In terms of flightless weekend getaways, Paris is an ideal departure point.
There is the Eurostar, with its high-speed direct journeys to London. There are Thalys fast trains to Amsterdam, Brussels, and Cologne. There are fast TGV Lyria high speed connections to Basel, Geneva, and Zurich, TGV Inoui to Frankfurt, and both SNCF TGV Inoui and Trenitalia Freccia Rossa services between Paris, Lyon, Torino and Milano. Last but not least there is a direct high speed train from Paris to Barcelona courtesy of SNCF TGV Inoui,
Let's not forget the night trains. The ÖBB Nightjet already operates between Vienna, Salzburg, Munich East, Berlin, and the French capital.
Gaudiesque Barcelona © Stefano Roks/Unsplash
Weekend trip abroad from Paris? Here is why you should take the train - and where you can go
Paris already boasts a wealth of train connections to many European countries, but the French government has banned internal flights on all the routes where a fast train connection is available. So long weekends by train from France to the rest of Europe are not only possible, they are made easier and easier by the opening up of new train routes and opportunities.
The French national carrier SNCF is working on the launch of Midnight trains connecting Paris to an incredible list of destinations, from Edinburgh to Copenhagen, from Porto to Rome. So I will have to update this post quite regularly!
Back to the present. Are you ready to start planning a flightless long weekend from Paris to somewhere in Europe? The Trainline is a good place to start looking at options. Also, make sure you check the train operators mentioned at the beginning of this post, if you need more flexibility in designing your break. And if you are travelling from Paris as part of a longer European trip, browse the rail pass specialist RailEurope.
Below is a list of trips you can do from Paris by train, even just for the weekend.
1. London
The Big Ben © Federica Bisso/Unsplash
It takes just two and half hours from the centre of Paris to the centre of London, and thanks to its extensive metro and bus network you can see a lot of London even in a couple of days .
Allow more if you want to visit attractions further afield or the great museums and galleries such as the British Museum, the V&A, the National Gallery - all free, although donations are welcome - and the historical monuments such as the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey.
2. Brussels
The Atomium, © Wilber Diaz/Unsplash
You can get to Paris from Brussels in one hour and 40 minutes.
And once you arrive, well...
Stroll in the stunning eclectic mix of gothic and Renaissance/Baroque styles of the UNESCO-listed Grand Place, and the covered galleries in the nearby streets; climb up the twentieth century Atomium; visit to one of the city's museums, such as the 6 grouped under the Royal Museums of Fine Arts Belgium, dedicated to different artists and periods from the Flemish Old Masters to Magritte; immerse yourself into Brussels comic book culture by following the Comic Strip Trail; visit the European Parliament quarter; enjoy the parks and the outdoors, treat yourself to a delicious beer stew or waffles, and of course some chocolate, and understand the reasons why Brussels is considered one of the gourmet capitals of Europe.
3. Amsterdam
Amsterdam canal © Wix
The journey between Paris and Amsterdam is a very enjoyable three and a half hours.
From the moment you reach Brussels the views from your train window will make you feel like you have been transported into a Flemish painting. And Amsterdam's cultural highlights will maintain you in that mood. Book a boat day or night tour on the canals to admire the grand houses in all their splendour - the city looks so different from the water level! I love going in winter, when it is quieter. The roads along the canals become very peaceful, and you can wonder around the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum without the crowds.
4. Milano
Milano's Duomo © Ouael Ben Salah/Unsplash
The high-speed service between Paris and Milan is currently suspended until 2025, but once it resumes, the journey is direct and takes 6 hours and 40 minutes.
In the meantime, you can get from the fashion capital of France to the fashion capital of Italy via Geneva or Zurich. It will take you longer, but your journey will be a holiday in itself. The route between Geneva and Milan is in my view one of the most scenic in Europe, and Zurich to Milan is not far behind!
