The 8 Most Breathtaking Train Journeys in France

Traveling through lush vineyards, traversing stunning mountain landscapes, or gliding along the Mediterranean coast: there’s no better way to savor the beauty and richness of France than from a train's window.

France boasts an excellent rail network that makes it simple to discover every corner of this diverse and vibrant country. We’ve selected these journeys for their breathtaking scenery, historical charm, and sheer delight. All aboard for the finest train rides in France!

1. Le Cévenol offers the most secluded and rugged train experience

Clermont-Ferrand to Nîmes; 303km (188 miles)

The rugged allure of the remote Massif Central unfolds along one of France’s oldest and most challenging train routes, carved through the Gorges de l’Allier. In the mid-1800s, the technology to blast through granite and basalt was still in its infancy, so workers accomplished this engineering marvel using basic techniques to create the line’s tunnels. Le Cévenol (or La Ligne des Cévennes) opened its doors in 1870 for both passengers and freight, transporting coal to the Rhône region and wine to Paris.

Le Cévenol is part of a longer cross-country route connecting Marseille to Paris, yet most travelers board at Clermont-Ferrand, nestled in volcanic territory. The journey begins with views of volcanic plugs scattered across the landscape, culminating in the highlight: the stunning Gorges de l’Allier. Perched high above the river, breathtaking vistas extend across the gorge.

During your journey, you’ll pass over three historic viaducts, navigate through several spectacular valleys, and traverse 106 tunnels. The route peaks at La Bastide-Puylaurent, standing at 1024m (3360ft), while the Chamborigaud viaduct offers a thrilling experience as you hover above the scenery for an exhilarating 409 meters (1341ft).

Travel tip: Maintenance work is typically conducted in spring, leading to SNCF buses replacing trains. Be sure to check schedules before making your reservation.

2. Le Train du Montenvers brings you face-to-face with a glacier

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc to Montenvers; 5km (3 miles)

Mont Blanc looms majestically over the Alps, its snow-covered peak offering a breathtaking view from a distance. To get a closer look at this ancient mountain, hop on the iconic cherry-red Train du Montenvers, a favorite of sightseers since 1908.

Leaving from the main train station in Chamonix, the rack-and-pinion train gradually ascends the mountainside at a steep angle over 9%, weaving through dark forests and tunnels carved into the rock. For the best views of Mont Blanc peeking through the fir trees, sit on the left side of the train.

The journey takes around 20 minutes to climb 1000m (3280ft) up the mountain, and just when you think the scenery can’t get any more breathtaking, you arrive at the base of Mer de Glace, a stunning valley glacier (meaning “sea of ice”) at an altitude of 1913m (6276ft). Here, you can admire the impressive north face of the Grandes Jorasses, a colossal expanse of rock and ice.

However, the most incredible sights are the dense, blue-hued ice caves within the glacier, where you can stroll through and marvel at intricate ice sculptures (the excursion is included in the train ticket price). Don't miss the interactive Glaciorium, detailing the glacier’s history. Enjoy a hot chocolate at Le Panoramique cafe before your descent, or opt to stay overnight at the historic Refuge du Montenvers, which boasts a stunning patio overlooking the Mer de Glace.

3. The train ride from Marseille to Ventimiglia offers the most spectacular sea views

Marseille to Ventimiglia; 187km (116 miles)

Taking the SNCF train from Marseille to Ventimiglia in southern France may seem like a regular journey, but the vistas are anything but ordinary. You'll find it hard to stay seated as the dazzling azure Mediterranean Sea unfolds outside your window, showcasing the beauty of the South of France. You'll also catch glimpses of maquis-covered cliffs (the aromatic herbs that grow wild here), charming terracotta villages, and hills adorned with palm trees along the way.

The stops along this route are legendary destinations in their own right: iconic St-Tropez, made famous by the young Brigitte Bardot; Cannes, renowned for its star-studded history; Monaco, the residence of the Grimaldi family; and Nice, celebrated for its exceptional museums and famous beaches. Additionally, you can discover hidden gems like the stunning Èze Plage, with its medieval village dramatically situated on a high peak, and the charming town of Menton. Step off the train, explore, soak up the sun, and catch the next train whenever you're ready.

