
2 Weeks in France by Train: From Parisian Grandeur to Riviera Glamour
Embark on a 14-day rail adventure across France, beginning with the iconic sights of Paris, venturing into the Champagne region and Alsace, before culminating in the culinary delights of Lyon and the sun-kissed French Riviera.
- 1Paris
- 2Strasbourg
- 3Lyon
- 4Nice
Day 1: Arrive in Paris
Settle into the City of Lights after arriving at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), then enjoy an introductory stroll along the Seine or explore the charming Latin Quarter.
Highlights
- Arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), well-connected to the city center by RER B train.
- Head to Paris Gare de l'Est, your main intercity train station, located 3 km from the city center.
- Take an evening walk along the Seine or explore the vibrant Latin Quarter.
Day 2: Explore Parisian Art and History
Immerse yourself in Paris's rich artistic heritage with visits to world-renowned museums, home to masterpieces spanning centuries.
Highlights
- Discover ancient civilizations to 19th-century art at the Louvre Museum, home to the Mona Lisa.
- Admire Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works by Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas at Musée d'Orsay.
- Consider a visit to Musée de l'Orangerie for Monet's immersive Water Lilies.
Day 3: Iconic Paris Landmarks
Spend the day experiencing Paris's most recognizable landmarks and the artistic atmosphere of Montmartre.
Highlights
- Ascend the iconic Eiffel Tower for sweeping city views.
- Visit the Arc de Triomphe, honoring French armies, with a rooftop panorama.
- Wander through Montmartre, a historic hilltop district of artists and charming streets.
Day 4: Day Trip to Reims: Champagne Region
Journey by train to Reims, the heart of the Champagne region, to visit a prestigious champagne house and admire its magnificent cathedral. Trains from Paris to Reims start from €25, with earliest outbound departure at 04:49 and latest return at 22:16.
Highlights
- Travel by train from Paris Gare de l'Est to Reims, a journey taking around 1h 37m.
- Explore the magnificent Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral, where French kings were crowned.
- Visit a local champagne house for a tasting experience.
Day 5: Travel to Strasbourg and Explore La Petite France
Enjoy a scenic train journey to Strasbourg, then spend the afternoon exploring the picturesque canals and half-timbered houses of La Petite France. Train tickets from Paris to Strasbourg start from €47.
Highlights
- Take a high-speed train from Paris Gare de l'Est to Strasbourg, a journey as fast as 1h 44m.
- Settle into your accommodation in Strasbourg, a city blending French and German cultures.
- Wander through La Petite France, a storybook quarter of canals and timbered houses.
Day 6: Strasbourg's Franco-German Charm
Discover Strasbourg's unique blend of French and German culture, from its stunning cathedral to its historic bridges.
Highlights
- Marvel at the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg, famed for its pink sandstone facade and astronomical clock.
- Walk across the Ponts Couverts, medieval covered bridges and defensive towers.
- Explore Place Kléber, a historic square known for its Renaissance buildings.
Day 7: Day Trip to Fairytale Colmar
Visit the fairytale village of Colmar by train, wandering through its charming 'Little Venice' district and admiring its colorful architecture. Train tickets from Strasbourg to Colmar start from €6, with earliest outbound departure at 00:01 and latest return at 23:58.
Highlights
- Take a short train ride from Strasbourg to Colmar, a journey taking around 40m.
- Explore Colmar's 'Petite Venise' district, known for its canals and half-timbered houses.
- Stroll along Rue des Marchands, a central pedestrian street filled with heritage facades.
Day 8: Journey to Lyon and Discover Vieux Lyon
Travel by train to Lyon, then spend the afternoon exploring the historic Vieux Lyon district and its hidden traboules. Train tickets from Strasbourg to Lyon start from €41.
Highlights
- Board a train from Strasbourg to Lyon, with the fastest journey taking 3h 34m.
- Arrive at Lyon Part Dieu station, located 1 km from the city center.
- Explore Vieux Lyon, a Renaissance quarter with cobbled lanes and hidden passageways.
Day 9: Lyon's Gastronomy and Panoramic Views
Indulge in Lyon's renowned gastronomic scene and visit the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière for panoramic city views.
Highlights
- Savor traditional Lyonnaise cuisine, such as Quenelles De Brochet or Salade Lyonnaise.
- Visit the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière for grand mosaics and sweeping views over Lyon.
- Explore the Roman amphitheater and odeon at Théâtres Romains de Fourvière.
Day 10: Silk History and Fine Arts in Lyon
Discover the vibrant Croix-Rousse district, known for its silk-weaving history, and visit the impressive Musée des Beaux-Arts.
Highlights
- Explore La Croix-Rousse, the historic silk-workers’ hill district with its unique stairways and murals.
- Visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon, a major fine arts museum housed in a former abbey.
- Wander through the Presqu'île, the central peninsula between the Rhône and Saône rivers.
Day 11: Travel to the French Riviera: Nice
Journey to the glamorous French Riviera by train, arriving in Nice for a relaxing evening stroll along the iconic Promenade des Anglais. Train tickets from Lyon to Nice start from €23.
Highlights
- Take a train from Lyon Part Dieu to Nice, with the fastest journey taking 4h 33m.
- Arrive at Nice Saint-Augustin or Nice Ville station, both well-connected to the city center.
- Enjoy a relaxing evening stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, Nice's iconic seafront.
Day 12: Nice's Old Town and Coastal Vistas
Discover the vibrant Old Town (Vieux Nice), browse its lively markets, and ascend Colline du Château for breathtaking coastal views.
Highlights
- Explore Vieux Nice, a lively maze of narrow streets, Baroque churches, and colorful facades.
- Ascend Colline du Château for panoramic sea views and historic ruins.
- Sample local Niçois street food like Socca or Panisse.
Day 13: Day Trip to Glamorous Cannes
Experience the glamour of Cannes with a day trip by train, walking along La Croisette and exploring the historic Le Suquet district. Train tickets from Nice to Cannes start from €8, with earliest outbound departure at 00:04 and latest return at 23:58.
Highlights
- Take a short train ride from Nice to Cannes, a journey taking around 28m.
- Walk along Boulevard de la Croisette, Cannes' famous waterfront lined with luxury hotels.
- Explore Le Suquet, the old quarter with steep lanes, pastel houses, and panoramic viewpoints.
Day 14: Depart from Nice
Enjoy a final French breakfast and some last-minute souvenir shopping before your onward departure from Nice.
Highlights
- Savor a final French breakfast at a local café.
- Do some last-minute souvenir shopping in Nice's charming streets.
- Depart from Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE), or consider alternative airports like Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) or Toulon-Hyères Airport (TLN).