In Milan, step inside the Duomo, the city's majestic cathedral, which took five centuries to complete, and get yourself a ticket to the rooftop terrace, from where you can catch an incredible view of the city and beyond, with the Alps in the distance.
You can admire the Duomo itself from the Museo del Novecento (while walking through the Kandinskijs, Modiglianis and Picassos, or from the top floor of the Rinascente department store.
If you are into Italian fashion, be it as a buyer or as a window shopper, the 19th-century Galleria Vittorio Emanuele is a must, as are Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga.
Milano's Navigli , popular for aperitivo © Cristina Gottardi/Unsplash
Milan is famous in Italy and beyond for its opera, and the La Scala theatre is one of the temples of the genre. together with the Arena of Verona. Amongst my personal highlights are the Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio, built when the city was the capital of the Western Roman empire, and the Pinacoteca di Brera, a fantastic art ciollection in one of Milan's most bohemian districts. With a bit of planning, you can also book yourself to see Leonardo's Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie. Keep an eye on their website, as bookings are only open on specific days every three months and are snapped up immediately.
5. Aachen
Aachen © Liz Pullan Patathy/Unsplash
The former capital of the Holy Roman Empire is only 2 hours and 40 minutes from Paris Gare du Nord and the journey is direct. There also a number of slightly longer (3 hours and 30 minutes) indirect journeys via Brussels Midi.
Aachen is one of my favourite German cities, with a lovely compact city centre, dominated by the Aachener Dom, the palace chapel and burial place of Charlemagne. Called Aachen because of the thermal waters, the city is also a wellness getaway.
If you are looking for culture, relaxation, and a proper break from the hustle and bustle of Paris, Aachen is a perfect choice.
6. Torino
Keep an eye out for the re-opening of the high-speed service between Paris and Milano. It stops at Torino. In just under six hours you can get from Paris Gare de Lyon to the magnificent centre of Italy's former capital.
Criss-crossed by two rivers, Torino saw light as a Roman city, and the centre has preserved the typical Roman grid ('Quadrilatero') layout, so it is almost impossible to get lost!
Torino's famous Roman Gate © Alps2Coast
Stroll around the elegant Piazza Castello and Piazza San Carlo, follow Via Po through to the river, with its beautiful bridges and green banks. Walk under an authentic Roman gate ('Porta Palatina'), visit the Cathedral, where the Holy Shroud is guarded, and the incredible Baroque Church of the Consolata, with its early medieval belltower, and admire the details of the many baroque and art nouveau palaces.
Pause for an aperitivo, or for a glass of bicerin in one of the historic cafes, and indulge in the amazing food scene (Torino is part of Piedmont and the first large city to embrace the slow food movement.
If it rains or snow, like when I last visited, enjoy the Baroque interiors of Palazzo Madama, which also boasts an art and design collection comparable to London's V&A, or the world-famous Museo Egizio (Egyptian Museum) - to be booked in advance.
Torino's Mole Antonelliana from Palazzo Madama © Alps2Coast
And if you are into cinema, Torino is the birthplace of Italian cinema, and museum dedicated to it is housed inside the Mole Antonelliana (above), which also happened to be the tallest building on earth when it was built in in 1889.
For more ideas of what to do in Torino, check out my blog post.
The Lux is one of Torino's historic cinemas © Alps2Coast
7. Cologne & Bonn
Cologne cathedral © Aravind Gopinath/Unsplash
A Roman city with two thousand years of history, famed for its iconic gothic cathedral and its carnival, Cologne is 3 hours 30 from Paris and the journey is direct.
The iconic cathedral, one of the symbols of Germany, will welcome you as it is just outside the station! Walk through the delightful Old Town; visit the Romano-Germanic museum for an immersion in the city's Roman origins; relax in nature in Rheinpark (great views of the cathedral from across the Rhine) or by the Aachener Weiher Lake; visit a historic breweries. If you are a classical music lover, Bonn, the former capital of Western Germany, and birthplace of Beethoven, is 20 minutes from Cologne.
