Discover the joy of France by train
Envision leaving London’s busy streets and enjoying a comfortable seat in the train as you head towards France. Within a few hours, you might be strolling by the Seine in Paris, sitting down for a meal at the traditional restaurant in Lyon or touring the ancient streets of Carcassonne.
The charm of France by train. The trip is now a part of the holiday and you’ll get to enjoy the scenery and get excited to find a new place to relax.
For travellers from the UK, Eurostar offers direct connections from London to Paris and Lille. It’s then possible to use France’s high-speed and regional trains to visit historic cities, stunning countryside and Mediterranean shores.
You don’t have to be rich and fancy to enjoy the experience. You can maximise your travel dollar by selecting the right destinations, doing some cost comparisons of train travel and making a well planned holiday.
We at Low Cost Vibes know a great holiday should also involve great experiences, great planning and great value! There are packages covering both short city breaks and scenic rail packages, as well as multi-city travel packages which include hotel stays and transfers, so there’s something to suit every type of traveler.
In this guide, we will discuss the top train routes in France, useful tips on train travel in France, scenic train trips in France and cheap train travel in France.
Why Choose France by Train for Your Next Holiday?
Rail travel is a great way to explore France, with high-speed trains providing access to the country’s main cities, and regional trains running to numerous smaller destinations.
So here are some of the reasons why France train travel might make a rewarding choice.
Enjoy a more relaxed journey
Train travel allows you to enjoy reading, listening to music, having a coffee or having a look at the scenery when you’re not driving.
You can enter the city, drop off your bag and then start exploring without having any concerns about parking, unfamiliar roads and so on.
Discover more than one destination
A rail holiday allows you to more easily experience various facets in one trip.
This could be the historic landmarks in Paris, the gastronomy or cultural highlights in Lyon and heading towards the mountains or the Mediterranean coast.
Another option is to opt for a twin city holiday rather than packing too much into a short holiday.
Experience France beyond the major cities
There is a lot more to France than Paris. You can encounter historic towns, destinations by the lakes, mountains, and traditional regional food along your way.
If you are looking for a holiday, where you can see the sights and experience a different way of life, then destinations like Carcassonne and Annecy are really worth a visit.
Make your budget go further
A rail holiday can be modified for various budgets. You can shop around for a better deal, select accommodation that meets your requirements and determine which activities you’d like to pay for.
A package book with some of the arrangements arranged in advance can also help with planning, if you prefer to have some of the arrangements organised in advance.
Best France Train Routes and Destinations to Explore
The most suitable train tours in France will depend on your interests, time and budget. The following are six destinations/combinations to consider.
1. London to Paris: A classic French city break
Best for: First-time visitors, couples, friends and weekend travellers.
Paris is a logical first stop for many Brits embarking on a French train journey.
London St Pancras International and Paris Gare du Nord are connected by Eurostar. Journey times vary by departure with the fastest services taking about two hours and 17 minutes.
After you arrive there are lots of things to enjoy. Stroll by the Seine, visit a museum, or go to a small cafe off the tourist path, or visit Montmartre.
There are no extravagant things to spend money on for a nice night in the city. A day can be a beautiful day at a bakery breakfast, a walk through a historic neighbourhood and an afternoon in a public garden.
Budget tip: Travel dates, book proper fares, if possible, early, and if changing plans, be aware of what your ticket includes.
Paris can be the first port of call, and then move onto another destination in France.
2. Paris to Lyon: Food, culture and historic streets
Best for: Food lovers, couples and culture seekers.
If you’re looking to explore a different facet of France, then Lyon is a great next stop.
There are high speed trains between Paris and Lyon that take about 2 hours. Always check details of departure station and exact timetable when booking.
It is known as a city with a rich food culture, historic centre and riverside location. Take a stroll through the old town and head to a local market in the morning and have an easy lunch.
Lyon is also an excellent base to explore other parts of eastern France.
Budget tip: Check housing prices between neighbourhoods and search for neighbourhood lunch menus. Another advantage of multiple nights in a single hotel is that it saves time and money in traveling from place to place.
3. Lyon to Annecy: Lakeside views and Alpine atmosphere
Best for: Couples, families, nature lovers and scenic travel.
