Obviously, when you think of travel, you think of planes and destinations on the other side of the world. However, France and Europe have so much to offer you within rail reach! We promise, you won’t sacrifice any of the essential change of scenery you want for your vacation. Today, let’s dive into ecotourism and set off to discover Europe without taking a plane.
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Why choose the train to travel in Europe?
First of all, traveling by train in Europe is a great travel deal for an inexpensive trip. Generally cheaper than flying, it allows you to cover long distances faster than by car and at a lower cost.
Next, train travel really lets you enjoy the scenery. We know how complicated it can be to include transportation in the travel experience (it’s tiring, it’s long…). However, we strongly encourage you to take your eyes off your smartphone to admire the landscape through the window if you travel during the day. This gradual discovery is also an invitation to travel differently, ideal for a more authentic journey.
But beyond the practical aspect, choosing the train also means favoring a sustainable mode of transport. Indeed, CO₂ emissions per passenger are much lower than those of planes (reducing your carbon footprint), making it a coherent option for ecotourism.
Pro tip: if you’re worried about not enjoying your destination enough, night trains can be a good economical option to lose as little travel time as possible. You fall asleep at departure and wake up at your arrival station, and the trip can begin!
What are the best destinations to travel by train in Europe from France?
If this is your first long train trip outside France, here are some destinations easily accessible from France.
Departing from Paris
While the capital is often an undeniable hub for flights, Paris is also a central departure point for trains to Europe. You can thus access many European destinations easily:
- Paris – Venice (Thello): a night journey that lets you fall asleep in France and wake up in the heart of Italy.
- Paris – Brussels: in just 1 hour 30 minutes, the Thalys takes you to the Belgian capital, ideal for an impromptu weekend!
- Paris – Amsterdam: with the Thalys again, you go from the Seine to the Dutch canals in just over three hours, a great alternative to flying.
- Paris – Cologne: in just over three hours, you set off to discover one of Germany’s largest cities, known for its Gothic cathedral and active cultural scene.
- Paris – Copenhagen (via Hamburg): by combining several trains, you can reach the Scandinavian capital in one day. A perfect journey to discover northern Europe without flying!
- Paris – Vienna: thanks to the Nightjet night train, you leave in the evening and wake up in the heart of the Austrian capital. Enjoy Viennese cafés and imperial palaces!
- Paris – Budapest: a route that crosses several countries (Germany, Austria, Hungary) and offers a gradual immersion into Central Europe.
- Paris – Warsaw (via Berlin): a long journey to Poland that immerses you in the history and culture of Eastern Europe.
Other departures
However, you may live far from Paris and don’t want to add too many extra travel hours. So, here are other destinations accessible from other cities in France:
- Lyon – Barcelona: there is a direct TGV route linking France to Catalonia in less than five hours, ideal for a Mediterranean getaway.
- Strasbourg – Zurich: a route crossing Alsace and reaching Switzerland in less than two hours, perfect for discovering ecotourism in the Alps.
- Marseille – Milan (Thello): this route takes you through the French Riviera and the Italian Alps, between the Mediterranean and mountains.
- Bordeaux – Madrid: a rail connection that allows you to reach the Spanish capital while crossing the landscapes of southwestern France and Castile.
Travel tip: with the Interrail pass, you can stop wherever you want and build your custom itinerary to discover Europe at a low cost.
Europe is very easy to discover by train, keep it in mind if you thirst for adventure while wanting to travel more responsibly.