Explore France by Train: A Scenic and Cultural Journey

Why Travel by Train in France?

Operated by SNCF (Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français), France’s rail network is one of the most extensive and high-speed in Europe. It links major cities with TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse), intercity trains, and regional TER services, all timed with military precision.

Benefits of traveling France by train:

High-speed travel: TGV lines reduce long distances—e.g., Paris to Marseille in under 3.5 hours

City-center access: No long taxi rides from airports; stations are in the heart of town

Scenic variety: From lavender fields to Loire Valley castles, the views are part of the charm

Eco-conscious: Train travel is significantly more sustainable than driving or flying

Comfort & amenities: Spacious seating, restrooms, luggage space, and often café cars

Simple booking: Digital tickets and multi-lingual platforms make planning easy

Rail passes, such as the France Rail Pass or Eurail France Pass, offer unlimited access for a set period—ideal for visitors planning multi-stop itineraries.

Popular Train Routes Across France in 2025

🚄 Paris → Lyon → Marseille → Nice

Best for: First-time visitors, food lovers, coastal scenery

This classic route begins in Paris, then sweeps southeast through culinary capital Lyon and sun-drenched Provence to the glamorous French Riviera. Stop in Avignon for papal history or in Aix-en-Provence for a glass of rosé.

Highlights: Eiffel Tower, Rhône Valley, lavender fields, Mediterranean beaches

🚆 Bordeaux → Toulouse → Carcassonne → Montpellier

Best for: Wine country, medieval cities, off-the-beaten-path charm

Head southwest for sun, Gothic castles, and the vineyards of Bordeaux. Carcassonne’s fortified walls are a highlight, while Toulouse blends aerospace with Romanesque architecture.

Highlights: Cité de Carcassonne, Garonne River, Languedoc wines

🚂 Strasbourg → Colmar → Dijon → Beaune

Best for: Fairytale towns, Alsatian culture, wine trails

This northeastern circuit is perfect for travelers looking for timber-framed villages, canals, and hearty food. Alsace and Burgundy combine charm with culinary depth.

Highlights: Christmas markets (winter), Riesling tastings, mustard shops

🚞 Paris → Tours → Amboise → Blois

Best for: Loire Valley castles, short escapes from Paris

Just an hour from Paris, this route follows the Loire River and offers easy access to the châteaux of Chenonceau, Chambord, and Villandry.

Highlights: Cycling trails, Renaissance architecture, French gardens

🚄 Paris → Lille → Calais → Dunkirk

Best for: WWII history, access to Belgium or UK, coastal towns

The north is less frequented by tourists, but full of stories and charm. Lille is a hub for Eurostar trains to London or Brussels.

Highlights: Art museums, battlefield tours, seafood dishes

Types of Trains and What to Expect

TGV (High-Speed Trains): Reach up to 320 km/h, often with first- and second-class cabins

Intercités: Intercity trains for medium distances; fewer stops than regional trains

TER (Transport Express Régional): Slower regional trains serving rural towns and villages

Eurostar / Thalys: International lines connecting France to Belgium, UK, Netherlands, and Germany

Night trains: Reintroduced in recent years, night trains now connect Paris with Nice, Lourdes, and the Alps

Most trains have clean restrooms, onboard Wi-Fi (especially on TGV), ample luggage storage, and café bars offering snacks and drinks. Seats can be reserved in advance and family compartments or quiet zones are available on select services.

Destinations to Include in Your Train Itinerary

Paris: Art, fashion, monuments, and world-class cuisine. Begin or end your journey here.

Lyon: France’s gastronomic capital and a UNESCO heritage site.

Marseille: A port city with African and Mediterranean influences, vibrant markets, and coastal views.

Nice & Cannes: Glamour and beaches on the French Riviera.

Strasbourg & Colmar: Blends of French and German heritage with canals and cathedrals.

Avignon: Papal palaces, river views, and summer theatre festivals.

Annecy: Known as the "Venice of the Alps" with its lakes and mountain backdrop.

Nantes: Western France’s green city, with creative public spaces and history.

Dijon & Beaune: Rich in Burgundy wines, mustard, and architectural elegance.

Who Will Enjoy Rail Travel in France?

👩‍❤️‍👨 Couples

Romantic dinners in a Parisian bistro or watching the sun set over the Rhône Valley? Traveling by train adds intimacy and ease for couples on a getaway.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families

Children under 4 often travel free. Kid-friendly destinations like Disneyland Paris and La Rochelle are easily reachable by rail.

👤 Solo Travelers

France’s safe, well-connected network allows solo travelers to explore independently and at their own pace.

👵 Seniors

Senior discounts, assistance at stations, and multilingual signage make French trains welcoming for mature travelers.

🍷 Wine & Culinary Enthusiasts

With rail stops near vineyards, Michelin-starred restaurants, and food markets, France by train is a gourmet’s dream.

Travel Tips for 2025

Reserve seats early for popular routes, especially on weekends and holidays

Use the SNCF Connect app for schedules, digital tickets, and train updates

Bring a power bank for long journeys or rural routes without plug sockets

Travel light; most stations have limited elevators/escalators

Validate physical tickets before boarding if not digital

Use lockers or left-luggage services at major stations for sightseeing in between connections

Final Thoughts

Traveling by train across France is like reading a novel in motion—each chapter bringing a new scene, flavor, and tone. It’s a stress-free way to experience both iconic landmarks and hidden treasures, whether you’re visiting for a week or a month.

In 2025, exploring France by train is more efficient and enriching than ever. From the vineyards of Bordeaux to the lavender fields of Provence, the Atlantic beaches to Alpine peaks, France’s railways are your ticket to adventure, discovery, and unforgettable memories.