .* But neither are easy to reach by public transport so are best done on a tour.

Wine-tasting in Gigondas in the South of France

Day 3: Avignon > Cassis

The next day, catch the train for the 1 hour 25 minute journey to Cassis . First take the 09.14 train from Avignon Centrale for the five-minute journey to Avignon TGV station on the edge of town. There you catch the 09.50 OUIGO high-speed train to Marseille, arriving at 10.24, where you change onto the 10.44 TER service to Cassis that gets in at 11.39.

Cassis is a pretty Provençal fishing village, with a harbour full of colourful fishing boats surrounded by restaurants and overlooked by a hilltop castle (now a luxury B&B). Stroll the backstreets, shop for local Marseille soap and feast on local seafood.

Cassis harbour on a one-week South of France by train itinerary

Cassis also has some lovely sandy beaches – the Plage de la Grande Mer is closest to town and Plage du Bestouan just a short walk away. But some of the best beaches are in the Calanques National Park on the edge of town. Calanques are steep-sided rocky inlets and the park has 26 of them – you can explore the closest on foot or on a boat trip.

Where to stay in Cassis: The Art Deco Hôtel Les Roches Blanches * is right on the seafont, with terraced gardens leading down to the water. This historic hotel, which hosted big names like Winston Churchill and Edith Piaf, has been restored in five-star style, with infinity and waterfall pools, a spa, three restaurants and a waterfront bar.

Read more: Castles and calanques: The best things to do in Cassis

The Calanques National Park near Cassis in the South of France

Day 4: Cassis > Cannes and Antibes

Next head east towards the glittering Côte d’Azur. First take a 08.27 TER local train from Cassis to Toulon (note that Cassis station is on the edge of town so it’s easiest to take a taxi there), then change onto the 09.15 TGV to Cannes, which arrives at 10.35.

Spend the next few hours in Cannes (there are lockers at the train station if you need to store your bags). As the home of the famous film festival, Cannes is synonymous with glamour. Promenade along the Boulevard de la Croisette, window shop in designer boutiques, pose on the film festival red carpet, or visit the old quarter Le Suquet.

The waterfront in Cannes

After lunch, get back on the train for the short journey on to Antibes . It only takes 11 minutes by TER local train and there are frequent departures, so you can choose what time you want to leave. Then spend the rest of the day exploring Antibes.

The 16th-century walled town of Vieil Antibes is a maze of narrow cobbled streets and pastel buildings, with waves crashing on the ramparts. Over the years it’s inspired artists like Monet and Picasso, whose former home is now the Musée Picasso *. Or discover a more modern Antibes’ with superyacht spotting in the Mediterrean’s largest marina.

Where to stay in Antibes: The Mas Djoliba * hotel is in a quiet area just a few minutes’ walk from the beach, surrounded by beautiful gardens and with an outdoor pool, terrace and petanque court. Its 13 bedrooms are spread over three floors, with a mix of singles, doubles and triples, as well as two suites with a sea-view or garden terrace.

Read more: Boats and beaches: The best things to do in Antibes

The walled town of Vieil Antibes

Day 5: Antibes > Nice

Spend the morning seeing more of Antibes. If the sun is shining (and it usually is), there are several sandy beaches running to the south of the old town. Or you can take a walk across the headland to the neighbouring Art Deco seaside resort of Juan-les-Pins.

Take a lunchtime train to Nice, like the 12.20 TER service from Antibes which arrives at 12.47 (again there are lots of trains along this route so you can leave earlier or later if you prefer as fares are fixed and you don’t need to book in advance). Then you have the afternoon to spend in Nice, where you’ll be staying for the next two nights.

Plage de la Gravette in Antibes, South of France

Explore the narrow streets of Vieux Nice with an audioguide walking tour ,* which takes in the Cours Saleya food and flower market, Saint Reparata Cathedral, the Colline du Château with its panoramic views across the bay and Lympia Port. Then end the day with a sunset walk past the palm trees along the seafront Promenade des Anglais.

Where to stay in Nice: Palais Salaya * has a great location right in the pedestrianised heart of Nice’s Old Town. An 18th-century townhouse has been converted into 26 luxurious rooms, suites and apartments sleeping two to eight people, each with their own kitchens. It’s smartly decorated with white walls and bright, colourful artworks and textiles.

