Important:  The Eurostar times shown below are the normal pre-Covid ones.  Eurostar is running a reduced service at the moment, so check what Eurostar departures are available on your date of travel at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com.  Beyond Paris, trains are running almost normally.

Timetable outward

Timetable inward

Notes for the timetable...

How to read these timetables:  It's easy, you read downwards, each column is a journey you can take.  You change trains at the grey bar.

Fri = This TGV runs on Fridays only.

f = arrives/departs at Lille Flandres station, 450m 6-minute walk from Lille Europe Eurostar/TGV station.

Eurostar links London & Paris almost every hour, there's no obligation to book the exact one shown above as connecting with a particular TGV.  By all means book an earlier one if it has cheaper tickets available or if to spend some time in Paris between trains.  Lunch at the Train Bleu restaurant at the Gare de Lyon?

Always check train times for your specific dates using www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, as the times shown here can vary.  Don't book any Eurostar tickets until you have confirmed onward train times.  Eurostar doesn't run on 25 December.  How to reach St Tropez, Monte Carlo, Juan les Pins, Menton

How much does it cost?

• London to Paris by Eurostar starts at £52 one-way or £78 return in standard class, £115 one-way, £199 return standard premier (1st class).

• Paris to Cannes or Nice starts at €25 each way.

• Like air fares, fares increase as the cheaper seats are sold, so book early & shop around for the cheapest departure.  Check the online booking system to see prices for your date of travel.  Children under 4 go free.

How to buy tickets...

• Click here to see how to buy train tickets to France

What are the trains like?

1. London to Paris by Eurostar...

Eurostar trains link London & Paris in 2h20, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in (10-minutes for business premier) as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More information about Eurostar including check-in procedure.  St Pancras station guide.  Paris Gare du Nord station guide.  How to cross Paris by metro or taxi.

A Eurostar e320 at Paris Nord.  More about Eurostar.		1st class:  Standard Premier or Business Premier.

Standard class seats.  Larger photo.		One of two cafe-bars, in cars 8 & 9.  Larger photo.

2. Paris to Cannes or Nice by TGV Duplex.

TGV or Train á Grande Vitesse is French Railways high-speed train, with 1st & 2nd class seats, free WiFi, power sockets at all seats and a cafe-bar.  The direct Paris-Nice trains are operated by double-deck TGV Duplex trains which reach 300km/h (186 mph) on the high-speed line before slowing right down to travel from Marseille to Cannes & Nice over the classic line along the coast, with great views of rocky headlands, yacht-filled bays and millionaires' villas.   More information about Paris-Nice TGV Duplex trains.  Paris Gare de Lyon station guide.

TGV Duplex at Paris Gare de Lyon in the new InOui colours...

Cafe-bar on upper deck car 4, serving tea, coffee, soft drinks, wine, beer, snacks & microwaved hot dishes....		2nd class upper deck seats with a mix of tables for 4 & unidirectional seating.  360º photo.

1st class upper deck seats, club duo on the left, club quatre on the right.  360º photo.		A TGV Duplex at Paris Gare de Lyon...

The stairs to the upper deck. Just 9 steps, wide, shallow with double handrails.  No problem!		Power sockets:  All seats in both classes have power sockets, 2-pin 230v.  Your train may have WiFi, whilst in France.		Luggage racks.  You take your bags on board with you and place them on the racks.  There are racks both upstairs and downstairs, both at the car ends and (as here) between the seats.

Back to top

Option 3, London to Nice by Eurostar & sleeper train...

The Paris-Nice sleeper is back!  It was discontinued in December 2017 along with other popular French night train routes, but the French government has promised to restore the most important night train services as a climate-friendly time-effective alternative to flying.  First to be restored, the Paris-Nice Intercité de Nuit makes a welcome return starting 19 April 2021.  Take an afternoon Eurostar from central London, dinner in Paris (I recommend the Train Bleu restaurant at the Gare de Lyon), then sleep your way south in a couchette to Toulon, Cannes, Antibes or Nice!  Why not go one-way by sleeper and the other way by TGV?

London ► Toulon, Cannes, Antibes, Nice

• Step 1, travel from London to Paris by Eurostar, normally leaving London St Pancras at 15:31 arriving Paris Gare du Nord 18:47.

  Eurostar is currently running a reduced service due to Covid-19, so check what Eurostar departures are available on your date of travel at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com allowing at least 90 minutes in Paris between trains.

  Transfer from Paris Gare du Nord to Paris Gare d'Austerlitz by metro or taxi as explained here.

• Step 2, travel from Paris to the Côte d'Azur by Intercité de Nuit overnight train, leaving Paris Gare d'Austerlitz at 20:52 every day, arriving Toulon 07:12, St Raphael (for St Tropez) 08:19, Cannes 08:44, Antibes 08:55 & Nice Ville 09:11.

  The Intercité de Nuit overnight train has 1st class 4-berth couchettes, 2nd class 6-berth couchettes & reclining seats.  You can book a 1st class 4-berth compartment for sole occupancy by 1, 2 or 3 people if you like.  More information about Intercités de Nuit overnight trains.

  Tip:  Why not book the 14:31 Eurostar and have dinner at the celebrated Train Bleu restaurant at the Gare de Lyon before strolling across the bridge over the Seine to the Gare d'Austerlitz in good time for your sleeper south?

Nice, Antibes, Cannes, Toulon ► London

• Step 1, travel from the Côte d'Azur to Paris by Intercité de Nuit overnight train, leaving Nice Ville at 19:16, Antibes 19:41, Cannes 19:53, St Raphael 20:18 & Toulon 21:14, arriving Paris Gare d'Austerlitz at 06:55 next morning.

  The Intercité de Nuit overnight train has 1st class 4-berth couchettes, 2nd class 6-berth couchettes & reclining seats.  You can book a 1st class 4-berth compartment for sole occupancy by 1, 2 or 3 people if you like.  See more information about Intercités de Nuit overnight trains.

• Transfer from Paris Gare d'Austerlitz to Paris Gare du Nord by metro or taxi as explained here.

• Step 2, travel from Paris to London by Eurostar, normally leaving Paris Gare du Nord at 09:13 arriving London St Pancras 10:39.

  Eurostar is currently running a reduced service due to Covid-19, so check what Eurostar departures are available on your date of travel at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com allowing at least 90 minutes in Paris between trains.

How much does it cost?

• London to Paris by Eurostar starts at £52 one-way or £78 return in standard class, £115 one-way, £199 return standard premier (1st class).

• Paris to the South of France by overnight train starts at €19 in a reclining seat, €29 in a 2nd class couchette or €59 in a 1st class couchette.

• Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

How to buy tickets...

• Book at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, both easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee.

  Tip:  To make sure you have at least 90 minutes between trains in Paris, I'd book London to Paris (and back, if returning), add to basket, then Paris to Nice one-way, add to basket, then Nice to Paris one-way, add to basket & check out.  Otherwise by default the system allows as little as 40 minutes between trains in Paris, which I consider too tight, especially when catching a sleeper you don't want to miss. 

  Eurostar should always be booked as a round trip if you're returning, as Eurostar return fares are significantly cheaper than two one-ways, but Paris-Nice is one-way ticketed so it makes no difference whether you book a round trip as a return or as two one-ways.  I find it easier to book one way at a time!  You can book one way by sleeper, the other by TGV if you like.

  You can also book at the French Railways website en.oui.sncf (in €, a little more fiddly).

• Booking opens up to 4 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show a mobile ticket on your smartphone.

• If you want sole occupancy of a whole 4-berth couchette compartment for 1, 2 or 3 people, see the instructions on the Intercités de Nuit page.

What's the sleeper like?

The intercité de nuit overnight train has 1st class couchettes in 4-berth compartments & 2nd class couchettes in 6-berth compartments, each bunk supplied with lightweight sleeping-bag & mineral water.  The cars are being refurbished and fitted with WiFi.  More information about intercité de nuit trains.  Watch the video guide.  Paris Austerlitz station guide.

Intercité de nuit sleeper train at Paris Gare d'Austerlitz.  More information about Intercités de Nuit.  Watch the video.

Couchette with sleeping-bag & mineral water		2nd class 6-berth couchettes...		1st class 4-berth couchettes...

Back to top

Option 4, the lo-cost option:  Ouigo...

