Whether you’re moving to France, planning a rail holiday, or simply want to explore new regions at a relaxed pace, here are some of the most picturesque train journeys that let you soak up the best of French scenery, without ever leaving your seat.
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Carcassonne to Quillan (TER Occitanie)
Route: Carcassonne → Quillan
Duration: Approx 2 hours
A hidden gem of a journey, this regional TER line through the Aude department winds past medieval villages, dense forests, and Cathar castles. Starting in the fortified city of Carcassonne, the train follows the twisting course of the River Aude and hugs the foothills of the Pyrenees.
Highlights:
- Fairytale views of Carcassonne’s ramparts
- Vineyards and sunflower fields in summer
- Mountain backdrops and quiet rural stops
Less touristy and beautifully tranquil, this route is ideal for slow travellers or anyone drawn to southern France’s untamed charm. Book your train ticket here.
Clermont-Ferrand to Nîmes (Intercécité)
Route: Clermont-Ferrand → Nîmes
Duration: Approx 4.5 hours
For breathtaking volcanic landscapes and rural tranquillity, few routes rival this cross-country line through the Massif Central. The train cuts through valleys, rivers, viaducts, and forested peaks that most visitors to France never see.
Highlights:
- Panoramas of extinct volcanoes (chaînes des Puys)
- Scenic bridges and deep gorges
- Stone villages perched on hillsides
This is France at its most rugged and under-explored. Book your train ticket here.
Marseille to Ventimiglia (TER PACA)
Route: Marseille → Toulon → Nice → Menton → Ventimiglia (Italy)
Duration: Approx 5 hours
This coastal line is arguably one of the most beautiful rail routes in Europe. It hugs the edge of the Mediterranean for much of its journey, with frequent stops in chic Riviera towns and jaw-dropping sea views from your window.
Highlights:
- Calanques, cliffs, and beach coves
- Stops in Cannes, Antibes, and Monaco
- Crossing into the Italian Riviera
Perfect for summer travel or leisurely border-hopping. Book your train ticket here.
Toulouse to Latour-de-Carol (Train Jaune Line Extension)
Route: Toulouse → Foix → Latour-de-Carol
Duration: Approx 3.5 hours
Often used as a feeder route to the famous Train Jaune, this stretch through the Ariège and Pyrenees reveals a wild and unspoiled part of southern France. Winding along mountain passes, past castles and thermal spa towns, it’s one of the most atmospheric rail trips in the country.
Highlights:
- Snow-capped peaks and deep valleys
- Access to skiing and hiking towns
- Transfer to the Train Jaune into Catalonia
Rustic and remote, this journey is for lovers of nature and authenticity.
The Train Jaune (Yellow Train of the Pyrenees)
Route: Villefranche-de-Conflent → Latour-de-Carol
Duration: Approx 3 hours
This narrow-gauge heritage railway is one of the most scenic train journeys in France. Painted bright yellow, the train climbs through the Pyrenees at altitudes of over 1,500 metres, crossing stone viaducts and traversing high mountain terrain.
Highlights:
- 63km of winding mountain tracks
- The breathtaking Pont Gisclard suspension bridge
- Open carriages in summer for panoramic views
Bordeaux to Biarritz (TGV/TER Nouvelle-Aquitaine)
Route: Bordeaux → Arcachon → Dax → Biarritz
Duration: Approx 2.5 hours
Heading southwest from the wine capital to the Atlantic coast, this route takes in pine forests, seaside resorts, and some of France’s best surfing spots. With a combination of TGV and TER lines, it offers a laid-back journey with plenty of beach-town charm.
Highlights:
- Dune landscapes and saltwater marshes
- Arrival in elegant Biarritz
- Access to Basque cuisine and culture
Perfect for summer trips and sea-air getaways. Book your train ticket here.
Paris to Strasbourg (TGV Est)
Route: Paris Gare de l’Est → Strasbourg
Duration: Approx 1h50
Short but spectacular, this high-speed journey takes you from the bustling capital to the heart of Alsace. Beyond the convenience, it’s a fascinating route that reveals a blend of French and Germanic cultures as you approach the Vosges mountains and picturesque timber-framed villages.
Highlights:
- Rolling farmland and gentle hills
- Villages with steepled churches and vineyards
- Arrival in Strasbourg’s storybook old town
It’s the perfect journey for lovers of wine, history, and European fusion. Book your train ticket here.
Planning your scenic train journey in France
France’s national rail network, SNCF, makes it easy to explore by train, with regional passes, online bookings, and high-speed connections. For the best experience:
- Book TGV tickets early for lower fares
- Opt for TER routes for rural and scenic travel
- Download the SNCF Connect app for timetables and platforms
- Choose a window seat on the left or right depending on the route (local guides often know which side offers the best views)
Whether you’re discovering France for the first time or rediscovering it from a new angle, these scenic rail journeys are a reminder that sometimes, the journey itself is the destination.
📌 Looking for more inspiration? Check out our guide to Where to Live in France If You Love Food and Farmers’ Markets or The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in France.
