Traveling France by the Rail Network is a wonderful way to see the sights, travel safely and of course do it all on a budget of any size. Rail Europe provides discounts right now too, so if you’re already set on getting your Eurail France Pass, then jump on the deal. The Railway in France operates a network that covers all across this beautiful country. If you’re visiting Paris, you can travel from the southwest of France, and then from Brittany to Paris via the train Grande Vitesse.
If you’re heading out from Paris, know that there are 7 major train station, plus the Charles de Gaulle airport station, each serving a different region, based on proximity. Know where you’re headed.
Gare du Nord - Paris’ busiest train station, with Eurostar to London; also Belgium, Netherlands, Northern Germany
Gare du Lyon - Central and south-east France, French Riviera, French speaking part of Switzerland, Italy and connecting service into Spain through Montpellier
Gare de l’Est -Eastern France, Austria, Germany, German-speaking part of Switzerland
Gare Montparnasse - Western and south-western France (southern Normandy, Brittany, Pays de la Loire, Poitou-Charentes, Aquitaine, Midi-Pyrénées) and north-western Spain.
Gare d’Austerlitz - South Central France, Toulouse and Pyrenees; night trains to south of France and Spain
Gare du Bercy - near Gare du Lyon, provides service for overnight trains to Italy: Florence, Milan, Rome, Venice
Charles de Gaulle - Gare Aeroport CDG - most convenient if you are flying in and making an immediate connection - you may not have to transfer to central Paris at all. Travel directly from the airport via high speed TGV to Avignon, Brussels, Lille, Lyon and Nice.
Gare St. Lazare - serves Normandy, including Caen, Vernon, Le Havre, Cherbourg, Deauville, Lisieux
- Don’t count on purchasing your ticket at the train station kiosks. Most accept only European credit cards that have a chip which U.S. issued cards don’t have. Purchase your France rail pass before you leave home, or purchase point to point tickets at the train station office. Check with a travel agent or Rail Europe website for details on the many great options.
- Eurail France pass travelers, be aware that the high speed TGV trains and night trains ALWAYS require advance reservations, payment of a nominal fee, and space may be capacity controlled. Reserve your train early to ensure your place, especially at peak travel times.
- Most French trains of any distance have an informal dining car, with drinks and snacks, and some even offer kids meals in a cute plastic zip container. Convenience can be pricey though. Take a tip from the locals and pick up a fresh baguette, some local cheeses, fresh fruit and beverage of choice before you head to the station.
- Travel light because chances are you’ll be lifting all the bags onto and off of the train by yourself. Most trains have overhead shelves to store smaller items. Storage areas for larger bags are at the ends of the cars, where you may not be able to keep an eye on your belongings.
- It’s easy to see why high speed Eurostar service under the Chunnel beats air travel - no checked bag fees, no long security wait lines, no 2 hour advance check in. It’s a breeze traveling from Paris’ Gare du Nord station to London’s bright new St. Pancras station. St. Pancras is almost a destination within itself with shops, restaurants, bars, and Europe’s longest champagne bar.