8. The Hague
The Biinnenhof, a detail © Alps2Coast
You can travel directly from Paris to The Hague (Den Haag) in 3 hours and 30 minutes, with a change in Rotterdam.
Den Haag is a vibrant university city as well as the official seat of the Dutch Parliament (housed in the medieval Binnenhof) and of the Dutch royal family. From climbing the tower of the Grote Kirk for magnificent views, to touring the iconic Peace Palace (seat of the International Court of Justice) to enjoying the amazing art collection at Mauritshuis, which includes the Girl with a Pearl Earring, you will be spoilt for choice. Like all historic Dutch cities, there is the charm of the canals, and the canal side lifestyle, cycling or walking while swans glide past.
The canals are not the only water you'll enjoy in Den Haag. Head to the magnificent dunes of Scheveningen and Zuiderstrand Beaches (30 minutes by bicycle or you can walk there in one hour), to walk on powdery sand, swim in the North Sea and join the locals for drinks and food in one of the beachside restaurants.
9. Bern
Bern, the capital of Switzerland, is a pearl where culture merges with nature at every step. Its size makes it the perfect weekend destination, and you can get there in 4 and a half hours from Paris Gare de Lyon, with an easy change in Basel! There are slightly slower options with a change in picturesque Lausanne,
The Aare river and the rooftops of Bern © Carol Jen/Unsplash
And when you get there, you will discover a capital city you would not expect, lively and yet relaxed, cultured and adventurous. From admiring the views from the Rosengarten, to strolling through the medieval arcades, to swimming in the green waters of the Aare river like the locals love to do, from visiting Einstein's house to bear spotting in the Bärengraben, your weekend will be full and refreshing at the same time.
Bern prides itself on being one of the sustainability capitals of Europe too, and thanks to the Bern ticket, tourists travel free on public transport!
10. Basel - the crossroad of Switzerland, France and Germany
The Rhine in Basel © Johannes Siebler/Unsplash
The journey between Paris and Basel is direct and takes just over 3 hours. You'll be spoilt for options as there are trains to Basel from both Paris Gare de l'Est and Gare de Lyon! Basel is an extremely interesting city, and you can easily spend a day or two visiting the centre, the medieval cathedral, the cobbled Altstadt, Minster, the many museums, and make your way to Dreiländer Deck, where your gaze can span over three countries (France, Germany, and of course Switzerland). If you feel like an active break, with your tourist BaselCard you can hire a bicycle to explore the town centre for 20 CHF. Or you can hike the 5km Rehberger-Weg which connects Basel and Weil am in Germany. And then there's the Rhine, the lifeblood of Basel. You can cycle or walk along it, book a boat tour, and in summer try that unique and unforgettable Basel - swimming in the Rhine!
In winter, the city hosts one of Switzerland's most loved Christmas markets.
11. Rhineland Germany
Mainz © Markus Winkler/Unsplash
There is so much to see along the German side of the Rhine. The great cathedral cities of the Holy Roman Empire such as Mainz, Worms, and Speyer, the university town of Heidelberg, the elegant spa resort of Baden Baden, are all a train ride away from Paris Gare de l'Est.
The journeys take between 3 and 4 hours depending on your destination. For Mainz, Worms and Heidelberg you'll need to change in Mannhein; for Speyer and Baden Baden in Karlsruhe
A view of Heidelberg © Maria Lopez Jorge/Unsplash
Picturesque Heidelberg, the seat of Germany's most ancient university, is a lively city on the Neckar river, with stunning architecture, an imposing castle, lovely town squares and surrounded by lush forests, A walk on the Philosophenweg will give you a feel for a city where nature and culture seem to fuse.
Baden Baden is also a great base for visiting the area. Its thermal waters have been popular since the days of the Romans, and the city is surrounded by gentle hills perfect for hiking, It also hosts one of Germany's most popular Christmas markets.