In 2013, French Railways launched a budget-airline-on-rails called Ouigo, www.ouigo.com.  Ouigo operates two no-frills trains a day from Paris to Cannes & Nice using special double-deck TGV Duplex trains with just one class of seating, no catering and no 1st class.  Like budget airlines, they've added a 30-minute check-in, there are baggage limits and extra fees for large or additional bags.  For more information about Ouigo including ticketing buying tips, travel tips, photos & the Man in Seat 61's opinion of Ouigo, see the Ouigo page.

There's no reason why you can't use a Eurostar ticket from London to Paris then a cheap Ouigo ticket from Paris to Cannes or Nice, as long as you allow plenty of time between trains in Paris, meaning 2-3 hours not the usual hour you'd allow with regular trains.

That's because Ouigo is a separate company, even though it is wholly-owned by SNCF French Railways.  You will be using separate tickets for the Eurostar and for Ouigo, Ouigo has no agreement in place with Eurostar to guarantee onward travel if there's a delay and missed connection.  So if one train runs late and you miss the connection. you'll find yourself paying for a new ticket.  It's your risk, which means you should allow 2 or 3 hours between trains in Paris, not one.

London ► Cannes, Nice

• Step 1, travel from London to Paris by Eurostar, leaving London St Pancras at 10:24 arriving Paris Gare du Nord 13:47, or any earlier departure.

• Transfer from Paris Gare du Nord to Paris Gare de Lyon by RER express metro as explained here.

• Step 2, travel from Paris to Nice by Ouigo high-speed train, leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 16:09 daily, arriving Cannes at 21:34 & Nice at 22:09.  Remember there's a 30 minute check-in for Ouigo in Hall 3, one level down from platform level.  There's no catering on Ouigo, so bring food & drink with you.

• Alternatively, take any evening Eurostar you like to Paris, stay overnight, then take the daily 07:18 Ouigo from Paris to Cannes & Nice.

Nice, Cannes ► London

• Step 1, travel from Nice to Paris by Ouigo high-speed train, leaving Nice at 05:52 or Cannes at 06:24, arriving Paris Gare de Lyon at 11:46.  Remember there's a 30 minute check-in for Ouigo.  There's no catering on Ouigo, so bring food & drink with you.

• Transfer from Paris Gare de Lyon to Paris Gare du Nord by RER express metro as explained here.

• Step 2, travel from Paris to London by Eurostar, leaving Paris Gare du Nord at 15:13 arriving London St Pancras at 16:39, or any later departure.

• Alternatively, you can leave Nice on the later Ouigo at 13:53 or Cannes at 14:24 arriving Paris Gare de Lyon at 19:46.  Stay overnight in Paris, then take any morning Eurostar you like back to London.

How much does it cost?

• London to Paris by Eurostar starts at £52 one-way or £78 return in standard class, £115 one-way, £199 return standard premier (1st class).

• Paris to Cannes or Nice by Ouigo starts at just €19 each way.  Plus €5 baggage fee for larger bags, see the Ouigo page for full details.

How to buy tickets...

• Step 1, go to www.eurostar.com and book a Eurostar from London to Paris.

• Step 2, go to www.ouigo.com and book Ouigo from Paris to Cannes or Nice.  Don't forget you may need to add the €5 extra baggage fee for oversize or additional bags.

  Tip:  Only credit/debit cards issues in European & certain other countries such as Australia & the USA are accepted for Ouigo bookings, but if you buy Ouigo tickets from www.thetrainline.com (which also sells Eurostar tickets and is easy to use, recommended, just a small booking fee to pay) you can pay via PayPal which gets round this, see the Ouigo page for more information about Ouigo tickets.

What are the trains like?

1. London to Paris by Eurostar...

Eurostar trains link London & Paris in 2h20, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in (10-minutes for business premier) as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More information about Eurostar including check-in procedure.  St Pancras station guide.  Paris Gare du Nord station guide.  How to cross Paris by metro or taxi.

A Eurostar e320 at St Pancras.  More about Eurostar.		1st class:  Standard Premier or Business Premier.

Standard class seats.  Larger photo.		One of two cafe-bars, in cars 8 & 9.  Larger photo.

2. Paris to Cannes or Nice by Ouigo.

Ouigo is a subsidiary company of SNCF French Railways, set up as a budget airline on rails. It uses double-deck TGV Duplex trains, but one class only, with no 1st class, no catering, airline-style baggage limits and a 30-minute check-in.  More information about Ouigo.  Paris Gare de Lyon station guide.

A double-deck Ouigo train  More information about Ouigo...

9 steps to upper deck. Larger photo.		Upstairs seats on Ouigo, 2+2 across the car width.  Choosing the Power plug or Quiet options guarantees you an upper deck seat.  Larger photo.

Back to top

Connections to other towns on the Cote d'Azur...

St Tropez...

• Step 1, take the train from London to St Raphael as shown above. 

• Step 2, travel from St Raphael to St Tropez by bus, departure every hour, journey time 1h35, fare around €3.

  Buses leave St Raphael bus station (Gare Routière in French, located right next to the railway station) and arrive at St Tropez bus station.  See zou.maregionsud.fr for bus times (English selector at the bottom of the page or click menu and look for the English selector).  You can use the journey planner or click menu then schedules and enter bus 7601.

  You can buy a ticket on the bus or use the Zou app on your smartphone to buy a ticket after registering for an account, see zou.maregionsud.fr.

  Be warned that traffic into St Tropez in high summer can be a nightmare, with major delays.

• There's also a ferry twice a day from April to November, see www.bateauxsaintraphael.com - much more expensive than the bus but a good way to make an excursion that avoids all the summer traffic.

Juan les Pins, Villefranche sur Mer, Beaulieu sur Mer...

• These all have railway stations on the Cannes-Nice-Monaco main line, served by hourly local trains, but long-distance trains don't stop there.  So for Juan les Pins, travel to Antibes and switch to a local train there, journey time 5 minutes.  For Villefranche and Beaulieu, travel to Nice and change to a local train there.

Monaco-Monte Carlo, Menton & Ventimiglia...

• Frequent local trains link Nice with Monte Carlo, Menton and Ventimiglia on the Italian border, roughly every half hour.  Nice to Monte Carlo takes 21 minutes, Nice to Ventimiglia takes 48 minutes.

Back to top

How to buy train tickets to France...

It's easy to buy train tickets from anywhere in Britain to anywhere in France, here I'll explain the best options.  Booking online saves paying phone fees, and I recommend using www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com.  But don't forget there are other ways to book online too.  You can also book by phone or in person, or get a train travel specialist to arrange a tailor-made trip.

	For hotels... www.booking.com allows you to book your accommodation before train bookings open, with free cancellation. Click here for suggested hotels in Paris.

Option 1, buy at www.raileurope.com...

• Raileurope.com is the former Loco2.com, you can book one-way or return in either direction.

  Raileurope.com connects to the British & French ticketing systems as well as German, Austrian, Italian & Spanish, so you can buy all your tickets in one place, in plain English, in €, £ or $. There's a small booking fee.  Who are Raileurope.com?

  Infants under 4 go free with no ticket necessary, children under 12 can travel at the child rate.

• International credit cards accepted...  Anyone from any country can use www.raileurope.com, as all credit cards are accepted and you'll usually get a self-print or a show-on-mobile ticket.

• Booking opens up to 4 months ahead.  Eurostar opens up to 6 months ahead, but I recommend waiting until your onward French trains open for booking, so that times & prices can be confirmed before you buy a non-refundable Eurostar ticket.

  The big annual timetable change happens on the second Saturday in December, and bookings for dates after this up to & including Christmas & New Year usually open mid-October, significantly less than 4 months ahead.

  See more information about when European train bookings open & why some dates may open later than others.  You can always reserve hotel accommodation risk-free before booking your trains if you use a site like www.booking.com with free cancellation.

• You can book from any station in Britain...  www.raileurope.com allows you to book to or from any British station, not just from London, which gives you travel to London St Pancras (including the Underground if you need it).  Or buy a ticket to London International CIV separately, see the advice here.  Little Kimble to Juan les Pins?  No problem!

• You can book to any station in France.  This system can sell tickets to or from any French station on any French train, including TGVs, Intercités, overnight couchette trains or TER local trains, although it cannot sell the Ouigo budget trains which run once or twice a day on a handful of routes.

