Travelling by train to France can be a real adventure and a fantastic experience. Train travel through France is one of the most exciting ways to see how the scenery changes as you travel across the country. You can make your holiday as bespoke as you like when travelling through France. Spend time planning your itinerary using the French rail network. You will be amazed at how much you will be able to see from your window seat. Arguably one of the most beautiful destinations in the world, it is well worth taking your time when travelling through France. You can also plan your trip by selecting a range of luxury hotels or charming boutique guest houses, which you can select from according to your budget. The French rail network offers a vast range of rail options meaning that you can take in the amazing landscape as you travel.
How to Explore France by Train
For an amazing travelling experience, it is well worth considering the Eurostar for travelling to France. You can travel by Eurostar from a number of stations, including London St Pancras and Ashford stations in the UK. These trains arrive in either Paris Gare du Nord or Lille. It is best to book your tickets as far in advance as possible. There are discounts available for advance bookings, so it’s really worth exploring your Eurostar options sooner rather than later. There are plenty of train times to choose from, so travelling by Eurostar gives you the flexibility to fit in your Eurostar trip around the rest of your itinerary. Once you arrive in France, the next stop is up to you! If you’re looking for itinerary inspiration, it is definitely worth considering the following rail journeys throughout France.
Suggested Routes
Clermont-Ferrand to Nimes is possibly one of the most spectacular routes you can take. The Cévennes line weaves its way through breath taking scenery complemented by rare industrial architecture. Located around an hour’s drive from Le Puy-en-Velay, southwards from Saint-Georges d’Aurac, the line follows the bottom of a gorge and some beautiful countryside. The entire route takes approximately 4.5 hours and it is well worth a try.
Another fascinating route to consider is Marseilles to Aix-en-Provence, which is one of the most famous rail routes in France. One particular part of the route which is definitely not to be missed, is the section between St Raphael and the Italian border at Menton. For the best views, it’s best to sit on the right side of the train when travelling to the border.
To explore the border between France and Spain, try the La Tour De Carol – Toulouse/Perpignan route. In the heart of the Pyrenees and near the border with Spain, you can travel between Toulouse and Barcelona from this point, although please note that connections can be infrequent. If you’re travelling from Perpignan, you’ll enjoy the views of the mountain gorge as you travel towards La Tour De Carol.
Ana Aleksejeva is an experienced travel writer for blogs and travel guides. Having recently travelled through France by train, Ana shares some of her top travel tips on how to use the vast French rail network and suggests some recommended routes for your trip once you have arrived in France.
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