The stunning 11th-century UNESCO-listed medieval cathedral of Speyer is 51 minutes by train from Baden-Baden, while Worms is 41 minutes away. Worms in turns is 30 minutes from Mainz, so you can design your own itinerary based on the number of days you have and interests.
12. Luzern and its lake
Luzern by night © Ricardo Gomez Angel/Unsplash
Another super easy Swiss escape from Paris: in between 3 and a half and 4 and a half hours, you can reach the picturesque city of Luzern. There are 2 options: from Gare de Lyon you change in Basel, whereas from Gare de l'Est you change in Strasbourg and then in Basel.
Luzern's centre is quite compact. In one day you can easily visit the famous Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke), a overed wooden bridge adorned with paintings, which offers fantastic views of the Reuss River, and wander through the cobbled streets of Lucerne's Old Town,
In a long weekend, you will also have the time for a boat cruise on the lake, gliding past stunning mountains and picturesque villages., and for a climb or a cable car up Mount Pilatus or Mount Rigi. And if it is summer make sure to join in the Swiss ritual of a day at the lido, swimming and enjoying the lakeside nature. You can get a list of Luzern's lidos here.
There is plenty to do in and around Luzern, but if you have time to fit in another rail journey, the rides between Luzern and Interlaken, Luzern and Lugano, and Luzern and Sankt Gallen are consistently ranked amongst Switzerland's most scenic train rides, and can be done as day trips!
13. Geneva
Le jet d'eau © Devam Jhabak/Unsplash
Which city is bordered by a lake and crossed by a river? The Swiss city of Geneva is blessed with the waters of the Rhone as well as Lac Leman.
Wander around the Old City, the birthplace of the Reformation, and Saint Pierre - the area around the Cathedral. Explore Lac Leman in all its glittering beauty, and if it is summer treat yourself to a few hours, or a day, of swimming and sunbathing at Bains des Pâquis, Make your way to the Jet d'Eau, the tallest water fountain in the world, and stroll through the buzzing lakeshore promenades. If you love history and politics, a guided tour of the European headquarter of the United nations in a must.
You can travel to Geneva direct from Paris Gare de Lyon in just over 3 hours.
14. Lausanne and Montreux/Sion
The cathedral of Lausanne © Cricrimo/Pixabay
Thanks to the direct train connections, from Paris Gare de Lyon you can get to Lausanne in roughly 4 hours.
With its lively Old Town, Switzerland's finest gothic cathedral, and elegant houses on the hills sloping down Lac Leman, Lausanne is a lively yet relaxed city. If you are a sport aficionado, the city is the seat of the International Olympic Committee and you can visit the Olympic Museum.
And wherever you are in Lausanne, you are never far away from the largest freshwater body in Europe, so you can make the most of it!
Lac Leman by Lausanne © Samuel Dorsaz/Unsplash
If you have the time you can combine your stay in Lausanne with a day trip to the elegant resort of Montreux. The journey itself is delightful as the train coasts Lac Leman pretty much all the way. As for Montreux itself, its lakeside cafes and restaurants ooze old world charm,
The city hosts a world-famous jazz festival in July each year, and has earned itself a place on the rock music map too. Freddie Mercury, whose statue takes place of honour in one of the lakeside squares, recorded a number of Queen albums at Phoenix Studios. Bowie, Stones and Iggy Pop also recorded there.
Montreux is also home to one of Switzerland's most iconic and well-preserved medieval landmarks, Chillon Castle, situated on a rocky island on Lake Geneva,
Montreux castle (Chateau de Chillon) © Ricardo Gomez Angel/Unsplash
If you crave some mountains, Lausanne is also within easy reach of the Valais region, the sunniest part of Switzerland, all alpine vineyards and castles perched on mountains towering above the turquoise waters of the Rhône River (whose source is the Rhône Glacier). Dominated by not one but two mighty medieval fortresses, the town of Sion is the perfect base to visit the Valais. .You can hike, you can eat, you can drink, visit the castles, and even an Underground Lake.