To visit a city with mountain scenery, consider visiting Annecy on your trip.
The town of Annecy is known for its lake, canals, colourful old town and the surrounding Alps. It provides a more relaxed and serene environment, following the hustle and bustle of a big city.
The old town can be explored by walking, a lakeside stroll is a must-do and cafés and local stores can be visited.
The train ride from Lyon to Annecy is a trip between two distinct experiences: a vibrant French city and a picturesque lakeside destination. There is a variable journey time, services may be limited, so please use the timetable to plan your day.
This is a great travel package to choose if you’re looking for a holiday that combines sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Budget tip: Check hotel rates and plan holidays during non-rush hours. Do not feel pressured to make a daily trip to the lake and the old town.
Low Cost Vibes includes a Lyon and Annecy Scenic Train Adventure, a planned holiday that includes the above.
4. Toulouse to Carcassonne: A journey into medieval France
Best for: History lovers, couples, families and travellers who enjoy traditional towns.
Toulouse and Carcassonne are other options for French.
The city of Toulouse is famous for its pink brick buildings, vibrant squares and laid back southern French lifestyle. The train then goes to Carcassonne, which is well known for its medieval fortress and fortified town.
Carcassonne is far from a modern city break. It is an ideal place to explore on foot and learn about French history thanks to its walls, towers and narrow streets.
Instead of trying to do too much in one day, a twin city tour allows you to take time to enjoy Toulouse before your journey to Carcassonne.
Budget tip: Take the total price of an all-inclusive package vs. book the hotels, trains and activities individually. See if meals, transfers, and guided tours are included as well as local taxes.
Low Cost Vibes offers a Railway to the Medieval Heart of France: Toulouse and Carcassonne holiday. Its listed inclusions and travel arrangements should be checked against the latest offer before booking.
5. Paris to Marseille: Discover the Mediterranean
Best for: Sun seekers, food lovers and coastal explorers.
Marseille is a good choice if you’re looking to explore southern France.
Marseille and Paris are linked by the high speed train which takes approximately three hours.
On arrival, visit the Old Port, the local markets and admire the Mediterranean feeling of the city. Marseille also offers access to the coastal scenery and the Calanques (some of which will need extra local travel and planning).
You may spend a morning in the city, have a simple lunch near the harbour and stroll down the path by the sea in the afternoon.
Budget tip: Check the prices for a similar accommodation in other seasons in the year and budget for local transport when traveling out of the city centre.
6. Nice and the French Riviera: Coastal towns by rail
Best for: Beach lovers, couples and travellers who enjoy scenic journeys.
Nice is a convenient place to start touring the French Riviera by foot.
Coastal towns like Antibes, Cannes and Menton are connected by the regional train to Nice. It is possible to stay in the same location all morning and then hike to a different location for lunch, returning in the evening.
It’s a great way to get a taste of multiple places without having to pay for a new hotel for every night.
Budget tip: If you’re looking at staying in Nice, check out the cost of rooms in the surrounding towns. Think about the proximity of each of them to the station and local attractions.
Scenic Train Journeys in France Worth Adding to Your Trip
One of the most memorable train journeys in France is about how much you can enjoy the scenery, rather than how quickly you get there.
Here are three suggestions for travellers who wish to make this trip a part of their holiday.
The Mediterranean coastal railway
Sections of the railway between Marseille and the Italian border offer views of the Mediterranean, coastal towns and rocky landscapes.
It can be done in one trip or select the stops for a slower trip. Prior to deciding on a location to break the journey, please consult your timetable and connections.
The Train Jaune in the Pyrenees
The well-known Yellow Train runs through the eastern Pyrenees, which are bordered by mountain landscapes and beautiful countryside.
It is a specialist scenic railway and not a normal intercity connection. The operating dates, local connections and timetable of this should be checked before planning for it.
The Train du Montenvers near Chamonix
The Train du Montenvers takes off from Chamonix for Montenvers, offering stunning views of the Mer de Glace along the way.
This is a great way to add a memorable component to a mountain vacation. Please consult the latest service information and seasonal conditions prior to travel.
