France Itinerary – 10 days by train

You’ve asked, and so here is my Highlights of France Itinerary for 10 days by train. Traveling France by train is my absolute favorite. The french train system is extensive, clean, on-time, and inexpensive.  The train ride also gives you a unique opportunity to soak in the gorgeous countryside.

It is also important to note that this France 10 day itinerary by train can be extended to 14 days, or more. I simply recommend a minimum of 10 days, especially for first-time visitors to France.

Before setting off on your journey, you will want to invest in a Eurail Train Pass. Specifically, it will be for one country (France) and 4 travel days (within 1 month).

The 4 travel days in this France itinerary are:

1. Paris >Strasbourg
2. Strasbourg>Lyon
3. Lyon>Marseille
4. Marseille>Paris

The “4 travel days” refers to how many active train travel days you have. And the “within 1 month” means that the pass is valid for one month after your first use. Or once the 4 travel days is completed. Whichever, comes first.

If you bought each of these train tickets without a pass it would cost about $335 (on the low end), and the Eurail One Country 4 Travel Day pass is currently only $190. Get Your Pass Here.

There is no better place to start a France itinerary than in Paris. Paris is the easiest (and cheapest) city to fly into in most circumstances. It is also a must-see for any first-time visitors.

I recommend getting a solid 3 days to explore all of the sights and museums here. In this France itinerary we set aside 2 full days in Paris at the beginning and another day at the end. This way you will get a last chance to see anything you missed during this first leg. Plus, ending in Paris will make your trip easier to plan with round-trip plane tickets out of Paris.

The best way to get to Paris will be via plane for most international travelers.

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Since you will only be spending a short time in Paris, location is very important! You will want to stay in the city center, such as the 1st arrondissement, so that you are fully immersed in the city. Also, a key point is to make sure that you stay near a metro station. This will make seeing the sights easier, as well as getting yourself to the main Paris train station for the next leg of your adventure.

Here are some of the top most poplar hotels in Paris to consider:

Strasbourg is a medieval French village near the German border that looks straight out of a fairytale. So much so that this magical city is said to be the inspiration of the town in Beauty and the Beast.

The unique fusion of French and German cultures is experienced in the architecture, food, and even the accents. This is one of my favorite places in France, and still largely undiscovered by most tourists.

You will travel from Paris Est train station to Strasbourg Bahnhof. This train ride typically takes 1 hour 46 minutes and costs between $80-$95. Remember to book your Eurail One Country Pass (4 days in 1 month). Get Your Pass Here.

When you’re visiting Strasbourg you will want to stay in the historic downtown. The area of La Petite France, or near the Notre Dame de Strasbourg would be ideal. Also, staying along the river just makes  your stay all the more magical.

Here are my top pick spots to stay:

Be sure to come to Lyon hungry. Lyon is known as France’s (and even the world’s) gastronomic capital. With 83 Michelin Star restaurants, France’s second largest city is number one where food is concerned.

Besides being able to indulge in the best cuisine in the country, it is also one of France’s oldest cities. The Vieux Lyon neighborhood is the largest preserved Renaissance town in France.

Getting from Strasbourg to Lyon is going to be your longest train ride. However, there are beautiful views along the way, so it goes by a bit quicker. This train ride is typically 3 hours and 53 minutes and costs $85-$100 if purchased separately.

Remember to book this trip as a part of your Eurail One Country Pass to save on this train ride. Get Your Pass Here.

If you are following this exact itinerary, then I recommend staying near the Bellecour Square (Place Bellecour). This means you are in the heart of the city and restaurants. You are also next to the Bellecour metro station and can move around easily.

If you have a bit more time in the city, it is fun to stay in Vieux Lyon, the historical old town. But if you’re only staying a couple days, these are my top picks to stay at:

Marseille is the third largest city in France, and the oldest one. With 300 days of sunshine a year, you can also enjoy the South of France sun and sea breeze in this fun port city.

And be sure to not miss out on the freshest seafood and take a dip in the beautiful Mediterranean waters.

The train ride from Lyon to Marseille is only 1 hour and 40 minutes and costs $60-$70 if purchased without a Eurail pass. Then you will want to take the few minute metro ride to the port.

Be sure to book this train ride as a part of your Eurail France Pass so you can save money too! Get Your Pass Here.

My favorite area to stay in Marseille is within a couple blocks of the port. This is where all the restaurants and city life is. Plus, you will be able to get the best views and fresh Mediterranean sea breeze too.

As you wrap up your Highlights of France Itinerary, you will get a final chance to see anything you missed in Paris when you arrived. Don’t miss out on wandering the Montmatre artist neighborhood, or seeing the Eiffel tower twinkle at night!

Your final leg from Marseille to Paris will be on a highspeed train with minimal stops. This route allows the journey from the South of France all the way back to Paris to only be 3 hours and 19 minutes.

You will end up saving a lot of money if you book this train journey through your Eurail One Country (4 travel days) Pass. Get Your Pass Here.

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