The journey from Lausanne to Sion is 53 minutes, and you will glimpse Chillon castle from your seat.
The two mountains of Sion, with a castle each © Fabrice Smet/Unsplash
16. Freiburg
The vibrant university town of Freiburg, 3 hours and 40 minutes from Paris Gare de l'Est (you change in Strasbourg or Basel), is a lovely year round destination, with fantastic medieval architecture, literary reminiscences, one of the best German Christmas markets, and its proximity to spa towns and the Black Forest.
The cathedral at nighttime © Kankan/Unsplash
You can spend a weekend exploring the cobblestone streets of the Altstadt, crossing the medieval gates, making your way to the bustling market square (Münstermarkt) in front of the iconic gothic Freiburger Münster (the Gothic cathedral) with its spire and stained glass windows, and visiting the Augustiner Museum, a medieval monastery turned into a museum.
Feeling active? you can hike the Schlossberg hill and reward yourself with a beer and fantastic views of the Black Forest.
Freiburg has been at the forefront of sustainability since the 1990's so it is no surprise that you can hire bikes for free to move around. And now you are on your bike, you can cycle to the 'Solar Settlement' of Vauban (a city quarter redeveloped with sustainability in mind, which produces more energy than it consumes.
Cyclists and pedestrians in the Altstadt © Marco Pregnolato/Unsplash
If you have more than a couple of days, you can use Freiburg as a base and venture into the Black Forest. Local train lines can get you to Titisee, and onward to Donaueschingen, where you can see the symbolic source of the Rhine (in the park of a princely residence).
16. Lake Constance, Konstanz and St Gallen
Lake Constance (Bodensee) is the third largest body of water in Europe, and its coastline is shared by 4 countries: Germany, Austria, Lichtenstein, and Switzerland. Konstanz, the largest city on the lake, combines the attractiveness of a city break - museums, architectural sights and shopping - with the getaway from it all feeling of a break in nature.
The journey from Paris requires a change in Zürich, but you still get there comfortably in around 5 hours.
The island of Mainau, off the mainland from Konstanz © Lisa Fecker/Unsplash
After you have explored the old town of Konstanz, with its medieval towers overlooking the lake and the cathedral, you can walk, cycle to catch a boat tour to Mainau, the city's 'flower island,' with its palace and subtropical botanical gardens.
Or visit the island of Reichenau, now a UNESCO Heritage site. It is a place of unique charm and serene beauty, a monastic complex surrounded by lush fields and orchards and ringed by the waters of the lake. The blend of water, agriculture and architecture epitomises the 'Ora et Labora ' ('Pray and Work') motto of its 8th-century Benedictine founders. Reichenau's three churches are an outstanding example of Carolingian and medieval monastic architecture, and its monumental wall paintings are the first of their kind north of the Alps.
Reichenau abbey © Georg Eiermann/Unsplash
Alternatively, you can base yourself in St Gallen, an extraordinary UNESCO Heritage site across the border with Switzerland. The journey from Paris to St Gallen takes the same time as the journey to Konstanz, and also requires a change in Zürich, so it is really a matter of personal preference and accommodation availability. And you can easily visit both Konstanz and St Gallen in the same trip, as the two cities area 35-minute train ride from each other.
Today St Gallen is a bustling university town, but at heart of the city lies a Benedictine monastery, founded in the same century as Reichenau, In the first centuries of its existence, the Carolingian monastery of St Gallen played a crucial part in the survival of ancient culture through the work of its copyists, who produced manuscripts famed throughout Europe during the middle age. Even today, the library is incredibly moving.
St. Gallen Library's Baroque Hall © Stiftsbibliothek St. Gallen
Lake Constance is a fantastic blend of culture, physical pursuits (cycling, hiking, swimming, boating, windsurfind), nature and relaxation, just a short train ride from Milan. I wish I had stayed a week!