• Fares vary like air fares, so book as far ahead as you can:  Fares for Eurostar & French long-distance trains are cheaper in advance, much more expensive near the date of travel, so book as early as you can and search for the cheapest departures.  Remember that the cheapest tickets mean no refunds, no changes.

• Tip:  Want to go via Lille to avoid crossing Paris?  A same-station change in Lille is much easier than crossing Paris, although you'll usually find a wider choice of departures and often cheaper prices via Paris.  To find journeys via Lille, click More options and enter Lille Europe as a via station  If you don't see any journeys, try adjusting the departure time.  For some destinations such as Orleans, Vichy, Toulouse or Clermont Ferrand there are no direct services from Lille so you'll really have to go via Paris.

• Tip:  Choose an upper deck seat on a TGV Duplex:  I recommend an upstairs seat for the best views if you use a double-decker TGV Duplex in France.  These now operate almost all services from Paris to Lyon, Avignon, Marseille, Nice, and some services from Lille to the South, too.  Unlike some sites, www.raileurope.com allows you to choose upper or lower deck.  Seat numbers 11-58 = lower deck.  61-128 = upper deck.

• Tip:  Upgrade to 1st class on French trains often for very little extra cost!  Most booking sites won't let you mix & match 2nd class on Eurostar (on which 1st class is expensive) with 1st class on your onward French train, on which 1st class can cost little more than 2nd class and can even be cheaper, because of the way the pricing quotas work.  With Raileurope.com there's an easy solution:  Before running the enquiry, click More options, enter Paris Nord (or Lille), as a stopover point.  In the search results, instead of showing a total price for London to your French destination, it will allow you to select a class & price from London to Paris (or Lille) and a separate class & price from Paris (or Lille) to your final destination.  See if there's a cheap 1st class fare for your onward French train!

• Tip:  Don't be afraid to split the booking in Paris!  For complete control, first book from your local station to Paris (or Lille), add to basket, then book from Paris to your final destination remembering to allow at least 60 minutes to cross Paris trains southbound, 90 minutes including Eurostar check-in northbound.  Add to basket and checkout.  You can easily adjust the Paris time this way, to stop off in Paris or perhaps have lunch at the Gare de Lyon.  SNCF's database now has some sub-standard 40-minute cross-Paris connections when I'd recommend at least 60 minutes, so this is the way to avoid those, too (Raileurope.com cannot edit these sub-standard connections out, but have thoughtfully added a warning when a sub-60-minute cross-Paris connection comes up).

• Tip:  Children under 4 go free, but what if you want them to have their own seat?  Babies & infants go free on all European trains (see age limits here) and don't need a ticket, you just bring them along, but they don't get their own seat.  If you want them to have their own reserved seat on a French long-distance train, you can pay a fixed fee called Forfait Bambin.  This can't yet be booked on Raileurope.com, so you'll need to book from your local station to Paris or Lille using www.raileurope.com, then book your onward French train separately using www.thetrainline.com.  There's more explanation about Forfait Bambin on the train travel with children page.

• Tip:  If you want sole or dual occupancy of a couchette compartment on a French overnight train:  On French overnight trains you can book sole or dual occupancy of a 4-berth couchette compartment, this facility is called Espace Privatif, see details of the cost & how to buy tickets here.  However, Espace Privatif can't be booked online at Raileurope.com, you need to use www.thetrainline.com instead.

• Train seat numbering plans:  These plans may help:  TGV seat numbering plans.  Couchette numbering plans.

• Who powers Raileurope.com?  www.raileurope.com is owned by SNCF and connects to SNCF's Resarail system.  Prices should be the same as you'll find on French Railways' own site en.oui.sncf, although a small booking fee is added to the total of your basket at checkout.

Option 2, buy online at www.thetrainline.com

• I recommend www.thetrainline.com for the same reasons as Raileurope:  It connects to the Eurostar & SNCF (French, Railways) ticketing systems so you can easily book all your tickets in one place, in plain English, in €, £ or $ with overseas credit cards no problem.  Who are Thetrainline.com?

• Some people prefer www.raileurope.com, others prefer www.thetrainline.com, both are good and should show exactly the same prices, so use whichever you like the look of best.  At time I write this www.thetrainline.com charges no booking fee if you use the links on this page.

• Most of the same booking tips in the Raileurope advice above also apply, except that www.thetrainline.com can only sell journeys starting in London, Ebbsfleet or Ashford - but you can easily add a British domestic train ticket separately as explained here.  If you want a stopover in Paris, simply book London-Paris & back separately from onward trains.

Other ways to buy train tickets online...

• Option 3, book with Eurostar:  www.eurostar.com sells tickets from London to around 70 major French towns & cities, so more limited than Raileurope.com or Trainline and it can't book overnight couchette trains, but it can be worth checking.  It issues print-at-home tickets and accepts all credit cards so can be used by anyone from any country.  There is no booking fee.

• Option 4, split the booking, using Eurostar.com then Oui.sncf:  It's easiest to book all your tickets in one place at Raileurope or Trainline.  But for complete control, no booking fees and maximum choice of seating options, you can split the booking and book direct with each train operator.  Do a dry run on both sites first...

  Step 1, book Eurostar from London to Paris (or Lille) & back at www.eurostar.com with no fee and the opportunity to choose your exact seat.

  Step 2, now book the onward French train at SNCF's own site, en.oui.sncf.  It's been known to reject some overseas payment cards, if you have any problems simply use www.thetrainline.com instead.  Both sites offer a full range of seating options including the ability to select upper or lower deck on a TGV Duplex or a table for two in 1st class, and on some TGV routes a forward-facing seat.

  Splitting the booking in this way allows you to adjust your cross-Paris transfer time so that you have at least 60 minutes between trains and/or can have time for lunch in Paris.  It also allows you to mix and match 2nd class on Eurostar (as 1st class is expensive) with a cheap 1st class deal on the French train, as this sometimes costs only a little more than 2nd class, and in some circumstances can actually be cheaper. 

How to buy tickets by phone...

• It's cheaper and in many ways easier to buy online, as you can see for yourself which departures are cheapest for each stage of the journey and you avoid phone booking fees.  Online booking is possible 24/7, but most telephone booking agencies only work office hours on weekdays.

• However, if you prefer to call someone, here is a list if UK ticketing agencies with phone numbers & opening hours.  For a journey between the UK & France I'd call Ffestiniog Travel, International Rail or Trainseurope.  Book early for the cheapest prices, ideally 2-3 months ahead, as prices increase close to departure, just like air fares.  Eurostar, TGV & other French train tickets will usually be emailed to you as e-tickets, so there's no postage cost or delay.

Let Railbookers arrange your holiday... 

• Railbookers are a train travel specialist who can put together a tour, holiday or short break for you as a package, including rail travel, hotels & transfers.  On their website you'll find a range of suggested tours, holidays & breaks to France by rail which can be varied or customised to your own requirements.  And as you're booking a package, they'll take care of you if anything happens to one part of the itinerary such as a strike or delay.

    UK call 0207 864 4600, www.railbookers.co.uk.

    US call free 1-888-829-4775, see website.

    Canada call free 1-855-882-2910, see website.

    Australia call toll-free 1300 971 526, see website.

    New Zealand call toll-free 0800 000 554 or see website.

Let Tailor Made Rail arrange your trip...

• Tailor Made Rail also offers packages from the UK to France by train which can be customised your own requirements, one-way or round trip, with any stopovers you want.  Indeed, they can organise a trip for you entirely based on your own requirements, they welcome complex itineraries!  As it's a package, they'll take care of you if anything happens on one part of the trip, for example, a national strike.  They're TTA-protected - like ATOL, but not only for agencies that sell air travel.

• Call their dedicated seat61 phone line 020 3778 1461 and quote seat 61 when booking.  From outside the UK call +44 20 3778 1461.  Lines open 09:00-17:30 Monday-Friday.  Their website is www.tailormaderail.com/destinations/france.

Escorted tours to France by train...

• If you'd prefer to go to France on an escorted tour with a convivial group of travellers rather than travelling solo, here are the two UK companies which arrange escorted tours by train from the UK to destinations all over Europe on various dates through the year.  Both companies are part of the same group.

    Rail Discoveries, www.raildiscoveries.com, 01904 730 727...

