travelling around france by train

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France train guide — how to travel france by train.

How to travel France by train—tips for buying French train tickets and advice for navigating France by rail.

Transportation

It doesn’t get much better than zooming through the French countryside at 200mph. In fact, when it comes to train travel, France is one of the best-connected countries in Europe and you can easily reach many of Europe’s great cities from Paris.

But, like all things French, their rail network can be a little confusing so we’re here to help. In this France Train Guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about traveling France by train—from navigating the system to buying train tickets for the cheapest price.

How To Buy Train Tickets in France

Buying French train tickets is generally easy but there are a few quirks that you’ll come across when booking—keep reading and we’ll walk you through the process.

Let’s first take a look at where and when to buy tickets for the best price…

Quick Note On Electronic Train Tickets And Reliable Mobile Data

Most train tickets in France (and Europe) are electronic so having reliable high-speed data for your phone is important—luckily, getting high-speed data in France is simple and affordable. Here are a few articles I’ve written to help you get set up:

Guide To Mobile Data Plans and Smartphone Phones in Europe
How To Buy A SIM Card and Mobile Data Plans in Europe
Guide To Buying SIM Cards and Mobile Data Plans in France

Where To Buy France Train Tickets For France

So there are a handful of websites/methods for buying French train tickets and each has its own quirks. Let’s take a look at the various options:

Omio is a search engine that lets you compare and book trains anywhere in Europe. It lets you easily book tickets with your credit card at essentially the same prices as France’s Railways website.

Additionally, Omio searches routes for multiple rail services across Europe so it’s great for international trips (since it can easily combine rail journeys of multiple countries). Omio also gives you the option to print your own tickets or have eTickets sent to the Omio App.

TrainLine is another third-party booking site that connects directly to the French National Rail Network and other European networks. Trainline also accepts international credit card payments and lets you print your own tickets or have eTickets sent to the Tranline App.

SNCF (National French Railways)

The website for the official French Railways is en.oui.sncf . The main problem with this site is that it often tries to redirect you to RailEurope.com—which is SNCF’s official North American partner. Unfortunately, Rail Europe rarely finds the cheapest fares so you have to actively try to keep the site from redirecting you. And trying to book through the official SNCF website can be equally as difficult because it can be plagued with translation issues and sometimes they reject foreign credit cards.

Perosanlly, I’d stick with Omio .

A few years ago the French National Railways created a new low-budget train line called Ouigo . It basically connects Paris with a handful of popular French destinations.

Some Ouigo trains leave from stations outside Paris so it takes a little under an hour by regional train to get there from central Paris. However, some trains do leave from central Paris. There are a few other restrictions (like limited luggage) but the fares can be crazy cheap. Booking websites like Omio will include Ouigo in their results so you don’t have to search Ouigo’s website to find/buy its tickets.

The Eurostar is the train that connects Paris and London. You can usually book this journey on other websites but we’ve found it best to book directly from the Eurostar site for the best prices.

At The Station

Of course, you can buy any French train ticket from any train station — either from a ticket window or an automated machine (you’ll need a Chip & PIN credit card to buy from the machines). You can buy tickets in advance from train stations as well.

HOW TO COLLECT YOUR FRENCH TRAIN TICKETS

Tickets purchased online can be collected in a few different ways. Most times you’re given multiple methods of collecting your tickets:

Electronic Tickets: You can usually have tickets sent to your phone/tablet. For example, tickets bought via Omio will be sent to your Omio app. You can also have tickets sent to your email. Then you simply show it to the conductor on the train when they check your tickets.
Print-At-Home Tickets: You can print tickets at home and show them to the conductor on the train when he checks tickets.
Also, you’ll need a Chip & PIN card to collect from the automated machines but you can use a swipe card at the ticket window. However, at other times you only need the booking reference number.
Mailed Tickets: Some services will mail you physical tickets but this is often a slow process. We suggest avoiding this and sticking to the other options.

Do You Need To Buy French Train Tickets In Advance?

France has a number of different train services so it can be a little confusing to know what tickets should be purchased early and which can be bought whenever. We’ll break it down below.

High-Speed TGV Trains — Buy Early As Possible

Yes – book early. Tickets for France’s TGV high-speed trains are available to purchase around 90 days in advance. Booking these early will get you the cheapest tickets and prices will generally continue to rise as the departure date approaches. For example, a day-of ticket can cost well over €100 but that same one bought weeks early might only cost €30.

International Trains — Buy Early As Possible

There are a few separate train services that connect France to other countries. These are high-speed trains so the same rules about booking early apply to these tickets as well.

TGV Lyria: High-speed trains that connect France and Switzerland.
THALYS: High-speed trains that connect Paris with Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands.
Inter-City Express (ICE): High-speed trains that connect France and Germany.
Eurostar: High-speed trains that connect Paris and London.

Intercité Trains (IC) — Buy A Little Early

Intercité trains are fast trains but not as quick as the TGV trains. They usually also connect shorter distances and the trains aren’t quite as nice as the TGV. These tickets can also be purchased in advance for a discount.

Regional/Local Trains — Buy Whenever

France has a number of slow trains that connect suburban and regional areas. TER (regional trains that connect smaller towns with regional hubs), Transilien (connects suburban Paris), and RER (also connects suburban Paris). These tickets are priced by distance traveled so you don’t need to buy them in advance — simply purchase them at the station right before departure.

Don’t forget to validate your ticket before you get on the train or you’ll be fined.

How To Use Your French Train Tickets

On high-speed trains , your ticket is only good for the specific time stated on your ticket. You’ll also be given an assigned seat. You don’t need a validate your ticket because your seat is reserved (but they might check your ID on the train). NOTE: Your ticket will show the car and seat number so make sure you’re in the right car (the trains are clearly marked).

On regional/local trains , you might have a physical ticket. Make sure to validate (i.e. stamp) your ticket in the validation boxes on the platform before you get on the train. They’re sometimes hard to find so watch what the locals are doing. If you forget to validate, seek out the conductor right away and have him stamp it — if you wait until he comes around you might be given a fine.

Regional trains won’t have seat reservations so just sit anywhere.

Once you’re on the train the conductor will eventually walk through the aisles to check tickets.

HOW TO MAKE RAIL PASS RESERVATIONS

High-speed trains require you to make a reservation when using a Eurail pass — the reservation costs €10-€30/seat for domestic travel and international trains can charge anywhere from €35-€89/seat (depending on destination). As you can see, those international train reservations can be wildly expensive — in fact, the reservation fee is often more expensive than buying a separate ticket.

You must make the reservation before you get on the train. There are a few ways to make reservations:

Italy Train Tickets - Railpass Reservation

Make Reservations Online: Omio lets you book your reservation online through their platform. Simply look for a button that says “I Have A Railpass” and follow the prompts.
Make Reservations At The Train Station: You can simply go to the train station and book your reservation from the customer service desk or self-service kiosks. You can book it weeks in advance or you can do it the day you depart. We suggest using the kiosks because the ticket window can take forever.

More Tips For Riding Trains In France

Here are a few general tips about train travel in France.

Study The Departures Board

You’ll find your train platform via the departure board at the train station. Don’t worry if you don’t see your train right away because they often only display trains departing within the next 10-20 minutes.

However, do pay attention as sometimes the platform can change last minute.

Know Train Station Names

Most large cities have multiple train stations (Paris has seven) so this often creates confusion. Double-check to make sure you have the right station—especially when booking your ticket.

Self-Service Machines Are In English

Don’t worry if you don’t speak French because the ticket machines (and train station signs) are all in English. Most customer service workers also speak some English.

Cheap Tickets Are Non-Refundable

One downside to cheap tickets is that they’re non-refundable and can’t be changed.

Pack A Picnic

You’re allowed to bring your own food and alcohol on trains. It’s great for those long train rides.

No Luggage Restrictions

There aren’t any weight limits on luggage and you can bring as much as you want (well, as much as you can carry). Simply bring it on and store it above your head, behind your seat, or in the luggage racks in each car.

Making Connections

Your rail journey might require you to change trains along the route. Don’t worry if there are only a few minutes between trains because switching trains is usually fairly quick and easy—it’s not like flying where you need an hour-long layover.

Get To The Train Station Early

Train stations are usually fairly easy to navigate but they can be a little confusing. There isn’t any security that you have to go through (except for Eurostar and THALYS trains) but it doesn’t hurt to arrive about 20 minutes early.

First Class vs Second Class Tickets

First Class tickets normally cost 1.5x the Second Class rate. Second Class is perfectly comfortable but First Class seats are a bit bigger and it’s quieter. Other than that, there isn’t much more of a difference.

Use A Credit Card With A Chip

Automated ticket kiosks require a card with a Chip & PIN so make sure you know your PIN code.

Rail Strikes

France is well-known for train strikes. They always give ample warning before going on strike and they still run some trains, but it’s something to pay attention to.

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Everything You Need to Know About Taking the Train in France

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Getting Around
Types of Trains

International Train Services

How to Buy Tickets
Tips for Taking the Train

France is the largest country in western Europe, so train travel makes sense. Happily, France has a fast and efficient train system, and the French government has invested massively in high-speed trains (the TGV train or Train a Grande Vitesse ) and high-speed lines (LGV or Ligne a Grande Vitesse) .

There are over 1,056 miles of dedicated high-speed lines and thousands more main lines and smaller lines, so almost everywhere is accessible by train travel in France.

The French rail network links all the major towns and links up many small towns in rural France. With careful planning, you can get around just using train travel during your vacation. Generally, the trains are on time, comfortable and relatively cheap.

However, some trains run only at certain times on certain days, so you need meticulous planning if you are traveling in rural France by train.

Getting Around France From Paris

Like many capital cities, Paris suffers from having no central railway hub, but a number of mainline termini. Here are some of the main destinations served from the main stations .

Gare du Nord: Northeast France, London (Eurostar) , Brussels, Amsterdam (Thalys), Lille, Valenciennes, Calais
Gare de l'Est: Nancy, Metz, Reims , Strasbourg , Germany, Luxembourg
Gare de Lyon: Lyon , Dijon, Besançon, Geneva, Mulhouse, Zurich, Clermont-Ferrand, Marseille , Nice , Nimes, Montpellier , Perpignan; Italy and the east of Spain
Gare d'Austerlitz: Tours, Poitiers, Limoges, Bordeaux , Toulouse , Biarritz, western Spain
Gare Montparnasse: All western TGVs, Brittany , Brest, Rennes, Nantes
Gare St. Lazare: Caen , Cherbourg, Rouen , Le Havre

Types of Trains in France

All types of trains run in France, from the special TGV and other high-speed trains to smaller branch lines. While some lines are operating old carriages, most of the trains are now comfortable, modern, and have high-tech additions like WiFi. Many have massive picture windows along the sides; others have an upper deck that gives you a fantastic view of the French countryside you are powering through.

The main types of trains in France are:

The TGV Train network ( Train a Grande Vitesse ) runs to major cities in France and Europe.
Intercites trains cover many of the medium distance routes between cities like Amiens, Orleans, Bordeaux, Caen, Lyon, Reims, Troyes, Toulouse, and Paris. They link cities in French regions like Nantes, Bordeaux, and Lyons-Nantes-Tours.
TER is the French regional service running from towns and villages over 21 regional networks in France.
AutoTrain sleeper service runs from Paris Bercy Station down to the south of France, taking you and your car.

Other national rail carriers use TGV train technology in Europe:

TGV Lyria trains run through France into Switzerland
Eurostar runs between the UK, Lille, Paris, and Brussels
Thalys trains run to Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany

How and Where to Buy Tickets

Like most countries, ticket prices vary widely. If you can book early, you will get good bargains, but you may have to stick to a specific time. If you book that and miss the train, you may not get reimbursed.

Ticket prices are no higher on a TGV or express train than on a local line. And to compete with the low-cost airlines, TGV trains offer reasonable prices for early bookings and for the less popular times of trains. Internet booking is always a good idea.

All French train tickets can also be ordered online, and you can then print them out on your computer as an e-ticket, exactly as the airlines do.

Visitors from the USA can buy online with Rail Europe , and visitors from the U.K. can buy online with Voyages sncf (formerly Rail Europe UK).

Tips for Taking the Train in France

Arrive early to find out which platform the train goes from. Paris train stations can be quite confusing.
There might not be good refreshments on the train; check in advance and, if necessary, buy your own snacks/light lunches at the station.
You will have to validate your ticket. Look for the yellow machines ( ‘compostage de billets’ ) usually just before reaching the platform. Insert your tickets into the slot and retrieve them. Ticket inspectors will check your ticket on the train, and if it is not validated will probably find you.

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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.

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 .

Travelling to France or Italy with a Eurail Pass?

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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 .

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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)

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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.

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.

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.

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

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 .

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.

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.

Things To Do in Bordeaux

Things to Do in Marseille

Best Lavender Fields in France

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Trains in France – How to Travel around France by Train

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

Train Travel in France

If you’re planning a trip to France , getting around the country couldn’t be easier than by train. Trains in France are one of the best modes of transportation and will get you anywhere you want to go in the country with ease and to or from any neighboring country.

If you’re a first-time visitor and need some assistance with understanding train travel in France, then you’ll want to read this quick guide to France by Train . This guide provides everything you need to ensure traveling by train in France goes smoothly, including information on the different types of trains in France, the best France rail pass for tourists, where to buy your tickets, and just some general tips.

Table of Contents:

France Train Map

Types of trains in france, how to buy tickets for trains in france, sncf’s new luggage policy (as of 2024), travel france by train – destinations.

France Rail Pass for Tourists

Getting Around France by Train – Best Tips

The French rail network links all the major French cities and the smaller rural towns and cities of neighboring countries. In the France train map below, the high-speed rail lines are in red, and the other major lines are in brown.

There are various types of trains in France, from local trains to long-distance trains. There are even trains that cross into neighboring countries.

Below, I have provided a brief overview of the various trains in France, so you can understand which trains will get you to your destination,

France Train Travel: First Class or Second Class?

When you travel France by train, you have the option of purchasing a first-class or second-class ticket. Either class is very comfortable with most seats, including drop-down tables and power.

First-class seats are wider and more comfortable than 2nd-class seats, as there are fewer seats per car. There’s also more space for your luggage.

Personally, I find the first class to be less noisy and a place where it’s easier to relax or work (no kids running along the corridors, people talking on the phone, or listening to music with the loudspeaker).

Sometimes, the difference in price between first and second class is minimal, so the extra comfort is well worth it.

Generally, all trains have free Wi-Fi and a café on board, but you are also welcome to bring your own food.

1. TGV Trains (Train à Grande Vitesse)

The TGV train is France’s high-speed rail service, connecting over 230 cities across France and some European cities. At up to 320km/h, these trains will get you where you need to go fast!

Unfortunately, I don’t have a specific TGV map but if you look at the France train map above, the TGV network would correspond to most of the dark red lines.

With TGV Trains, you have the option of traveling first-class, second-class , and (in some TGV lines) business class . Generally, all TGV trains have free Wi-Fi and a café on board, but you are also welcome to bring your own food.

To ride the TGV, you must book a seat reservation (see below on how to purchase train tickets). For the cheapest tickets, book well in advance rather than on the day of travel. Tickets are usually available for purchase around 90 days before the day of travel.

2. Intercités

Intercités trains in France are express trains that connect the main cities within France. They cover longer distances than local trains, but not quite as long as the TGV trains. These trains service over 300 destinations in all the French regions , reaching cities such as Amiens, Orléans, Bordeaux, Caen, Lyon, Reims, Troyes, Toulouse, and Paris.

With Intercités Trains, you have the option of traveling first-class or second-class . Generally, all trains have free Wi-Fi and a café on board, but you are also welcome to bring your own food.

Like the TGV trains, the Intercités trains require advance booking. For the cheapest tickets, book well in advance rather than on the day of travel. Tickets are usually available for purchase around 90 days before the day of travel.

3. OUIGO Trains

OUIGO is a low-cost rail service company established in 2013 as part of the SNCF group. OUIGO trains only have one class, equivalent to second-class travel. This is why OUIGO tickets are so cheap – from €10 for adults (depending on the destination) and €5 for children.

In OUIGO trains, Wi-Fi and a plug for charging your devices are considered extras (to pay in addition to the train ticket).

4. TER (Transport Express Regional)

TER trains are regional trains in France, usually referred to as local trains. They are ideal for getting between regional French towns and villages.

Like long-distance trains, with TER trains, you can also travel first or second class , but this will change soon (a unique class).