Colourful houses in Nice's old town

Day 6: Day trip to Èze and Monaco

The train line running along the coastline means Nice is in a great location to take day trips around the area. And today’s itinerary takes in two contrasting destinations nearby – the medieval hilltop town of Èze and the millionaires’ playground of Monte Carlo.

Both are connected to Nice by train and bus (all trains today are local TER trains so don’t need to be booked in advance). Èze is just 13 minutes by train from Nice, but the train stops at Èze-sur-Mer and the main village of Èze is perched on a cliff above, so it’s a 45-minute climb or you can catch the bus either from the train station or direct from Nice.

Medieval Èze is surrounded by thick walls, and inside there’s a maze of cobbled streets filled with hotels, restaurants, boutique shops, art galleries and craft workshops. Visit L’Eglise d’Èze and admire the views from the Jardin Exotique d’Èze gardens.

View along the Côte d’Azur from hilltop Èze's botanic gardens

Then travel on from Èze to Monaco after lunch. Again there’s the choice of the train from Èze-sur-Mer, which takes 7 minutes, or the bus either to the train station or direct to Monaco. Glitzy Monaco is the second-smallest country in the world, and is known for its royal family, its casino, its Grand Prix and its huge number of millionaires.

Wander around the Old Town and visit the Prince’s Palace, admire the views from the Port de Fontvieille viewpoint, walk the Formula 1 track and watch the high-rollers in the casino. Then have dinner in Monaco before heading back to Nice – the journey takes 23 minutes and trains run at least every 30 minutes so you can stay out as long as you like.

Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco

Day 7: Nice

Spend the final day of your South of France by train trip trying a few more things to do in Nice . The city has lots of museums, with two dedicated to the artists Henry Matisse and Marc Chagall, modern and contemporary art at the MAMAC, and over 500 vintage musical instruments at the Palais Lascaris. Or just catch a last burst of sun on the beach.

Then if you’re flying back home, Nice Côte d’Azur Airport is a 10-minute walk from Nice Saint-Augustin station, which is five minutes by train from Nice Ville.

The Promenade des Anglais in Nice on a South of France by train itinerary

If you’ve got more time to spare, you can travel further east along the coast from Nice into Italy. The towns of Ventimiglia (60 minutes) and San Remo (90 minutes) are just over the border. Or carry on to the city of Genoa (3 hours), where you can pick up the coastal train which runs through the villages of the Cinque Terre . There are also direct daytime and sleeper services between Nice and Paris (from 5 hours 40 minutes).

Ventimiglia in Italy

How much does it cost?

When you’re planning a South of France rail trip, you can either book individual tickets or get a railpass, which can be a better deal if you’re under 28, want more flexibility or are booking late. Here’s how the prices break down for the two different options on this route.

Individual tickets

Ticket prices vary depending on how early you book, with a limited number of cheap tickets available. So book as early as possible – on most routes you can book four months in advance – but beware these tickets are non-transferable so you’re tied to a specific train. Using the cheapest fares, the cost of trains on this route starts at €79.20.

  • Avignon > Arles: €8.70 each way (fixed price)
  • Avignon > Cassis: from €19
  • Cassis > Cannes: from €24.60
  • Cannes > Antibes: €3.30 (fixed price)
  • Antibes > Nice: €5.20 (fixed price)
  • Nice > Èze > Monaco > Nice: €3.10 + €2.20 + €4.40 (all fixed price)

Boats in the harbour in Antibes at sunset

The railpass option

There are also various rail passes available through InterRail (for European residents) and Eurail (for non-European residents), which cover individual countries or the whole region and are valid for different periods of time, varying from four days to three months.

The South of France by train itinerary involves five travel days in one country, so the best option is the One Country France pass for 5 travel days within 1 month . This costs €207 adults, €179 youths (aged 12–27) or €186 seniors (aged 60+) in second class.

Arles in Provence on a South of France by train itinerary

As well as the pass, you also need to pay an extra compulsory reservation fee if you’re using France’s high-speed, long-distance trains or sleeper services – but not TER trains.

The only journey passholders need to make a reservation for on this itinerary is Cassis to Cannes, which costs €12. But passes aren’t valid on OUIGO low-cost train services, so you would need to take an earlier or later train from Avignon to Cassis.

