Paris is not only the heart of France but also one of Europe’s major railway hubs. From Paris, you can easily reach stunning destinations in France and neighboring countries — fast, comfortably, and often city-center to city-center.
This guide covers the best train trips from Paris, both domestic and international, including travel time, ticket prices, and highlights for each destination.
Best Train Trips Within France from Paris
1. Versailles – Quick Day Trip
- Train: RER C or SNCF suburban
- Travel Time: 30–40 minutes
- Why Visit: The world-famous Palace of Versailles, stunning gardens, royal history
2. Lyon – France’s Gastronomic Capital
- Train: TGV from Gare de Lyon
- Travel Time: 2 hours
- Why Visit: Amazing food scene, Renaissance Old Town, riverside walks, museums
3. Bordeaux – Wine Lovers’ Paradise
- Train: TGV from Gare Montparnasse
- Travel Time: 2 hours
- Why Visit: Historic architecture, wine tours, Cité du Vin, UNESCO-listed center
4. Loire Valley – Castles and Vineyards
- Train: TGV or Intercités to Tours, Blois, or Amboise
- Travel Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Why Visit: Fairytale châteaux, river landscapes, vineyards, medieval towns
5. Strasbourg – Alsatian Charm
- Train: TGV from Gare de l’Est
- Travel Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Why Visit: Half-timbered houses, canals, Strasbourg Cathedral, German-French fusion
6. Nice & French Riviera – Sun and Sea
- Train: TGV INOUI from Gare de Lyon
- Travel Time: 5.5 to 6 hours
- Why Visit: Beautiful beaches, Monaco, Cannes, glamorous lifestyle, Mediterranean vibe
7. Avignon & Provence – Roman History and Lavender Fields
- Train: TGV from Gare de Lyon
- Travel Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Why Visit: Pope’s Palace, medieval bridge, Provence markets, lavender fields
8. Marseille – France’s Port City
- Train: TGV from Gare de Lyon
- Travel Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Why Visit: Calanques National Park, Old Port, multicultural food, coastal views
9. Lille – Northern France’s Gem
- Train: TGV from Gare du Nord
- Travel Time: 1 hour
- Why Visit: Flemish architecture, art museums, cozy streets, close to Belgium
10. Mont Saint-Michel – Iconic Abbey on Water
- Train: TGV to Rennes + bus shuttle
- Travel Time: 3.5 to 4 hours
- Why Visit: Breathtaking abbey rising from the sea, medieval streets
Best International Train Trips from Paris
1. London, UK
- Train: Eurostar from Gare du Nord
- Travel Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Why Visit: Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, West End shows, British museums
2. Brussels, Belgium
- Train: Thalys from Gare du Nord
- Travel Time: 1 hour 22 minutes
- Why Visit: Grand Place, Belgian chocolate, beer, and waffles
3. Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Train: Thalys from Gare du Nord
- Travel Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Why Visit: Canals, Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, tulip fields nearby
4. Barcelona, Spain
- Train: TGV from Gare de Lyon
- Travel Time: 6.5 hours
- Why Visit: Sagrada Familia, beaches, Gaudi’s architecture, vibrant nightlife
5. Milan, Italy
- Train: TGV from Gare de Lyon
- Travel Time: 7 hours
- Why Visit: Fashion capital, Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, art and shopping
6. Frankfurt, Germany
- Train: TGV or ICE from Gare de l’Est
- Travel Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Why Visit: Museums, financial center, historical Römer square
7. Geneva, Switzerland
- Train: TGV Lyria from Gare de Lyon
- Travel Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
- Why Visit: Lake Geneva, United Nations, mountains, luxury shopping
8. Zurich, Switzerland
- Train: TGV Lyria from Gare de Lyon
- Travel Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Why Visit: Old town, lake, art museums, gateway to the Alps
9. Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
- Train: TGV from Gare de l’Est
- Travel Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Why Visit: UNESCO-listed old town, casemates, modern art, and museums
10. Cologne, Germany
- Train: Thalys or ICE from Gare du Nord or Gare de l’Est
- Travel Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Why Visit: Cologne Cathedral, Rhine River cruises, historic old town
Map of Train Routes from Paris
(You can insert a visual map showing major train lines from Paris radiating toward France and neighboring countries.)
Comparison Table – Where to Travel from Paris by Train
| Destination | Country | Travel Time | Why Go |
|---|---|---|---|
| Versailles | France | 30–40 min | Palace and gardens |
| Lyon | France | 2 hrs | Food, old town |
| Bordeaux | France | 2 hrs | Wine, river city |
| Strasbourg | France | 1h45 | Alsace charm, cathedral |
| Nice | France | 5.5–6 hrs | Beaches, Riviera |
| London | UK | 2h20 | Big Ben, museums |
| Brussels | Belgium | 1h22 | Grand Place, chocolate |
| Amsterdam | Netherlands | 3h20 | Canals, museums |
| Barcelona | Spain | 6.5 hrs | Gaudi, beaches |
| Milan | Italy | 7 hrs | Fashion, Duomo |
FAQ – Where to Travel from Paris by Train
What is the best day trip from Paris by train?
Versailles, Lille, and Strasbourg are excellent day trips under 2 hours from Paris.
What is the fastest international train from Paris?
The Eurostar to London (2 hours 20 minutes) and the Thalys to Brussels (1 hour 22 minutes) are the fastest.
Is the train from Paris to Barcelona scenic?
Yes. It passes through southern France with views of the Pyrenees and Mediterranean coast.
Is it cheaper to fly or take the train from Paris?
Flights can be cheaper for long distances like Paris to Rome or Barcelona. But trains are city-center to city-center, more comfortable, and more eco-friendly.
How early should I book trains from Paris?
Book 2-3 months in advance for the best prices, especially on high-speed trains like TGV, Thalys, and Eurostar.
Final Verdict – Best Places to Travel from Paris by Train
- For quick day trips: Versailles, Lille, or Strasbourg.
- For French getaways: Bordeaux, Lyon, Provence, or the French Riviera.
- For international adventures: London, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Milan, Brussels.
Trains from Paris are fast, comfortable, and scenic—an amazing way to explore France and Europe.