    Great Rail Journeys, www.greatrail.com, 01904 527 120...

  Back to top

London to Avignon, Aix, Marseille

It's easy to travel from London or anywhere in the UK to Avignon, Aix or Marseille by Eurostar & high-speed TGV, a chance to chill out with a good book & a glass of wine, and maybe even have lunch in Paris on the way.  It's affordable too.

Which route to choose?

• Option 1, by Eurostar & TGV via Lille:  This is the easiest option.  Take Eurostar to Lille Europe, where you make a simple same-station change onto a direct TGV to Avignon, Aix or Marseille.  No need to cross Paris, so ideal if you've baggage, kids or mobility problems.

• Option 2, by Eurostar & TGV via Paris:  By Eurostar to Paris Gare du Nord, change stations by taxi or metro, then an impressive double-deck TGV Duplex from Paris Gare de Lyon to Avignon, Aix or Marseille.  There's usually a much wider choice of departures and often cheaper fares via Paris.  How about lunch at the fabulous Train Bleu restaurant inside the Gare de Lyon?  You can also travel time-effectively with an evening Eurostar to Paris after a full day's work, an overnight hotel then a morning TGV to the south taking just 2 or 3 hours.

• Option 3, by Eurostar a lo-cost Ouigo train.  A cheap option using France's budget airline-on-rails.  This can be the cheapest option, but Ouigo trains have no first class, no catering, baggage limits.  Connections between Ouigo & Eurostar aren't covered by the Railteam arrangement if there's a delay, so you have to allow lots of time between trains Paris.

• Option 4, the ferry alternative:  It's slower & usually costlier than Eurostar, but if you want to avoid the Channel Tunnel, live on the south coast, or at short notice when Eurostar is expensive, it's an option.  Travel from London to Paris by train & ferry either via Dover-Calais or overnight via Portsmouth-Le Havre as shown here.  Then take onward trains from Paris, booked at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com.

• Option 5, by summer-only direct London-Lyon Eurostar:  Unfortunately, the direct Eurostar to Lyon, Avignon & Marseille has been cancelled for 2020 & 2021 due to COVID-19.

Option 1, London to Provence via Lille...

This is the easiest option.  Take a Eurostar from London to Lille, make one simple same-station change of train at Lille onto a direct TGV to Provence, by-passing Paris.  Ideal if you've luggage, kids or mobility problems.  Although going via Paris gives a wider choice of departures and in many cases cheaper fares, see option 3 below.

Timetable outward

Notes for the timetable...

How to read these timetables:  It's easy, you read downwards, each column is a journey you can take.  You change trains at the grey bar.

Always check train times for your specific dates using www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, as the times shown here can vary.  Don't book any Eurostar tickets until you have confirmed onward train times.  Eurostar doesn't run on 25 December.

Avignon TGV station is 3 miles from Avignon city centre & Avignon Centre station.  A new rail link from Avignon TGV station to Avignon Centre station opened in 2013 and shuttle trains now run every 30-45 minutes, journey time 5 minutes, fare around €1.80.  If you'd rather travel to Avignon Centre, simply specify 'Avignon Centre' when booking at www.raileurope.com and it'll add the shuttle train for an extra £1.50.  Map of Avignon showing stations.

Aix en Provence TGV station is 10 miles from Aix city centre.

How much does it cost?

• London to Lille by Eurostar starts at £52 one-way, £78 return standard class or £115 one-way, £199 return in standard premier (1st class).

• Lille to Avignon or Marseille by TGV starts at €20 each way.

• Like air fares, fares increase as the cheaper seats are sold, so book early & shop around for the cheapest departure.  Check the online booking system to see prices for your date of travel.  Children under 4 go free.

How to buy tickets...

• Click here for details of how to buy train tickets to France

What are the trains like?

1. London to Lille by Eurostar...

Eurostar trains link London & Lille in 1h22, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in (10-minutes for business premier) as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More information about Eurostar including check-in procedure.  St Pancras station guide.  Lille station guide & tips on changing trains.

A Eurostar e320 at St Pancras.  More about Eurostar.		1st class:  Standard Premier or Business Premier.

Standard class seats.  Larger photo.		One of two cafe-bars, in cars 8 & 9.  Larger photo.

2. Lille to the South of France by TGV...

TGV or Train á Grande Vitesse is French Railways high-speed train, with 1st & 2nd class and a cafe-bar.  They come in various types, some single-deck, some double-deck TGV Duplex, you could get either on cross-France routes from Lille.  Most have power sockets at seats, most now have free WiFi.  The photos below show a single-deck TGV with the Christian Lacroix designer interior.  The direct TGVs from Lille by-pass Paris on a high-speed avoiding line via Charles de Gaulle Airport station.  More information about TGV.

Boarding a TGV...		Cafe-bar... See sample TGV bar menu

2nd class with a mix or unidirectional seats & tables for 4.  Seats are 2+2 across car width. 360 degree photo.		1st class with a mix of unidirectional seats, solo seats, tables for 2 & for 4.  Seats 2+1 across car width.  360 degree photo.

Back to top

Option 2, London to Provence via Paris...

This is the fastest, cheapest & most frequent option, if you don't mind changing trains & stations in Paris.  Take Eurostar from London to Paris in 2h20, change stations in Paris by metro or taxi as explained here, then take a 186mph double-decker TGV Duplex from Paris Gare de Lyon to Marseille in as little as 3h05.  Although a same-station change in Lille is easier (see option 1 above), you'll find a wider range of departures via Paris and often cheaper fares.  Why not take an earlier Eurostar and explore Paris, or have lunch at the fabulous Train Bleu restaurant inside the Gare de Lyon before boarding your TGV to the Sunny South of France?

Important:  The Eurostar times shown below are the normal pre-Covid ones.  Eurostar is running a reduced service at the moment, so check what Eurostar departures are available on your date of travel at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com.  Beyond Paris, trains are running almost normally.

Timetable outward

London ► Avignon, Aix, Marseille  (Mon-Fri & Saturdays)

Eurostar, 30 min check-in

Mondays to Fridays

Saturdays

London St Pancras

depart

05:40**

09:22

10:24

12:24

13:31

14:22

15:31

20:01

06:18

09:22

11:01

12:24

13:31

14:22

20:01

Paris Gare du Nord

arrive

09:17**

12:47

13:47

15:47

16:47

17:47

18:47

23:17

09:47

12:47

14:17

15:47

16:47

17:47

23:17

Cross Paris by metro or RER to the Paris Gare de Lyon and board a high-speed TGV Duplex...

Paris Gare de Lyon

depart

10:39

14:06

15:39

17:36

18:35

19:38

20:38*

08:37

11:36

14:06

15:39

17:36

18:35

19:38

08:37

Avignon TGV

arrive

13:30

|

18:19

20:19

21:19

22:17

23:18

11:22

14:19

|

18:19

20:19

21:19

22:17

11:22

Aix en Provence TGV

arrive

13:53

|

18:42

20:42

21:42

22:40

23:42

|

14:42

|

18:42

20:42

21:42

22:40

|

Marseille St Charles

arrive

14:08

17:11

18:57

20:57

21:57

22:55

23:57

11:58

14:57

17:11

18:57

20:57

21:57

22:55

11:58

London ► Avignon, Aix, Marseille (Sundays)
Eurostar, 30 min check-in...		Sundays
London St Pancras	depart	09:22	10:24	12:24	13:31	15:31	20:01
Paris Gare du Nord	arrive	12:47	13:47	15:47	16:47	18:47	23:17
Cross Paris by metro or RER to the Paris Gare de Lyon and board a high-speed TGV Duplex...
Paris Gare de Lyon	depart	14:06	15:39	17:36	18:35	20:33	08:37
Avignon TGV	arrive	|	18:19	20:19	21:19	23:18	11:22
Aix en Provence TGV	arrive	|	18:42	20:42	21:42	23:42	|
Marseille St Charles	arrive	17:11	18:57	20:57	21:57	23:57	11:58

Timetable inward

Marseille, Aix, Avignon ► London  (Mon-Fri & Saturdays)

High-speed TGV...