Reservations can be made at any train station or online through the InterRail/Eurail reservations service for a fee of €2. I’ve recommended the quickest and easiest routes. But you can often avoid reservation fees by taking local trains which usually don’t require reservations – though they’re likely to be slower with more changes along the way.

Plage du Bestouan beach in Cassis

How to book

If you’re not using a rail pass, the two trips worth booking in advance are Avignon to Cassis and Cassis to Cannes, as there are cheap advance tickets available. The other tickets are all on TER local trains so you can buy them at the station on the day for the same price.

There are a variety of websites where you can book French train journeys, but often the best deals are though the official railway company site, which is SNCF Connect for France.

You can also book tickets for European trains with Omio * or The Trainline . The advantage is they cover multiple countries, you can see prices in €, £ or $, use international credit cards and print or use mobile tickets, but they do charge a small booking fee.

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Explore the South of France by train in just one week on this Provence and Côte d’Azur rail itinerary, visiting historic towns and coastal resorts including Avignon, Arles, Cassis, Antibes, Nice and Monaco |  InterRail in France | South of France train travel | South of France rail itinerary | Provence by train | Cote d'Azur by train

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Saturday 27th of May 2023

Thank you very much for this itinerary.

I've found that coming up with a good itinerary for France via train was a bit tougher than I expected. This is very helpful!

Lucy Dodsworth

Tuesday 30th of May 2023

Thanks – great to hear it was useful!

Book train tickets in France

Scenic railway journeys in france.

France boasts spectacular scenery and is home to many scenic railway journeys.

Some of France’s more scenic rail lines include:

Marseille–Miramas (ligne de la Côte Bleue)

The ligne de la Côte Bleue (also known as the ligne de Miramas à l’Estaque) is a short 35 minute journey between Marseille and Miramar near Salon-de-Provence. The hourly train offers stunning coastal views and is an easy excursion from Marseille.

Nice–Tende (train des Merveilles)

The train des Merveilles (train of wonders) runs through the hinterland of the Côte d’Azur between Nice and Tende, which is a small mountainous town in Provence close to the Italian border.

Nice–Digne (train des Pignes)

The Nice–Digne line (also known as the train des Pignes) is the last remaining route of the Chemins de fer de Provence (CP) , which once operated an extensive route network in southern France. The 151km line from Nice to Digne les Bains takes 3.5 hours and offers lovely views of the Provencal countryside. During Sundays in summer steam trains operate along this route.

Chemins de fer de Provence (CP) is a privately-run railway (owned by Veolia) that is independent of SNCF, which means that Eurail and InterRail rail passes are not valid on this railway.

Ajaccio–Bastia

The Chemins de fer de Corse (CFC) train from Ajaccio to Bastia and l’Île-Rousse are among the most scenic routes in France.

The 3.5 hour journey from Bastia to Ajaccio connects two coastal cities via Corsica’s mountainous interior crossing several old stone viaducts. The most picturesque spot along the route is when the train leaves Casamozza en route to Ajaccio.

Chemins de fer de Corse (CFC) is independently owned, so it is not part of SCNF (although SNCF are contracted to operate rail services). This means that Eurail and InterRail rail passes are not valid on CFC train services.

Dole–Saint-Claude (ligne des Hirondelles)

The ligne des Hirondelles between Dole and Saint-Claude in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region is also known as the Ligne d’Andelot-en-Montagne à La Cluse. The daily 2.5 hour journey is characterised by the line’s stunning viaducts and the rugged landscape of the Haut Jura.

Langeac–Langogne (train de Gorge de l’Allier)

The train de Gorge de l’Allier between Langeac and Langogne. The one and a half hour journey follows the route of the Gorge de l’Allier around midway between Clermont-Ferrand and Montpellier.

Villefranche-de-Conflent–Latour-de-Carol-Enveitg (ligne de Cerdagne/train jaune)

The ligne de Cerdagne/train jaune (yellow train) operates in rural Languedoc-Roussillon-Midi-Pyrénées between Villefranche-de-Conflent and Latour-de-Carol-Enveitg (near the border with Andorra). You can transfer for services to Perpignan at Villefranche-de-Conflent and for Barcelona and Toulouse at Latour-de-Carol-Enveitg.

