France Itinerary

Train seat reservations

Most of the high-speed trains in France, like the TGV and some InterCités, require reservations. These reservations are not included in your Interrail Pass. Make sure to book your trains well in advance, or travel by regional trains to avoid reservations altogether.

More about reservations in France →

Paris, France

The famous city of love will charm you every step of the way. Walk underneath the Eiffel Tower and have a glass of wine on the banks of the Seine. Visit the art district of Montmartre, where famous painters like Picasso, Dalí, and Van Gogh used to work. Here you'll also find the pristine white Sacré-Coeur Basilica, the second most famous church in Paris after the hunchback's hideout - the Notre Dame. 

The city is also a haven for culture vultures, who could spend days exploring the wonderful collection of the Louvre museum. For a fancy touch to your trip, go shopping on the Champs Élysées by day and visit the magnificent Paris Opera by night.

From Paris to Versailles

From Paris to Mont St. Michel

Mont Saint-Michel, France

The tiny island of Mont Saint-Michel can be found just off the coast of Normandy. It is dominated by the monastery from which it draws its name and was an important place of pilgrimage in medieval times. These days, Mont Saint-Michel is one of the major tourist attractions in France.

For centuries, you could only reach the island when the tide was low, but these days a bridge connects the town to the mainland. Take a regional train from Rennes to get to Mont Saint-Michel.

From Mont St. Michel to Bordeaux

Bordeaux, France

The port city of Bordeaux is France’s uncontested wine capital. You’ll find many luscious vineyards and charming chateaux in the region, which have been producing wine since Roman times. If you're interested in a wine tour, by foot or by bike, beautiful Bordeaux is the perfect place for it!

The city itself is rich in architectural highlights from all periods. Climb to the top of the bell tower next to Bordeaux Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-André) for a stunning view of the city. In the Musee des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux you can find a large collection of masterpieces by famous European painters.

From Bordeaux to Carcassonne

Carcassonne, France

On your way to the sunny Mediterranean, hop off the train in Carcassonne for a sight you'll never forget. The town's medieval citadel will make you believe you’ve stepped out of a time machine.

Take a walk through history and visit the Chateau Comtal and the gothic Basilica of Saint-Nazaire. Stand in front of the impressive Narbonne Gate where the centuries look down upon you.

From Carcassonne to Nice

Nice, France

The city of Nice is located on the Mediterranean coast near the Italian border. It’s one of the most popular tourist cities in France, second only to Paris. Enjoy the gentle sea breeze on the Promenade des Anglais and work on your tan on Nice’s beautiful beaches.

Only twenty minutes away from Nice you’ll find the tiny city-state of Monaco. Take a daytrip there to see the yachts in the marina and the Lamborghinis in the streets. If you’re feeling lucky, you can place a bet at the famous Monte Carlo casino.

From Nice to Lyon

Lyon, France

If you’re making your way back to Paris, the city of Lyon is the perfect stopover. For centuries now, Lyon has been known as the gastronomical capital of France. Go to a bouchon, a typical Lyonnais restaurant, to taste authentic local cuisine and have a glass of Beaujolais wine.

In Lyon's bustling center, you’ll find plenty of interesting sights. Have a look inside the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière and observe the city from the top of Fourviere hill. If you’re looking for some peace and quiet, visit the Parc de la Tete d’Or, one of the most beautiful parks in France.

Experience France with the Interrail France Pass!