Another highlight of this journey is that the train from Zurich to Saint Gallen rides along the magnificent Rhine Falls outside Schaffhausen, so you'll catch a glimpse of the most majestic waterfalls in Europe from your seat.
17. Schaffhausen
Sunset over Schaffhausen © Alps2Coast
Schaffhausen is the nearest city to the stunning Rhine Waterfalls at the aptly named Rheinfall, one of the natural wonders of Switzerland, and I would argue of the world. Yet it is a pearl in its own right, an enchanting unique blend of natural beauty, historical heritage, and cultural richness.
Rhine and vineyards - the view from Munot Fortress © Alps2Coast
The Munot fortress, perched on a hill covered in vineyards, dominates the medieval Altstadt, with its cobblestone streets and elegant squares surrounded by painted houses, And there there is the Rhine. Rheinfall is actually out of town but you can easily reach it on foot, walking along the river, savouring its unique beauty in anticipation of the natural wonder that awaits you - waterfalls with a small island in the middle, topped by yet another medieval castle.
Rheinfall © Jian Liu/Unsplash
Between a cruise around the waterfalls and visits to the delightful town, sampling some local wines and cheeses, this is a break I have done more than once and I truly treasure.
Schaffhausen is 5 hours and 20 minutes from Paris Gare de Lyon, with a change in Zürich HB!
18. Zürich
The Altstadt © Wix
There are direct trains between Paris Gare de Lyon and Zürich and the journey only takes 4 hours and 40 minutes..
When you step off your train in the elegant Hauptbanhof, you will soon appreciate that Zürich is far more than a financial centre and the largest Swiss city. there. Wander through the narrow streets of the Old Town (Altstadt), take a stroll along the peaceful shores of Lake Zürich, visit the Kunsthaus, one of Switzerland's most important contemporary art collections, or the FIFA Football Museum.
If the weather's nice you can go hiking on the Uetliberg, Zürich's mountain, and reconnect with nature. It is a city for all seasons too. There is a lovely Christmas market, foliage in autumn, and glittering waters all around you.
19. Munich
The Munich city centre is very compact, and you could squeeze in a decent amount of sightseeing even in a day: Marienplatz, the Frauenkirche, the elegant Konigsplatz, with its green expanse surrounded by neo-classical buildings. If it is relaxation you are after, you can lunch in a historic brewery, go for a stroll and a nap in the vast Englischer Garten, watch the surfers catch a wave on the Eisbach river, and then stock up for Bavarian delicacies and relax in the beer garden at the Viktualienmarkt.
Marienplatz © Ian Kelsall /Unsplash
You will need more than a day if you plan to visit any of its grand buildings and museums. I enjoyed the sprawling Residenz, the former royal palace gradually developed by the kings of Bavaria from the Renaissance to, and the nineteenth-century, and the delightful Nymphenburg, the king's summer residence surrounded by a delightful formal garden. There are 18 museums in the art district alone, and if you are into science and technology the Deutsches Museum is a must! And you do not need to be a car lover to enjoy the BMW Welt.
The ÖBB Nightjet takes you from Paris to Munich overnight 3 times a week. Check the timetable for details at the time of booking.
20. Vienna
You will not need a long time in Vienna to understand why it is constantly ranked as one of the top cities in the world to live, and often as number #1.
An incredible historical centre, packed with museums, palaces and churches, one of the most beautiful and romantic European rivers running through it....And yet the city is green, has been promoting cycling and sustainability for at least 3 decades, Vienna is that perfect balance, a blend of old-world culture and innovation, a metropolis that remains human, also in size.