Two types of trains operate on this route, a modern enclosed train as well as an older historic train that sometimes runs with open carraiges when weather allows. Both are painted in distinctive yellow livery reflecting the region’s Catalan heritage.

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The tourist train connecting Villefranche-de-Conflent to Latour-de-Carol, passing over the Bridge of Cassagne, in the Pyrenees.

10 of the best train journeys in Europe, chosen by Lonely Planet

A new book on rail travel across the continent showcases gorgeous scenery, historic routes and adventures at a slower pace

R ailways in Europe are many things. With their grand stations, history and evocative destinations, they evoke a timelessness that is absent from the uniform experience of flying. In recent decades, high-speed services have complemented classic routes, while the demand for more climate-friendly travel has grown and new options have sprung up, including a recent wave of night trains.

Lonely Planet, which for nearly 50 years has championed a down-to-earth, connected style of travel, has produced a new Guide to Train Travel in Europe aimed at unlocking adventures by rail from any starting point on the continent. Here the authors pick fantastic journeys from the book.

Paris to Berlin – fast or slow

Liège-Guillemins station in Belgium, created by the architect Santiago Calatrava.

A well-established network of high-speed trains and a huge choice of slower options connects two of Europe’s great cities. A glorious three-country tour would allow you to head from Paris to Brussels, travelling on to Cologne via the space-age architecture of Liège-Guillemins station. Cologne’s cathedral is so close to the station you can hardly miss popping in before boarding an onward ICE German fast service to the capital, which takes less than five hours. To see more than the immediate surroundings of the station buildings in each city, book separate tickets for each leg at trainline.com , or add in a stop of a few hours or an overnight booking via Deutsche Bahn ( bahn.de ). A high-speed connection from Paris via Frankfurt is also possible.

Amsterdam to Vienna on the Nightjet

Passengers look outside the window of a Nightjet train at Vienna station.

One of several recent additions to Europe’s sleeper train scene, the Nightjet service operated by Austrian Railways ( oebb.at ) departs every evening at 7pm or 7.30pm from Amsterdam. As you doze off, the train will trundle alongside the Rhine, passing Cologne and Koblenz, then continuing south-east through Germany and entering Austria at Passau. A 9.19am arrival in Vienna ensures time for a lie-in and breakfast. This train can easily be combined with the Eurostar service from London or a ferry from Newcastle to Amsterdam , or from Harwich to Hoek van Holland .

Loop the loop in North Wales

A steam train on the Ffestiniog Railway, in Snowdonia.

Some of the world’s most beautiful narrow-gauge railways can be found in Wales and two of the best can be combined in a loop that takes in the mountains and coastal scenery of Snowdonia. Catch a service from Llandudno Junction – which has main line connections – down the Conwy valley to Blaenau Ffestiniog . Change for the celebrated Ffestiniog Railway , a distinctive steam-hauled service that winds 13 miles down to the coast at Porthmadog. Return via the sublime steam service of the Welsh Highland Railway under the summit of Snowdon to Caernarfon, where you can catch a bus to Bangor and main line services.

From Bastia to Ajaccio through the Corsican interior

Train passing a derelict station at Lumio, Corsica, with snow-covered mountains in the distance under a deep blue sky.

The Chemins de Fer de la Corse ( Corsican Railways ) is a narrow-gauge railway centred on Ponte Leccia – from where three main lines head to Ajaccio, Bastia and Calvi, all providing incredible views of beautiful and rugged terrain. The route linking Ajaccio and Bastia is the longest and most celebrated, taking three and a half hours, so is best done with an overnight stop, rather than attempted as a day trip. Corsica is well served by ferries from mainland France such as Toulon, Marseille and Nice, opening up a tempting train-and-ferry route from the UK.

Dublin to Madrid by train and ferry

View from the cliff walk between Bray and Greystones, with  grassy cliffs and sea, in Co Wicklow, Ireland.

It is possible to head from Dublin direct to mainland Europe. A largely single-track line skirts the Irish Sea heading south as far as Wicklow before veering inland and stopping in the appealing county town of Wexford, set on the estuary of the River Slaney. It’s a short hop along the tracks from there to the port of Rosslare for the twice-weekly ferries to Bilbao , which take about 30 hours. Then it’s a five-hour rail journey on to Madrid. Recommended stops take in Burgos’s treasured cathedral, the former Spanish capital of Valladolid and Segovia’s Roman aqueduct and Alcázar fortress.

