You want to escape the city and go on a little getaway? In this article, you’ll find a list of destinations in France and in Europe that are accessible by train from Paris.
Go to the map to check out the locations:
Nice
Departure: Paris Gare de Lyon
Travel time by train: 5h40
When do I recommend going?
July and August are the best months to go to Nice. There are tourists but this time of year is ideal for strolling on the beach and swimming.
How long do I recommend to stay?
I recommend you to stay for two or three days to discover the different districts of the city and have time to relax peacefully by the sea.
Nantes
Departure: Paris Montparnasse
Travel time by train: 2h22
When do I recommend going?
Spring and Summer are the seasons that I recommend to visit Nantes.
How long do I recommend to stay?
Nantes is popular for its art and history, I recommend a three-day weekend to visit every corner of it. That said, you can go there for just one day and visit the must-sees.
Lille
Departure: Paris Nord
Travel time by train: 1h02
When do I recommend going?
The weather is okay from April to October, but to be sure to avoid as much rain as possible, July and August are the months to aim for.
How long do I recommend to stay?
I recommend two days to have time to visit the main districts of Lille. A little more time to discover the cultural heritage of the city.
Strasbourg
Departure: Paris Est
Travel time by train: 1h46
When do I recommend going?
I recommend going to Strasbourg during the end of the year for the snow and the famous Christmas market. Otherwise, Summer is ideal for discovering a colorful city and its flowers in bloom.
How long do I recommend to stay?
A weekend is enough to discover the city, its typical Alsatian buildings and its canals. The city has many monuments and museums that are worth extending your trip for a day or two if you have the time.
Mont Saint-Michel
Departure: Paris Montparnasse
Travel time: 3h45 (includes a shuttle to the Mont when you exit the train)
When do I recommend going?
June, July, August and September are your best bet to have sunshine during your stay and an unobstructed view of the landscape from the heights of this medieval fort.
More information: When to visit Mont Saint Michel? A detailed study.
How long do I recommend to stay?
One day is more than enough to visit Mont Saint-Michel.
St. Malo
Departure: Paris Montparnasse
Travel time by train: 2h20
When do I recommend going?
The best time to visit St. Malo is from July to August.
How long do I recommend to stay?
A weekend is enough to discover the charm of St. Malo and stroll on the city’s medieval walls and beach.
Arras
Departure: Paris Nord
Travel time by train: 49 minutes
When do I recommend going?
July and August are the best months to visit Arras, but you can go anytime for a short escapade.
How long do I recommend to stay?
A day or two is enough to discover the charm of this small town and relax, away from the bustle of Paris.
Chartres
Departure: Paris Montparnasse
Travel time by train: 1h01
When do I recommend going?
Anytime for a quick and enjoyable getaway.
How long do I recommend to stay?
I recommend one or two days to discover this small town and its monuments, including the Chartres Cathedral, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Marseille
Departure: Paris Gare de Lyon
Travel time by train: 3h20
When do I recommend going?
June and July are the best months to go to Marseille, you will avoid the hottest weather but enjoy a warm and beautiful sun.
How long do I recommend to stay?
It takes at least two or three days to discover Marseille and its districts, its Old Port, the beaches and the gastronomy. If you have more time, a week would be great to visit cultural sites, museums, and small islands off of the city.
Lyon
Departure: Paris Gare de Lyon
Travel time by train: 2h14
When do I recommend going?
I recommend going there in early December for the Fête des lumières, otherwise go in Spring or early Summer for a very mild climate.
How long do I recommend to stay?
I recommend three days to fully enjoy this beautiful city, its architecture, its parks, and its cultural sites. It is also possible to do so in less time with, for example, a boat trip on the Rhône (website in French) which will take you through the city.
Dijon
Departure: Paris Gare de Lyon
Travel time by train: 1h52
When do I recommend going?
The best time to discover Dijon is from May to September.
How long do I recommend to stay?
Although the city deserves a few days to be well appreciated, it is possible to visit it in a weekend with short walks with the visit of the Museum of Fine Arts and the Dukes of Burgundy palace.
La Rochelle
Departure: Paris Montparnasse
Travel time by train: 2h40
When do I recommend going?
Spring and Summer are the seasons that I recommend to visit La Rochelle.
How long do I recommend to stay?
Two days seem ideal to me to discover La Rochelle. It is a charming port city that invites you to relax, it is better not to rush.
Bordeaux
Departure: Paris Montparnasse
Travel time by train: 2h10
When do I recommend going?
I recommend going in the Spring for pleasant weather, before the hot weather and Summer tourists. Winter is to be avoided, it rains pretty often.
How long do I recommend to stay?
2 or 3 days are enough to stroll through the city and its monuments, to see a few museums. However, you can extend your stay to visit the surrounding castles and vineyards.