Mondays to Fridays

Saturdays

Marseille St Charles

depart

07:00

09:00

12:02

13:59

15:02

15:49

18:59

07:00

09:00

12:02

13:59

15:02

18:59

Aix en Provence TGV

depart

07:16

09:12

12:15

14:11

15:15

16:05

19:16

07:16

09:12

12:15

14:11

15:15

19:16

Avignon TGV

depart

07:38

09:34

12:37

14:33

15:37

16:27

19:40

07:38

09:34

12:37

14:33

15:37

19:40

Paris Gare de Lyon

arrive

10:21

12:21

15:24

17:18

18:22

19:19

22:27

10:21

12:21

15:24

17:18

18:22

22:27

Cross Paris by metro or RER to the Gare du Nord and take Eurostar, 30 min check-in...

Paris Gare du Nord

depart

12:13

15:13

17:13

19:13

20:13

21:13

07:13

13:13

14:13

17:13

19:13

20:13

08:13

London St Pancras

arrive

13:30

16:39

18:32

20:46

21:39

22:39

08:32

14:39

15:30

18:30

20:46

21:39

09:30

Marseille, Aix, Avignon ► London  (Sundays)
High-speed TGV...		Sundays
Marseille St Charles	depart	07:00	09:00	12:02	13:59	15:02	15:49	20:02
Aix en Provence TGV	depart	07:16	09:12	12:15	14:11	15:15	16:05	19:18
Avignon TGV	depart	07:38	09:34	12:37	14:33	15:37	16:27	19:40
Paris Gare de Lyon	arrive	10:21	12:21	15:24	17:18	18:22	19:19	23:24
Cross Paris by metro or RER to the Gare du Nord and take Eurostar, 30 min check-in
Paris Gare du Nord	depart	12:13	14:13	17:13	19:13	20:13	21:13	07:13
London St Pancras	arrive	13:30	15:30	18:30	20:46	21:39	22:39	08:32

Notes for the timetable...

How to read these timetables:  It's easy, you read downwards, each column is a journey you can take.  You change trains at the grey bar.

* = Times vary, and on some dates terminates at Aix, not serving Marseille.

** = The 05:40 Eurostar from London usually doesn't run in July or August.

Eurostar links London & Paris almost every hour, there's no obligation to book the exact one shown above to connect with a particular TGV.  By all means book an earlier one if it has cheaper tickets available or if to spend some time in Paris between trains.  Lunch at the Train Bleu restaurant at the Gare de Lyon?

Always check train times for your specific dates using www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, as the times shown here can vary.  Don't book any Eurostar tickets until you have confirmed onward train times.  Eurostar doesn't run on 25 December.

Shaded = Time-effective journey with overnight hotel stop in Paris.  By all means choose an earlier evening Eurostar or later morning TGV outward or an earlier evening TGV & later morning Eurostar inwards. Suggested hotels near the Gare du Nord or Gare de Lyon in Paris.

Aix en Provence TGV station is 10 miles from Aix city centre.

Avignon TGV station is 3 miles from Avignon city centre & Avignon Centre station.  A new rail link from Avignon TGV station to Avignon Centre station opened in December 2013 and shuttle trains now run every 15-30 minutes, journey time 5 minutes, fare around €1.80.  If you'd rather travel to Avignon Centre, simple specify 'Avignon Centre' when booking at www.raileurope.com and it'll add the shuttle train for an extra £1.50.  Map of Avignon showing stations.

How much does it cost?

• London to Paris by Eurostar starts at £52 one-way or £78 return in standard class, £115 one-way, £199 return standard premier (1st class).

• Paris to Aix, Avignon or Marseille by TGV starts at €20 each way.

• Like air fares, fares increase as the cheaper seats are sold, so book early & shop around for the cheapest departure.  Check the online booking system to see prices for your date of travel.  Children under 4 go free.

How to buy tickets...

• Click here for details of how to buy train tickets to France

• Can't find any cheap tickets?  You can also try the budget Ouigo option shown here.

What's the journey like?

1. London to Paris by Eurostar...

Eurostar trains link London & Paris in 2h20, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in (10-minutes for business premier) as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More information about Eurostar including check-in procedure.  St Pancras station guide.  Paris Gare du Nord station guide.  How to cross Paris by metro or taxi.

A Eurostar e320 at Paris Nord.  More about Eurostar.		1st class:  Standard Premier or Business Premier.

Standard class seats.  Larger photo.		One of two cafe-bars, in cars 8 & 9.  Larger photo.

2. Paris to Avignon, Aix or Marseille by TGV Duplex...

Sit back with a glass of red and enjoy the ride - book an upper deck seat for the best views.  The train is equipped with power sockets for laptops & mobiles at all seats in both classes, and a cafe-bar serves drinks, snacks & microwaved hot dishes.  More information about TGV Duplex.  Paris Gare de Lyon station guide.

TGV Duplex at Paris Gare de Lyon in the new InOui colours...

Cafe-bar on upper deck car 4, serving tea, coffee, soft drinks, wine, beer, snacks & microwaved hot dishes....		2nd class upper deck seats with a mix of tables for 4 & unidirectional seating.  360º photo.

1st class upper deck seats, club duo on the left, club quatre on the right.  360º photo.		A TGV Duplex at Paris Gare de Lyon...

The stairs to the upper deck. Just 9 steps, wide, shallow with double handrails.  No problem!		Power sockets:  All seats in both classes have power sockets, 2-pin 230v.  Your train may have WiFi, whilst in France.		Luggage racks.  You take your bags on board with you and place them on the racks.  There are racks both upstairs and downstairs, both at the car ends and (as here) between the seats.

Back to top

---

Option 3, the budget train:  Ouigo...

In 2013, French Railways launched a budget-airline-on-rails called Ouigo, www.ouigo.com.  Ouigo operates several no-frills trains a day from Paris to Lyon, Aix en Provence, Avignon, Marseille, Nîmes & Montpellier using special double-deck TGV Duplex trains with just one class of seating, no catering and no 1st class.  Like budget airlines, they've added a 30-minute check-in, there are baggage limits and extra fees for large or additional bags.  For more information about Ouigo including ticketing buying tips, travel tips & photos, see the Ouigo page.

There's no reason why you can't use a Eurostar ticket from London to Paris then a cheap Ouigo ticket from Paris to Lyon, Avignon, Aix or Marseille, as long as you allow plenty of time between trains, meaning several hours not the usual hour to cross Paris you'd allow with regular trains.

That's because Ouigo has been set up as a separate company, even though it is wholly-owned by SNCF French Railways.  You will be using separate tickets for the Eurostar and for Ouigo, Ouigo has no agreement in place with Eurostar to guarantee onward travel if there's a delay and missed connection.  So if one train runs late and you miss the connection. you'll find yourself paying for a new ticket.  It's your risk, which means you should allow 2 or 3 hours or more between trains in Paris, not one.

How to buy tickets...

• Step 1, go to www.eurostar.com and book a Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord from £52 one-way, £78 return.

• Step 2, go to www.ouigo.com and book a lo-cost Ouigo TGV from Paris to Lyon, Aix en Provence, Avignon, Marseille, Nîmes & Montpellier from as little as €10 each way, but don't forget you may need to add the €5 extra baggage fee for oversize or additional bags.

  Tip:  Only credit/debit cards issues in European & certain other countries such as Australia & the USA are accepted for Ouigo bookings, but if you buy Ouigo tickets from www.thetrainline.com (which also sells Eurostar tickets and is easy to use, recommended, just a small booking fee to pay) you can pay via PayPal which gets round this, see the Ouigo page for more information about Ouigo tickets.

• Some Ouigo departures leave from the Gare de Lyon in central Paris, but some go from Marne La Vallée a 45-minute €8 RER ride outside Paris.  Obviously, pick one leaving from Gare de Lyon if you can, allowing at least 2 or 3 hours between the Eurostar arrival and Ouigo departure.

  You can transfer from Paris Nord to Paris Gare de Lyon by RER express metro in about 30 minutes as explained here. 

  If you need to transfer to Marne la Vallée, allow 3-4 hours between Eurostar arrival and Ouigo departure.  To reach Marne la Vallée, take RER line B from Paris Nord to Châtelet-les-Halles, then RER line A to Marne la Vallée-Chessy.  Journey time 50 minutes, trains run every 10-15 minutes.

• Tip:  In practice, I'd start with the Ouigo booking, then work backwards to find a connecting Eurostar.  Do a dry run on both sites before booking for real.

What are the trains like?