Venice to Palermo – across the water in Italy

The statue of Garibaldi outside Palermo train station, Sicily.

Heading from top to toe in Italy, this dramatic journey’s potential stopping points need no introduction. Fast Frecciarossa trains connect Venice to the gastronomic centre of Bologna in 90 minutes, with Florence 40 minutes down the line. An hour and a half further on you’re in Rome. From here the south of Italy opens up. For one of Europe’s most unusual rail experiences take a train service all the way to Sicily. At Villa San Giovanni in Calabria, you and your carriage board a dedicated ferry to Messina, in Sicily, from where the hectic fun of Palermo is a slow-rolling four and a half hours’ ride away along the coast. There are several daily intercity and night services that run from the mainland, via the ferry, through to the Sicilian capital including sleepers direct from Milan, Genoa and Pisa.

From coast to coast, via a mountain high – Oslo to Bergen

A Flåm Railway train running through a valley, in Norway.

A contender for Europe’s best train trip, the Bergen Line ( Bergensbanen ) thunders past southern Norway’s mountains and lakes between Oslo and Bergen, reaching 1,222m at Finse station, where a snowball fight is generally on offer. The trip takes nearly seven hours, which passes quickly in a blur of incredible scenery on a comfortable intercity service. There’s scope to do a longer version of this route taking the Norway in a Nutshell tour, which includes the Flåm Railway – possibly the world’s most scenic branch line – and a boat journey through Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord.

Paris to Barcelona on the slow train

The Petit Train Jaune (little yellow train), crossing the Pont Séjourné viaduct in the French Pyrenees.

These cities are linked by a fast train , but there’s a leisurely route south through France to the Pyrenees via Limoges, Toulouse and through magnificent rural and mountain scenery to Latour-de-Carol. While it’s possible to reach Latour-de-Carol by direct night train from Paris, you would miss the slowly unfolding views you can enjoy when doing this journey in daylight. From Latour-de-Carol a commuter line runs all the way to Barcelona and takes just over three hours. Possible stops along the way include fortified Ribes de Freser and Ripoll, home to an ancient monastery and a good starting point for hiking trails.

Budapest to Split on a sleeper

Old Hungarian train at Lake Balaton, in a beautiful landscape, with Tihany in the background.

During the summer there’s a tempting night service between Hungary’s capital and the Adriatic. In recent years the train has left Budapest at midnight, getting into Split after lunch. En route it passes the Hungarian holiday playground of Lake Balaton and Zagreb, Croatia’s capital. Once on the Adriatic coast, buses head south to Dubrovnik, while ferries and catamarans radiate out to nearby islands.

Locarno to Domodossola through the Swiss Alps

View of snowy peaks out the window of a restaurant near Titlis mountain, Switzerland.

Pretty much any journey in Switzerland promises jaw-dropping scenery, and on several routes trains run slowly specifically to show off the mountains, rivers and lakes that can be seen from the window. Travelling between Locarno in Switzerland to Domodossola in the Piedmont region of Italy, the Centovalli (Hundred Valleys) Railway is a short but scenic service past 52km of waterfalls, chestnut groves, church-topped villages, deep ravines and vineyards. Highlights include the Isorno Bridge near the village of Intragna and Intragna’s gorge.

These routes, plus tips on rail travel, are featured in Lonely Planet’s Guide to Train Travel in Europe by Tom Hall, Imogen Hall and Oliver Smith (£19.99), available at shop.lonelyplanet.com

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best train journeys france

Decoding Europe’s Train Tickets: A Guide to Budget-Friendly Journeys

T here’s nowhere else in the world where you can jump on a train and be in another country within minutes. Europe is a continent where you can have a morning coffee in Brussels and sit in a Parisian cafe overlooking the Seine for lunch. As a person who grew up in a vast country (Australia), I have always found the concept of country-hopping novel. Here’s why you should consider train tickets for your next visit to Europe.

Why Train Tickets Are a Great Way To See Europe

From the moment I wanted to travel, I started looking into the best way to go about it, and one of the first things I saw was Eurorail. The idea is simple—one fare and you can travel on any train within Europe. It sounds convenient and straightforward until you know the price. One of my first thoughts was, “Surely, there has to be a better way. Surely, this isn’t what people in Europe pay to travel.”