No seat reservation is required to travel on a TER train (you can sit anywhere you like). However, you will require a ticket. Tickets can be purchased as you go or in advance up to 120 days before the day of travel. During the high season in France, main holidays, and long weekends, I recommend booking these train tickets online in advance.

5. AutoTrain

Don’t feel like driving to your destination but need your car once you get there? Well, AutoTrain is the answer! This train runs from Paris Bercy Station to the South of France with your car onboard. So all you need to do is take a comfortable and quick Autorain and meet your car there.

6. Night Train

Some destinations are also covered by night trains – TGV trains or Intercités trains, which also have 4 and 6-bed cabins. Night trains are environmentally friendly and are a great way to save time and money (one hotel night less).

The main lines covered by night trains in France are Paris – Nice, Paris – Toulouse, Paris – Antibes, Paris – Marseille, Paris – Rodez, and Paris – Montauban. There are also international night trains from /to France, with Paris – Vienna being the most famous line.

Update December 2023: two more night train lines are available in France: Paris – Aurillac and Paris – Berlin!

>> Paris-Aurillac in the Cantal leaves in the evening from Paris Austerlitz train station and arrives in Aurillac early in the morning. It is available on weekends and during school holidays in France – Click here to buy your tickets from Paris to Aurillac (or vice-versa)

>> NightJet from Paris to Berlin leaves the German capital in the evening, traveling via Strasbourg, and arrives in Paris early in the morning. For the time being, this service is available 3 times a week, and it will be a daily service from October 2024. The train operator is OBB (Austria) – Click here to buy your tickets from Paris to Berlin (or vice-versa)

7. Eurostar (Train from the UK to France)

The Eurostar (international joint operation) is a high-speed train from England to France that connects France with the UK and Belgium via the Channel Tunnel. One of the most popular Euro trains to Paris, the Eurostar is so fast that it’s, in fact, possible to make day trips from London to Paris or London to Disneyland Paris !

Other French cities served by Eurostar trains are Calais, Lille, Lyon, Avignon, Marseille, Moutiers, Aime-la-Plagne, and Bourg-St-Maurice.

This Euro train has three classes of travel: standard, standard premier, and business. All classes of travel are very comfortable. Standard premier and business classes are served food onboard, while standard class can purchase food at the onboard café or bring their own food. On most trains, Wi-Fi is available onboard the trains and a range of entertainment is via the Eurostar App.

A seat reservation is mandatory on Eurostar (see below for how to purchase tickets). For the cheapest tickets, book your tickets well in advance rather than on the day of travel. Tickets are usually available for purchase around 90 days before the day of travel.

Unlike most of the other trains above, for the Eurostar, you are required to check in before boarding the train.

The Thalys is a French-Belgian train operator connecting France with Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany.

When traveling on the Thalys train, you can purchase a first-class (comfort or premium class) or second-class ticket. Either class is very comfortable with all seats, including drop-down tables and power sockets. All trains have free Wi-Fi and a café on board, but you are also welcome to bring your own food onboard.

A seat reservation is mandatory on Thalys trains (see below for how to purchase tickets). For the cheapest tickets, book your tickets well in advance rather than on the day of travel. Tickets are usually available for purchase around three months before the day of travel.

There are various ways to buy train tickets in France, depending on your preference. These options are available whether you hold a rail pass and just need to make a seat reservation or if you require a point-to-point ticket.

1. In Train Stations

For the ultimate flexibility, you can just turn up and purchase your ticket at the train station. You can either purchase your ticket at a vending machine or from a ticket window (this is becoming rare, though).

If you don’t speak English, it’s often best to use the vending machines, as you can switch it to English.

However, I don’t recommend this option for long distances, as some train lines are sold out days (or months) in advance.

2. Online on the SNCF Website

Locals in France usually prefer to purchase their train tickets via the SNCF website , which is the official website of the French Railways. You can either purchase your tickets as you go or in advance to secure some good deals. Unfortunately, the English version of the site is not that great, but it is still a good way to purchase tickets online.

You can then choose to print your ticket on your phone or keep it on your smartphone.

3. Online on Omio or Trainline Websites

I recommend that you use Omio to book French train tickets – alternatively – book your train tickets on Trainline here. Both sites are easy to navigate, have great overviews of the train schedules and prices, have lots of information, straightforward booking, and are all in English. (All the things that the SNCF is NOT!)

Since 15 February 2024, the SNCF has imposed a limit on passengers regarding their luggage, which means that your suitcases will have to respect certain dimensions. The size of baggage allowed depends on the type of train.

1. TGV and Intercités Trains

One person can take up to two pieces of labeled luggage with maximum dimensions of 70 x 90 x 50 cm (suitcase, large backpack, hiking bag, sports bag) and one labeled handbag with maximum dimensions of 40 x 30 x 15 cm (backpack, shopping bag, computer bag).

In addition, it is also possible to travel with “special luggage”: “stroller, folded scooter, musical instrument in a labeled case, pair of skis in a labeled bag, wakeboard or snowboard in a labeled bag,” specifies the SNCF.

2. TER Trains

TER trains do not have a maximum size imposed. “Nevertheless, luggage must be able to be handled by yourself and enter the spaces provided on our regional trains,” SNCF says.

For the Ouigos, nothing changes. Passengers already had to respect a size and a number of bags before this new policy. As a reminder, you can board the carry-on baggage of no more than 36 x 27 x 15 cm and one piece of cabin baggage that does not exceed 55 x 35 x 25 cm.

GOOD TO KNOW: While the rules have been in place since 15 February 2024, the SNCF promises to be flexible “until 15 September 2024,” the end date of the “adaptation period.” From September 2024, there will be a fine of 50 euros for non-compliance with the baggage policy.

1. Train Travel from Paris

Given many tourists arrive in Paris , this is often the starting point for many train journeys within France. With the trains in Paris, you can pretty much reach anywhere within the country with ease.

Here are some of the main destinations in France served from the train stations in Paris:

» Gare du Nord: Northeast France, Lille, Valenciennes, Calais, London (Eurostar), Brussels, Cologne, and Amsterdam (Thalys)

» Gare de l’Est: Nancy, Metz, Reims, Strasbourg, Colmar, Germany, and Luxembourg

» Gare de Lyon: South of France. Lyon, Dijon, Besançon, Clermont-Ferrand, Marseille, Nice, Montpellier. Mulhouse in the East of France. Switzerland (Geneva, Zurich), Italy, and Catalunya (Girona, Barcelona)

» Gare d’Austerlitz: Tours, Poitiers, Limoges, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Biarritz, Western Spain

» Gare Montparnasse: All TGVs to West of France (Brittany, Brest, Rennes, Nantes)

» Gare St. Lazare: Caen, Cherbourg, Rouen, Le Havre.

2. Train Travel in France

Did you know France is the most visited country on earth? Whether you prefer spending your holidays swimming, hiking, sightseeing, or drinking some of the world’s best wines, it is possible to reach your dream destination in France by train.

Check out our suggested train itineraries:

Best day trips from Paris by train
Train itineraries 1 week
Train itineraries 2 weeks
Gothic Cathedrals in France train itinerary

3. Euro Train Travel to France

Train travel to France is not exclusive to French trains, so it is possible to travel to France with train companies from abroad. Examples of international cooperations are SNCF – Deutsche Bahn for train travel France – Germany, SNCF – Swiss Rail for train travel France – Switzerland, and SNCF – RENFE for train travel France – Catalonia and Spain.

Below I have listed the most popular international train travel routes to France:

Need to catch a train from England to France? – take the super-fast and efficient Eurostar . England to France by train was never easier, and Eurostar connects Paris with both the UK and Brussels.
From Switzerland, you can get a high-speed train to France with TGV Lyria .
SNCF, in cooperation with Deutsche Bahn , operates frequent trains between France and Germany.
If you’d like to travel to France by train from Belgium, the Netherlands, or Germany, Thalys operates an efficient train service.

New French destinations from Spain

RENFE (the Spanish train network) chose Lyon to introduce its new AVE fast train service for France. This new service connecting France and Spain began on 13 July 2023 between Barcelona and Lyon with no change of trains. Then, the connection between Madrid and Marseille started on 28 July 2023.

This is great news for Catalan and Spanish who wish to attend the Summer Olympics competitions in Southern France.

Currently, SNCF trains travel from Paris to Barcelona in less than 10 hours, with 3 routes per day. RENFE will also operate this route but only after the Summer Olympics.

France Rail Pass For Tourists

There are a range of different rail passes that you can use to travel France by train. Some passes are solely for train travel in France, while others allow you to travel in France and other European countries. What pass is best for you really depends upon your individual travel plans.

There are various benefits to having a rail pass as opposed to purchasing point-to-point tickets as you go, such as:

Convenience – no need to purchase train tickets every time you want to take a train.
Flexibility – given a rail pass provides you with unlimited train travel you can just turn up at the station whenever you like and catch the next train. If you miss a train – no problem catch the next one.
Save money – this is the main reason people purchase a rail pass. Unless you book your tickets well in advance, last-minute train tickets can be crazy expensive. By having a pass with unlimited travel, you will, in many cases, save money.
Discounts: many rail passes come with other inclusions of discounts for attractions or other modes of transport.

1. Interrail Pass One Country

For those only traveling in France, the Interrail Pass, One Country is the way to go. This France rail pass provides you with unlimited train travel in France (all France trains, including the TGC, TER, Intercity, etc.) – there is absolutely no limit to the number of times you take a train on any given day.

You can choose a France rail pass based on the number of travel days you will have in France. You can choose from 1 to 8 days of travel within a month. You can also choose to travel first or second class.

Interrail Pass can only be used by European citizens or permanent residents in Europe. If you are a UK resident, you can use this pass too.

When it comes to regional and local trains, just jump on board and sit wherever you like. For fast trains, in most cases, a seat reservation is required in addition to your pass.

With the Interrail Pass One Country , you will also receive discounts on various museums, attractions, cruises, ferries, buses, and hotels.

2. Eurail Global Pass – Multi-Country Pass

If you are visiting France as well as neighboring countries, then the Eurail Global Pass is the better rail pass option. Indeed, with this multi-country train pass, Europe has no secrets for you! This pass provides you will unlimited travel in 31 different European Countries (including France) – there is absolutely no limit to the number of times you take a train on any given day.

You can choose the best train pass for Europe based on how many travel days you will have in Europe. Choose either 3, 5, or 7 days of travel within a month or 10 or 15 days of travel within two months. If you travel by train more frequently, you can also buy a consecutive day travel pass of 15 days, 22 days, one month, two months, or even three months. You can also choose to travel first or second class.

While some trains you can just jump on board and sit wherever you like, remember other trains require you to have a seat reservation in addition to your pass.

How to Use Rail Passes

Generally, most rail passes are still paper-based and require you to write the date of your travel before the first trip of each day. You then simply board the train. If you have made a seat reservation (remember this is mandatory for some trains), you need to find this seat and sit there for the duration of your train trip.

Ticket inspectors will come through the train periodically and ask to see your ticket. You simply show them your rail pass and seat reservation (if you have one).

To make your train travel in France enjoyable, here are a few additional tips:

1. Train Strikes in France

Train strikes in France can be a major inconvenience, especially if you’re caught off-guard. I tell you all about train strikes in France – strike dates and the best tips to deal with them – in this article about French Train Strikes .

2. Arrive Early at the Station

There is nothing worse than arriving a few minutes before your train is about to depart and having no idea where to go. France train stations can be huge places, and it can be a little daunting to navigate your way around.

Arrive at least 15-20 minutes (perhaps more in huge train stations like Gare du Nord in Paris) before your train is due to depart. This will give you enough time to check the large screens and see which platform your train is leaving from and then find the platform. Once you arrive at the platform, there is often a sign indicating where the train’s carriages are so that you can wait in the appropriate place for easy boarding.

If this is your first time catching a train in Europe, or if you don’t speak French, I’d even recommend giving yourself an extra 10 minutes until you get the hang of things.

3. Bring Snacks for the Train

This is particularly important for long-distance trains. While most trains have a trolley cart that comes around or even a café on board, sometimes, for whatever reason, the trolley doesn’t come, or the café is closed. Even when they are open, they may not have your favorite drink or anything you like. Plus, the food and drinks tend to be expensive.

Most train stations have various convenience stores where you can pick up food and drinks before boarding the train.

4. Validate Tickets before Boarding

If you use point-to-point tickets on regional and local trains, you must validate your ticket before boarding the train. Usually, there is a machine just before you enter the platform where you insert your ticket.

If you are using a pass, nothing is required except boarding the train. If in doubt, always ask the station staff before boarding the train.

5. Never Leave Unattended Luggage

It can be tempting to briefly leave your bag while you walk to a nearby shop for a bottle of water, but you should never leave your luggage unattended – even for a second. Unfortunately, thieves are everywhere, and they are well experienced with taking bags in a split second.

It is also recommended that you store your luggage within eyesight on board the train instead of in the dedicated spaces between the seats and the doors. In most cases, you should be able to store your luggage in the compartments above your seat or below your seat.

When I take a train in France, I never leave my suitcase in the compartments between the seats and the doors.

6. Making Train Connections

Unlike flight connections, you really don’t need much time between train connections. Sometimes, a train connection might involve walking to the other side of the platform. However, at other times you will need to walk from one end of the train station to the other, so leave yourself plenty of time to make your connection – 10 minutes should be plenty.

And there you have it, a quick guide to trains in France. I hope that this guide to the train system in France will help you with getting around France by train. Bon voyage!

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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)

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 .

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

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.

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

Did you enjoy this article? I'd love if you shared it!

Bonjour! I’m Leyla! I was born in Paris and now live in the bucolic mountain foothills of Eastern France between Lyon and Annecy.

I'm rediscovering my own back yard after years of living abroad in Canada, Spain and Switzerland as a journalist and a 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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See the very best of France with this beautiful itinerary. Kick off your trip in Paris and let the train carry you down to the sunny Mediterranean, exploring hillside vineyards and endless lavender fields along the way.

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

Cities visited in this trip:

2. Versailles

3. Mont Saint-Michel

4. Bordeaux

5. Carcassonne

For this itinerary we recommend:

Interrail Pass: France Pass
Travel days: 8 days within 1 month

Train seat reservations

Most of the high-speed trains in France, like the TGV and some InterCités, require reservations. These reservations are not included in your Interrail Pass. Make sure to book your trains well in advance, or travel by regional trains to avoid reservations altogether.

More about reservations in France →

Paris, France

The famous city of love will charm you every step of the way. Walk underneath the Eiffel Tower and have a glass of wine on the banks of the Seine. 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 . The city is also a haven for culture vultures, who could spend days exploring the wonderful collection of the Louvre museum . For a fancy touch to your trip, go shopping on the Champs Élysées by day and visit the magnificent Paris Opera by night.

From Paris to Versailles

Travel time:

Gare Montparnasse

Versailles, France

Versailles-Chantiers

The magnificent Palace of Versailles is a breathtaking symbol of splendour and flamboyance. It has served as 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.

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

The tiny island of Mont Saint-Michel can be found just off the coast of Normandy. 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.

From Mont St. Michel to Bordeaux

Nantes, France

Gare de Nantes

Bordeaux, France

Gare de Bordeaux-St. Jean

From Bordeaux to Carcassonne

Carcassonne, France

Gare de Carcassonne

From Carcassonne to Nice

Marseille, France

Gare de Marseille-Saint-Charles

Nice, France

From Nice to Lyon

Avignon, France

Gare d’Avignon Centre

Lyon, France

Lyon Part-Dieu

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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.

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 >>

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.

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:

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 >>

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) >>

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.

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.

PIN my France train tickets and French train travel post:

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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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 !

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.

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 🙂

The Complete Guide To Travel In France By Train

France has long been a favorite and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe . Given that it is the largest country in western Europe, it makes sense to travel by train. The French government has invested in high-speed lines (Ligne a Grande Vitesse or LGV) and high-speed trains (Train a Grande Vitesse or TGV train). There are more than 1056 miles (1700 km) of dedicated high-speed lines as well as thousands of miles of main and smaller lines. Almost the whole country is accessible via French railways. France’s trains are efficient, fast, and will get you where you want to go within the country as well as to or from any neighboring country. If you are a first-time traveler in France, the best way to get around using train travel is through careful trip planning. However, the rail network can be a little confusing, especially when you don’t speak or read French. To help you understand the train system in France, we have created a complete guide to travel throughout France by train.