The 50-minute journey between Nice and Ventimiglia is arguably the most breathtaking, as you glide past art deco villas, shimmering bays, and pastel-hued towns climbing up palm-studded hillsides. You arrive right at the Italian border, where you can choose to turn back and enjoy the scenery all over again.

4. Le Train des Pignes offers a delightful vintage train experience

Nice to Digne; 150km (93 miles)

Just behind the Mediterranean shores of Nice, the rugged gray peaks of the Mediterranean Alps loom in the distance. The “Train of Pinecones” travels from the sparkling coastline up into these snowy mountains in a little over three hours, revealing breathtaking, constantly changing vistas. You’ll journey through fields of Provence and olive groves, eventually entering a realm of deep river gorges and ancient fortresses.

Only 90 minutes from Nice, Entrevaux is an ideal spot to stroll through charming medieval streets and visit an ancient citadel. At the line's end, Digne-les-Bains is utterly delightful, featuring cobblestone paths, stone villas adorned with bougainvillea, and shops offering honey, lavender, and other local specialties.

With its diesel railcars and polished wooden benches, this line is the last remnant of the meter-gauge Chemins de Fer de Provence that once traversed southern France.

The term pigne translates to “pinecone,” possibly because the train used to travel so slowly that passengers could hop off to collect cones, or due to engineers burning them when the train ran low on fuel. In any case, the stunning pine forests surrounding the route enhance its scenic beauty.

5. The Interloire route from Orléans to Le Croisic is the ultimate train journey for cyclists.

Orléans to Le Croisic; 338km (210 miles)

The Loire Valley unfolds like a fairy tale, boasting a breathtaking collection of Renaissance castles, emerald-green rivers, and quaint medieval villages. (Azay-le-Rideau castle, after all, inspired Sleeping Beauty.) The Interloire line, operated by TER Centre-Val de Loire and TER Pays de la Loire, winds through this storied valley, starting in Orléans, the home of Jeanne d’Arc, and ending in the fishing port of Le Croisic on the Atlantic.

Don’t miss stops like Blois, topped by the château once occupied by Louis XII; Amboise, the final residence of Leonardo da Vinci; and Nantes, a historic Breton town featuring a captivating 15th-century château.

Planning tip: You can easily hop on and off the train with your bike to explore parts of the 900km (559-mile) Loire à Vélo, a mostly flat cycling path winding through this quintessentially French landscape. In summer, the train even offers a dedicated bike car.

6. The Eurostar offers a swift route through the Chunnel to London.

Paris to London; 451km (280 miles)

For a quick escape from Paris to London, whether to greet Big Ben or explore the V&A Museum, the Channel Tunnel is your best bet. Finished in 1994, this remarkable engineering marvel, known as the Chunnel, tunnels deep under the water between France and England. Passengers on high-speed Eurostar trains can traverse the 51km (31.5 miles) channel segment in just 30 minutes, with 38km (2 miles) underwater.

Departing from Gare du Nord in central Paris to St Pancras International in central London, the journey takes only 2½ hours from start to finish. Along the way, enjoy beautiful views of the French and English countryside; however, expect total darkness while inside the tunnel until you reach the daylight again.

7. The Nîmes to Le Grau-du-Roi Line is the ultimate Wild West train experience.

Nîmes to Le Grau-du-Roi; 37km (23 miles)

Wild bulls in Provence? Cowboys? Mais oui. Nestled in the southwestern corner of Provence, the marshy Camargue—where the Grand and Petit Rhône meet the Mediterranean—captures the essence of France’s Wild West. Here, gardians—local cowboys—work on manades (ranches), riding the region's distinctive white horses to herd wild black bulls.