The Basics of European Train Ticketing Systems

Each country in Europe operates its own unique train ticketing system. Travelers can save a significant amount of money by comparing the cost of individual tickets to the options available with Eurail passes. Various factors influence ticket prices, but with flexible plans and early booking, you can bypass expensive ticketing systems and secure more budget-friendly fares.

Most countries have easy-to-use online ticketing systems. It’s just a matter of doing a Google search for the place you’re traveling to. For example, you’ll find Spain’s railway system is called  Renfe . Finding the right operator is essential for optimal savings, as each country’s train operator offers discounted fares for early bookings. For example, booking a Brussels to Paris train ticket through the RailEurope site costs from USD 55 for a one-way ticket and the same on SNCB International, but you’ll be paying a USD 9.50 booking fee on RailEurope.  

Other Factors To Consider

The European train ticketing system varies based on the type of train and the country you’re traveling in. Buying train tickets directly at the station is usually convenient for local, regional, and suburban trains since prices are fixed, and reservations are not typically required. However, fares operate similarly to airlines with dynamic pricing for long-distance trains in countries like France, Italy, Spain, and others. 

Booking in advance can offer significant savings, but tickets have specific terms like limited refunds or changes. Traditional ticketing methods apply in countries like the UK, Germany, and Austria, with flexible and advance-purchase options available, each with its pricing and reservation rules. Understanding these nuances, including booking options, stopover policies, and special fare considerations like senior or youth discounts, is essential to navigating the system effectively and securing the best travel deals.

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When to use eurail.

If you take our Brussels to Paris example from above, you’d be paying $141 if you bought a Eurail pass for the same trip plus seat reservation fees. Eurail does have its advantages, though. If you plan on traveling frequently during your trip, the pass may be worth it. For example, if you plan on visiting six destinations over a month, a Global Pass will cost you $391 and allow you seven days of unlimited travel. If you plan on more than seven days of train travel, you can get an unlimited pass for a month, costing $991. 

With Eurail, you can choose your travel days within a specified period, freeing you from rigid dates and allowing for plan adjustments. Additionally, the ease of booking and modifying your itinerary through online platforms and mobile apps streamline your travel planning. Moreover, certain Eurail passes offer extra benefits like discounted or complimentary access to attractions, ferry routes, or buses, further enriching your journey with additional options.

Remember you can also use your Eurail pass for train tickets within one country, but it is only available for some forms of transport. For example, you can use the London Overground in the UK, but not the Underground. If you have the time, do some research and see what your options are. If the Underground seems like your best choice to get to places you want to visit, Eurail isn’t for you.

Understanding Fare Classes and Seat Reservations

Some trains offer multiple fare classes, each with its amenities and pricing. Additionally, understanding when seat reservations are mandatory versus optional helps travelers plan better. For instance, while regional trains may not require reservations, high-speed or intercity trains in countries like France and Spain often do, sometimes at an additional cost.

On trains such as Eurostar, which travels through the UK, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and Germany, you’ll have an option for first and second-class seating. Sometimes, the price difference might not be a lot; if that’s the case, opt for first class—it provides seats offering additional space and amenities, which may even encompass complimentary food and beverages.

Seasonal Considerations

Seasonal fluctuations impact train tickets and their prices across Europe. High tourist seasons, such as summer or significant holidays, often increase demand, leading to higher prices. Conversely, traveling during off-peak seasons can result in more affordable fares. Being flexible with travel dates or opting for shoulder seasons can be an intelligent strategy for budget-conscious travelers.

Loyalty Programs and Rail Passes

Some European countries offer loyalty programs or discount cards that provide perks like reduced fares, lounge access, or priority boarding. While it might seem strange to join a loyalty program when you’re only going to be in a place for two weeks, joining up can sometimes have benefits. Exploring these options could lead to substantial savings for frequent travelers or those planning an extended European stay. Similarly, aside from Eurail, consider other regional rail passes tailored to specific countries or regions, such as France’s SNCF pass or Italy’s Trenitalia offerings, which might offer better value depending on your itinerary.