In this guide, you will find out everything you need to know to create your personal travel plan. We will also provide information on different train companies that operate in France and the types of trains. We will give you valuable tips on buying tickets for the lowest price, navigating the railway system, the benefits of rail passes, and getting around France from Paris. Keep reading The Complete Guide To Travel In France By Train to discover how to travel to France by train.

Rail Transport Is The Eco-Friendly Way To Travel. Th is article is written to educate about Train Travel by Save A Train, The Cheapest Train Tickets Website In The World .

How To Buy Train Tickets In France

Where can i buy train tickets for my trip to france.

There are several easy and convenient methods or websites for buying French train tickets. They are fairly easy to use, but many of them come with their own quirks and oddities that we need to point out.

Save a Train is a company that digitized and revolutionized rail ticketing . Visit their website, compare train fares, choose the train line, and type of seat you want. You can pay with your credit card or even bitcoin. In case your train ticket’s price drops, the platform will let you know and help you exchange it for a lower price.

W hen accessing the official website of French Railways , you will most probably get redirected to RailEurope.com, which is the official North American partner of French Railways. However, you won’t always find the cheapest fares on Rail Europe. Therefore, you should always pay attention that the cheapest train route fares are on Save A Train.

Amsterdam to Paris Trains

Nice to Marseilles Trains

Rotterdam to Paris Trains

Brussels to Paris Trains

Automated machines to Buy Train Tickets in France

At The Train Station

There are two ways to buy French train tickets at the station – from a ticket window and at the vending machine. English-speakers can purchase them either way, but if your English is not that good and cannot communicate with the person at the ticket window well, the vending machine is your best bet. It is easy to navigate, and you can even change its language settings. Buying tickets from the vending machine requires a Chip & PIN credit card.

How should I collect my online ticket?

There are several methods of collecting your tickets:

Pick up at the station. To collect your tickets at the station, you can use a booking information number or credit card (the same one you used to buy the tickets).
Print-at-home tickets. After you receive the electronic tickets, you can print them and show them to the train conductor who checks tickets.
Electronic tickets. If you don’t want to print your tickets, you can download them to your phone or tablet. You can just show the conductor your ticket via your phone or tablet screen.
Mailed tickets. Some services offer the option of sending you the tickets via regular mail. However, that is a very slow process, and therefore, not a recommended option.

Should I buy train tickets in advance?

It can be confusing to know which train tickets can be purchased whenever and which should be bought in advance because there are several types of trains and different train services.

Regional/local trains. Regional and local trains connect suburban and regional areas. RER and Transilien connect suburban Paris, while TER trains (Train Expres Regionaux) are regional trains that connect regional hubs with smaller towns. You don’t have to buy regional and local train tickets in advance, just buy them right before departure.

Intercite trains (IC). An Intercites train is an express train that doesn’t travel on the high-speed lines and connects cities as well as shorter distances. You can purchase IC tickets in advance to get a discount.
High-speed trains (TGV). TGV trains are the fastest trains in France, and tickets for them are available to purchase 90 days in advance. The prices for them continue to rise as the departure date approaches, so book them early for the lowest price. A ticket purchased 90 days in advance could cost €30. But if you were to buy them a few days before the departure, the ticket price could be as high as €100.
International trains. The same rules on early booking apply to international trains because these are also high-speed trains.

What are the benefits of rail pass tickets?

There’s a wide range of rail pass tickets you can use to travel throughout France by train. Some of them allow you to travel within France and other European countries, and then there are rail passes that are solely for travel within France. Unlike regular train tickets, rail pass tickets come with some benefits:

Flexibility. With a rail pass ticket, you get unlimited train travel. Just go to the station whenever you like, stamp the rail pass in the train station office and get on the next available train.
Discounts. Rail passes typically come with inclusions of discounts for attractions, making them an excellent option for budget travelers . They can be a huge money-saver, which is the main reason people purchase rail passes. Last-minute train tickets can be costly if you don’t book them in advance.
Convenience. You don’t need to worry about buying a ticket every time you want to take a train, but you must have flexibility since you won’t have a place on every train that you wish.

Which rail pass ticket should I purchase?

When purchasing a rail pass ticket, you can choose between the France Country Pass and Multi-Country Pass (Eurail Global Pass) .

The France Country Pass is your best bet if you are just traveling in France because it provides unlimited travel on the national rail network (including intercity, TER, TGC, etc.). You can choose either 1 to 8 days of travel within a month as well as choose between first and second class. A seat reservation is required in addition to a rail pass for travel on high-speed trains. With this pass, you also receive discounts on various buses, ferries, cruises, hotels, museums, and other attractions.

The Eurail Global Pass is a better option if you also plan to travel to neighboring countries. This multi-country pass provides unlimited travel to 31 different countries in Europe (including France). With Eurail passes, there is no limit to the number of times you can catch a train. Choose either 3, 5, or 7 days of travel within one month or 10-15 days of travel within two months. Remember to make reservations before departure.

Most rail passes are paper-based, and you will need to write the date of your departure before the first trip of each day. Seat reservations for high-speed trains will cost you between €10 and €20 per seat, while international travel reservations range from €35 to €89 per seat (depending on the destination).

AN IMPORTANT NOTE : Rail Pass is only good value for money if you train travel to more than 14 days if you travel for less than point to point train tickets such as what Save A Train is offerings offer better value for your money.

Marseilles to Lyon Train times

Paris to Lyon Train times

Lyon to Paris Trains

Lyon to Avignon Trains

How To Use Train Tickets In France?

On regional and local trains, you might need to travel with a physical ticket. Go to a validation box before your departure to validate or “stamp” your ticket. If you didn’t validate it before departure, wait for the conductor to stamp it while on the train. There are no seat reservations for regional and local trains, so just sit anywhere.

On high-speed trains, there is a specific time printed on your ticket, and the ticket is only valid for that specified time. There is no need to validate your tickets because you have a seat reservation. Make sure that you find the right car and seat (the numbers are written or printed on your ticket).

Paris to Rouen Trains

Rouen to Paris Trains

Paris to Calais Trains

Rouen to Calais Trains

Getting Around France From Paris

When tourists come to France, the majority of them make Paris their starting point for train journeys within the country. When starting in Paris, you can reach almost any destination within the country. These are some of the main destinations served from Parisian train stations.

Gare d’Austerlitz or Austerlitz Train Station – Bordeaux, Limoges, Poitiers, Toulouse, Biarritz, Tours, and western Spain.
Montparnase Train Station or Gare Montparnasse – All TGVs to western France (Rennes, Nantes, Brest, Brittany)
Gare du Nord – Northeast France, Valenciennes, Lille, Calais; Brussels, Cologne, and Amsterdam (Thalys); London (Eurostar).
Gare de Lyon – South of France. Montpellier, Dijon, Lyon, Clermont-Ferrand, Besançon, Marseille, Nice. Mulhouse in the East of France. Catalunya (Girona, Barcelona), Italy, and Switzerland (Geneva, Zurich).
Saint Lazare Railway Station or Gare St. Lazare – Le Havre, Rouen , Caen, Cherbourg.
Gare de l’Est – Nancy. Reims, Metz, Strasbourg, Luxembourg, and Germany.

La Rochelle to Nantes Trains

Toulouse to La Rochelle Trains

Bordeaux to La Rochelle Trains

Paris to La Rochelle Trains

Best Tips For Travel In France By Train

We provide you with a list of great tips that will make your train travel in France more convenient and enjoyable.

Arrive early at the train station. Be sure to be at the train station at least 20 minutes before departure, or even earlier if you are traveling from huge train stations, such as the Gare du Nord in Paris. For a tourist who doesn’t speak French, there is nothing worse than arriving only a few minutes before departure without having the slightest idea of where to go. Arriving early enough will give you time to check the Departure Board for station information, identify which platform your train is leaving, and find the right platform.
Never leave your luggage unattended. You might want to walk to a nearby shop for some snacks or water. If you decide to walk around, don’t leave your bag unattended even for a second. Otherwise, you risk having your luggage stolen by experienced thieves. Major train stations in France (including Paris Gare du Nord, Paris Gare de Lyon, and Paris Gare d’Austerlitz Est) have left-luggage lockers in various sizes. Before you enter the locker area , expect to have your bags X-rayed. Once onboard, place your luggage within your eyesight instead of on the dedicated luggage spaces.
Pack some food. Passengers are allowed to bring their own food and beverage on trains, which is great for long-distance train rides. Some trains have a cafe on board, and most of them have a trolley cart that comes around. Unfortunately, the trolley doesn’t always come, and the cafe may be closed. The food and drinks on board are also more expensive. To save money , pack yourself a picnic with your favorite food before every trip. There are various convenience stores in most train stations where you can buy food and drinks.
Download a rail planner app to your phone. There is a range of rail planner apps you can install and use to make your train travels more convenient. Our article contains all the info and train schedules for European trains, and some apps don’t require an internet connection. With a rail planner app, you will always know whether your train is going to be late (and by how long) or on time, as well as which platform it will arrive/depart. In major cities like Paris, there isn’t one “main” station, and it is easy to confuse one station for another. With the right app, you will be sure that you get off at the correct station.
Luggage. When it comes to luggage, you can bring as much as you can carry since there are no weight limits. You can store your bags overhead, behind your seat, or in a luggage rack in your car.
First-class and second-class tickets . There is not much difference between first-class and second-class cars. However, it is quieter in the first-class, and the seats are a bit bigger. Second-class cars are also perfectly comfortable. It’s worth mentioning that first-class tickets cost about 1.5x more than the second-class fare.
You cannot refund cheap tickets. Perhaps the only downside to cheap tickets is that they cannot be changed or refunded.
Self-service machines. When using a self-serving ticket machine, you can choose the English language option, so there’s no need to worry if you don’t speak French.
Carrying a bicycle. On local and regional trains, you can take a bicycle with you free of charge. TGVs and Intercites de Nuit (overnight trains) on a few routes allow you to take a bike for a small fee (usually about €10). On other TGV trains, you will have to put your bicycle in a zip-up bike bag.
Making connections. Along the journey, your trip might require you to change trains. Switching trains are typically quick and easy, so there’s no need to worry if you don’t have enough time between trains. A train connection might involve walking to the other side of the platform or the other part of the train station.
Know the train station names. Large cities have multiple train stations, which can create confusion. If you can’t memorize their names, write them down on a piece of paper, save them on your phone, or use a rail planner app.
Mind the train strikes. France is known for train strikes, and they always warn the public before going on one. While some trains will still run, strikes are something to pay attention to if you want to avoid major inconveniences.
Use Chip & PIN credit card. To purchase a ticket on an automated ticket kiosk, you will need a Chip & PIN credit card, so make sure you know your PIN code, although we do not recommend it, since it’s very expensive.

Paris to Marseilles Trains

Marseilles to Paris Trains

London to Paris Trains

Marseilles to Clermont Ferrand Trains

All major cities in France are connected by TGV – the high-speed train network with trains that travel at speeds of nearly 200 mph. At these speeds, all areas of France are within your reach.

We designed this guide “Complete Guide To Travel In France By Train” to give you a strong understanding of how the French rail system works and help you if you are thinking about taking a train but not sure what to do or where to start. Whether you are on a backpacking adventure, a business trip, or on a family holiday, we have got you covered, Save A Train is the place to buy train tickets .

Do you want to embed our blog post “The Complete Guide To Travel In France By Train” onto your site? You can either take our photos and text and give us credit with a link to this blog post. Or click here: https://iframely.com/embed/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.saveatrain.com%2Fblog%2Fguide-travel-france-train%2F%3Flang%3Den ‎- (Scroll down a little to see the Embed Code)

If you want to be kind to your users, you can guide them directly into our search pages. In this link, you will find our most popular train routes – https://www.saveatrain.com/routes_sitemap.xml . Inside you have our links for English landing pages, but we also have https://www.saveatrain.com/fr_routes_sitemap.xml , and you can change the /fr to /it or /es and more languages.

Liam Mallari

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The best way to travel between French town & cities is by train, in comfort at ground level. France's world-famous TGV travels at up to 199 mph, from city centre to city centre, and if you pre-book direct with the operator you can find some really cheap fares, too.

International trains to/from France

Station guides, general train travel information, useful country information, how to check schedules & fares.

You can check train times & fares for any journey in France at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com , called voyages-sncf.com until 2017. There's no booking fee and if booking 1st class on a TGV you can choose your seat from a seat map. It can be a little fiddly and has occasionally been known to struggle with non-European credit cards, but normally anyone from any country can use it.

You can also use either www.raileurope.com (formerly Loco2.com, prices in €, £ or $) or www.thetrainline.com (formerly Captaintrain.com, in €, £ or $). These are easy to use, in plain English, international cards no problem and they sell tickets for other European operators too, not just for French Railways. Both sites charge a small booking fee.

Maps of the French rail network

How to buy train tickets, do you need to buy in advance.

TER regional, local & suburban trains, no .

This includes all TER (Trains Express Régionaux), Paris suburban trains and all other local trains. For example, Lyon-Grenoble or Dijon-Lyon TERs, Cannes-Nice-Monte Carlo TERs, Paris to Versailles or CDG airport by RER.

Simply buy a ticket at the station ticket office or from the self-service machines, you may still need to validate it ( composter ) in the little machines on the platform (although this requirement is being phased out), hop on the next train and sit where you like. Or buy one online, just to save time, online TER tickets don't need to be validated.

No reservation is necessary or even possible, the train can't sell out and the fare is fixed so there's usually no price advantage in pre-booking. There are a few exceptions to this, read more about TER ticketing .

Intercités, probably .

A few shorter-distance Intercité trains don't have compulsory seat reservation, so they can never sell out, you can always buy a full-price ticket at the station and hop on, sitting wherever you like. Routes include Nantes-Bordeaux, Nantes-Lyon, Toulouse-Hendaye, Béziers-Clermont. But you can still save some money by booking a cheap train-specific non-refundable prems fare in advance, so it's worth checking online.

However, most Intercités such as Paris-Limoges-Brive-Toulouse, Paris-Vichy-Clermont, Bordeaux-Toulouse-Montpellier-Marseille and Intercités de nuit require compulsory reservation, just like the TGVs explained below.

TGV high-speed trains, yes .

TGV high-speed trains are all-reserved. All tickets for these trains come with a seat reservation automatically included and the price varies like air fares, so pre-book for the cheapest prices. In practice there are almost always places available on most trains even just before departure, the issue is price. On the day of departure you'd have to pay the expensive full-flex fare, for example Paris-Nice €140, but if you pre-book you can buy a cheap Prems fare, Paris-Nice from €25 upwards. So it pays to book ahead! Booking now opens up to 4 months ahead .

Fares explained

SNCF simplified TGV & Intercité fares in 2019 and there's now just one type of fare in 2nd class, although they call the higher prices Seconde and the cheaper prices Prems , which is SNCF's long-established brand name for cheap fares.

So you'll now see only one 2nd class price against each train, in contrast to the flexible, inflexible and semi-flexible fares they used to have. In 1st class there are two fare types, Première & Business Première.

Prices are dynamic like air fares, cheaper in advance, more expensive closer to departure, cheaper on quiet trains, days & dates, more expensive on popular trains, days & dates. All tickets commit you to a specific train.

All 1st & 2nd class fares are now changeable & refundable, free of charge until 30 days before travel, then there's a €5 fee until 3 days before travel, then a €15 fee until 30 minutes before departure. You have to pay any difference in fare.

From 30 minutes before the train departs, tickets can be changed up to two times for the same day and the same journey, but they become non-refundable once exchanged. Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable after departure.

Business première fares are totally flexible, changeable without any fee until 30 minutes after departure. From 30 minutes before the train departs, tickets can be changed up to two times for the same day and the same journey, but they are non-refundable once exchanged. These fares are expensive, aimed at business travellers as their name suggests.

Local and regional ( TER ) trains just have one fixed price fare, usually termed Tariff normal . These tickets are valid for one journey on any train leaving until midnight on the day they're booked for or (in some cases) after you validate it in a little composter machine on the platform. Sometimes there are cheaper tariffs at off-peak times, but that depends on the region.

How to buy tickets at the station

It's easy to buy tickets at the station even if you don't speak French. For local journeys such as Paris-Versailles or Nice-Cannes, you just turn up, buy a ticket and hop on, no reservation necessary. You can buy tickets from the multi-lingual self-service machines at main stations. Just touch the UK flag for English.

For long-distance trains including all TGV , Intercités & Intercités de Nuit overnight trains, reservation is compulsory, but there are usually seats available even on the day of travel and you can buy a ticket immediately before the train departs. But there are much cheaper fares if you pre-book.

