France by Train

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:

Eiffel Tower, Paris

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.

Chateau and vineyard in Margaux, Bordeaux

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.

The basilica of Notre Dame de Fourviere, Lyon

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.

The Château of Versailles

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.

Cap d'Antibes, Cote d'Azur

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.

French train station Gare de l'Est, Paris

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

There are a number of train types in France ready to transport you both day and night. Most of the French network is operated by SNCF. Use the Eurail train timetable to check times for trains in France.

Regional and intercity trains in France

The main rail network in France is made up of the following regional trains and intercity trains:

• TER trains link most French towns and cities and operate frequent services.

• InterCité (intercity) trains connect the main towns and cities across France.

High-speed trains in France

International high-speed trains in France

These high-speed trains operate to and from France:

• Eurostar connects Paris and Lille to London (Great Britain) via the Channel Tunnel, and Lille to Brussels (Belgium).

• Thalys links Paris to Amsterdam (Netherlands), Brussels (Belgium), Cologne (Germany).

• TGV connects Paris to Luxembourg city (Luxembourg), Lille to Brussels (Belgium), Paris to Turin and Milan (Italy) and Paris to Figueres (Spain).

• TGV Lyria links Paris to Geneva and Zurich (Switzerland).

• ICE connects Paris to Frankfurt and Munich (Germany).

• Renfe-SNCF en Cooperación connects Paris and Marseille to Barcelona and Madrid (Spain).

Domestic high-speed trains in France

French domestic high-speed trains are run by TGV and travel at speeds of 320 km/h (200 mph). TGV trains transport passengers quickly and comfortably to cities across France, including from Paris to popular destinations like Bordeaux, Lyons (Lyon), Marseille and Nice.

TGV trains offer air-conditioning, large luggage racks, power sockets, plus refreshments and often a restaurant car.
 

Night trains in France

International night trains in France

The Thello night train operates on the following routes:

• Paris – Milan – Verona – Venice

• Paris – Florence – Rome

Eurail passes are not valid on the Thello as it is operated by a private railway company. 

Domestic night trains in France

The Intercités de Nuit night trains connect Paris to various destinations in the east, west and south of France, by night.

Train stations of bordering countries

With a Eurail pass valid in France you can travel to the following train stations of countries that border France:

• Basel (Switzerland)

• Geneva (Switzerland)

• Portbou (Spain)

• Ventimiglia (Italy)

Monaco

Eurail Passes valid in France are also valid in Monaco, a tiny city-state located on the French Riviera. Its location makes it the perfect stop-over between Nice and the Italian border (20 minutes by train either way). Make sure to visit the marina and the famous Monte Carlo casino!