Navigating Language and Currency Differences

Many European train ticketing platforms offer English translations. If they don’t, you can ask Google to translate the page for you—right-click on the page and choose “Translate to English” from the drop-down list. Additionally, being aware of currency conversion rates and potential foreign transaction fees when booking from abroad ensures you get the best value for your money. At the moment, there’s not a massive difference between Euros and US Dollars; however, it’s still worth converting the fares to your local currency.

Benefits of Train Travel Over Air Travel

Trains are more environmentally friendly than airplanes or cars on a per-passenger basis, making them a greener option for those concerned about sustainability while touring Europe. A standout benefit of Europe’s rail system is the efficient boarding process. Unlike airports where you might arrive hours in advance for baggage checks and security screenings if your train departure is at 9 am, you can typically arrive closer to that time without extensive waiting or security procedures. While some countries implement a simple luggage scan, others may have minimal to no security checks, streamlining your travel experience.

So, when considering your options to travel between European countries, consider grabbing train tickets and embarking on an unforgettable journey through Europe’s rail network, where convenience, affordability, and sustainability harmoniously converge. Whether indulging in a morning coffee in Brussels or immersing yourself in the scenic beauty along the Seine, the experience transcends mere transportation.

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COMMENTS

  1. The best train journeys in France

    The route ends in Le Grau-du-Roi, just steps from the Mediterranean Sea. 8. Le Petit Train Jaune is the most famous vintage train ride. Villefranche-de-Conflent to Latour de Carol; 64km (40 miles) This historic little train - or, literally, the " little yellow train " - may be the most famous of them all in France.

  2. Ultimate guide to train travel in France (plus where to buy tickets so

    Always go the official route. It's the best way to buy train tickets in France. On SNCF Connect, in addition to actually buying/exchanging your France train tickets, you can also plan your trip, find the best door-to-door route, get traffic updates and alerts in real time and buy and renew regional cards and passes.

  3. France Itinerary

    France Itinerary. Discover the best of French life with this spectacular France itinerary. Start your trip in beautiful Paris and let the train carry you down to the sunny Mediterranean, while cruising through hillside vineyards and endless lavender fields. Reserve a seat on France's TGV high-speed train for fast and comfortable journeys ...

  4. 6 Ways to Spend 2 Weeks in France by Train

    France 2 Week Itinerary #5: Paris - La Rochelle - Bordeaux - Biarritz. This 2 weeks in France itinerary by train starts from Paris, and it explores some of the most beautiful cities in Western France. Spend 14 days in France, combining sightseeing with relaxing days by the beach.

  5. Exploring France by train: Our top five train rides in France

    Nimes to Clermont Ferrand. This 5.5-hour train journey takes you through the Cevennes, a mountain range in southern France, and with 106 tunnels and 1,300 bridges (including the 41-arch Chamborigaud Viaduct) it makes for a spectacular ride.Passengers can barely put their cameras down, thanks to the magnificent viaducts and bridges.

  6. Great French train journeys: readers' travel tips

    Bergerac to Le Buisson. This 45-minute journey in rural south-west France is a marvel of timeless style and the ultra-modern. Bergerac station is a haven of cool from the blistering summer sun ...

  7. France Itinerary by Rail using Eurail Pass

    How to Reach - It is just an hour and a half from Paris. We took a fast train from Paris to Strasbourg with our Eurail Global Pass. From Strasbourg, you can either rent a car or travel to other places by train & bus. Pretty Houses of Colmar, Alsace. Eguisheim, Alsace Region. Obernai, Alsace Region.

  8. Are these the 11 best train journeys to take in France?

    Take a steam train ride through Brittany. The Vapeur du Trieux train ride in north west region of Brittany takes passengers on a journey through the Valley of Trieux between the towns of Paimpol ...

  9. 10 of the Best Train Journeys in France

    The views are glorious in all seasons, taking in snow capped peaks and icicle-laden pine trees during the winter, and alpine meadows and flowers in early summer. 9. The 'Corkscrew' Train. Brittany is a beautiful part of France, and it has a top food scene.Photo Credit: Boris Stroujko / Shutterstock.

  10. Seeing the Best of France: How To Travel France By Train

    Eurostar and Thalys trains. The Eurostar is a direct train from Paris Gare du Nord to London St. Pancras. At just over 2h15, this is perfect for traveling downtown to downtown and avoiding all those pesky ferries and airport delays. Still, the cost is high and this isn't considered a bargain at all. Just a convenience.