In some cases you need to validate your tickets by putting them into the little yellow machines marked Compostez votre billet at the entrance to every platform - there's a fine if you don't! Print-at-home tickets don't need to be validated, and SNCF are steadily phasing out the need to validate tickets. You already don't need to in some regions.

How to buy train tickets online

Bookings open 4 months ahead for TGV & Intercités , 3-5 months for TER regional trains.

Over the summer, booking horizons get longer: In 2024 sales opened on 24 January for travel until 22 May, on 7 March until 5 July, on 13 March until 11 September.

Google SNCF ticket sales opening to find the page on www.sncf-connect.com where they give current sales opening dates.

For Christmas & New Year horizons get shorter: Dates after the mid-December timetable change usually open in mid-October.

Buy direct from SNCF at www.sncf-connect.com

This is French Railways' own website selling tickets in € with no booking fee . You print your own ticket or can show it on your phone.

It's a little fiddly until you get used to it, it's almost as if they made it that way deliberately. The language selector is out of sight towards the bottom of the page and their home page has just one mysterious all-purpose entry field which confuses a lot of people, instead of having from and to fields like a normal site. However, I've set up all links to www.sncf-connect.com to go to a page in English with conventional from and to fields, at least I can help you with that!

A key advantage of www.sncf-connect.com is that when booking a 1st class ticket on a TGV or Intercité you can usually select your seat from a seat map.

Another key advantage is that it can sell all SNCF products including Billets Bambin (which gives infants under 4 their own reserved seat) and Espace Privatif (sole occupancy of a couchette compartment on French overnight trains). It can sell tickets with the Carte Avantage discount applied (SNCF's discount card) and can sell tickets for Ouigo lo-cost trains as well as full-service TGV InOui.

The vast majority of tickets can be printed or shown on your phone. In rare cases where www.sncf-connect.com only offers you a collect-at-station ticket you'll need a chip & PIN credit card to collect from the machines (without chip & PIN you'll need to use the busy staffed ticket counter) but if you buy at Raileurope.com or Thetrainline.com no credit card is necessary to collect tickets, just the booking reference.

www.sncf-connect.com normally works for anyone from any country, so give it a try. In the past I've occasionally known it to reject some overseas credit cards, but if you have any problems you can simply switch to www.thetrainline.com .

Buy at www.thetrainline.com

Three young French entrepreneurs thought they could sell SNCF tickets better than SNCF themselves, and they were right. They started a website called Capitainetrain which was later acquired by well-known UK ticket retailer The Trainline and absorbed into www.thetrainline.com . It connects to SNCF's ticketing system and sells the same tickets at the same prices, with a small booking fee. You can pay in €, £ or $. Who are Thetrainline.com?

It's easier to use than www.sncf-connect.com , anyone of any nationality can buy tickets at www.thetrainline.com , international credit cards are welcome. You print your ticket or show it on your phone. They ask you to print in A4 size, but if you're American printing tickets on Letter size paper is absolutely fine.

Like sncf-connect, when booking a 1st class ticket on a TGV or Intercité you can usually select seats from a seat map, a big plus.

Thetrainline.com can sell Billets Bambin , Espace Privatif and tickets for Ouigo lo-cost trains , and can apply the Carte Avantage discount.

Buy at www.raileurope.com

Two young British entrepreneurs started Loco2.com, aiming to make buying train tickets easier. Loco2 was acquired by SNCF in 2018, rebranded Raileurope.com in 2019 and sold on again in 2020. It links to SNCF's ticketing system and sells the same tickets as SNCF at the same prices, with a small booking fee. You can pay in €, £ or $. Who are Raileurope.com?

It can sell Billets Bambin to give your infant under 4 their own reserved seat.

However, it can't sell tickets for Ouigo lo-cost trains or Espace Privatif on overnight trains, nor can it sell tickets with a Carte Avantage discount. It offers a wide range of seating options including upper and lower deck on a TGV Duplex, but unlike SNCF-connect and Thetrainline it doesn't offer seat selection from a seat map.

It's easier to use than www.sncf-connect.com , international credit cards welcome. You print your ticket or show it on your phone. They ask you to print in A4 size, but if you're American printing tickets on Letter size paper is absolutely fine.

Which website should you use to buy French train tickets ?

Here's a summary of the features of each website, you can draw your own conclusions. As far as price is concerned, all the sites below charge the same basic fare (give or take exchange rates).

Type = offers basic choice of aisle, window, table-for-four or (in 1st class) a table-for-two or solo seat.

Deck = offers choice of upper or lower deck on a double-decker TGV Duplex, I recommend top deck for the best views.

Map = you can select your seat from a seat map when booking 1st class on a TGV nor Intercité.

Ouigo = Special lo-cost budget-airline-on-rails TGV trains branded Ouigo, see the Ouigo page for information .

FB = Billet Bambin , allows you to pay a few euros to reserve a seat for your infant aged 0-3, more information here .

EP = Espace Privatif , allows you to book sole occupancy of a 4-berth couchette on a French night train, more information here .

CA = Carte Avantage , can this website sell tickets if you have SNCF's Carte Avantage discount card?

* www.sncf-connect.com usually works with any credit card, very occasionally I receive an It's rejected my credit card email from overseas users such as Americans or Australians, but give it a go, with one of the other sites as a fall-back if it doesn't.

Buy train tickets by phone in the UK

If you live in the UK you can buy French train tickets by phone with a number of UK-based train travel specialists, see the list of agencies and phone numbers here . But it's quicker and easier and cheaper to book online.

How to contact SNCF

You can call SNCF telesales & customer service on 00 33 184943635 , listen out for option 85 for English. Lines open 08:00-20:00 French time, 7 days a week.

SNCF's discount card : Carte Avantage

What is a carte avantage.

Carte Avantage is SNCF's discount card for leisure travel. You buy it for a year and it gives discounts on travel. It may justify the price even for one or two long trips, especially if you're booking close to your departure date when fares would normally be expensive.

Man in Seat 61's top tip

You can read the small print until you're blue in the face, but the only way you'll know for certain what benefit a Carte Avantage gives is by running an enquiry with and without a Carte Avantage added and seeing what effect the card has.

So before buying a Carte Avantage, run an enquiry for the specific journeys you plan to make, on the same days of the week, using either www.thetrainline.com or www.sncf-connect.com (a) without any Carte Avantage and (b) with a Carte Avantage discount added.

You can add a Carte Avantage reduction to the passenger details without entering a card number. See what that does to prices. If you see no difference, the discount may not apply to your particular route/train/day. If you see a difference, do savings justify the cost of the card?

Types of Carte Avantage

Carte Avantage Adulte costs €49 at the time I write this and lasts one year, see details & buy online at sncf-connect.com .

It can be bought by anyone regardless of nationality or country of residence.

It gives 30% discount on French domestic TGV & Intercité journeys and 25%-50% on some TER regional trains if your journey is:

(a) one-way on a Saturday or Sunday; or

(b) a return journey on any day of the week which includes a Friday, Saturday or Sunday night away; or

One accompanying adult also gets the same discount - in other words, if there are 2 of you, you only need one Carte Avantage.

Up to 3 accompanying children under 12 years old get 60% off TGV & Intercité fares, and a varying amount off TER fares.

In addition, fares are capped if you have a Carte Avantage so they remain affordable even close to travel date where they'd otherwise be high.

The 30% discount also applies to some international journeys, notably the Paris-Luxembourg TGVs, Paris-Milan TGVs , Paris-Barcelona TGVs ; TGVs & ICEs between Paris & Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Munich; and TGV-Lyria between Paris & Switzerland.

However, there is no discount on Eurostar or Eurostar (formerly Thalys) , and no discount on TER trains in some French regions.

There is no discount on one-way journeys on weekdays (unless you're travelling with a child), or on some international journeys, so see my top tip above to check whether a Carte Avantage will work for your own specific journeys.

Carte Avantage Jeune is for anyone aged 12 but under 28 years old, see details & buy online . This costs the same as the adult version, but the discounts apply one-way or round trip on any day of the week, without the weekend or accompanying child restriction. However, there's no discount for a second adult. You can buy wherever you live and whatever your nationality.

Carte Avantage Senior for anyone over 60, see details & buy online . This costs the same as the adult version, but the discounts apply one-way or round trip on any day of the week, without the weekend or accompanying child restriction. However, there's no discount for a second adult. You can buy wherever you live and whatever your nationality.

How to buy a Carte Avantage

See details & buy online

The card is digital, you can either print it out and carry it as a .pdf document or load it into the SNCF-Connect app to show on your phone. Either way, there's a QR code which conductors can scan.

In theory, you can upload a photo of yourself to make the card fully digital with no separate ID needed (your photo will appear on the conductor's device the moment he scans your ticket). However, SNCF's photo upload system doesn't work and will repeatedly reject any photo you try to upload. So don't waste your time on it, if you can't upload a photo (which you can't), you simply need to carry some alternative form of photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence.

How to buy tickets with Carte Avantage discount

As soon as you've bought your Carte Avantage, you can buy tickets with the relevant discount at either www.thetrainline.com (small booking fee) or www.sncf-connect.com (a little more fiddly, no fee).

When using www.thetrainline.com , don't click Add railcard as you'll only see UK railcards, first set up a journey with a French origin and/or destination, then click Add loyalty and railcards, then click SNCF - Discount cards .

You can also use your Carte Avantage if buying French train tickets at Omio.com . Unfortunately, you can't use a Carte Avantage at www.raileurope.com .

What are French trains like ?

Trains à grande vitesse (tgv).

TGVs or Trains à Grande Vitesse are SNCF's premier high-speed trains. They run on major routes covering most of France at up to 300 km/h (186 mph). In fact, they run at up to 320 km/h (198 mph) on the new TGV-Est route from Paris to Reims, Strasbourg, Metz, Luxembourg & Basel, opened in 2007. Smooth & quiet even at high speed, it's a very relaxing way to travel. All but a handful of shorter-distance TGVs have a cafe-bar, and all have power outlets, free WiFi, toilets, wheelchair accessible spaces and luggage space.

Seat reservation is compulsory on TGV services, and all tickets come with a seat reservation automatically included.

SNCF's full-service TGVs are branded TGV InOui , to distinguish them from the no-frills lo-cost Ouigo trains .

See the TGV page for more photos, tips & information about travelling by TGV .

SNCF used to have a subsidiary company called iDTGV to run special cheap TGVs, but iDTGV was discontinued in December 2017.

Intercités is the name given to SNCF's remaining non-high-speed long-distance express trains. They come in two varieties, Intercités with compulsory reservation and Intercités without compulsory reservation.

Intercités with compulsory reservation are mostly smart locomotive-hauled trains running at up to 125mph, many using stylish air-conditioned cars formerly branded Téoz like the ones shown below, although SNCF has ceased using the Téoz branding. New electric units are slowly coming on stream for Intercité services to replace the locomotive-hauled cars. All seats have access to power sockets. Intercité routes include the Paris-Limoges-Brive-Toulouse (POLT) route and Nantes-Bordeaux-Toulouse-Perpignan-Marseille. All tickets for these trains come with a seat reservation for a specific train automatically included. See seating plan .

Intercités without compulsory reservation usually use similar locomotive-hauled coaches with a plainer interior. There are only a few routes left now, Nantes-Bordeaux, Nantes-Lyon, Toulouse-Hendaye, Béziers-Clermont. Most other routes in this category have now been handed over to the French regions and have become TER, notably Paris-Boulogne-Calais & Paris-Normandy. As the name suggests, you don't need a reservation for these trains, you can just turn up, buy an open ticket which can never sell out, get on and sit where you like. Seat reservation is an optional extra if you want it. Although these trains don't need to be pre-booked, if you book in advance you can often find cheaper train-specific prems fares which save money over the on-the-day full-flex price.

All Intercités have plenty of room for luggage, toilets, and often some form of catering - either a trolley service or a cafe-bar.

Some routes formerly branded Intercité have become TER (for example, Paris-Amiens-Boulogne-Calais), whilst Paris-Normandy Intercités have been rebranded Train Nomad with modern unit trains replacing or about to replace the old locomotive-hauled carriages.

Tip: It's possible to pre-order drinks & snacks for delivery to your seat on most Intercités. Go to www.sncf-connect.com/train/services-train/restauration-intercites (please let me know if that link stops working), order what you want (the cut-off seems to be just hours before departure), enter your train number, you car & seat number, your name & email, and pay.

Intercités de Nuit

SNCF's overnight sleeper trains are called Intercités de Nuit . Taking an overnight train with couchettes can be great fun and the most time-effective way to travel, in effect faster than flying. Sleep your way to the south of France in a comfy couchette, from Paris to Cannes, Nice, Narbonne, Perpignan, Toulouse, Rodez, Briancon or Latour de Carol for as little as €29 each way booked at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com . You can book sole or dual occupancy of a couchette compartment as explained here .

For more information, photos & a video guide see the Intercités de Nuit page .

Trains Express Régionaux (TER )

Trains Express Régionaux (TER) come in all shapes and sizes, typical single-deck & double-deck TERs are shown below. TERs are local regional trains, there are no seat reservations, you just sit where you like. Some TERs are double-deck such as the Cannes-Nice-Monaco-Ventimiglia TERs and a few use locomotive-hauled mainline carriages including the Paris-Dijon-Lyon and Marseille-Nice TER trains. All TER trains have space for luggage on various racks (or it simply sits on the floor) and many carry bikes too. They generally have toilets.

TER ticketing : TER trains have affordable fixed-price open tickets, so you may as well just buy at the station on the day - although you will now find some cheap train-specific tickets if you book a few days or weeks in advance and commit to a specific departure. TER trains can never 'sell out' as Tarif normal tickets should always be available, but see the following paragraphs!

Can TERs sell out? On 95% of TER routes there are no reservations, Tarif normal tickets are fixed-price with unlimited availability and can be used on any TER train that day. But since the pandemic, SNCF sometimes plays a dirty trick, some TER departures can be shown as 'full' ( complet in French) on trains they think will be very busy. This has often backfired, it makes it difficult for people to buy tickets and has lead to photos of half-empty 'complet' trains posted on social media!

The workaround : It's simple! Buy a full-price Tarif normal TER ticket for any TER train before or after the 'full' train on the same day, a Tarif normal ticket is good for any train that day, so you can use it on the train that was shown as Complet . Simples.

TERs with compulsory reservation: There are exceptions to every rule! TERs on a few routes in Normandy have compulsory reservation, such as Paris-Caen-Cherbourg. Some longer TER routes in the east (notably Paris-Strasbourg) will have them at some point in 2024. These TERs can indeed sell out.

Travel tips

Maps of the French rail network: See the maps section on the Train travel in Europe page .

Printing your ticket : These days you'll often get a print-at-home ticket for a French train journey. You should print it out full-size on normal A4 paper, but if you're American it's absolutely fine to print on US Letter Size paper which is very similar.

Collecting your ticket : Some tickets can't be self-printed so need to be collected from the self-service ticket machines at any French station. If you bought your tickets online at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com or any Rail Europe site, all you need is the booking reference and lead passenger name, you don't need the credit card you used. However, if you bought online at www.sncf-connect.com (any version) you'll need to insert the original credit card, which will need to be chip n PIN for the machine to work. If your credit card isn't chip n PIN and you bought from www.sncf-connect.com you'll need to collect from the staffed counter, rather than from the machines. See photos showing how to collect tickets .

Ticket validation (compostage) : Originally, all French train tickets had to be validated just before you boarded your train, by putting them into the small yellow machines marked Compostez votre billet at the entrance to each platform. There was a fine if you didn't! This process is being phased out and machines removed, it's already unnecessary for TER tickets in some regions of France, and unnecessary if you have a train-specific ticket for a TGV or Intercité. And of course you can't validate an e-ticket on your phone! But the need to validate still exists with some tickets in some regions, so be aware of it and if in doubt where there's a machine, validate your ticket.

Language problems : First-time visitors often think this will be a problem, but it hardly ever is. At stations, signs are usually in English as well as French, or easy-to-understand pictograms are used.

Food & drink on French trains : Most long-distance trains have a cafe-bar, serving tea, coffee, wine, beer & snacks. French domestic trains no longer have restaurant cars, though a few key Monday-Friday business services offer pre-bookable at-seat meals in first class. However, feel free to bring your own food and drink (even a bottle of wine, if you like) onto the train, there's no rules against that on the rails!