1. London to Paris by Eurostar...

Eurostar trains link London & Paris in 2h20, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in (10-minutes for business premier) as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More information about Eurostar including check-in procedure.  St Pancras station guide.  Paris Gare du Nord station guide.  How to cross Paris by metro or taxi.

A Eurostar e320 at St Pancras.  More about Eurostar.		1st class:  Standard Premier or Business Premier.

Standard class seats.  Larger photo.		One of two cafe-bars, in cars 8 & 9.  Larger photo.

2. Paris to the South of France by Ouigo.

Ouigo is a subsidiary company of SNCF French Railways, set up as a budget airline on rails. It uses double-deck TGV Duplex trains, but one class only, with no 1st class, no catering, airline-style baggage limits and a 30-minute check-in.  More information about Ouigo.  Paris Gare de Lyon station guide.

A double-deck Ouigo train  More information about Ouigo...

9 steps to upper deck. Larger photo.		Upstairs seats on Ouigo, 2+2 across the car width.  Choosing the Power plug or Quiet options guarantees you an upper deck seat.  Larger photo.

Back to top

---

London to Nîmes, Montpellier, Carcassonne, Perpignan

Which route to choose?

• Option 1, by Eurostar & TGV via Lille:  By Eurostar to Lille Europe and make a simple same-station change onto a direct TGV from Lille to Nîmes & Montpelier.  Change at Montpellier for Carcassonne, change at Montpellier for Narbonne & Perpignan, although on certain days you'll find a direct TGV from Lille.  This is the easiest option, especially if you've lots of baggage, kids or mobility problems, as there's no need to cross Paris.  Travelling by high-speed train at up to 186mph, you can leave London in the afternoon and arrive in the South of France in the evening!

• Option 2, by Eurostar & TGV via Paris:  By Eurostar to Paris Gare du Nord, change stations in Paris by taxi or metro, then by impressive double-deck TGV Duplex from Paris Gare de Lyon to Nîmes, Montpelier, Narbonne or Perpignan.  Change at Narbonne for Carcassonne.  This is usually the most frequent, fastest and usually cheapest option, although it involves changing stations in Paris by metro or taxi.  But how about lunch in Paris at the fabulous Train Bleu restaurant at the Gare de Lyon between trains?

• Option 3, by Eurostar & sleeper train from Paris to Carcassonne or Perpignan:  Runs daily from July to early September, and on Friday & Sunday nights in winter.  Take Eurostar to Paris Gare du Nord, then sleep in a couchette from Paris Gare d'Austerlitz to Carcassone, Perpignan or Portbou on the intercité de nuit overnight train.  This is the most time-effective option of all!

• Option 4, the ferry alternative:  It's slower & usually costlier than Eurostar, but if you want to avoid the Channel Tunnel, live on the south coast, or at short notice when Eurostar is expensive, it's an option.  Travel from London to Paris by train & ferry either via Dover-Calais or overnight via Portsmouth-Le Havre as shown here.  Then take onward trains from Paris, booked at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com.

Option 1, by Eurostar & TGV via Lille...

This is the most stress-free way to travel from London to the south of France.  Take a Eurostar to Lille and make a simple same-station change of train onto a 186 mph high-speed TGV direct to Nîmes & Montpellier with no need to cross Paris.  South of Lyon the TGV runs along the scenic Rhône Valley, crossing and re-crossing the River Rhône, flying at ground level through the hills of Provence over some breathtaking viaducts, passing pretty French villages and the occasional chateau.  If you're going beyond Montpellier, watch out for your first sight of the Mediterranean coast and for the flamingos on the various étangs (lakes) which the train passes or crosses on a causeway.

Timetable outward

London ► Nîmes, Montpellier, Carcassone, Perpignan
Eurostar, 30 minute check-in	Mondays to Fridays		Saturdays		Sundays
London St Pancras depart	06:47	12:58	06:47	12:58	12:58
Lille Europe arrive	09:26	15:30	09:26	15:30	15:30
Easy change at Lille onto a high-speed TGV...
Lille Europe depart	11:00	17:03	11:00	17:03	17:03
Nîmes Pont du Gard** arrive	15:23	|	15:23	|	|
Nîmes arrive	|	21:36	|	21:36	21:36
Montpellier Sud de France** arrive	15:47	|	15:47	|	|
Montpellier Saint-Roch arrive	|	22:04	|	22:04	22:04
Sète arrive	|	23:12 m	|	22:22	23:12 m
Agde arrive	|	23:27 m	|	22:38	23:27 m
Béziers arrive	17:13 p	23:41 m	17:13 p	22:52	23:41 m
Narbonne arrive	17:22 p	23:59 m	17:22 p	23:08	23:59 m
Carcassonne arrive	18:30 s	-	18:30 s	|	-
Perpignan arrive	18:06 p	-	18:06 p	23:58	-

Timetable inward

Perpignan, Carcassone, Montpellier, Nîmes ► London
High-speed TGV...	Mondays-Fridays			Saturdays			Sundays
Perpignan depart	-	-	11:41 m	07:25	09:35 m	11:41 m	07:25	11:41 m
Carcassonne depart	-	-	11:30 m	|	|	11:30 m	|	11:30 m
Narbonne depart	-	-	12:22 m	08:05	10:17 m	12:22 m	08:05	12:22 m
Béziers depart	-	-	12:39 m	08:22	|	12:39 m	08:22	12:39 m
Agde depart	-	-	|	08:35	|	|	08:35	|
Sète depart	-	-	12:37 m	08:50	|	12:37 m	08:50	12:37 m
Montpellier Saint-Roch depart	05:27*	-	14:53	|	11:57	14:53	|	14:53
Montpellier Sud de France** depart	|	09:11	|	09:11	|	|	09:11	|
Nîmes depart	05:55*	|	15:21	|	12:25	15:21	|	15:21
Nîmes Pont du Gard** depart	|	09:32	|	09:32	|	|	09:32	|
Lille Europe arrive	10:40 f	14:31	19:58	14:31	16:57	19:58	14:31	19:58
Change at Lille onto Eurostar, 30 minute check-in...
Lille Europe depart	13:30	15:30	21:00	15:30	17:35	21:00	15:30	21:00
London St Pancras arrive	14:05	16:05	21:33	16:05	18:06	21:33	16:05	21:33

Notes for the timetable...

How to read these timetables:  It's easy, you read downwards, each column is a journey you can take.  You change trains at the grey bar.

* = the 05:27 from Montpellier runs on Mondays and Fridays only.

**  Nimes Pont du Gard & Montpellier Sud de France are new out-of-town stations several km outside their cities. Nimes & Montpellier St Roche are in the city centre.

f = this TGV arrives Lille Flandres, 500m walk to Lille Europe for the Eurostar to London.

m = Change trains at Montpellier.  Times may vary, check online.

p = Change trains at Lyon Part Dieu.

s = Change trains at Lyon Part Dieu & Narbonne.

There are many other journey possibilities changing trains and stations in Paris. 

Always check train times for your specific dates using www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, as the times shown here can vary.  Don't book any Eurostar tickets until you have confirmed onward train times.  Eurostar doesn't run on 25 December.

How much does it cost?

• London to Lille by Eurostar starts at £52 one-way, £78 return standard class or £115 one-way, £199 return in standard premier (1st class).

• Lille to Nimes, Montpellier or Perpignan by TGV starts at €25 each way.

• Like air fares, fares increase as the cheaper seats are sold, so book early & shop around for the cheapest departure.  Check the online booking system to see prices for your date of travel.  Children under 4 go free.

How to buy tickets...

• Click here for details of how to buy train tickets to France.

• When using www.raileurope.com, remember to click More options and enter Lille Europe if you want to find journeys via Lille.

What are the trains like?

1. London to Lille by Eurostar...

Eurostar trains link London & Lille in 1h22, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in (10-minutes for business premier) as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More information about Eurostar including check-in procedure.  St Pancras station guide.  Lille Europe station guide & tips on changing trains.

A Eurostar e320 at St Pancras.  More about Eurostar.		1st class:  Standard Premier or Business Premier.

Standard class seats.  Larger photo.		One of two cafe-bars, in cars 8 & 9.  Larger photo.

