The 15 Best Train Journeys in France

1.Day Trip to Chamonix with Cable Car and Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,015 reviews · 10 hours · from $253Our pick

Travel by coach from Geneva to Chamonix, ride the cable car toward the 3,842-meter Aiguille du Midi, then take the Montenvers cogwheel train to the Mer de Glace. Guides such as Tony, Chris, and Antoine are known for clear instructions and local stories. Expect free time, cold conditions, queues, and weather-dependent changes.

“This trip was absolutely amazing🤩 worthed every euro spend! Views were unreal! This was the best experience in my life!!! David our guide was very nice and friendly. Day trip was well organised. We were blessed by the weather 😊 In summary: it was an amazing day!!! I would definitely recommend this trip!”

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2.Lyon Highlights & Secrets Walking Guided Tour (small group) including Funicular

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 831 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $39Top rated

Join Toni and a maximum of nine other people for a three-hour English walking tour through Place des Terreaux, Vieux Lyon, and Fourvière Hill. Expect local history, secret passageways, Roman remains, city views, the funicular, and practical restaurant and sightseeing tips.

“Excellent introduction to Lyon tour by Toni. He was on time, exceptionally professional, and offered amusing anecdotes that truly brought Lyon and its history to life.”

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3.A gentle ride on a small electric train with panoramic views

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 806 reviews · 50 min · from $16

Take a 50-minute electric mini-train tour from the Promenade des Anglais through Nice and up Castle Hill. You’ll hear commentary in French, English, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, or Russian, then stop for about 10 minutes at the summit for views over the city and Baie des Anges. The train is wheelchair accessible.

“Great way to see the city and get to the overlook of Nice. Fun little train ride!”

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4.Train Exp. through the Alps (Royal Baroque Route from Nice)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 682 reviews · 10 to 12 hours (approx.) · from $204

Leave Nice Ville by regional train for the French Alps, stopping at villages such as Saorge, Tende, La Brigue, Annot, or Entrevaux depending on weather and season. Guides including Carmela and Cyril add local stories, arrange a generous lunch, and lead optional but sometimes steep hikes. Plan on 10 to 12 hours and solid fitness.

“What a wonderful tour! Cyril was a great tour guide. He was very friendly and informative! The train ride to the Apls was amazing scenery!!! The villages we visited were sleepy this time of year, but still charming! We hiked down through a pine forest and olive orchard, which was idyllic! Highly recommend the tour!”

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5.Bordeaux: Little Electric Train Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 429 reviews · 45 min · from $16

Board Bordeaux’s small electric tourist train for a 45-minute ride through old Bordeaux, from its Gallo-Roman beginnings to the present day. You’ll pass iconic sights and charming neighborhoods while hearing commentary in French, English, German, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, or Russian. The covered carriage suits families, older visitors, and wet or sunny days.

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6.Historic Train Ride & Alps Villages

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 312 reviews · 11 hours · from $200

Spend 11 hours riding the Chemin de Fer de Provence from Nice into the Alps with a small group of up to 15. Guides such as Cyril, Carmela, William, and Alex lead walks through medieval villages, Baroque churches, fortifications, and sandstone streets. Lunch, train tickets, and commentary are included, with optional hikes for fit walkers.

“Brilliant trip up into to the Alps, visited Villages , Churches & Monasteries..lunch was great & our guide Carmella was without doubt the best we have had anywhere in the World…she was very friendly & funny all day. Her knowledge of everywhere we went was truly exceptional..highly recommend this tour ..just hope you get Carmella !!”

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7.Montmartre Train Ride w/ Optional Seine River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 250 reviews · 1 day · from $15

Start beside Sacré-Cœur and ride a small vintage train through Montmartre’s cobbled streets, passing Moulin Rouge, Lapin Agile, the vineyard, cemetery, and Saint-Pierre Church. The ride lasts about 30 minutes. Add a one-hour Seine cruise with audio commentary in 14 languages, but arrange your own way between Montmartre and the river.