A meal at the Gare de Lyon? If you're passing through Paris via the Gare de Lyon, consider dining at the famous Train Bleu restaurant inside the station . It was originally the Gare de Lyon's grand buffet, opened in 1903 and decorated in a sumptuous art nouveau style. It's not the cheapest restaurant around, but the food is superb and the surroundings are perhaps the most spectacular you will ever eat a meal in. It's an experience in itself, and well worth it! The restaurant's website is www.le-train-bleu.com , just email them to book a table. You can also use their bar section to wait for your train while you have a coffee or beer, far better than waiting for your train at one of the draughty cafe tables downstairs on the concourse!

Luggage on trains : You don't check your bags in, you simply take them with you onto the train, placing them on the racks at the end of each car, or above your head. More about luggage on trains .

Luggage limits: Since February 2024 SNCF has had a more formal luggage policy for its TGV InOui trains which will be enforced from September: There are no weight limits, but you must be able to carry it yourself in one go. You can carry either 1 hand luggage + 2 suitcases or 1 hand luggage + 1 suitcase + 1 specific item. Your hand luggage can measure up to 40 cm x 30 cm x 15 cm. Your suitcase(s) can measure up to 90 cm x 70 cm x 50 cm. Your specific item (musical instrument, pushchair, bike in cover, folded bike, scooter) can measure up to 130 cm x 90 cm. Bikes, musical instruments, snowboards, and skis must be under a labelled cover. You can travel with your pair of skis, without a maximum size, one pair per person. If you exceed these limits there's a €50 fee, but it's not yet clear how tough staff will be.

Left luggage at stations : Major French stations including Paris Gare du Nord, Paris Gare d'Austerlitz Est & Paris Gare de Lyon have left-luggage lockers in various sizes, up to suitcase-sized. Expect to have your bags X-rayed before entry to the locker area. More information on left luggage lockers including current prices .

Bicycles : You can take a bike with you free of charge on suburban & regional trains. On Intercités de Nuit overnight trains & TGVs on a few routes, you can take them for a small fee, about €10. On other TGVs, you'll need to place you bike in a zip-up 'bike bag' & they then travel free. For more information, see the bicycles by train page .

Dogs & pets: Dogs can be taken on all French trains, sometimes free, sometimes for a small fee. For more information, see the dogs & pets page .

Can I book a seat facing direction of travel? Only on some routes, and then only if you book through the right website! You can book a seat facing the direction of travel on a handful of TGV routes where the trains have been equipped with a special seat numbering system. On these trains, each seat has two possible numbers and the relevant one lights up depending on the direction of the train. Routes equipped with this system where you can choose a seat facing direction of travel include TGV-Atlantique Paris-Brittany, Paris-Bordeaux/Biarritz/Lourdes/Spanish border and most TGV-Est trains Paris-Reims-Nancy-Strasbourg, Paris-Luxembourg and also the Paris-Italy TGVs Paris-Turin-Milan. Choosing a facing seat is not possible on TGV Duplex, or on routes such as Lille-Lyon-Avignon/Marseille/Bordeaux/Montpelier, Paris-Avignon-Marseille-Nice, Paris-Lyon, Paris-Nimes-Montpelier. But if there are two of you and you choose dual face to face in 1st class, or a table for 4 ( family or facing ) in 2nd class, you'll know you always have at least one seat facing. See this comparison table to see which websites can book a forward-facing seat where it is an option, and which sites can't.

Can I book a reserved seat for my baby or infant? Infants under 4 go free on French trains, no ticket necessary, just buy tickets for yourself and bring your infant along without a ticket. However, they don't get their own seat if they go free, so they'll have to sit on your lap. You may want a seat for your baby carrier or wriggly 2 or 3 year old, I know I would! No problem, on French domestic TGV and Intercité trains you can pay an extra flat €9 for a Billet Bambin and get a reserved seat for your infant next to yours, in either class. You can only buy Billet Bambin at www.raileurope.com , www.thetrainline.com or at www.sncf-connect.com . If you want a Billet Bambin, simply add a passenger with age 0-3 and it will be added automatically.

How to change trains & stations in Paris

Which station in paris .

The Gare du Nord serves trains to the north: Lille, Amiens, Boulogne, Calais, Dunquerque, London, Brussels, Antwerp, Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Cologne.

The Gare de l'Est serves trains to the east: Nancy, Strasbourg, Reims, Frankfurt, Munich, Stuttgart, sleepers to Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Moscow

The Gare de Lyon serves TGV trains to the south-east: Lyon, Avignon, Marseille, Cannes, Nice, Monte Carlo, Nîmes, Montpellier, Narbonne, Perpignan, Turin, Milan, Geneva, Bern, Lausanne, Basel, Zurich.

The Gare d'Austerlitz serves Téoz trains to Limoges, Toulouse, & overnight couchette trains to Cannes, Nice, Monte Carlo, Toulouse, Perpignan, Narbonne, Lourdes, Biarritz, Madrid & Barcelona.

The Gare Montparnasse serves TGV trains to the southwest: Toulouse, Bordeaux, Nantes, Biarritz, Lourdes, Brest, Rennes.

The Gare St Lazare serves Dieppe and the immediate north.

The Gare de Bercy , a little known station down the road from the Gare de Lyon, now handles most trains to Clermont Ferrand.

Charles de Gaulle airport has its own station, served by TGV high-speed trains on the Paris by-pass line and by RER express metro trains into central Paris, see the section below .

Disneyland Paris is right next to Marne La Vallée station. This is linked to central Paris by frequent turn-up-and-go RER express metro trains, just buy tickets at the station on the day. Marne la Vallée is also served by mainline TGV high-speed trains on the Paris by-pass line, carrying trains from Brussels & Lille in the North to Lyon, Avignon, Marseille, Nimes & Montpellier in the south, for times & tickets use www.thetrainline.com . For park information & tickets see www.disneylandparis.com .

Places not served by the main rail network

Mont St Michel has no station, the nearest station is Pontorson-Mont St Michel which is about 5 miles away.

Option 1, cheapest & easiest, but slower, total journey from Paris around 4h30: Take a regional train from Paris Montparnasse to Pontorson-Mont St Michel then an integrated connecting bus to Mont St Michel. You can book from Paris to Mont St Michel as one transaction at www.thetrainline.com or www.sncf-connect.com , you'll get a through ticket covering both the train and the connecting bus. There aren't many departures per day, typically one morning service out and one late afternoon service back, allowing day or weekend trips from Paris. If these don't suit you, buy a ticket to/from Pontorson-Mont St Michel station and use a taxi between the station and Mont St Michel.

Tip: When selecting your seating options on www.thetrainline.com , don't panic when it says 'no places available' against the bus (or in French 'car'). That just means there are no allocated seats, you can sit where you like. It does not mean the bus is full! And yes, it's a bus between Pontorson and Mont St Michel, not a train, whatever it looks like in the data.

Option 2, faster, total journey from Paris around 3h: Take a high-speed TGV from Paris Montparnasse to Rennes in 1h30 then a connecting Keolis bus from Rennes to Mont St Michel in around 1h10. From April to September there are 3 buses a day between Rennes & Mont St Michel in each direction, see keolis-armor.com . Book a suitable train to/from Rennes at www.thetrainline.com or www.sncf-connect.com . Buy the bus ticket at Rennes bus station, see keolis-armor.com for prices & more info.

Option 3, between May & September there's also a daily bus from St Malo to Mont St Michel, journey time 1h20, see keolis-armor.com for dates, times, prices & more info. St Malo is linked by ferry to Portsmouth with www.brittany-ferries.co.uk and with Paris by train.

St Tropez: Take a train to St Raphael. Bus 876 links St Raphael bus station (next to the railway station) with St Tropez bus station every hour or so, journey time 1h25, fare around €3, check times and buy tickets using the Zou regional transport phone app at zou.maregionsud.fr .

The Nice-Digne railway is a private and very scenic line linking Nice (CFP station) with Digne. Highly recommended, see www.trainprovence.com .

Corsica: Corsica can easily be reached by comfortable ferry from a variety of ports in Southern France, including Marseille, Toulon or Nice. The principal ferry operators are www.corsicalinea.com (formerly SNCM and Corsica Ferries ( www.corsicaferries.com ). For train service on Corsica see cf-corse.corsica .

Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport station

For journeys between CDG Airport and central Paris, simply use the frequent RER express metro - RER Line B has stations at both Terminal 1 & Terminal 2. RER trains run every 6 to 15 minutes, journey time into Paris around 50 minutes, fare around €10 valid to any RER or metro station in central Paris. No reservation is necessary or possible for the RER, just buy a ticket at the station on the day. For more info see http://easycdg.com .

Charles de Gaulle Airport also has its own TGV station , which is on the high-speed line that by-passes Paris. It's served by TGVs to Lille & Brussels in the north and to Lyon, Avignon, Marseille, Perpignan, Cannes, Nice, Rennes, Nantes, Le Mans, Poitiers, Bordeaux, Toulouse to the south. You can check TGV times & prices and buy tickets from CDG to destinations across France at either www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com .

Remember that TGV tickets are only valid on the specific TGV you book. Cheap tickets become worthless if your flight is late and you miss your train, so I recommend allowing at least 3 hours between your flight's scheduled landing time and any TGV leaving CDG station.

You'll find more frequent trains to these destinations from the relevant station in central Paris , often with greater availability of cheaper tickets, so if you don't see a convenient departure with an attractive price leaving direct from CDG, use www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com to check train times & prices from central Paris to your destination, leaving Paris at least 4 hours after your flight lands, and simply hop on the RER express metro to the relevant central Paris station as explained above.

You can't reach every French destination from CDG TGV station - If you're bound for Normandy, Limoges, Brive, Cahors or Clermont Ferrand for example you'll have to take the RER into central Paris as explained above and then take a train from the relevant station in central Paris .

Railpasses for France

By all means check out the Interrail pass for France (for European residents, see the Interrail pass information page ) or Eurail passes for France (for non-Europeans, see the Eurail pass information page ). However, passes have lost their convenience factor as all TGV, ex-Téoz Intercité de jour, & Intercités de Nuit overnight trains now require a seat reservation before boarding. A €10 or €20 reservation fee needs to be paid on top of the pass price for each long-distance journey which must be factored into your budget - the €10 seat reservations have a limited quota, when it sells out the fee becomes €20. For one or two specific journeys, you may find it easier just to book regular cheap advance-purchase tickets at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com .

Click the images to buy at Amazon.co.uk

Or buy in the usa from amazon.com.

Alternatively, you can download just the chapters or areas you need in .PDF format from the Lonely Planet Website , from around £2.99 or US$4.95 a chapter.

European Rail Timetable & maps

Traveller's Railway Map of Europe - buy online

Rail Map Europe is the map I recommend, covering all of Europe from Portugal in the west to Moscow & Istanbul in the east, Finland in the north to Sicily & Athens in the south. Scenic routes & high-speed lines are highlighted. See an extract from the map . Buy online at www.europeanrailtimetable.eu (shipping worldwide) or at www.amazon.co.uk (UK addresses).

Custom-made tours of France

Railbookers, railbookers.co.uk.

Railbookers are a train travel specialist who can put together a tour or short break for you as a package, including rail travel, hotels & transfers. On their website you'll find a range of suggested tours & holidays which can be varied or customised to your own requirements. And as you're booking a package, they'll take care of you if anything happens to one part of the itinerary such as a strike or delay. They now have offices in the UK, USA & Australia.

Tailor Made Rail, tailormaderail.com

Tailor Made Rail can arrange tours of France by train based on your own requirements, they welcome complex itineraries. As it's a package, they'll take care of you if anything happens on one part of the trip, for example, a national strike. They're TTA-protected - like ATOL, but not only for agencies that sell air travel.

Call their dedicated seat61 phone line 020 3778 1461 and quote seat 61 when booking. From outside the UK call +44 20 3778 1461. Lines open 09:00-17:30 Monday-Friday. Their website is www.tailormaderail.com/destinations/france .

Find hotels in Paris & France

Hotels near the gare du nord & other paris stations:.

If you need to stay over between trains, here are some suggestions that are both very close and get good reviews:

Hotels near the Gare du Nord with good reviews: Libertel Gare du Nord Suede (5 min walk from Gare du Nord, 2-star), 25 Hours Terminus Nord (formerly the Mercure Terminus Nord, now refurbished in a decidedly funky style, 3-star, directly across the road from the station); Art Hotel (3-star); Avalon Hotel (2-star); Hotel Cambrai (5 min walk from Gare du Nord, 1-star).

Hotels near the Gare de l'Est with good reviews: Libertel Gare de l'Est Français (opposite the station, 3-star); Libertel Gare du Nord Suede (350m from the Gare de l'Est, 2-star); OKKO Hotels Paris Gare de l'Est (2-star).

Hotels near the Gare de Lyon with good reviews: Citizen M Hotel (just along the road from the station, 4-star, great reviews), Hotel Terminus Lyon (right in front of the station, 3-star); Mercure Paris Gare de Lyon (on the station itself, 4-star); Novotel Paris Gare de Lyon (opposite the station, 4-star); Mistral Hotel (800m from Gare de Lyon, 1-star); Hotel 26 Faubourg (5 min walk from Gare de Lyon, 2-star);

Hotels near the Gare Montparnasse with good reviews: Mercure Paris Gare Montparnasse (150m from the Gare Montparnasse, 4-star); Best Western Sevres Montparnasse (15 minute walk to Gare Montparnasse, 3-star); La Maison Montparnasse (10 min walk from station, 2-star); Hotel du Maine (5 min walk from station, 2-star).

A special hotel for that romantic break in Paris

There's the famous & flashy Paris Ritz in the Place Vendôme of course (over €900 a night) or the similarly-priced Le Meurice , but if you want a really special hotel for a luxury break or romantic weekend and can afford to splurge around €280 a night, I'd recommend the small, sumptuous and intimate L'Hotel . It's on the bohemian left bank, walking distance from the Seine, the Ile de la Cité & Notre Dame. Oscar Wilde spent the last days of his life here in room 16, and the hotel has been used by many famous people from Sinatra to Mick Jagger. Rooms are on the cosy side, but they are beautifully decorated and have character that other hotels lack.

Backpacker hostels: www.hostelworld.com

www.hostelworld.com : If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about backpacker hostels. Hostelworld offers online booking of cheap private rooms or dorm beds in backpacker hostels in Paris and most other European cities at rock-bottom prices.

Travel insurance & other tips

Always take out travel insurance.

You should take out travel insurance with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover from a reliable insurer. It should cover trip cancellation and loss of cash & belongings up to a reasonable limit. These days, check you're covered for covid-19-related issues, and use an insurer whose cover isn't invalidated by well-meant but excessive Foreign Office travel advice against non-essential travel. An annual policy is usually cheapest even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself. Don't expect travel insurance to bail you out of every missed connection, see the advice on missed connections here . Here are some suggested insurers, I get a little commission if you buy through these links, feedback always welcome.

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a European mobile data package and stay connected. Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list . There's no need to buy a physical SIM card! Maya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data .

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate then add a foreign transaction fee on top. A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month as I write this. The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards. And you can get a Curve card for free.

How it works: 1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android . 2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses. 3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card. 4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app. You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader. The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than getting a card out). I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great. See details, download the app and get a Curve card , they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

Get a VPN for safe browsing. Why you need a VPN

When travelling you may use free public WiFi which is often insecure. A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi. It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply. See VPNs & why you need one explained . ExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using this link you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription. I also get some commission to help support this site.

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, hotel bookings and Interrail or Eurail passes are often now held on your mobile phone. You daren't let it run out of power, and you can't always rely on the phone's internal battery or on being near a power outlet. I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over. Buy from Amazon.co.uk or Buy from Amazon.com .

Touring cities? Use hill walking shoes!

One of the best things I've done is swap my normal shoes for hill-walking shoes, in my case from Scarpa. They're intended for hiking across the Pennines not wandering around Florence, but the support and cushioning for hiking works equally well when you're on your feet all day exploring foreign cities. My feet used to give out first and limit my day, now the rest of me gives up before they do!

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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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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).

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.

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!

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One week in provence by rail made easy.

Do you have one week in Provence but no car? Not a problem! It is easy to explore Provence by rail.

To help you plan a perfect South of France itinerary by train, here are some tips on how to do it, based on my 7-day trip as a solo traveller.

Some articles on this website contain affiliate links. This means that I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases . Read the full disclosure here .

IN THIS ARTICLE

Provence has something for every traveller

The region’s architectural wonders , such as the Palais des Papes in Avignon, are a lasting legacy of its rich history. These are equalled by its natural wonders , like the famous Calanques near Marseilles or its acres of lavender fields. Provence has a wonderful climate, charming towns , and an idyllic coastline . It is also a foodie’s playground. It’s no surprise that Provence has been the setting for many movies set in France.