Planning tip: Scenic railways can have seasonal schedules and/or maintenance closures. Verify that the service runs on your travel date, and then book your rooms with this in mind.
How to Travel Around France by Train on a Budget
A holiday on the French railways doesn’t have to be a luxury experience. There are a number of common sense options that can help you get a good deal, without sacrificing memorable experiences.
Book train tickets in advance where possible
The fares for high-speed train tickets are dependent on the availability, date and demand. There may be more choice if you book early, but it is not guaranteed that the lowest price will be available.
Before you board, check out the times of departure and the conditions of the fare on the ticket, particularly where you may have to alter your travel plans.
Compare different train services
France has several types of rail services:
- TGV INOUI: High-speed trains connecting many major cities.
- OUIGO: Lower-cost high-speed services on selected routes, with specific ticket conditions and possible extras.
- TER: Regional services connecting towns and smaller cities.
If you have more time you might want to try a regional train, but don’t take prices for granted; look at the real price, travel time and connections.
Choose a sensible number of destinations
Constantly moving between hotels can be expensive and time consuming.
If you are heading to a holiday for a week, pick two or three cities that are connected by well-scenario public transportation such as trains.
For instance, you could visit Paris and Lyon, or double up your trip and visit Toulouse and Carcassonne.
Enjoy local food
France is renowned for its cuisine, but you’re not required to go to pricey restaurants every day.
Have a bakery breakfast, go to a market or make a picnicking breakfast using bread, cheese and fresh fruit. Set aside some money to treat yourself to a special meal or experience that you’d like to have.
Compare package holidays with booking everything separately
In some cases, it works best to do some of the planning yourself, which can help you have more flexibility in your holiday. Other times, a package might make planning easier and include the accommodation, the rail transfers and certain activities.
Compare the total price and details before booking.
Consider the number of hotel nights, hotel lodging, train rides, transfers, meals, excursions and any other fees included. Be sure to review the cancellation policy and if travel insurance is offered.
The best choice is the right one which provides the most convenient, flexible and value-for-money travel around the trip.
A Simple 7-Day France by Train Itinerary
If this is your first French rail holiday, a realistic route can make the experience much more enjoyable.
Here is one possible itinerary combining city life, food and history.
Days 1–3: Paris
Check-in from London & have a seat at your place. Visit the city’s iconic attractions, explore its neighbourhoods and spend time in cafes and markets.
Day 4: Travel to Lyon
Travel to Lyon on an express train. Once you have registered at the hotel, visit and enjoy the historic centre in the afternoon.
Day 5: Discover Lyon
Take advantage of the city’s food scene, wander through the markets and explore at your own pace.
Day 6: Return to Paris
Now it comes time to get back to Paris and have one last night before heading back to the UK.
Day 7: Return home
Take your Eurostar service back to London, allowing enough time for check-in and border formalities.
For an alternative historic and leisurely journey, head up to Toulouse or Carcassonne. For fans of lakes and mountains you might want to consider Lyon and Annecy.
If you need more ideas, check our France itinerary ideas, 7-day France itinerary, 10-day France itinerary or 14-day France itinerary, or start with our first-time France itinerary.
Practical Tips for Train Travel in France
A little preparation can help make your France train travel experience easier, particularly if you are travelling from the UK for the first time.
Check your departure station
There may be more than one railway station in a large city. In Paris, there are various main station names for various routes, please confirm the station mentioned on the ticket.
When changing stations leave sufficient time to cross the city.
Arrive with enough time
Arrive and check-in according to directions from Eurostar on international trip.
On domestic trains ensure you get there in time to be comfortable getting on the train and finding your platform. If connected, leave a reasonable gap between services.
Keep travel documents ready
Verify the validity of the passport and entry requirements for your nationality and medical condition.
Bring the ticket with you; see if there is a seat reservation, and follow the instructions of the operator on how to board.
Pack light
A suitable handbag or backpack is easier to maneuver in stations and get to your hotel.
Useful additions are comfortable shoes, a refillable water bottle and portable charger. Before travelling see the condition of your bags in the operator.
Check for service changes
Due to engineering works or strikes or other disruption, train services may be disrupted and timings may change.