  11. Iconic train journeys in France

    La Ligne des Hirondelles. Deemed one of France's prettiest train journeys, la ligne des Hirondelles links Dole to Saint Claude in the Jura. The tracks cross 36 tunnels and 18 viaducts so the ride is exciting in itself! The 123km journey is a great way to experience the Jura's natural and cultural heritage as the train whizzes past forests ...

  12. 10 of the Best Train Journeys in France

    10 of the Best Train Journeys in France. Taking the plane is so 2013. Make the journey part of the experience with these beautiful train trips in France. 6 min read 10 May 2023 By Anna Richards. Hi, I'm Anna! Anna Richards is a travel and outdoor writer living in Lyon, France.

  13. 10 of the Best Train Journeys in France

    The Cévennes are a mysterious part of France, since there's no expressway. This is the land that Robert Louis Stevenson famously trekked through in his memoir Travels with a Donkey in the Cévennes, and the 2-week walk along the GR70 retraces his steps, but a less physical (and more time-efficient) way to explore the valleys and chestnut forests of the Cévennes is on board Le Cévenol ...

  14. Le Grand Tour France

    Already hailed as one of the great rail journeys, Le Grand Tour is making serious waves in luxury train travel with its summer 2023 launch. Le Grand Tour de France offers an escorted tour of 4000km to visit the country's top destinations. The eighteenth-century Belle Époque styled train welcomes passengers onboard the most spectacular train ...

  15. Best scenic rail routes in France

    The longest of France's long-distance single-track lines starts at the small station of Arvant (60 kms south from Clermont Ferrand) and heads to Béziers, 300kms further south.It operates only once per day, takes a full day and travels through the majestic and wild plateaux of Causses (the train's line unofficial name is the "line of the Causses") and l'Aubrac, with stops in Saint ...

  16. Scenic railways and tourist trains in France

    The most interesting long-distance scenic tourist rail routes in France are those crossing the Massif Central mountains, in central southern France. And they are genuinely long-distance, and very scenic. 1. (Clermont-Ferrand) - Arvant - St.Flour - Millau - Beziers : the longest (Arvant-Béziers is over 300 km) and perhaps most unlikely of ...

  17. The best train journeys in France: Scenic routes from countryside to

    Puget-Théniers - Annot: 'Train des Pignes à Vapeur' ( Provence Alps) Step back in time on this volunteer-run, historically classified steam train. The journey starts in Puget-Théniers (an ...

  18. The Best Train Journeys In France: Scenic Routes From Countryside To

    Spread the loveTraveling by train is one of the most scenic and relaxing ways to explore the diverse landscapes of France. From rolling vineyards and sunflower fields to majestic mountains and azure seas, the French rail network offers an array of breathtaking journeys that promise a feast for the eyes. Here are some of the best train journeys in France that offer a window to the soul of this ...

  19. One-week South of France by train itinerary

    The South of France by train itinerary involves five travel days in one country, so the best option is the One Country France pass for 5 travel days within 1 month. This costs €207 adults, €179 youths (aged 12-27) or €186 seniors (aged 60+) in second class. Arles.

  20. Five Of France's Best Train Journeys

    Thus, here are five of France's best train journeys. Swallow Railway In The Jura Mountains. Mountains and valleys are prevalent in the eastern Jura area of France. It is similar to Canada, with its giant trees and meandering roads. However, this area is rich in history, particularly for being the birthplace of renowned microbiologist Louis ...

  21. Scenic railway journeys in France

    The Chemins de fer de Corse (CFC) train from Ajaccio to Bastia and l'Île-Rousse are among the most scenic routes in France. The 3.5 hour journey from Bastia to Ajaccio connects two coastal cities via Corsica's mountainous interior crossing several old stone viaducts. The most picturesque spot along the route is when the train leaves ...

  22. 10 of the best train journeys in Europe, chosen by Lonely Planet

    10 of the best train journeys in Europe, chosen by Lonely Planet. A new book on rail travel across the continent showcases gorgeous scenery, historic routes and adventures at a slower pace. Tom ...

  23. Decoding Europe's Train Tickets: A Guide to Budget-Friendly Journeys

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