How I spent a week in Provence

In an ideal world, you would tour Provence by car, especially if you want to explore its remote villages and dramatic landscapes. Although you can visit the lavender and sunflower fields on a day trip, having a car at your disposal is more convenient.

But if, like me, you don’t want to drive, it’s easy to see the best of Provence without a car. Just accept that Provence is vast and you can’t do it all in one week. Pick an area and stick with it using one or two places as hubs to visit the other places on your itinerary.

I used Avignon and Cassis as bases , taking day trips by train to other destinations in Provence. Although this worked well, given the choice again, I’d be tempted to ditch Cassis for Marseille as the latter is a major transportation hub. I travelled from London by Eurostar.

brasserie awning at harbourside in cassis in provence

The best places to stay in Provence without a car

It’s important to stay in a town that has good rail connections. Over a week, I recommend splitting your time between two bases: one to explore the west of the region and a second to visit eastern Provence. Avignon is an ideal base for exploring western Provence without a car. Marseilles, Cassis or Nice are good bases to visit eastern Provence.

My 7-day South of France itinerary by rail

map of places on a 1 week provence itinerary

Day 1: Avignon

Avignon to London by Eurostar

exterior of eurostar train carriage at station

Sadly, the direct Eurostar train between London and Avignon will not be operating for the foreseeable future. Instead, you will need to change trains in Paris or Lille.

Catch a morning train from London St. Pancras to Paris Gare Du Nord and change to the Marseille service from Gare de Lyon to Avignon.

I’ve changed trains in Paris many times and it’s easier than you might think. From Gare du Nord to Gare de Lyon it’s a quick and direct journey on RER line D.

Changing trains at Lille is simpler, just requiring a platform change.

There are two stations in Avignon: Avignon TGV (where the high-speed trains stop) and Gare d’Avignon-Centre. A shuttle train – La Virgule – will whisk you between the two stations in four minutes.

Why not start and finish your week in Provence in comfort by upgrading to Eurostar Standard Premier ? It can be an affordable way to inject a dose of luxury into your itinerary.

Introducing Avignon

Founded by the Romans, the centrepiece of Avignon is the UNESCO world heritage site of Palais des Papes . Built in the 14 th Century for popes fleeing Rome, this is one of the most stunning European palaces and the largest Gothic palace in the world. It’s a great place to start your tour of the city.

beige stone exterior of palais des papes on a sunny evening

After your visit here, take a leisurely stroll through the old town before heading out to Pont Saint-Bénézet , Avignon’s famous Pont D’Avignon .

Much of this bridge was washed away in the 17 th Century, stranding its remains in the middle of the Rhône River. Today, only four of its original 22 stone arches remain.

arched bridge reflected in still water in avignon-provence

GOOD TO KNOW! If you have time, try to catch a concert in the Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Doms . I got a ticket for a performance of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, which was sublime.

Where to stay in Avignon

Avignon Grand Hotel

I stayed at this lovely 4-star hotel just outside the city walls, and five minutes walk from the train station. A perfect location, both for day trips around Provence by rail and for exploring Avignon.

>>> CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES & BOOK A ROOM

Here are some other places to stay in Avignon that are also worth considering:

Villa de Margot

Although further from the train station, this centrally-located guest house is a five-minute walk from the Cathedral and Palais des Papes and has a lovely garden and terrace.

Hôtel Le Bristol

Another 4-star hotel choice within the city walls but close to the train station. Reviews are good and it has a bar and lounge.

Where to eat in Avignon

Le 46, 46 rue de la Balance

A fantastic bistro near the Palais des Papes.

L’epicerie, 10 place St. Pierre

A traditional Provençal restaurant complete with checked tablecloths.

Day 2: Arles

Avignon to Arles by train – typical journey time 17 minutes

Arles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981, was my favourite town on this trip. Its Roman ruins, pastel-hewn houses and cobblestone streets lend it an instant charm.

2 women in medieval costume walking along a narrow Arles street

Arles’ Roman amphitheatre takes pride of place. Built in the 1 st Century BC for an audience of 20,000 to gawp at gladiators and cheer chariot racers, it now hosts cultural events.

Arles is also where Vincent Van Gogh famously chopped off an ear, and a free self-guided walking tour will take you around sites associated with the artist.

GOOD TO KNOW! Keep an eye out for the traditional celebrations in Arles . Purely by accident, I timed my visit with the Festival of the Herdsman, which was quite a spectacle.

Day 3: Orange & Pont du Gard

Avignon to Orange by train – typical journey time 30 minutes

Get an early start and visit Orange in the morning.

The main attraction in Orange is the Théàtre Antique , its spectacular Roman theatre. This UNESCO World Heritage site has its original stage wall intact. I’ve visited many Ancient Roman sites over the years and this ranks among the best.

Avignon to Pont du Gard by bus – 35 minutes

Take bus number 115 from Avignon’s bus station. In peak season, there are seven buses a day. The last returning bus leaves Pont du Gard around 7 pm.

If you don’t fancy taking your chances with the local bus service, why not visit Pont du Gard from Avignon on an organised tour that also includes Uzès and the Roman city of Nîmes? Check here for availability and prices.

Pont du Gard is another sensational piece of architecture the Romans left behind, a must-see during your week in Provence.

Towering almost 50 m above the Gard River, this is the tallest aqueduct bridge in the Roman world. Featuring 35 arches – there were originally 47 – this was an essential part of an aqueduct that supplied water to the city of Nîmes.

GOOD TO KNOW! The Pont du Gard is exceptionally photogenic, best viewed in the soft late afternoon light when there are also fewer visitors. Just make sure that you check the time of your last bus back to Avignon.

Day 4: Cassis

Avignon to Cassis by train – typical journey time 1h 30m. Change trains at Marseille.

Cassis is the quintessential Provençal portside town. Overlooked by towering cliffs and the Château de Cassis, and blessed with beautiful beaches, it is a relaxing and picturesque base for travelling around Provence by rail.

It is small enough to get to know in a short space of time and boasts some great restaurants. Soak up the sun at the beach, stroll through the old town, walk along its pier and treat yourself to a local lavender ice cream.

Don’t miss visiting the Calanques , limestone cliffs rising out of the sea. I took a boat trip from Cassis to visit the Calanques and was blown away by their scale. Several companies offer regular departures from the port.

Where to stay in Cassis

Mide-range hotel – Sure Hotel Couer de Cassis

I stayed in this charming 3-star hotel, tucked in one of the streets leading up from the port. Its location couldn’t have been better and it has a spa and a small pool.

Alternative mid-range hotel – Mirabeau – Chambre Meublée

This 3-star hotel is for you if you want a room with a sea view. It’s situated right on the seafront by Cassis Harbour and some rooms have balconies overlooking the harbour.

Splurge – Hôtel Les Roches Blanches Cassis

Live like a rock star at the swankiest hotel in town. The 5-star Hotel Les Roches Blanches Cassis is a ten-minute stroll from Cassis Beach.

Its infinity pool is just gorgeous.

None of these places takes your fancy? Click here for other great accommodation deals in Cassis.

Where to eat in Cassis

Le Chaudron, 4 rue Adolphe Thiers

Family-run bistro with great food and attentive service. So good that I went there for dinner for my entire stay in Cassis.

Day 5: Marseille

Cassis to Marseille by train – typical journey time 23 minutes

Marseille is France’s oldest city and third-largest urban region. Initially put off by its reputation as a gritty city, I didn’t use Marseille as a base for visiting Provence. I was delighted to have my preconceptions turned on their head.

Stroll around the Vieux Port , or Old Port, and make your way to Le Panier, the oldest part of Marseille. Then, head to Notre Dame de la Garde for the best views of the port.

Whatever you do, don’t miss the MuCEM , Marseille’s Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations.

The poster child of the city’s reign as the European Capital of Culture, this building is extraordinary. Cube-like in shape, its skin of ornamental filigreed concrete throws intricate patterns on its floors and corridors as the sun streams in.

Cross a footbridge to visit the Fort St-Jean for further fantastic harbourside views.

Day 6: Aix-en-Provence

Cassis to Aix-en-Provence by train – typical journey time 1 hour. Change trains at Marseille.

Cards on the table; I was a little underwhelmed by Aix-en-Provence. The problem is I can’t put my finger on why that was.

The city’s multitude of splashing and gurgling fountains tell of Aix’s origins as a Roman spa town, known in Roman times as Aquae Sextiae (The Waters of Sextius). Home to Cézanne and Zola and an inspiration for other artists including Monet and Renoir, it is a Provençal town straight out of casting central.

Picture cobblestoned lanes, sun-drenched squares, local markets and the low hum of chatter emanating from café terraces. Perhaps I felt that it was just a little too perfect?

To learn more about Aix’s favourite son, take a Cézanne self-guided walking tour of the city. Starting at the city’s tourism office, key landmarks associated with the artist’s life are marked with studs stamped with a “C”.

Day 7: Travel from Cassis to London via Marseille

Cassis to London – Approximately 8 hr 30 minutes. Change trains at Marseille. You will need to alight the train for immigration checks at Lille .

My top tips for travelling around Provence by train

Check train timetables in advance

Don’t just rock up at the train station, expecting to board a train in the next 15 minutes. Even from a major hub like Avignon, trains to neighbouring towns did not run very frequently and I was surprised at the gaps in the services.

Be aware that some trains may require compulsory reservations
Train travel in France is not cheap.

If Provence is part of a longer rail itinerary, it may be worth considering a Europe train pass . An Interrail pass is available for European citizens or residents. Opt for a Eurail pass if you are a non-European citizen or resident.

You can find out more in my guide to Interrail passes.

Visiting Provence’s lavender fields & vineyards

As Provence’s lavender fields and vineyards are not served well by public transport, your best bet is to rent a car or join an organised day tour from Avignon. Here are a few highly-rated excursions from my favourite platform, GetYourGuide , which offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before your day trip.

Half-day vineyards tour from Avignon

Learn about wine production and grape varieties in this 5-hour guided tour in the Côtes du Rhône. This highly-rated excursion includes two wine tastings.

>>> CLICK HERE TO CHECK AVAILABILITY AND PRICE

Châteauneuf du Pape afternoon wine tour

Spend a relaxing afternoon with a scenic drive through the rolling vineyards of Châteauneuf du Pape. Includes wine tastings at two different wineries.

Day tour of the lavender fields

Get your lavender fix on this half-day tour that includes a visit to Sault, one of the most beautiful Provencal villages of the Luberon.

Half-day tour of Luberon villages

This half-day tour takes you to the villages of Roussillon, Gordes and Fontaine de Vaucluse, which rank among the most beautiful in France.

When to visit Provence

This is a bit of a trade-off. Visit Provence in the summer to view the lavender and sunflower fields in full bloom. However, this region is not exactly a well-kept secret and the South of France will be very busy, especially in August. Hotels will be more expensive and restaurants will be rammed. I travelled to Provence in May. Whilst it was too early to visit the lavender and sunflower fields, I had good weather and it wasn’t too busy or expensive.

How many days do you need in Provence?

You could easily spend two weeks or more exploring the vineyards, lavender fields and picturesque towns of Provence.

As a minimum, I recommend five days in Provence to soak up its landscapes and history. But if you are travelling by train or don’t want your itinerary to be too rushed, spend one week in Provence.

And that’s a wrap! Whichever way you decide to travel and wherever you base yourself, enjoy your week in Provence.

It’s an enormously seductive region, steeped in history with some of the best food and wine I’ve had anywhere. Moreover, it’s one of the best destinations in France for solo travellers .

DISCOVER MORE PLACES TO VISIT IN FRANCE!

A Weekend in Normandy: Day Trips from Honfleur
One Day in Lille, Northern France
One Day in Nice, France
Colmar in One Day: A Perfect Itinerary
A Free Strasbourg Walking Tour: The Best Things to See in One Day

About Bridget

Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.

Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.

To get in touch, email her at [email protected] or follow her on social media.

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Plane, Train, or Bus: What’s the Best Way to Travel around France?

What is the best way to travel around France? Well, there’s not really a simple answer to that question. It depends. Where are you traveling? How much time do you have? What is your budget? There are many factors that must be considered when determining the best way to travel around France. Let’s assume the starting point is Paris to make this as easy to understand as possible.

Travel France by Train

plane-train-or-bus-whats-the-best-way-to-travel-around-france-by-leah-walker1

Traveling by train is my favorite form of transportation. There are no pesky TSA agents measuring the liquids in my carry on, which means I can pack my suitcase with all the wine it will hold. I can arrive minutes before the train leaves the station, the conductor isn’t telling me to turn off my electronic devices, and there is no seat belt light. Yes, train travel, especially in France, is quite civilized.

Thanks to the TGV {the high-speed train system}, most of the time it’s fastest and more convenient to take the train when traveling around France . Consider the time it takes to get from the Paris city center to either Charles de Gaulle or Orly, check bags, go through security, and board the plane. At a minimum, you’re looking at leaving your hotel three hours before takeoff. Throw in the actual flight time, along with waiting for checked bags and a cab ride or public transport to the city center, and travel time is 5+ hours from the time you left your Paris hotel room, until you arrive at your intended destination.

plane-train-or-bus-whats-the-best-way-to-travel-around-france-by-leah-walker2

For example, let’s look at a trip to Bordeaux. Should you take the 1:05 flight from CDG to Bordeaux, considering the factors I outlined in the previous paragraph, it takes approximately four hours to get to a hotel in Bordeaux’s center. Conversely, it takes less than 30 minutes to get from the Paris city center to Gare Montparnasse. The TGV from Paris to Bordeaux currently takes 3:16. In July 2017, that trip time will be cut to just 2:04. A tram stop is directly in front of Bordeaux’s train station, and for two euros, you can be on the other side of the city in about fifteen minutes. I’m not so great at math, but a trip from Paris to Bordeaux by plane and by train both take about four hours . Though, once the new higher speed train begins service, the trip will take around three hours.

plane-train-or-bus-whats-the-best-way-to-travel-around-france-by-leah-walker7

In the Bordeaux example, the time is about the same {for now}. However, the process of getting from Paris to Bordeaux by train is less taxing . Think about it: Is three hours of walking as strenuous as three hours running? Of course, the answer is no. I’d rather spend three hours sipping red wine in my train seat and one hour in transit than one hour in a plane seat and three hours in transit. When deciding the best way to travel around France, it’s important to consider all of the pieces of the puzzle, especially time, difficulty, and cost.

Travel France by Plane

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Although nine out ten times, the best way to travel around France is by train, there are a few occasions when a flight is your best bet. Take Nice for example. The fastest flight time from CDG or Orly is 1:20. Figure in transport to the airport, check in, security, etc. and you’re looking at a travel time of about 4:30. In contrast, the quickest train from Paris’ Gare de Lyon to Nice is 5:37. Factoring in transport time to and from the train station, it will be about 6:30 before you’re basking in the South of France sun. With limited time, clearly flying is the best option from Paris to Nice .

Travel France by Bus

plane-train-or-bus-whats-the-best-way-to-travel-around-france-by-leah-walker4

Traveling within France by bus once was limited to international companies passing through the country or by inter-regional service. Since 2015, the options for bus travel in France are expanding. Often the SNCF buses cover routes in which there is no train service, a void that needed to be filled.

plane-train-or-bus-whats-the-best-way-to-travel-around-france-by-leah-walker5

If you have more time than money, the bus is a great option . I searched for a trip from Paris to Lyon. By high-speed train, the fastest travel time is 1:57 and costs around $118 {at the time I checked}. Conversely, the same route by bus takes 7:30 and costs $17. Spending 5:33 of your time will save $101. Is your time worth about $18 per hour? Only you can decide the answer to that question.

plane-train-or-bus-whats-the-best-way-to-travel-around-france-by-leah-walker9

So, what’s the best way to travel around France? As you can see, there’s no clear-cut answer to that question. Circumstances, routes, and budgets all must be considered. The most important thing is to get out of the city . As much as I love Paris, there’s so much to discover in France. I think only seeing Paris is probably the biggest mistake that travelers make. And with the country’s superior transportation options, it’s simple and affordable to get out of the City of Light {as long as there’s not a strike}.

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22 Comments

I love taking trains in France, but for us our favourite way of travelling in France is to drive. It allows us more flexibility on timings, we can stop as often as we like to sightsee on the way, it makes it easier for us to explore places that are not directly on a public transport route, and we can buy a lot more wine to bring home. We also like to have a cool box in the back with some basic kitchen equipment and crockery so that we can buy delicious food at French markets and enjoy the occasional picnic overlooking a lovely view. We love travelling in France!