See if you can find out when you are leaving and what time you are connecting before you check out of your accommodation. For a scenic railway trip, check the availability of the trip for that date.
The little moments that make rail travel special
Think of setting a cup down next to the window, drinking coffee while the city slowly recedes into the distance, replaced by open fields. It’s time to read, discuss with your travel partner or just savor the scenery shifts.
Then, you get to a new place. Maybe it’s a town full of history, a lakeside town with a view of the mountains, or a vibrant city where the aroma of fresh bread wafts from the bakery.
These are examples of moments in a journey, not a description of personal experience, but what makes a rail holiday attractive.
These are illustrative travel moments, not a claim of personal experience, but they capture what makes a rail holiday appealing.
The cycle allows you to make time to slow down. It doesn’t mean you have to be careful not to plan every minute.
A budget holiday doesn’t have to be ordinary, it can be special if you plan to allow yourself some of the simple pleasures, such as a picnic by the water, a stroll through an old town or a shopping trip to a local market.
It’s not necessary to travel to all the destination in France to have a good time. In some cases, it’s just a matter of finding two perfect locations and spending enough time enjoying them.
Why book a rail holiday with Low Cost Vibes?
Booking travel to multiple cities can be a process that takes its time. You might find it necessary to compare train fares, select appropriate hotels, arrange connections and make reservations for activities.
Low Cost Vibes is designed to assist travellers in finding holiday options that are more affordable, plan them, and create memorable experiences.
We have Rail Holiday packages for different destinations in our Rail Journeys collection. Selected hotel stays, rail transfers, guided activities and others may be included.
In France consider a rail holiday to Toulouse or Carcassonne or an adventure trip to Lyon and Annecy.
Please confirm latest package details prior to booking to ensure you know exactly what is included, dates available, total package cost and any extra costs.
We can also assist you in determining an appropriate choice for your destinations, travel dates and budget.
Looking to go anywhere else? Check out the Low Cost Vibes Rail Journeys range or chat to the team about your journey.
Frequently asked questions about France by train
Yes. High-speed trains connect many major cities, while regional services reach numerous towns and smaller destinations. Some rural areas have limited public transport, so check local connections before travelling.
Eurostar offers direct services from London to Paris and Lille. From there, you can connect to other French destinations by high-speed or regional train.
Compare fares across different dates, book suitable tickets in advance, consider regional services where practical and avoid unnecessary hotel changes. Compare the total cost of package holidays with arranging each element separately.
London to Paris is a convenient starting point. Paris to Lyon offers food and culture, Lyon to Annecy combines city life with lakeside scenery, and Toulouse to Carcassonne is ideal for travellers interested in history.
Yes. Multi-city rail holidays can combine several destinations in one trip. Choose places with convenient train connections and allow enough time to enjoy each one.
They can be useful if you want selected elements such as accommodation, train transfers and activities arranged together. Compare the package price, inclusions, flexibility and additional costs with the price of booking independently.
Seven days can work well for two or three destinations. Ten to fourteen days gives you more flexibility to explore different regions without rushing.
Yes. Nice is a useful base for regional train journeys to places such as Antibes, Cannes and Menton. Check local transport for attractions that are not close to railway stations.
Final thoughts: Make every stop part of the adventure
France by train is about more than getting from one city to another. It is a way to experience the country’s landscapes, food, history and everyday life at a comfortable pace.
Whether you choose Paris and Lyon, the medieval charm of Toulouse and Carcassonne, or the lakeside beauty of Lyon and Annecy, the right itinerary can help you enjoy more while keeping your plans manageable.
Compare your options, set a realistic budget and leave space for the little discoveries that make a holiday memorable.
With Low Cost Vibes, you can explore rail holiday ideas, compare suitable packages and take the next step towards your French adventure.
Sources & Further Reading
Destinations
https://www.lowcostvibes.com/destinations/europe/france
E-Books
https://ebooks.vibesgroupuk.com/books/mrze
https://ebooks.vibesgroupuk.com/books/Europe
Holiday Deals
https://www.lowcostvibes.com/holiday-types/rail-journeys
Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/@LowCostVibes/search?query=france
https://www.instagram.com/lowcost.vibes?mdxt=Ynp2NTl4eWo2eHNs
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