Vienna's cathedral © Shashank Vienna/Unsplash
Visit Saint Stephen's Cathedral or the great imperial palaces of Hofburg and Schönbrunn, enjoy Sacher Tarte and hot chocolate, discover the Haugsburg dynasty's art collection at the Kunsthistorische Museum or catch a glimpse of Klimt at the Belvedere. Step into the houses of Beethoven, Mozart, Johann Strauss, stroll or cycle along the River Wien or one of the canals flowing from the Blue Danube...
3 evenings a week you can get to Vienna from Paris with the Austrian Railways' NIghtjet overnight service. If you have ever been fascinated by films and books set on the legendary Orient Express, this is your change to travel on the same route!
The one and only Sacher Torte © Tim Photoguy/Unsplash
From the Arc de Triomphe to the Brandenburg Gate for the weekend! It is now possible, thanks to the direct nightly train services between Paris and Berlin offered by ÖBB.
Reichstag © Jannick Kress/Unsplash
Berlin is a sprawling city so it will take you more than a weekend to explore it properly. But you can easily fit in the most famous sights and some of the great museums in a couple of days.
Start with a walk through the vast Tiergarten, then head to the iconic Brandenburg Gate and the nearby Reichstag, the German parliament building, famous for its glass dome.
Face 20th century history in all its horror at the Holocaust Memorial, and the Topography of Terror, an outdoor/indoor museum on the site of the former Gestapo building, documenting the Nazi regime's atrocities.
Discover postwar tragedy at Checkpoint Charlie, which will really bring home the trauma of the divided city. Surviving portions of the Berlin wall are visible throughout the city and specialised tours take you many of the most interesting parts.
Checkpoint Charlie © Michael Fousert/Unsplash
After the tragedies of history, discover the incredible beauty and culture of Berlin, starting with Museum Island, home to some of the world's most important museums. A day pass will let you into the Neues Museum (Nefertiti's bust), the Altes Museum (Excellent Graeco-Roman and Etruscan collection, the Bode Museum (Grand Masters), and the currently closed Pergamon Museum (home of the most incredible Hellenistic art on earth and the Ishtar Gate of Babylon)
When you feel overwhelmed by culture, go shopping at Alexanderplatz (known for the TV Tower) and elegant Kurfürstendamm; take a boat tour on the Spree - or a walk on its bridges, and discover the delights of its neighbourhoods, with parks, rivers and even lakes!
Gaudi's Casa Batlló © Anna Murzillon/Unsplash
2 direct high speed train services a day now connect the French capital and Catalunya. The journey between Paris and Barcelona takes 6 hours and 44 minutes.
A bit on the long side, but you will not be bored. The train crosses through charming areas both on the French and Catalunyan side. You'll ride through Champagne, Burgundy, the Rhone-Alpes region (you will glimpse the Alps when you get to Lyon), before turning south west into Provence, riding through some of the most ancient French cities such as the medieval papal capital of Avignon, and Roman Nimes and Narbonne. Crossing the border, you'll catch glimpses of Salvador Dali's beloved retreat of Figueres before heading towards Girona and finally Barcelona.
Barcelona's wonderful climate and incredible architecture make for a real change of scenery from Paris too.
You can visit the incredible Gaudi buildings such as the Sagrada Familia,  Casa Batlló, Parc Guell... Or explore the tiny alleys of the medieval centre and the cathedral of La Seu. Visit the Barcelona football team stadium, with an interesting museum that well illustrates the team's history as a symbol of Catalunyan identity in the Franco era. Enjoy delicious food, or relax by the palm-fringed Mediterranean basking in the bright sunshine!
The growing possibilities for flightless travel from Paris
The suggestions above are jus meant to inspire you. What do you love to see, eat, and do? Identify your dream destinations and then, before browsing flights, make sure to check if there is a train that can take you there!
As mentioned at the start, over the next couple of years new train lines will be added and many more destinations that seem a bit distant today will become possible thanks to fast trains and/or better connections. So dream now, and be ready to book as soon as a new route from Paris becomes available.
For more inspiration on how to travel by train from anywhere in Europe by train, sign up to my blog.
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