Leah Walker

Bingo on the more wine point!

I have never traveled around France, but I would love to. Ground transportation seems like a great way to see a lot of the country side. Great if you have the time.

Yes! Whizzing by the countryside by train is such a thrill.

Natasha Amar

Train travel is my favorite way of travel for all the reasons you mentioned and a certain sense of romanticism that I associate with it.

Ah, yes, it is quite romantic. Plus, the train stations are usually so much prettier than airports.

I was just weighing all the various options on the best way to get from Bordeaux to some other cities in France, like Paris and Beaune. While I hated train travel when I lived in Italy, I actually quite enjoy it in France. The trains are very nice and the high speed TGV trains do allow you to easily zip around to many places. I also really like driving though too, since you can get off-the-beaten-path and really dig in to France’s pretty villages that aren’t accessible by public transportation.

It’s so easy in France to travel by train. I think it’s only rivaled by Switzerland in terms of comfort and convenience.

I prefer train travel, especially in France where the trains are fast and comfortable. I’m not a fan of large buses but I do like driving, as it gives you the flexibility to stop whenever you want.

I do like a car, but I don’t want to be the one driving, unless I’m in the USA. 🙂

Chetan Jadhav

Same here, even I prefer to travel by a car. But going through your article and the experiences you had sounds pretty interesting. France seems a pleasing place to wander, surely will plan and experience all the modes of transport. Keep posting 🙂

Marlene Marques

I once took the TGV Paris / Bordeaux and was quite a nice trip. Super fast and comfortable. As for bus traveling, I always find it more dull and normally prefer to rent a car. 🙂

I’m not a bus traveler, but it’s a great option if on a budget.

While I love to travel by car, it’s cheaper to use the train. Plus, their trains are indeed great – and fast – like you also said, the TGV is really fast. It saves a lot of time – and money – and they have a great network 🙂

Often, yes, it’s cheaper by train, especially with tolls and the price of gas. I like traveling by car in France, as long as I’m not driving!

Carmen's Luxury Travel

I agree – only seeing Paris is a big mistake! Lovely post and photos, thanks for sharing. Happy travels 🙂

Yes, as much as I love Paris, there are so many wonderful places to see in France.

Aileen Adalid

Great tips! But indeed, it really also depends on the kind of trip you want to do. But given that it’s France, I like it best to either do train or go on a road trip. I get to see things more up close! 😀

I’m really convinced that traveling around France is not an issue. I’ve never been traveling in France with a plane, hope to try it too. Thanks for the tips anyway.

Klyn Everett

We are traveling in early October from Paris to Arles and then eventually to Nice before flying home. Do you recommend taking the TGV to Avignon and then renting a car? Any suggestions for getting from Arles to Nice? Our time is unfortunately short so we have to make the most of every minute 🙂

Thank you!! Your blog and Insta stories are on my daily radar!

I’d take the TGV to Avignon and then rent a car. I’d use the car to get to Nice, dropping it off at the airport. There’s no easy way to get to Nice, unless by plane.

David Helton

Thank you for all the interesting information. I am leading a group of students to France for a School Exchange. Just wandering if anyone has any idea about traveling with 15 chaperons and students and the easiest/cheapest way to get my students from place to place?

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Interactive map of major train routes in France

Not sure where the trains in France can take you? If you’re planning a trip and want to travel by rail, take a look our train map of France. It highlights some of the most popular routes across the country, including high-speed, regional and the major international routes. Click on each of the routes to find journey times and where to book your tickets.

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Whether you’re just visiting France or passing through as part of a larger European trip, if you’re travelling by train a lot during your visit, it can sometimes be cheaper to buy a Rail Pass. There are two main types of Rail Passes that cover train travel in France and Europe.

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May 18, 2024 • 7 min read

A high speed train zips over the Cize-Bolozon viaduct, a combination rail and vehicular bridge over the Ain gorge © Gregory_DUBUS / Getty Images

With cyclists in the French capital outnumbering carbon-spewing motorists and short-haul domestic flights outlawed in 2023, getting around la belle France has never been so green.

In the 1980s the country’s emblematic TGV ( train à grande vitesse or high-speed train) turned heads. Now it is its omnipresent green mobility – spearheaded by an eco-smart capital city stitched from 900-odd miles of cycling lanes and rural landscapes flush with drop-dead-gorgeous hiking, biking and e-biking trails – that trumps. France’s drive to achieve carbon neutrality for land transport by 2050 is fierce.

Away from cities and towns, motoring remains the most convenient way to cruise through France’s magnificent kaleidoscope of châteaux, farmsteads, wineries and village idylls – albeit at a price. Filling up in France is pricier than the European average and you pay tolls to use the country’s sleek network of autoroutes (highways). Public transport is scarce or non-existent in many rural areas, with buses on school routes filling some gaps on weekdays at least.

Getting around by train – state-of-the-art speedy or gloriously slow – has never lost its edge. In the Alps, Pyrenees and other mountainous areas, a fleet of cable cars and funiculars encourage France curios to scale fabulous new heights. Bon voyage!

A mother and son riding on a train in France

Ride the rails to soak up stunning scenery

Cruising the length of the celebrity French Riviera by slow train, lurching sharply up mountain to France’s longest glacier , pulling into Nice aboard a millennial reincarnation of the mythical Bleu Train, or plunging into Pyrenean backcountry aboard an old-world steam train : train journeys in France are invariably breathtakingly scenic.

Frequent, reliable, affordable trains operated by SNCF zip cover much of the country. Principal rail lines radiate out from Paris like wheel spokes: getting between towns on different spokes can be slow or require a laborious change of trainline and gare (station) in Paris. High-speed TGV trains make light work of long-distance routes (count just over two hours from Paris to Bordeaux , three hours to Marseille ) and require an advance seat reservation. Book in advance to bag cheaper fares.

An adventure in itself, you can also catch an Intercité de nuit (domestic night train) from Paris to Nice, Toulouse , Lourdes, Perpignan and Aurillac in cheesy Cantal in central France.

Riding French rails several times a year? Consider a Carte Avantage discount card. Watch for brilliant seasonal and/or regional deals: France’s €49 summer rail pass covers unlimited travel for anyone under 27 in July and August on regional TER and Intercity trains.

Tip for calculating carbon-saving: Download the SNCF Connect app to consult train schedules in real time, check rail deals and buy tickets. In return, once a year, SNCF sends you an annual tally of your train mileage and CO2 emissions saved by trading car for train.

Follow this itinerary for a car-free day-trip on the Côte d’Azur

Overhead view of Route des crêtes, Cassis in France

Rent a car to get under the skin of rural France

With infrequent or non-existent public transport, a car is the only realistic option for exploring mountainous or overtly rural areas like the French Alps , Pyrenees , Lot, Dordogne and volcano-spawned Auvergne . Many impossibly charming chambres d’hôtes (B&Bs) – in centuries-old farms, renovated oil mills and châteaux – are lost in vineyards or down isolated country lanes.

Pick up wheels at major rental outlets at airports and train stations in major towns; many have electric vehicles. Reserve well in advance during busier periods (July and August, December to March during peak ski season). Cut cost with an online car-rental platform such as Getaround .

Rental vehicles picked up at Grenoble , Lyon and Geneva (Switzerland) airports in winter are automatically fitted with winter tires – required by law in mountainous areas between 1 November and 31 March. Road signs indicate when snow chains in addition are compulsory during snowy conditions.

Once on the road, drive on the right. At automated toll booths on highways (motorways), an illuminated green arrow indicates cash payment, a white card symbol payment by card. Watch out for France’s unique priorité au droite rule whereby traffic entering an intersection from a road on the right has priority. In villages and small towns particularly, beware of motorists suddenly zipping out in front of you from a lane on the right.

Tip for tracking traffic conditions: Dodge bouchons (traffic jams) on larger roads and highways with Bison Futé , an app to check traffic and road conditions in real time, availability of electric-charging stations, etc.

Planning to do some motoring in France? Save these best road trips

Cruise on a budget: rideshare

If you don’t drive or want the hassle of constantly having a car in tow, split fuel costs and motor from A to B with another motorist. Covoiturage (ridesharing) has been around for decades in France and bagging a ride with BlaBlaCar or similar rideshare app is not difficult. Practice your French at the same time!

Many French cities have a public car-sharing scheme; zip around Paris on an electric moped with Cityscoot . Self-service electric cars accessible via the Mobilize Share app are available for an hour, day or week/s in Lyon, Avignon, Nice and dozens more towns. Car-sharing platform Truro unlocks access to all sorts of wheels, 4WD vehicles to tackle off-road mountainous terrain, camper vans, beachy golf carts included.

Flat boat navigating a Tree lined bend on the Canal du Midi in south of France. The sycamores perfectly reflected in water

Make the journey the destination afloat a ferry or boat

It’s worth slotting the Dordogne, Lot or Toulouse into your French itinerary, simply to kick back on deck, glass of chilled rosé in hand, and float beneath a tranquil green tunnel of plane trees along the UNESCO-listed Canal du Midi. Wine-rich Burgundy , the flamingo-specked Camargue , the Loire Valley and Brittany are other popular canal- and river-boating regions with superlative scenery in spades.

Sailing into the Vieux Port of A-lister St-Tropez is the only recommended way to arrive in the celebrity Riviera’s most desired town, a traffic-congested hell in high season; train it to St-Raphaël then hop aboard a boat operated by Les Bateaux Bleus. Dozens more shuttle boats and ferries yo-yo along the Mediterranean coast. Ditto for the Atlantic where the 30-minute Arcachon –Cap Ferret boat ride by way of oyster farms or the trip across choppy waters from ocean-faring Lorient to naturally wild, picture-book Breton islet Île de Groix are particularly memorable.

Tip to sail to paradise: Reserve boat tickets for Med island-idyll Île de Porquerolles, accessible from La Tour Fondue near Hyères, well in advance; this lush "Garden of Eden" paradise island is limited to 6000 visitors a day.

If canal boating in France piques your interest, read more here

People eating and drinking on the terrace of the famous Hotel du Nord with bike share in the foreground

Spin between châteaux, wineries and pretty villages on two wheels

Cycling has been huge in France for decades and as electric bikes gain traction, dedicated cycling paths mushroom, and themed cycling itineraries celebrating wine, wildlife, lakes, châteaux and all sorts boom, there really is no excuse not to join the peloton.

In Paris, Lyon, Marseille and other cities, public-sharing bikes and e-bikes make light work of longer urban distances along dedicated cycling lanes. Countrywide, long-distance bike-packing routes like Burgundy ’s Route des Grands Crus (500 miles/800km) and the Atlantic’s breathtaking coastal odyssey La Vélodyssée (807 miles/1300km) break down into convenient day and half-day soundbites, making them accessible to casual cyclists too.

Bike helmets are legally only required for children under 12, but most adults wear them too. If a rental shop doesn’t automatically offer you a helmet (common in laidback beach destinations such as Biarritz ) ask for one. Helmets are included in the rental price. The legal speed limit is 25km/h, including for e-bikes (45km/h for s-pedelecs with number plate). Forget spinning between chateaux to the beat of your favorite tune though, it’s illegal to cycle on roads using headphones or ear-pods.

Tip to trip plan: Source itineraries and download GPX files at France Vélo Tourisme , the definitive digital guide to exploring France by bike.

Accessible transportation in France

Despite the superabundance of cobbled streets, vertical villages teetering atop perilous crags and cafe terraces spilling inconveniently across pavements, inroads are being made to help those with accessibility issues get around France more easily – even smoothly.

In Paris an excellent network of city buses with retractable ramps to get on board and raised pavements at bus stops compensate for an age-old, largely inaccessible metro; few elevators to access subterranean platforms actually function. Paris’ airports sport an Assistance Mobilité service to assist passengers, as does the country’s national train service SNCF . You can also rent an adaptive car through car-sharing service Wheeliz .

This article was first published Jun 4, 2021 and updated May 18, 2024.

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Europe's travel strikes: Flight and train disruption you can expect in May

Passengers look at check-in times for flights during a nationwide strike of airports ground staff, and check-in services at Rome's Fiumicino Airport.

Our guide is updated as soon as a new European strike is announced.

Strikes are a regular occurrence in Europe, as employees withhold their labour to fight for better pay and conditions.

Walkouts are sometimes planned months ahead but others are announced last minute, showing that it always pays to check before you travel.

Luckily, we have gathered all of the strike information together below.

Read on to find out where and when are walkouts taking place.

If your flight or train is cancelled or delayed, you will be entitled to a new ticket or compensation. Read our guide for the full details.

Cancelled flight? EU and UK consumer rights and what you’re entitled to
Germany strikes: Cancelled flights and trains cause travel chaos across the country

UK: Heathrow Border Force worker strikes in April and May

After Border Force workers at London's Heathrow Airport staged a walkout at the start of the month, asmaller scale 'work to rule' strike between 3-18 May could cause further disruption as staff only do the bare minimum required of their contracts.

The UK's biggest airport is bracing for another strike in May when almost 800 staff in various departments could walk out over outsourcing plans. The strike was initially set to start on 7 May but has been suspended for two days to allow for negotiations. If an agreement is not reached, it will now run from 9****-13 May and it could cause serious disruption.

Gatwick Airport: Catering strikes called off

Passengers on easyJet and TUI flights departing from London's Gatwick Airport will no longer be left hungry as Dnata catering workers have reached an agreement with the airlines, securing the reinstatement of their shift allowances and full back pay.

Around 100 workers, including HGV drivers and warehouse workers, had threatened to walk out for 12 days in April and May.

Train strikes in May

Train drivers on some of the UK's busiest commuter routes will go on strike on 7-9 May in a long-standing dispute over pay and working conditions.

Different operators will walk out on different days, including c2c, Greater Anglia, Great Northern, Southeastern, South Western Railway and Thameslink and Southern on Tuesday; Avanti West Coast, London Northwestern Railway, Chiltern, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, GWR and West Midlands Trains on Wednesday; and LNER, Northern and TransPennine Express on Thursday.

Members of train drivers' union ASLEF are also taking part in an overtime ban from 6-11 May, which is likely to mean cancellations on some lines.

UK passport holders warned to check expiry date after hundreds stopped from flying
Refunds and compensation: Everything you are entitled to if your flight is delayed or cancelled

Iceland: Strike threatened at Keflavík Airport

Workers at Keflavík Airport have threatened to strike from 9-12 May if a labour dispute is not resolved.

Flight disruption is expected as security workers plan a series of four-hour stoppages from 4-8am each day. An indefinite overtime ban for union members starting at 4pm on Thursday could cause further disruption.

Italy: Train strikes cause disruption across the country

Trenitalia and Trenord will be hit by a national strike on 19 May when engine staff will walk out.

Further regional train strikes are planned in Naples on 10 May, Friuli Venezia Giulia on 17 May and Liguria on 27-28 May, among others.

where engine personnel will walk off the job for 23 hours from 03.00 on 19 May to 02.00 on 20 May.

France: Vueling staff to strike over bank holiday

French cabin crew with the SNPNC-FO and CGT unions are threatening to strike from 8-12 May . 90 per cent of cabin crew and 95 per cent of cabin managers are expected to take part.

The walkout will affect flights with Spanish budget airline Vueling. The dispute over working conditions could continue into next month if workers' demands are not met.

Could strikes hit the Paris Olympics?

CGT-RATP union members announced a seven-month strike notice from 5 February to 9 September that could hit the Ile-de-France bus and metro network - including during this summer's Olympic Games.

However, the French Senate adopted a bill on 9 April to allow the state to ban transport strikes for set periods each year to avoid disruption during major events like Paris 2024. It also calls for more advance warning of strikes and increased minimum service obligations.

The bill faces opposition and must be adopted by the French National Assembly before it becomes law.

Workers at the state-owned public transport company say they are walking out over pay.

‘The kids now prefer trains to planes’: How I took my family on a 7-day rail adventure around Europe

Germany: Threat of train strikes ends

On 25 March, Deutsche Bahn reached an agreement with Germany’s GDL train drivers' union, bringing an end to five months of negotiations and strikes.

The deal means that GDL will abstain from strikes until at least February 2026.

If you know of a big strike happening in your country that we have missed, we'd love to hear from you via Twitter .

Trouble ahead? A plane takes off over a road sign near Heathrow Airport.

When and why are Heathrow Airport staff striking?

