10 of the most beautiful train journeys in France

The journey between Paris and Lyon is one of the most popular train routes in France. The TGV takes you from the capital to France’s gastronomic centre in around two hours, and it is precisely the blend of speed and experience that makes this route so attractive. You leave the bustle of Paris behind and arrive in Lyon feeling as though you have entered a completely different part of the country.

Along the way, the train glides through broad agricultural landscapes in Burgundy, a region associated with some of France’s most famous wines. Although the TGV is primarily designed for speed, the journey still gives a real sense of distance, transition and changing scenery. It is an excellent choice for combining culture, food and wine in a single trip.

The train journey between Nice and Marseille follows much of the Mediterranean coast and is one of the most beautiful railway lines in France. You can enjoy views of turquoise water, small harbours, palm trees, beaches and classic Riviera towns. On a clear day, the light and colours are so striking that the journey becomes an attraction in its own right.

This route works equally well for travellers moving efficiently between two major cities and for those who want the journey itself to become part of the holiday. You can stop in Cannes, Antibes or Saint-Raphaël along the way, making it ideal for a flexible trip along the French Riviera.

This short but beautiful train journey runs between Strasbourg and Colmar through the heart of Alsace. The region is known for vineyards, medieval villages and colourful half-timbered houses, and this route offers a concentrated glimpse of everything that makes the area so appealing.

The route is perfect for a day trip, whether you want to explore the Alsace wine routes or combine Strasbourg with a few nights in Colmar. The train is fast and practical, yet the landscape still has a strong identity and plenty of charm.

The fastest TGV services from Paris to Bordeaux take just over two hours. In a remarkably short time, you can exchange the pace of the capital for one of the world’s most famous wine cities in south-western France. The route is popular with both French travellers and international visitors because it is straightforward yet full of possibilities.

On arrival in Bordeaux, you are surrounded by elegant architecture, excellent restaurants and some of the world’s most celebrated wine regions. It is an ideal journey for combining culture, gastronomy and wine tasting without spending half your holiday in transit.

The journey between Marseille and Avignon crosses Provence, a region that epitomises the pleasures of southern France. In summer, you may see lavender fields, vineyards and small medieval villages, and in the warmest light it can feel as though you are travelling through a painting.

Avignon is best known for its imposing Palais des Papes, but the journey there is an experience in itself. This is an ideal route for combining Mediterranean city life with classic Provençal history and atmosphere.

For mountain lovers, this journey is spectacular. The route runs from Grenoble towards Chamonix at the foot of Mont Blanc, passing dramatic valleys, lakeside stretches and Alpine scenery. It is not the fastest rail journey in France, but it is unquestionably one of the most scenic.

The journey normally involves a change, but that is part of what makes it feel like a small expedition into the Alps. As you approach Chamonix, the views become more dramatic and the mountain atmosphere more pronounced. For many travellers, this is one of the country’s most memorable rail journeys.

From Paris, you can travel west towards Normandy and visit the iconic abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel, one of the most photographed places in France. Some services use the Le Mont-Saint-Michel route, while others travel via Pontorson with an onward connection. Either way, the journey feels both historic and slightly magical.

The appeal lies not only in the destination but also in the transition from the capital to the open landscapes of western France. It is a memorable excursion from Paris, either as a long day trip or with an overnight stay near the bay.

The short train journey between Toulouse and Carcassonne crosses the wine country of Occitanie and provides an excellent introduction to south-western France. Carcassonne is famous for its spectacular medieval citadel, and the contrast between the modern rail link and the historic destination makes the route particularly appealing.

This is an easy and accessible journey for travellers who want to combine city life in Toulouse with history, a smaller-town atmosphere and perhaps a few wine tastings in the surrounding region.

The journey from Bordeaux to Biarritz crosses the vast forests of the Landes region before reaching the Atlantic. It combines an elegant wine city with the sea, surfing, beaches and the more relaxed pace of south-western France.

Biarritz is known for luxurious hotels, excellent waves and its belle époque atmosphere. The route is therefore perfect for combining a few days in Bordeaux with beach life and the coastal character of the Bay of Biscay.

The fastest high-speed trains between Paris and Strasbourg take around 1 hour and 45 minutes. Strasbourg is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, with canals, historic houses and one of the continent’s most impressive cathedrals. It is also a natural hub for onward journeys through Alsace.

This route is ideal for travellers who want to combine French city life with a destination shaped by strong German and wider European influences. The result is a journey that is both efficient and richly rewarding.