Bullfighting plays a significant role in local culture (unlike Spanish bullfighting, the bulls here are unharmed). This region is also known for its paella (with unique Camargue rice), lively manouche music, and a resilient spirit shaped by centuries of challenging agriculture. Experience it all aboard the Nîmes to Le Grau-du-Roi train route.

Starting from Nîmes, the single-track train rolls through the vineyards of Costières de Nîmes and passes by Aigues-Mortes, a medieval walled city from where kings set off on their Crusades, allowing you to wander its ancient streets. The journey continues over salt marshes and lagoons; keep an eye out for horses, bulls, and pink flamingos soaring above. The route concludes in Le Grau-du-Roi, just a short walk from the Mediterranean coast.

8. Le Petit Train Jaune is the most renowned vintage train ride.

Villefranche-de-Conflent to Latour de Carol; 64km (40 miles)

This charming little train, known as the “little yellow train,” is arguably the most famous in France, particularly for its breathtaking scenery. Traveling through the stunning Pyrénées-Orientales from medieval Villefranche-de-Conflent to Latour de Carol near the Andorra border, it weaves through gorges, dense forests, across viaducts, and past two historic fortresses and a precariously situated ancient monastery. Its peak, Bolquère Eyne depot, reaches a staggering 1593m (5225ft), making it the highest station in France.

Be aware that two types of trains operate this route: a modern enclosed train and a vintage option, which occasionally runs with open carriages. Don’t worry about choosing between them; both are painted in the iconic yellow.

Essential Tips for Train Travel in France

Types of Trains in France

France offers a variety of train services, including local and regional options, overnight trains with sleeping accommodations, and the TGV, known as Trains à Grande Vitesse. For travel between major cities, the TGV is the most efficient choice, reaching speeds between 255km/h and 320km/h (160mph and 200mph), ensuring quick journeys.

For instance, the trip from Paris to Bordeaux takes just 2½ hours, while Paris to Marseille is only 3 hours and 40 minutes. However, the slower local and regional trains provide access to off-the-beaten-path areas. The TGV inOui is a new premium service offered by SNCF on select high-speed routes.

When purchasing tickets, you typically have two classes to choose from: first class (première), featuring luxurious reclining seats and more space, and second class (deuxième), which remains comfortable but may be busier. Maps of the French rail network can be found on the SNCF website.

How to Reserve a Train Ticket in France

You can purchase a ticket at the station from a ticket counter or machine, but booking online in advance is usually more economical. Reach out to Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer (SNCF) or, if you're in the United States, check with Rail Europe.

Affordable Train Tickets in France

France provides several rail passes, including the France Pass, which allows unlimited travel on the national rail network, and the Eurail Global Pass, covering trips to neighboring countries. Many passes also come with discounts for hotels, museums, and attractions. More details can be found on the Rail Europe website.

The TGV offers Prem’s tickets (their term for budget-friendly options) available for booking three months in advance, with extended booking horizons during the summer months.

The Eurostar high-speed train service links the United Kingdom with France (as well as Belgium and the Netherlands) and offers a limited number of discount tickets available six months in advance. Booking early increases your chances of securing a great fare.

Create a booking alert to receive notifications when discount tickets become available.

Traveling from Italy to France by Train

Traveling from Italy to France is possible through Italiarail. The journey from Rome to Paris takes approximately 11½ hours. SNCF also operates this route.

Traveling from Spain to France by Train

Spain’s railway service is Renfe. The journey from Madrid to Paris takes around 10½ hours, also serviced by SNCF.

Traveling from Switzerland to France by Train

The TGV connects Geneva to Paris in just over four hours.

Traveling from Germany to France by Train

Germany’s high-speed train service, the Deutsche Bahn InterCity Express (ICE), enables travel from Frankfurt to Paris in as little as four hours, provided you don’t have a connection in Cologne. SNCF also operates this route.

Traveling from Poland to France by Train

The journey from France to Poland typically takes between 14 and 19½ hours, often requiring two transfers. Train operators on this route include Deutsche Bahn, SNCF, and Eurostar, which will take you up to Cologne.