France by Train

High-speed TGV trains are the ticket to slow travel bliss, and the Lyon to Nice trains connect two contrasting cities that could feature on any of “best of” itineraries.  From the urbane gastronomic epicenter of France to the sunset capital of the French Riviera, we’ve captured all the relevant info about getting from Lyon to […]

Once in Paris, it can be hard to wrench yourself away. The City of Light is home to some of the world’s leading attractions, more than enough to fill any vacation. Yet just beyond the city limits lie many enticing day trips from Paris by train. To whet your wanderlust, we’ve picked out some of […]

Traveling from Paris to Chamonix by train is a journey of extraordinary contrasts. From a crowded metropolis bursting with cultural marvels to a tranquil landscape of natural wonders. Two worlds separated by a 6-hour rail journey and one immense mountain range. Whether packing skis for snowbound adventures or looking for some of the finest summer […]

For most Americans, visiting the D-Day landing beaches and memorials to the soldiers who gave their lives in 1944 is a high point of any trip to France. The French government and local residents carefully preserve the memory of those who fought to liberate their country. There are many poignant and moving sites to visit. […]

West of Normandy is another jewel in France’s tourist crown, Brittany. The former Celtic nation has a remarkable history, its own language, and an unquenchable rebellious spirit. Bretagne (Breton: Breizh) is a land of contrasts. The region is made up of five “départements” in its north and west, including Côtes-d’Armor and Finistère, and the department […]

The Mediterranean Sea laps against a hodgepodge of blue, gray, and green buildings. The ancient Roman port city hums with a liveliness that can only be found in a metropolis like Paris, albeit on a smaller and more manageable scale. This is Marseille, one-time Greek colony, modern France’s second-largest city and capital of the Provence-Alpes-Côte […]

Bordeaux is far more than a destination for wine connoisseurs. France’s sixth-largest city bursts with historic monuments, intriguing museums, and absorbing diversions.  Numerous Paris to Bordeaux trains reach the ‘Pearl of Aquitaine’ in under three hours. With frequent Bordeaux to Paris trains for the return journey, it is even possible, with some hustle, to squeeze-in […]

Paris may be the big draw for first-time visitors to France, but the magic of Provence draws visitors back again and again. Rolling from the Alps down to the French Riviera, Provence stretches from the banks of the Rhône to the Italian border and encompasses some of France’s most compelling coastal destinations. Getting from Paris […]

Heading out of Paris to explore France offers a world of tantalizing possibilities. Two regions that should not be overlooked are Normandy and Brittany. The neighboring coastal regions are home to epoch-defining histories, singular cuisines, and some of the most compelling destinations outside the French capital. They include the D-Day landing beaches near Bayeux and […]

Nestled on the banks of the Rhône, Lyon is the ideal companion city for visitors to Paris. The former Roman settlement is France’s third-largest city and packs in over 2,000 years of history, culture, and culinary innovation. Smaller and far more relaxed than the French capital, it is the one city that rivals Paris for […]

Gateway to the French Riviera, Nice has been luring visitors to the south of France since ancient Greek triremes rowed ashore. More recently, the TGV Paris to Nice has been helping urban escapees enjoy the sunshine and singular charms of Provence. Nice is more than just a weekend getaway. France’s fifth-largest city is well-situated for […]