Travel by train in France

Your Eurail France rail pass is the key to all your train travel needs. France is the world's most popular travel destination. And no wonder, with so many interesting stops, like Paris, the French Riviera, the ski resorts in the Alps and the castles in the Loire Valley. If you travel during high season, don't forget to read our section on summer seat reservations.

More about France

France with capital Paris on map of Europe

Accommodation in France

While you discover French culture and cuisine you'll need a place to sleep.

Read all about accommodation options or search for the French hotels now.

Search hotels in France

Trains in France

Railway operator FranceFrance is home to high-speed trains like TGV and Thalys. You can get from Paris to just about anywhere in a couple of hours.

Read more about trains in France.

Pass benefits in France

Check out the extra discounts and offers for Eurail pass holders in France, including reduced prices on certain ferries and museums.

View the pass benefits in France.

Quick facts about France

  • Capital: Paris
  • Population: 65.4 million
  • Language: French
  • Currency: Euro (EUR)
  • Rail company: SNCF
  • Railway size: 29,100 km (18,080 mi)

France no longer in Select Pass

From January 1, 2013, France is no longer available to buy with the Select Pass

However, France is still included in the Eurail Global Pass – the flexible and value-for-money pass valid in 24 countries.

Read more

Eurail passes for France

Global Pass
valid in 24 countries
View pass prices
 
 
Regional Pass
for trips in specific regions

Seat reservations

Please note that the number of seats available for Eurail pass holders is limited on the following high-speed trains:

  • TGV: all domestic and international routes.
  • Thalys: on all routes between France and the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany.
  • ICE: Paris – Frankfurt route only.

We recommend that you make reservations as soon as possible. You can make reservations up to 3 months in advance. To check availability for the train, contact a booking center or visit a European railway station.

If a train is fully booked for pass holders you can:

 

Did you know...

There is no One Country Pass for France. For train travel in France only, there is the:
France Rail Pass.

Back to top