“It was okay, nothing special. There was limited if any narration, & we weren't sure what language it was, as it was at a low volume. It should be noted that it is it a hop on/hop off. We were aware of this but most of the others were not. It would probably be best to take a city bus up or down from the cathedral. The best thing there was done on foot at the pedestrian street at the back of the cathedral to the left. 'Rue du Chevalier de la Barre'”

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8.Disneyland® Paris Tickets for Train and Parks

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 249 reviews · from $163

Travel from central Paris to Disneyland Paris by direct RER A train in about 45 minutes, then spend one day at Disneyland Park, Walt Disney Studios, or both. Magic Ways provides the dated park and train tickets from its Paris office, with French, English, and Spanish assistance. Plan ahead for ticket pickup, early arrival, and long queues.

“Both kids and adults loved Disneyland. Fast pass was well worth it”

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9.The “Un Train d’Enfer” room

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 181 reviews · from $45

At Escapix in Perpignan, you and your private group board the fictional Perpignan Express for a murder mystery bound for Constantinople. After a rule briefing, you have 60 minutes to search rooms, solve police-themed puzzles, and identify the killer. Alexie may guide your game, with difficulty suited to beginners through expert players.

“Notre expérience a été parfaite, décors soignés explications limpide énigmes et intrigue bien pensés, pour toute tranche d âge, enfin un escape game qui ce termine quoi qui ce passe et avec une fin alternative”

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10.Toulon: Little Train City Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 180 reviews · from $11

Ride Toulon’s little tourist train for 45 minutes through the old town, port, Arsenal area, and Fort Saint-Louis. Commentary is in French, with English, Italian, and German available on request. In July and August, you can hop off at the Mourillon beaches stop. The train leaves beside Le Chamo ice cream shop, facing the pier.

“From this train we saw every important attraction of Toulon.”

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11.Antibes: 2-Way Little Train of Antibes Tour to Juan-les-Pins

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 140 reviews · 200 days · from $15

See Antibes, Cap d’Antibes, and Juan-les-Pins from an open-air little train with French and English live or audio commentary. The two-way ticket lets you ride between the old town and Juan-les-Pins, with boarding also available at 15 Boulevard Baudoin. Check the timetable carefully, as departure times may not match your ticket.

“Wonderful and friendly guides! Cute little train that the whole family enjoyed. Hit all the main sites. Would recommend!”

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12.Welcome to Paris Day Trip from London via Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 124 reviews · from $420

Travel from St Pancras to Paris by high-speed train, then see the Opera House, Champs-Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, and Eiffel Tower with an English-speaking guide. You also get a one-hour Seine cruise and free time to explore. Guides such as Anna and David are praised for clear directions and calm group management.

“We all had an amazing time! We made so many good memories and learned a lot from our guide! Really enjoyed the experience”

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13.Tour with the Mountain Train, Trek to Mystic Forest and Castle

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 101 reviews · 8 to 13 hours (approx.) · from $181

Take the small Provence mountain train from Nice through the Var valley, then explore Entrevaux, its cathedral, and Vauban’s hilltop citadel. Continue to Annot for a forest walk, village visit, and lunch. Guide Carmela may lead the day, with seasonal lavender trips on select Mondays and Thursdays.

“Incredible scenery and enjoyable hikes. Our guide Carmela was wonderful. She did her very best to make our experience exceptional.”

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14.Saint-Raphaël : The Little Train of Saint Raphaël Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 79 reviews · 30 min · from $8Best value

Ride through Saint-Raphaël on a 30-minute tourist train with French and English commentary. You’ll pass the port and historic routes while hearing about Roman rule, invasions, Napoleon, and the Provence landings. Meet under the big wheel, arrive 15 minutes early, and remember that a reservation does not guarantee a seat if the train is full.

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15.The Little Train of Sainte-Maxime

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 75 reviews · 45 min · from $11

Ride the Little Train of Sainte-Maxime for 45 minutes through the old town and past its historic sights. Your French or English-speaking driver shares local anecdotes, points out the Semaphore and Gaumont castle, and stops the route often enough for sweeping views over the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. It is a simple, family-friendly introduction to town.

“Joli tour de Ste Maxime. Bien commenté, cahuffeur sympathique.”

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