Can you travel to France by train from the UK?

Yes. Eurostar runs direct from London St Pancras to Paris, Lille and selected other destinations, with Paris taking around 2 hours 20 minutes. From Paris or Lille, you can connect with France's high-speed and regional rail network to travel throughout the country.

Where can I visit in France by train?

Paris, Lyon, Strasbourg, Bordeaux, Avignon and Nice are all particularly easy to reach by rail. You can also explore regions including the French Riviera, Alsace, Provence, Normandy and the Dordogne or combine several destinations in one tailor-made holiday.

Do I need to reserve trains in France?

Reservations are compulsory on most TGV high-speed trains and some other long-distance services. Regional TER trains generally don't require reservations. When you book a tailor-made rail holiday with us, we'll arrange the appropriate tickets (or rail passes) and reservations as part of your trip.

Is first class worth it on French trains?

First class on TGV services generally offers wider seats, more space and a quieter environment, although the level of onboard service varies between trains. We can include first class travel throughout your holiday for an inclusive price when you have a rail pass included, or make suggestions for the best legs to upgrade where you have separate tickets.

Can you arrange a holiday in France without going via Paris?

Yes. Although Paris is a major hub, it isn't always necessary to travel through the capital. Depending on your itinerary, we can arrange your journey via Lille instead. Or if you live in the south of England, we can even include a ferry to St Malo, Caen or Cherbourg.

France Rail Holidays

So close to home yet so beautifully varied, la belle France is a wonderful country to explore by rail. Speed under the English Channel and explore cities modern and medieval, landscapes of rolling vineyards or fields of lavender and diverse coastline from wild and unspoilt to ultra chic. The famous high-speed TGV trains run up and down the length of the country servicing all popular destinations . Why not tailor make your own French holiday by rail or let one of our expert designers help inspire you?

Explore France itineraries

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Our favourite rail holidays to France

Chateaux of the Loire Valley

Grand Tour of Europe by Rail

33 days

From £3199pp

Discover France by rail

Exploring France by train offers enormous variety, from the dramatic Atlantic coast in the north to the sunny beaches of the south, via great cities, mountains and countless places to eat along the way. France is a country you can return to again and again and experience differently each time.

Paris is one of the world’s great destinations, but there is much more to discover beyond the capital. Combine cities such as Avignon, Nice, Bordeaux, Lyon and Strasbourg with Provence’s lavender fields, the dramatic Alps, beautiful countryside and the Mediterranean coast. Whether you want culture and food, outdoor activities or time to relax, there are plenty of ways to shape a varied French rail holiday.

Popular areas in France to visit by rail

Paris

Only just over 2 hours by Eurostar from London, France’s capital Paris is one of the top city destinations on the average travel bucket list. There are the famous sights like the Eiffel Tower, the Champs Elysées, the Palais du Louvre and Notre Dame Cathedral. But, however many times you visit, there’s still more to be discovered in the City of Light from hilltop windmills to hidden markets and backstreet boutiques.

Provence

From the red soil to the fields of lavender and sunflowers and the blue shutters on village houses, it’s hardly surprising that the colours of Provence have inspired a profusion of Impressionist paintings. You can find out more about the artists who worked here but also discover picture-postcard mountain villages, wonderful Roman remains, artistic cities and the joy of a long lunch with a pichet of Luberon wine.

French Riviera

Famous trains and rail experiences in France

Browse trains

TGV

Speed around France by TGV or head across the border into neigbouring countries like Switzerland, Germany and Italy

Eurostar

Eurostar operates high-speed trains from London through the Channel Tunnel, plus continental services linking France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.

Travelling by rail in France

France is one of the easiest countries in Europe to explore by rail, with high-speed TGV services linking Paris with cities including Lyon, Bordeaux, Strasbourg, Marseille and Nice, alongside an extensive network of regional trains. From London, Eurostar reaches Paris in around 2 hours 20 minutes, making it straightforward to travel onwards the same day or include a night in the capital. Many longer-distance TGV services require reservations and offer first and standard class, while regional TER trains are generally more flexible.

Journey times can be surprisingly short: Paris to Lyon takes around 2 hours, Paris to Bordeaux just over 2 hours, and Paris to Strasbourg under 2 hours. We can plan the best combination of routes, trains and overnight stops around the places you want to visit, whether you're heading to Provence and the Côte d'Azur, exploring Alsace, travelling through the Alps or combining France with neighbouring countries. Spring and autumn are particularly rewarding for getting around by train, while winter brings Christmas markets, Alpine scenery and opportunities to experience popular cities and regions outside the busiest summer months.

Why book your France train holiday with us?

Placeholder text. Every holiday is planned by a rail specialist who knows the routes first hand. We arrange your trains, hotels and transfers, and stay on hand throughout your journey.

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What our travellers say

We have just returned from a fabulous rail trip to France and Switzerland. Tailor-Made Rail's organisation and information was exceptional- accurate, helpful and easy to follow. Every detail was accurate and I particularly liked the day by day, one page at a time format. Contact with the company was friendly and efficient - we would definitely use again.

Judith

2 October 2026