France by Train
Your Eurail France Pass is the key to the world's most popular travel destination. Explore the romantic capital Paris, relax at the beach in the French Riviera and visit beautiful castles in the Loire Valley. Traveling by train through France is a guarantee for beautiful and varied scenery. (Please keep in mind that French high-speed and night trains always need reservations in advance and often have limited seating for Eurail pass holders.)
Domestic connections in France
France has an extensive high-speed train network, which will get you where you want to go a lot faster compared to the regional train system. However, for the high-speed trains you'll need to book a seat reservation. We'll explain you more about reservations a bit further down on this page.
View approximate train travel times between top cities in France with regional and high-speed TGV trains:
| From/to | High-speed train | Regional train |
|---|---|---|
| Paris - Nice | 5hr 47min |
12hr 28min |
Paris - Bordeaux |
2hr 09min |
8hr 31min |
Paris - Lyons |
1hr 57min |
5hr 06min |
Paris - Marseille |
3hr 23min |
9hr 10min |
Train types in France
International train connections to and from France
Reservations for trains in France
Places to visit in France
Paris - a cultural center of the universe
The ‘city of lights’ is known for its art, architecture, fashion and cuisine. For centuries, the world standards for culture, cooking and couture have been led by the Parisians. And they wouldn’t have it any other way. The list of places to visit is almost endless: the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Elysée. Paris must be seen to be believed.
Docking at the Port of the Moon
The port city of Bordeaux offers natural and man-made wonders of all kinds. Known, of course, as one of the finest wine regions in all the world, you can spend your entire visit sipping vino. But set down your glass, and sample the sights and sounds of the city. With nearly 350 registered national monuments, the architecture of Bordeaux has remained virtually unchanged since the 18th century, except for a polish and shine.
History made real in Lyon
The centuries-old city of Lyon is a delight for the senses. Feast your eyes on the glorious landscapes, treat your taste buds to the sumptuous Beaujolais wines, breathe in the air as you sail along the rivers Rhone and Saône, and listen to the lessons of history in the centuries-old architecture, monuments and galleries. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that Lyon has been honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Regal rewards in Versailles
Come for the palace, stay for the passion. The Château of Versailles was once home to King Louis XVI and his extravagant wife Marie-Antoinette. Don’t miss the Hall of Mirrors and Marie-Antoinette’s elaborate gardens. In Versailles, you can stroll through the secret pedestrian pathways and discover craftsmen of all kinds. Artistry and function, architecture and beauty. 16th century style, and 21st century appeal.
Soul-quenching sun in the French Riviera
Stroll through the open markets and sip the local Bellet wine, explore the museums that fill the city, stretch out on your own piece of white sandy beach, or embark on a scuba-diving adventure, and you’ll know that Nice, and the rest of the French Riviera (Côte d’Azur), is like heaven on earth. The people are as warm and breezy as the weather, and enjoyment is in high demand.
Rail passes for France
Culture, history, and incredible French food awaits! A Eurail Pass lets you speed in style through breathtaking countryside direct to the heart of France’s great cities. Admire fine art in Paris and fine wine in Bordeaux, explore the vibrant streets of Lyon, and relax on the sun-soaked beaches of Nice and Cannes, all by train.
Rail Pass options for France
Pass benefits in France
Top Attractions in France
More about France
Quick facts
Capital: Paris
Population: 65 million
Language: French
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Dialing code: +33
French hub stations
France has several hub stations in Paris including: Lyon, Nord, Austerlitz, Bercy, Est and Montparnasse. From these train stations it's possible to connect to trains to most of France's main cities.
Station facilities
The main train stations in France usually have excellent facilities, often including:
Luggage lockers
Foreign exchange desks
Restaurants and cafés
Tourist information offices
ATM cash machines
Elevators and escalators
Access for disabled passengers