2. Lille to the South of France by TGV...

TGV or Train á Grande Vitesse is French Railways high-speed train, with 1st & 2nd class and a cafe-bar.  They come in various types, some single-deck, some double-deck TGV Duplex, you could get either on cross-France routes from Lille.  Most have power sockets at seats, most now have free WiFi.  The photos below show a single-deck TGV with the Christian Lacroix designer interior.  The direct TGVs from Lille by-pass Paris on a high-speed avoiding line via Charles de Gaulle Airport station.  More information about TGV.

Boarding a TGV...		Cafe-bar... See sample TGV bar menu

2nd class with a mix or unidirectional seats & tables for 4.  Seats are 2+2 across car width. 360 degree photo.		1st class with a mix of unidirectional seats, solo seats, tables for 2 & for 4.  Seats 2+1 across car width.  360 degree photo.

Back to top

Option 2, by Eurostar & TGV via Paris...

This option is more frequent, usually faster and often cheaper than going via Lille, if you don't mind changing stations in Paris by metro or taxi.  Indeed, if you allow an extra hour or two between trains, you can have lunch at the amazing Train Bleu restaurant inside the historic Gare de Lyon, making a virtue out of necessity.  You'll see the same great scenery along the rural Rhone Valley then across the South of France as taking the Lille route.

• I won't list all the options here, to find train times & prices via Paris, simply run an enquiry at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com.

• If you use Raileurope.com, you can click More options and enter Paris as a via station with a suitable stopover duration to add time for lunch or a longer stop.

• For help crossing Paris by metro or taxi, see the Paris metro page.

Option 3, by Eurostar & sleeper train...

This is the most time-effective option.  The Paris-Perpignan-Portbou intercité de nuit overnight train was discontinued in 2016, but it was saved and reinstated in July 2017, running daily in summer, only Friday & Sunday nights off-season.  It leaves Paris attached to the Paris-Toulouse intercité de nuit and it now serves Carcassone as well as Perpignan.  It has 4-berth 1st class and 6-berth 2nd class couchettes.  If you want to use it, here's how...

London  ► Carcassonne, Perpignan, Port Vendres

• Step 1, travel from London to Paris by Eurostar, leaving London St Pancras at 16:31, arriving Paris Gare du Nord at 19:47.

  Eurostar is currently running a reduced service due to Covid-19, so check what Eurostar departures are available on your date of travel at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com allowing at least 60 minutes in Paris between trains.

  Cross Paris by metro or taxi to the Gare d'Austerlitz.

• Step 2, travel from Paris to Carcassone or Perpignan by intercité de nuit overnight train, running daily in summer (July to September) and Friday & Sunday nights in winter.  It leaves Paris Gare d'Austerlitz at 21:58 (time may vary) and arrives Carcassone at 07:41, Perpignan at 08:54, Port Vendres 09:30, Cerebère 09:45 & Portbou 09:54.

  This train has 4-berth 1st class couchettes, 2nd class 6-berth couchettes and reclining seats, see the photos & information here.  Times may vary, so always check times online for your date of travel.  By all means book an earlier Eurostar if you'd like some time in Paris.

  Tip:  Why not book an earlier Eurostar & have dinner at the famous Train Bleu restaurant at the Gare de Lyon before strolling across the Seine (5 min walk) to the neighbouring Gare d'Austerlitz to board your sleeper south?

Port Vendres, Perpignan, Carcassone  ► London

• Step 1, travel from Perpignan or Carcassone to Paris by intercité de nuit overnight train, running daily in summer (July to September) and Friday & Sunday nights in winter.  It leaves Cerebère at 19:10, Port Vendres at 19:25, Perpignan at 19:58 or Carcassone at 21:13, arriving Paris Gare d'Austerlitz at 06:52.  Cross Paris by metro or taxi to the Gare du Nord.

  This train has 4-berth 1st class couchettes, 2nd class 6-berth couchettes and reclining seats, see the photos & information here.  Times can vary, so always check times for your specific date of travel.

• Step 2, travel from Paris to London by Eurostar, leaving Paris Gare du Nord at 09:13 and arriving London St Pancras at 10:39.

  Eurostar is currently running a reduced service due to Covid-19, so check what Eurostar departures are available on your date of travel at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com allowing at least 90 minutes in Paris between trains.

How much does it cost?

• London to Paris by Eurostar starts at £52 one-way or £78 return in standard class, £115 one-way, £199 return standard premier (1st class).

• Paris to Carcassone, Perpignan or Portbou starts at €35 one-way in a 6-berth 2nd class couchette or €63 in a 1st class 4-berth couchette.

• Like air fares, prices rise as cheaper tickets are sold.  Reclining seats start at £18 one-way, £36 return, but I strongly recommend booking a couchette in a safely-locked compartment so you can sleep, a seat is a false economy.  Children under 4 go free, without their own seat or berth.

How to buy tickets...

• Use www.raileurope.com.  Click here for full details on how to buy train tickets to France.

• You can book sole or dual occupancy of a 4-berth compartment, this facility is called Espace Privatif, see details of the cost & how to buy tickets here.  Espace Privatif can be booked online at www.thetrainline.com & en.oui.sncf, but not at other websites selling French train tickets.

What's the sleeper train like?

The intercité de nuit overnight train has 1st class couchettes in 4-berth compartments & 2nd class couchettes in 6-berth compartments, each bunk supplied with lightweight sleeping-bag & mineral water.  More information about intercité de nuit trains.  Watch the video guide.  Paris Austerlitz station guide.

Intercité de nuit sleeper train at Paris Gare d'Austerlitz.  More information about Intercités de Nuit.  Watch the video.

Couchette with sleeping-bag & mineral water		2nd class 6-berth couchettes...		1st class 4-berth couchettes...

Back to top

---

London to Biarritz, Hendaye, Lourdes

There are two options, both benefitting from the opening of the extension of the Paris-Tours high-speed line all the way to Bordeaux on 2 July 2017.  This knocked another hour off the journey.

• Option 1, by Eurostar & TGV via Paris.  This is the most frequent and usually cheapest option, although it means changing trains and stations in Paris.  You travel by Eurostar to Paris Gare du Nord, change trains and stations, then take a TGV Duplex high-speed train from Paris Gare Montparnasse to Biarritz or Lourdes.  Times via Paris are shown below, but this route has some seasonal variations so check times for your specific date online at www.raileurope.com.  Why not take an earlier Eurostar and have lunch in Paris?

• Option 2, by Eurostar & TGV via Lille & Bordeaux, avoiding Paris.  You can take Eurostar to Lille and travel by direct TGV from Lille to Bordeaux, with (usually) another change there.  This avoids the need to change trains and stations in Paris, but it usually works out more expensive.  I haven't shown this option here, but you can easily check train times at www.raileurope.com - it may help to click More options and specify Lille (any station) in the via box.

• Option 3, the ferry alternative:  It's slower & usually costlier than Eurostar, but if you want to avoid the Channel Tunnel, live on the south coast, or at short notice when Eurostar is expensive, it's an option.  Travel from London to Paris by train & ferry either via Dover-Calais or overnight via Portsmouth-Le Havre as shown here.  Then take onward trains from Paris, booked at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com.

Important:  The Eurostar times shown below are the normal pre-Covid ones.  Eurostar is running a reduced service at the moment, so check what Eurostar departures are available on your date of travel at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com.  Beyond Paris, trains are running almost normally.