Boulogne-sur-mer
Departure: Paris Gare du Nord
Travel time by train: 2h25
When do I recommend going?
The best time to go is from June to September. If you feel like swimming, I recommend August and September for warmer temperatures.
How long do I recommend to stay?
A day is enough to stroll through the city and visit its famous Nausicaà aquarium. But if you want to enjoy the ocean and visit the monuments, 3 days seems ideal to me.
Avignon
Departure: Paris Gare de Lyon
Travel time by train: 2h40
When do I recommend going?
The best time to go is during Spring and Summer. The Avignon Festival is a very special event to enjoy.
How long do I recommend to stay?
One day seems enough to visit the points of interest of this city, but if you like history, I advise you to stay there two or three days to discover all of its monuments.
Barcelona
Departure: Paris Gare de Lyon
Travel time: 6h30
When do I recommend going?
The best time to go is between Spring and early Summer, to avoid the high heat. In Spring, flowers and orange trees perfume the city. It is therefore particularly pleasant to walk in the streets where the works of Gaudi cover the walls, as well as the markets, the parks, the seaside, and enjoy a drink on the terrace.
How long do I recommend to stay?
A weekend would be ideal to discover the city.
Girona
Departure: Paris Gare de Lyon
Travel time by train: 5h50
When do I recommend going?
The best time to go is from May to early September. March and November are to be avoided, that is when it rains the most. Sunny Spring and Summer days are ideal for strolling between colorful houses and the Onyar River, or checking out Girona Cathedral (where Game of Thrones season 6 was filmed.)
How long do I recommend to stay?
The discovery of this city is feasible in one day, but I recommend a full weekend to visit it peacefully.
Zurich
Departure: Paris Gare de Lyon
Travel time by train: 4h04
When do I recommend going?
The city is famous for its picturesque landscapes, its superb view and its cultural and gastronomic heritage. The best time to visit the city is the end of Summer, but if you are interested in snow and sliding sports, winter is obviously ideal.
How long do I recommend to stay?
I recommend between a weekend and a week to discover this city, especially if you want to enjoy the very dynamic Zurich nightlife.
Lausanne
Departure: Paris Gare de Lyon
Travel time by train: 3h41
When do I recommend going?
The weather is really pleasant from May to September. Clear weather is ideal for the view from this city, sloping on the shores of a lake, with a panorama of mountains and countryside.
How long do I recommend to stay?
One day is enough to visit Lausanne, but I recommend two days to fully appreciate the place and recharge your batteries.
Cologne
Departure: Paris Nord
Travel time by train: 3h20
When do I recommend going?
July and August are the best months to visit Cologne.
How long do I recommend to stay?
One day is enough to discover the main aspects of this city, but I recommend two or three days to really enjoy its attractions like Phantasialand and its famous Belgian district.
Frankfurt
Departure: Paris Est
Travel time: 3h49
When do I recommend going?
The months of June to August are the most favorable to discover Frankfurt. Summer is hot but not dry. The climate is ideal for discovering the historic center and the cultural life of the city.
How long do I recommend to stay?
One day is enough to discover this city, but you can easily stay there for two days.
Bruxelles
Departure: Paris Nord
Travel time by train: 1h32
When do I recommend going?
I recommend May or September to go to Brussels, the Summer months are often the rainiest in Belgium.
How long do I recommend to stay?
I recommend at least 5 days to discover Brussels: this will give you enough time to enjoy delicious Belgian fries, beer and chocolate, to visit the museums (especially the Magritte Museum which has a high forecourt with an overview of the city), the comic book stores, to walk around and discover the architecture, the murals…
Amsterdam
Departure: Paris Nord
Travel time by train: 3h31
When do I recommend going?
The best seasons to visit Amsterdam are Spring and Fall, to avoid the tourist crowds and Summer rushes.
How long do I recommend to stay?
I recommend 3 days to discover Amsterdam. It is a nice city for strolling and cycling along its canals. It is also rich in museums, some of which are truly original. Do not hesitate to extend the trip by one or two days to discover them.
Rotterdam
Departure: Paris Nord
Travel time by train: 2h49
When do I recommend going?
I advise you to go to Rotterdam between Spring and the beginning of Summer, the weather is mild and pleasant.
How long do I recommend to stay?
One day is enough to visit Rotterdam, mostly famous for its modern architecture and street art. A weekend is also good if you want to experience its vibrant nightlife.
London
Departure: Paris Nord
Travel time by train: 2h59
When do I recommend going?
Spring and Summer are the best seasons to visit London, Winter is to be avoided, that is when the city is at its rainiest.
How long do I recommend to stay?
I recommend at least a week to discover the British capital, it’s a big city with lots of monuments and activities. It is of course possible to spend a super busy weekend there if you do not have much time available.
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
