Why Travel France by Rail?
Picture this: You're gliding past lavender fields in Provence, wine country in Bordeaux, and coastal cliffs in Normandy, all while sipping a glass of fine French wine. Welcome to the charm of train travel in France—where the journey itself becomes part of the adventure.
Forget the stress of driving or airport queues—trains in France offer an eco-friendly, efficient, and utterly scenic way to explore this diverse country. But instead of just covering the usual Paris-to-Nice or Lyon-to-Bordeaux routes, let’s uncover extraordinary experiences, hidden gems, and pro tips to make your trip truly unforgettable.
The Best Train Journeys in France – With a Twist!
🚄 1. Paris to Colmar – The Storybook Journey
Most travellers take the TGV straight to Strasbourg, but hop off in Colmar instead. Why?
This charming Alsatian town looks straight out of a fairytale with its colourful half-timbered houses.
Visit the Musée Unterlinden, home to Renaissance masterpieces.
Take a canal boat ride through "Little Venice" for a dreamy experience.
🔹 Pro Tip: Colmar is famous for its Christmas markets, so if you're visiting in December, prepare to step into a real-life winter wonderland!
🚄 2. Bordeaux to Biarritz – The Surfer’s Paradise Train
Swap wine country for the wild Atlantic coast by taking this under-the-radar train route.
Stop in Arcachon for a detour to the Dune du Pilat, the tallest sand dune in Europe.
End your journey in Biarritz, a Basque coastal gem known for world-class surfing, chic boutiques, and Basque tapas (pintxos).
🔹 Pro Tip: For an ultra-local experience, grab a seat at Bar Jean in Biarritz’s covered market for seafood fresh off the boat.
🚄 3. Avignon to Nice – The Lavender & Riviera Express
This route takes you from the heart of Provence to the glamorous French Riviera.
Stop in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, a picturesque village known for antique markets and riverside cafés.
Visit Grasse, the world’s perfume capital, where you can create your own fragrance at Fragonard Perfumerie.
Arrive in Nice just in time for a sunset aperitif along the Promenade des Anglais.
🔹 Pro Tip: Visit between June and August for peak lavender season in Provence—it’s an Instagram dream come true!
🚄 4. The Cévennes Railway – France’s Best Kept Secret
If you want jaw-dropping scenery and zero crowds, take the Train des Cévennes, a historic steam train that winds through the Gardon Gorges.
Enjoy breathtaking views of medieval villages and rugged mountain landscapes.
Stop in Anduze to visit the Bambouseraie, Europe’s largest bamboo forest.
🔹 Pro Tip: This train only runs seasonally, so book tickets in advance (April to October is the best time to go).
Exceptional Rail Experiences Beyond the Journey
🚂 The Train That Turns Into a Boat (Yes, Really!)
The Intercités de Nuit from Paris to Nice is already a dream (imagine falling asleep in Paris and waking up on the French Riviera).
But take it further—at Toulon, hop on a ferry that carries actual train carriages onto the water for a seamless overnight sea crossing to Corsica.
Wake up to beaches, mountain hikes, and Napoleon’s birthplace in Ajaccio.
🔹 Pro Tip: Corsica’s trains are slow but incredibly scenic—take the narrow-gauge railway from Bastia to Calvi for jaw-dropping coastal views.
🚂 Dining in a 1920s Luxury Train Car
Ever wondered what it felt like to dine aboard the Orient Express? While the legendary train is no longer in service, you can still enjoy a gourmet dining experience aboard a vintage Belle Époque train in Burgundy.
Step onto Le Train Bleu, a fully restored 1920s train carriage, where a Michelin-starred chef serves a five-course meal.
The train gently rolls through Burgundy’s vineyards, offering wine tastings and local delicacies along the way.
🔹 Pro Tip: This is one of the most romantic train experiences in France—book well in advance for special occasions.
🚂 The World’s Slowest (Yet Most Scenic) Train: Train Jaune
The Train Jaune (Yellow Train) is France’s highest railway, climbing into the Pyrenees mountains.
It moves at a leisurely pace, allowing you to soak in dramatic gorges, medieval villages, and snow-capped peaks.
Sit in the open-air carriage for an exhilarating ride through tunnels, bridges, and viaducts.
🔹 Pro Tip: Bring a picnic with local Pyrenean cheese and wine—you won’t want to leave this train anytime soon.
Essential Train Travel Tips in France
✔ Book Early for the Best Prices: TGV tickets can be half the price if booked 2-3 months in advance. Check SNCF Connect or Trainline for deals.
✔ Know When to Use a Rail Pass: If travelling long distances multiple times, get a France Rail Pass—but for single journeys, booking direct is often cheaper.
✔ Be Ready for Strikes: France is famous for its rail strikes (grèves)—check the schedule before you travel!
✔ Bring Snacks & Wine: Unlike in the UK, French train stations have amazing bakeries. Grab a baguette, cheese, and a bottle of wine for a true first-class experience… in second class!
Travelling France by rail isn’t just about getting from point A to point B—it’s about immersing yourself in the landscapes, food, and culture along the way. Whether you’re chasing the lavender fields of Provence, sipping wine on a moving train, or taking the slowest scenic ride through the Pyrenees, there’s a rail journey waiting for you.
🚆 Ready to embark on a rail adventure like no other? Book your tickets and let the journey begin!
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