Lufthansa aircrafts are parked behind a fence at the airport in Frankfurt, Germany, Tuesday, 12 March, 2024.

German train drivers strike coincides with Lufthansa cabin crew walkou

A Delta planA Delta airplane takes off from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta, US, in this file photoe flies through the air

Amsterdam flight turns back after maggots fall on passengers

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Strike action to hit Paris airports and trains on May 21

In travel news this week we have looked at how to avoid traffic jams over the busy Pentecost weekend , Ryanair’s withdrawal from Bordeaux airport and the suspended jail sentence for the TGV conductor whose ‘negligence’ caused a fatal accident in 2015 .

Here are six more travel stories affecting France.

Ferry updates

Ferry companies reach agreement to cut waiting time at Dover

P&O Ferries and Irish Ferries say they have reached an agreement to cut passenger waiting times at Dover by allowing people to board the next available ferry if they have a ticket for either company.

The agreement, announced on May 14, will initially serve freight only, but will be extended to foot and vehicle passengers at a later date. It should work for passengers by this summer, giving them more flexibility, particularly during peak periods.

The spectre of long wait times has loomed over Dover due to the prospective rollout of the new Entry/Exit border checks (EES), which are due to start in autumn.

Read more: 7 reader questions on new France/UK border checks answered

In addition, Irish Ferries announced on May 16 that it is to add a new ferry, the Spirit of Britain, to the Dover to Calais route from June.

Air updates

Air France expands US flights in 2024/25 winter programme

Air France will expand two of its existing routes to the US this winter and add three new routes from Paris Charles de Gaulle as part of its winter programme.

The US routes are:

Denver , Colorado - previously only available in summer

Phoenix , Arizona - starting on May 23 and continuing through the year

Air France is also starting three new routes to:

Salvador de Bahia , Brazil - from October 28

Malé , Maldives - from December 20 to January 5

Kiruna , Sweden - from December 21

New Entry/Exit System app in pilot stage

Frontex, the European border and coast guard agency, is running an ‘industry day’ for web developers of its future Entry/Exit System app on May 29. Among other points it is looking for input on software that can help to manage queues and allow travel documents to be securely scanned.

The prospective app will likely be used by millions of people from autumn, when the new EES border checks are brought in at entry ports to the EU for non-EU travellers.

Individual countries need to agree to allow use of this app and to date France has not announced that it will.

Read more: New UK/France border checks: visas, residency cards and which queues?

The agency says that a pilot version of the app is currently being tested, however it is interested in hearing developers’ proposals to improve:

facial image capture technology

mobile self-service fingerprinting

solutions scanning travel documents

queue management software

biometric data capture

The EES is widely expected to start with a progressive ‘soft launch’ from October 6 .

Rail updates

Eurostar to order up to 50 new trains by 2030

Eurostar says it will order up to 50 new trains by 2030 after a record breaking 2023 that saw it make €2billion in profit and transport 19 million passengers.

Eurostar has 51 trains at present, but plans to increase annual passenger numbers to 30 million per year in 2030.

The company has made no announcement as to what effect the new trains will have on prices, however the increased capacity should help reduce them.

In addition, Getlink (formerly Eurotunnel), which manages the tunnel and runs LeShuttle, announced in May that it planned to increase its own passenger capacity.

“When we analyse tunnel traffic, it is clear that there is potential that is not being fully exploited today, in particular for direct links between London and other European capitals,” said Getlink CEO Yann Leriche.

Read more: Channel Tunnel is 30 years old today

SNCF digital reservations to stop working for international trains

The SNCF’S digital platform, SNCF Connect, will not allow passengers to book trips across the border that use foreign rail companies from May 23.

This will concern rail tickets booked on SNCF Connect after May 23. Tickets should work up to that date.

The SNCF Connect mobile app and website allows passengers to reserve and purchase tickets and download a digital copy to be scanned by SNCF personnel.

However, the system has a chequered history: It has long been subject to payment glitches, does not systematically offer passengers the lowest available price or take SNCF buses into account and requires exhaustive passenger information - more than when buying in a station.

Indeed, the system’s average rating on customer review website Trustpilot is only one star out of five - the lowest possible score.

Nonetheless, the system’s new problem - of not working with foreign companies - is reportedly by design: the SNCF says it is upgrading its booking technology.

They have not specified how long this upgrade will take.

Alternative booking platforms for digital tickets still work, including the Trainline, Rail Europe and Kombo.

Passengers can also book their onward travel directly with the foreign operators (Renfe, CFF, SNCB etc).

Paris train strike on May 21 to cause ‘black day’

A major strike by two unions will affect rail transport around the outskirts of Paris on Tuesday, May 21.

The RER transport network will be heavily impacted by the strike planned by the Sud-Rail and CGT-Cheminots unions who are demanding a “black day” for transport.

The unions hope to pressure operator Transilien SNCF Voyageurs into paying out higher bonuses for their increased workload during the Paris Olympics.

Transilien SNCF Voyageurs is expected to announce which lines are to be affected by the movement on Sunday (May 19).

€5 Ouigo train tickets on sale in flash anniversary offer in France

50,000 tickets are available over two days for the low cost trains

How can I avoid high transport ticket costs during Paris 2024 Olympics?

Prices of some transport will be doubled during the Games

UK-France flights hit as Ryanair announces it is leaving Bordeaux airport

Low-cost carrier says it is transfering planes and workers to other bases due to rising fees

Many British and American people in France face uncertainty over their wills due to 2021 French law

‘Notable’ 4.7 magnitude earthquake jolts south-west of France

Schools were evacuated and locals near Tarbes and Lourdes report feeling the earth moving and hearing vibrations

Latest on tiger mosquitoes in France: where, what risk and what to do

Ww2 veterans need your help as french hotels full for d-day events, all new cars in france will soon ‘beep’ at you if you speed.

Normandy prepares for last major D-Day commemorations

The small town of Carentan has been especially busy, organising poppy cascades and a display of knitted soldiers

Rail, school, airport strikes in Paris May 21: how bad is disruption?

Regional trains are particularly hard hit

Weather: Violent hail wipes out wine production in south-west France

Storms are forecast to continue for much of the country throughout the week

Take part in France's garden bird-counting weekend

Home owners are being urged to count and identify birds in their garden for an hour at the end of May to help protect avian wildlife in France

Flood danger warning issued for west France

Storms continue to threaten most of the country

Factcheck: Is French town’s EU D-Day bunting really ‘Brexit punishment’?

UK newspapers claim Britons are ‘furious’ over the Union Jack being left out of flag bunting to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day

Locals want to stop purchase by an American saying property speculation means they can no longer afford to buy

Whit Monday: France’s most confusing bank holiday

It used to be a simple bank holiday in May like any other - but the tragic events of 2003 changed everything

Day by day: Where Olympic torch will pass in France on way to Paris

Income tax declaration deadlines loom in france: how to get help, new rise in gas prices for homes in france in june.

Transport unions in capital demand better Olympic bonuses

VIDEO: Tornado in northern France and ‘red sprites’ above Nice

Also ‘fairies’ seen in sky near Nice in the south

4,700 menus showcasing the evolution of French diplomacy up for auction

Collection of over 4,700 menus showcases the evolution of French diplomacy

New law seeks to limit French bank fees due when account holder dies

Half will not have to pay anything - down from an average €303 at present

British driver who killed French teenager tested positive for cannabis

The 36-year-old could face up to three years in prison

Water damage to homes: Which areas of France suffer most?

Warning for drivers in france as car number plate fraud on rise, leasing a car long-term in france: pros and cons.

French architecture: Marseille's 24-year wait for mosque

Infighting has stalled progress on the project in what is one of Europe's biggest cultural melting pots

Warning over storage of bleach and other cleaning products in France

More than 30,000 incidents were recorded from 2017-21, including the death of a three-year-old

What do parents in France risk if children miss school for holiday?

Repeated unauthorised absences can mean parents risk meetings, fines, and even jail time

What documents must you carry on French train to avoid a fine?

Two passengers were recently fined for not being able to show valid ID proof

Solar panels in France for €1 with grants: is this still possible?

Companies may offer panels at cheap prices, with grants and production buy-backs allegedly making up the difference

Police ID checks in France and foreign documents explained

Many visitors from the UK and US are unfamiliar with the concept of identity checks

British man proud to carry Paris Olympics torch in France

Alastair Rutt says he is honoured to represent Great Britain - although he is a little nervous after a knee injury

Thousands of drivers in France to get late speed tickets due to IT bug

Over 600,000 drivers are set to receive fines for small infractions in 2023

COMMENTS

France Train Guide
How to travel France by train—tips for buying French train tickets and advice for navigating France by rail. Transportation. August 31, 2023 Share Post It doesn't get much better than zooming through the French countryside at 200mph. ... Tickets for France's TGV high-speed trains are available to purchase around 90 days in advance ...
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.
Everything You Need to Know About Taking the Train in France
The TGV Train network (Train a Grande Vitesse) runs to major cities in France and Europe.; Intercites trains cover many of the medium distance routes between cities like Amiens, Orleans, Bordeaux, Caen, Lyon, Reims, Troyes, Toulouse, and Paris. They link cities in French regions like Nantes, Bordeaux, and Lyons-Nantes-Tours. TER is the French regional service running from towns and villages ...
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 ...
The Ultimate Guide to Traveling By Train in France
Train travel in France is an easy, affordable, and sustainable way to get around and see all that the county has to offer. There are over 1700 kilometers of high-speed train lines all over France. One of the best parts about traveling by train is the fact that there are stations in almost every city rather than only near the airports.
France Itinerary by Rail using Eurail Pass
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.
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.
Trains in France
4. TER (Transport Express Regional) TER trains are regional trains in France, usually referred to as local trains. They are ideal for getting between regional French towns and villages. Like long-distance trains, with TER trains, you can also travel first or second class, but this will change soon (a unique class).
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.
France Itinerary
Train seat reservations. Most of the high-speed trains in France, like the TGV and some InterCités, require reservations. These reservations are not included in your Interrail Pass. Make sure to book your trains well in advance, or travel by regional trains to avoid reservations altogether. More about reservations in France →
Ultimate guide to train travel in France (plus where to buy tickets so
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 ...
Trains in France
Our dedicated travel writers have been putting together exciting and inspiring guides to travelling around France by train. We've highlighted some of our most popular itineraries below. France 10-day itinerary. South of France 10-day itinerary. 7 of the best day trips from Paris.
The Complete Guide To Travel In France By Train
High-speed trains (TGV). TGV trains are the fastest trains in France, and tickets for them are available to purchase 90 days in advance. The prices for them continue to rise as the departure date approaches, so book them early for the lowest price. A ticket purchased 90 days in advance could cost €30.
Train travel in France, a beginner's guide
Paris to Nice, Lyon or Bordeaux from €25. The best way to travel between French town & cities is by train, in comfort at ground level. France's world-famous TGV travels at up to 199 mph, from city centre to city centre, and if you pre-book direct with the operator you can find some really cheap fares, too.
Trains in France
TGV, the high-speed rail service which links together the major cities of France like Lyon, Bordeaux and Marseille. With TGV, you can go to more than 230 destinations in France and Europe. If you want to learn more about TGV routes and other fast trains across the continent, visit our high-speed trains in Europe page.
France itinerary
Thanks to SNCF, French train travel is quick, convenient and offers views of beautiful scenery as you travel between destinations.The rail network has been designed so that many of the must-see cities and towns are well connected. Travelling around France by train offers a stress-free way to see the country and get the most out your 10-day excursion.
How to Get Around in France (A Practical Guide)
Buses provide some of the best deals when traveling in France. A train from Paris to Biarritz costs around $130, while a bus costs around half of that. However, buses are best for shorter journeys unless you have time to spare. Buses are particularly good within cities, though. Paris buses are especially quick and can be scenic, as well.
Best Places To Visit In France By Train
Located in South West France, Biarritz is a coastal haven worth checking out. The seafood alone is enough to make you consider hopping on a train to reach this destination. Once you arrive, spend your day relaxing at the beach, soaking up the sun, or having some fun on the water, surfing or jet skiing. The train ride from Paris takes 4 hours on ...
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.
One Week In Provence By Rail Made Easy
Avignon to Cassis by train - typical journey time 1h 30m. Change trains at Marseille. Cassis is the quintessential Provençal portside town. Overlooked by towering cliffs and the Château de Cassis, and blessed with beautiful beaches, it is a relaxing and picturesque base for travelling around Provence by rail.
Plane, Train, or Bus: What's the Best Way to Travel around France?
Look at Lyon. If you have more time than money, the bus is a great option. I searched for a trip from Paris to Lyon. By high-speed train, the fastest travel time is 1:57 and costs around $118 {at the time I checked}. Conversely, the same route by bus takes 7:30 and costs $17. Spending 5:33 of your time will save $101.
France Train Map
France train map. Plan your way around France by rail. Book travel across Europe. Out. Today now. Add return. 1 adult (26-59) Add a discount or loyalty card. Also find places to stay. Get times and tickets. ... There are two main types of Rail Passes that cover train travel in France and Europe.
How to get around France
The vast majority of visitors to France choose to travel en voiture (by car). However, while driving is often the most convenient and comfortable way to get around - especially if you want to explore the French countryside - it's not always the easiest or even cheapest option. The French rail network is superb, and traveling by train is ...
Europe's travel strikes: Flight and train disruption you can ...
Trenitalia and Trenord will be hit by a national strike on 19 May when engine staff will walk out. Further regional train strikes are planned in Naples on 10 May, Friuli Venezia Giulia on 17 May ...
EES app in pilot stage, deal cuts ferry wait: 6 France travel updates
EES update. New Entry/Exit System app in pilot stage. Frontex, the European border and coast guard agency, is running an 'industry day' for web developers of its future Entry/Exit System app on May 29. Among other points it is looking for input on software that can help to manage queues and allow travel documents to be securely scanned.

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How To Buy Train Tickets in France

Where To Buy France Train Tickets For France

SNCF (National French Railways)

At The Station

HOW TO COLLECT YOUR FRENCH TRAIN TICKETS

Do You Need To Buy French Train Tickets In Advance?

High-Speed TGV Trains — Buy Early As Possible

International Trains — Buy Early As Possible

Intercité Trains (IC) — Buy A Little Early

Regional/Local Trains — Buy Whenever

How To Use Your French Train Tickets

HOW TO MAKE RAIL PASS RESERVATIONS

More Tips For Riding Trains In France

Study The Departures Board

Know Train Station Names

Self-Service Machines Are In English

Cheap Tickets Are Non-Refundable

Pack A Picnic

No Luggage Restrictions

Making Connections

Get To The Train Station Early

First Class vs Second Class Tickets

Use A Credit Card With A Chip

Rail Strikes

Read More Of My Articles On Budget Travel in France

No Funny Business

Related Reads

Complete Guide To Train Travel In Europe | How To Travel Europe By Train

Italy Train Guide — How To Travel Italy By Train

How To Buy Train Tickets in France | Guide To Buying French Train Tickets

City Guides

Join My Journey

Everything You Need to Know About Taking the Train in France

International Train Services

Getting Around France From Paris

Types of Trains in France

How and Where to Buy Tickets

Tips for Taking the Train in France

France Itinerary

Itinerary in short

For this itinerary we recommend:

Travelling to France or Italy with a Eurail Pass?

Paris, France

From Paris to Versailles

Versailles, France

From Paris to Mont St. Michel

Rennes, France

Mont St. Michel, France

Mont Saint-Michel, France

From Mont St. Michel to Bordeaux

Bordeaux, France

From Bordeaux to Carcassonne

From Carcassonne to Nice

Nice, France

From Nice to Lyon

Lyon, France

Experience France with the Eurail France Pass!

The Ultimate Guide – France Itinerary by Rail

BEST TIME TO VISIT TO VISIT FRANCE

Common French Words

Things To Do In Paris

Where to Stay in Paris

Getting Around in Paris

Alsace Region ( Strasbourg, Obernai, Colmar, Eguisheim )

Places To Visit/ Things To Do in Alsace Region

Where to Stay in Strasbourg

Provence Region (Provence, Manosque, Valensole )

Things to do in Provence

READ: BEST LAVENDER FIELDS IN FRANCE

Where To Stay in Provence

Marseille

Things To Do in Marseille

Read More: Things To Do in Marseille

Where To Stay in Marseille?

Things To Do in Bordeaux

Read – Things To Do In Bordeaux

Where to Stay in Bordeaux

OTHER BEAUTIFUL REGIONS TO VISIT IN FRANCE

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