Trains in France

Exploring France by train is an adventure in itself, with a French rail network that seamlessly connects vibrant cities, charming villages, and even neighboring countries. High-speed TGVs whisk you to the sun-drenched Riviera, TER regional trains take you through rolling vineyards, and the Eurostar links Paris to London in a flash—all from renowned stations like Gare du Nord and Gare de Lyon. From breezing past lavender fields to taking a dreamy night train to Mont Saint-Michel or snagging a budget-friendly Ouigo ticket, train travel in France is all about speed, comfort, and marvelous scenery—just don’t forget to book early!

TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse)

France’s premier high-speed train zips across the country at up to 320 km/h, linking Paris to must-visit destinations like Lyon, home to world-class gastronomy; Marseille, where travelers can explore the Old Port and Calanques National Park; Bordeaux, famous for its vineyards and elegant architecture; Lille, known for its Flemish influence and vibrant markets; and Strasbourg, where you can admire the Gothic cathedral and picturesque Petite France district.

TGV Lyria

Connecting Paris to Geneva, Zurich, Lausanne, and Basel, this high-speed train offers striking views of the Swiss Alps. Explore Zurich’s Old Town, Geneva’s Jet d’Eau fountain, Lausanne’s Olympic Museum, or the fairytale-like Basel Minster. A perfect way to blend French sophistication with Swiss charm.

Thalys

This high-speed train makes exploring Brussels, Amsterdam, and Cologne a breeze. Stroll through the iconic Grand Place in Brussels, visit the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, or admire the Cologne Cathedral, one of Germany’s most impressive landmarks.

Eurostar

Travel seamlessly from Paris to London in just over 2 hours via the Channel Tunnel. Arrive at St Pancras International and step into Covent Garden’s theaters, the British Museum, and Buckingham Palace, or stop in Lille for its vibrant Christmas markets and Calais for its coastal charm.

Ouigo

A budget-friendly high-speed train that connects Paris to Lyon, Marseille, and Bordeaux, making top French cities more affordable to explore. Enjoy a scenic ride to Lyon’s Old Town, Marseille’s sun-kissed beaches, or Bordeaux’s Place de la Bourse, all without breaking the bank.

Renfe-SNCF in Cooperation

This international train lets travelers glide from Paris to Barcelona, where Gaudí’s Sagrada Família awaits; from Lyon to Madrid, home to Prado Museum and the Royal Palace; or from Marseille to Barcelona, offering a blend of French Riviera glamour and Spanish vibrancy.

Intercity Trains

Intercity trains in France, known as Intercités, provide comfortable mid-distance travel between major cities not covered by high-speed TGV services. These trains connect destinations like Paris, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Nantes, and Nice, offering both day and overnight routes with spacious seating and sleeper options. Ideal for those looking for an affordable yet efficient way to explore France, Intercités trains balance speed and accessibility while linking key regions across the country.

Regional Trains

Regional trains in France, known as TER (Transport Express Régional), offer convenient and budget-friendly travel between cities, towns, and rural areas. Operated by SNCF, these trains provide frequent services in regions like Normandy, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, making them ideal for short-distance journeys. Whether you're commuting or exploring charming countryside villages, TER trains offer a scenic and relaxed way to experience local France.

International Trains

International trains in France connect the country to major European destinations with speed and comfort. Eurostar links Paris, Lille, and Calais to London via the Channel Tunnel, while Thalys connects Paris to Brussels, Amsterdam, and Cologne. For Swiss-bound travelers, TGV Lyria offers high-speed services between Paris and cities like Geneva, Zurich, and Lausanne, making cross-border travel well-connected.

Exploring France by train is effortless, with high-speed and regional services connecting must-visit destinations like the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the vineyards of Bordeaux, and the lavender fields of Provence. The SNCF network, including TGV, Intercités, and TER, ensures smooth travel across the country. Popular train routes to France include:

Paris To Lyon

Traveling from Paris to Lyon by train is a breeze with SNCF’s TGV, zipping you between these renowned cities in just under 2 hours at speeds up to 320 km/h, complete with cozy seats and Wi-Fi to keep you comfy. In Paris, you’ll leave behind the Eiffel Tower and Louvre’s art treasures, arriving in Lyon to explore its own tourist gems—like the ancient Roman amphitheater at Fourvière and the vibrant traboules (hidden passageways) of Vieux Lyon.

Paris To Nice

Hopping a train from Paris to Nice with SNCF’s TGV whisks you from the City of Light to the French Riviera in about 5.5 hours, offering a smooth ride with plush seats and sumptuous views as you cruise at up to 320 km/h. You’ll trade Paris’s iconic Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame for Nice’s sun-soaked Promenade des Anglais, the colorful old town’s Cours Saleya market, and the breathtaking hilltop views of Castle Hill.

Nice To Monaco

Zipping from Nice to Monaco by train takes just 20-30 minutes on SNCF’s TER, whisking you from the French Riviera to the dazzling principality effortlessly, with ease and affordable fares. In Nice, you’ll leave behind the vibrant Cours Saleya market and pebbly beaches, arriving in Monaco to marvel at tourist hotspots like the glamorous Monte Carlo Casino, the Prince’s Palace, and the Oceanographic Museum perched on a cliff.

Paris To Bordeaux

Take a train from Paris to Bordeaux and reach this vibrant city in just over two hours, where world-class wine and breathtaking architecture await. Roam around the picturesque Old Town, admire the splendid Place de la Bourse, and indulge in wine tastings at renowned vineyards in Saint-Émilion and Médoc.

Paris To Strasbourg

In just under two hours by train, you can go from Paris to Strasbourg, a city straight out of a fairytale with its half-timbered houses and breathtaking Gothic cathedral. Stroll through the picturesque Petite France district, glide along the Ill River, and soak in the festive charm of one of Europe’s most famous Christmas markets.

Paris To London

From Paris to London, the Eurostar trains whisk you beneath the English Channel in just over two hours, delivering you straight to the heart of the British capital at St Pancras International. Step off the train and dive into London’s top attractions, from Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London to world-class museums, West End theaters, and the vibrant energy of Covent Garden.