Timetable outward

London ► Biarritz, Irun, Pau, Lourdes, Tarbes
Eurostar, 30 min check-in	Mon-Sat	Daily	Daily	Mon-Fri, Sun	Daily	Fridays	Mon-Fri,  Sun	Daily	Mon-Fri,  Sun	Daily
London St Pancras depart	07:55	10:24	10:24	12:24	12:24	14:22	20:01	20:01	20:01	20:01
Paris Gare du Nord arrive	11:17	13:47	13:47	15:47	15:47	17:47	23:17	23:17	23:17	23:17
Cross Paris by metro to the Gare Montparnasse & board a high-speed TG Duplex...							hotel	hotel	hotel	hotel
Paris Gare Montparnasse depart	12:52	15:52	15:52	17:52	17:52	19:52	06:50	09:47	07:52	09:52
Dax	16:14	19:14	19:14	21:14	21:14	23:14	10:14	13:14	11:14	13:14
Bayonne	16:46	19:47	|	21:47	|	23:53	|	|	11:47	13:47
Biarritz	17:00	19:58	|	21:58	|	00:04	|	|	11:58	13:58
St Jean de Luz	17:16	20:16	|	22:16	|	00:19	|	|	12:12	14:16
Hendaye (border, French)	17:36	20:28	|	22:31	|	00:36	|	|	12:30	14:31
Irun (border, Spanish)			|		|		|	|
Pau			20:11		22:11		11:03	14:11
Lourdes			20:39		22:39		11:30	14:39
Tarbes			21:04		23:04		11:56	15:04

Timetable inward

Tarbes, Lourdes, Pau, Hendaye, Biarritz ► London

High-speed TGV Duplex

Daily

Mon-Sat

Daily

Daily

Sat, Sun

Daily

Mon-Fri, Sun

Fri

Mon-Fri, Sun

Daily

Daily

Sundays

Tarbes

07:03

08:54

13:56

15:48

18:07

Lourdes

07:21

09:18

14:21

16:13

18:24

Pau

07:48

09:46

14:48

16:47

18:51

Hendaye (border)

07:29

|

09:28

|

11:29

13:28

|

14:28

15:29

|

18:29

|

St Jean de Luz

07:44

|

09:43

|

11:43

13:43

|

14:43

15:43

|

18:43

|

Biarritz

07:59

|

09:59

|

11:56

13:56

|

14:59

15:56

|

18:56

|

Bayonne

08:11

|

10:10

|

12:11

14:11

|

15:10

16:11

|

19:11

|

Dax

08:46

08:46

10:46

10:46

12:46

14:46

15:46

15:46

16:46

17:46

19:46

19:46

Paris Gare Montparnasse arrive

12:08

12:08

14:08

14:08

16:08

18:08

19:08

19:11

20:08

21:08

23:08

23:08

Cross Paris by metro to Gare du Nord for Eurostar, 30 min check-in

hotel

hotel

hotel

hotel

Paris Gare du Nord depart

15:13

15:13

16:13

16:13

18:13e

20:13

21:13

21:13

07:13

07:13s

07:13s

07:13

London St Pancras arrive

16:39

16:39

17:39

17:39

19:39e

21:39

22:39

22:39

08:32

08:32s

08:32s

08:32

Notes for the timetable...

How to read these timetables:  It's easy, you read downwards, each column is a journey you can take.  You change trains at the grey bar.

* = The 05:40 Eurostar from London doesn't usually run in July & August.

e = the Eurostar connection runs an hour later on Saturdays.

s = the first Eurostar connection runs an hour later on Sunday mornings.

Eurostar links London & Paris almost every hour, there's no obligation to book the exact one shown above to connect with a particular onward train.  By all means book an earlier one if it has cheaper tickets available or if to spend some time in Paris between trains.

Always check train times for your specific dates using www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, as the times shown here can vary.  Don't book any Eurostar tickets until you have confirmed onward train times.  Eurostar doesn't run on 25 December.

Shaded = time-effective journey with overnight hotel stop in Paris.  By all means choose an earlier evening Eurostar outward or a later morning one inwards.  See suggested hotels near the Gare du Nord or Gare de Lyon in Paris

How much does it cost?

• London to Paris by Eurostar starts at £52 one-way or £78 return in standard class, £115 one-way, £199 return standard premier (1st class).

• Paris to Biarritz or Lourdes by TGV starts at €25 each way.

• Like air fares, fares increase as the cheaper seats are sold, so book early & shop around for the cheapest departure.  Check the online booking system to see prices for your date of travel.  Children under 4 go free.

How to buy tickets...

• Click here for details of how to buy train tickets to France

What are the trains like?

1. London to Paris by Eurostar...

Eurostar trains link London & Paris in 2h20, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in (10-minutes for business premier) as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More information about Eurostar including check-in procedure.  St Pancras station guide.  Paris Gare du Nord station guide.  How to cross Paris by metro or taxi.

A Eurostar e320 at St Pancras.  More about Eurostar.		1st class:  Standard Premier or Business Premier.

Standard class seats.  Larger photo.		One of two cafe-bars, in cars 8 & 9.  Larger photo.

2. Paris to Southwest France by TGV Duplex Océane...

Almost all these trains on this route are new TGV Duplex double-deck trains with the new Océane interior shown here.  The trains have 1st & 2nd class with free WiFi and power sockets at all seats, and a cafe-bar.  More information about TGV Duplex Océane.  Paris Gare Montparnasse station guide.

The TGV pauses at Bordeaux St Jean en route to Hendaye...

TGV Océane cafe-bar, upper deck car 4 (or 14)		TGV Océane 2nd class seats...

TGV Océane 1st class seats.  On TGV Océane, all 1st class seats (except the end ones) rotate to face the direction of travel, or can be rotated to make a face-to-face group of 2 or 4 seats.  The drop-down tables open to reveal USB & 2-pin power sockets.

Back to top

---

London to Lyon & Grenoble

London to Lyon by train from £72 one-way or £118 return...

• Option 1, by Eurostar & TGV via Lille:  This is the easiest option.  Take Eurostar from London St Pancras to Lille Europe and make a simple same-station interchange onto a direct TGV to Lyon Part Dieu, with no need to cross Paris.  Relax over a glass or two as you swish past the French countryside, the green hills just north of Lyon are especially pretty.  It's almost as fast as flying, but far more enjoyable with no airport security queues in sight.  Services with one change at Lille are shown in the timetables below.  Map of Lyon showing station.

• Option 2, by Eurostar & TGV via Paris:  Alternatively, you can take Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord, change trains and stations in Paris, and take a TGV from Paris Gare de Lyon to Lyon Part Dieu.  You need to cross Paris, but this route offers an almost hourly departure from London to Lyon and you'll often find cheaper fares available.  You can also stop off in Paris, of course.

• Option 3, the ferry alternative:  It's slower & usually costlier than Eurostar, but if you want to avoid the Channel Tunnel, live on the south coast, or at short notice when Eurostar is expensive, it's an option.  Travel from London to Paris by train & ferry either via Dover-Calais or overnight via Portsmouth-Le Havre as shown here.  Then take onward trains from Paris, booked at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com.

• Option 4, summer-only direct London-Lyon Eurostar:  Unfortunately, the direct Eurostar to Lyon, Avignon & Marseille has been cancelled for 2020 & 2021 due to COVID-19.

Option 1, London to Lyon & Grenoble via Lille...

Timetable outward

London ► Lyon & Grenoble
Eurostar, 30 min check-in	Mondays to Fridays				Saturdays				Sundays
London St Pancras depart	06:47	11:04	12:58	15:04	06:57	11:04	12:58	17:04	11:04	12:58	15:04
Lille Europe arrive	09:26	13:26	15:30	17:26	09:26	13:26	15:30	19:26	13:26	15:30	17:26
Easy change at Lille onto a high-speed TGV...
Lille Europe depart	11:03	14:01	17:01	18:25	11:03	14:01	17:01	20:01	14:01	17:01	18:25
Lyon Part Dieu arrive	14:00	17:00	20:00	21:44	14:00	17:00	20:00	23:26	17:00	20:00	21:44
For Grenoble, change at Lyon:
Lyon Part Dieu depart	14:16	16:16	19:16	22:16	14:16	16:16	19:16	-	16:16	19:16	22:16
Grenoble arrive	15:39	17:39	20:39	23:39	15:39	17:39	20:39	-	17:39	20:39	23:39

Timetable inward

Lyon & Grenoble ► London

Local TER train...

Mondays to Fridays

Saturdays

Sundays

Grenoble depart

-

06:22

09:22

12:22

15:22

-

-

09:22

12:22

15:22

06:22

09:22

12:22

15:22

Lyon Part Dieu arrive

-

07:44

10:44

13:44

16:44

-

-

10:44

13:44

16:44

07:44

10:44

13:44

16:44

High-speed TGV...

Lyon Part Dieu depart

05:50

08:29

11:00

14:00

17:00

05:50

08:29

11:00

14:00

17:00

08:30

11:00

14:00

17:00

Lille Europe arrive

08:59

11:27

14:31

16:57

19:58

08:59

11:27

14:21

16:57

20:00

11:27

14:21

16:56

19:59

Easy change at Lille onto Eurostar, 30 minute check-in...

Lille Europe depart

09:30

13:30

15:35

17:35

21:00

09:30

13:30

15:35

17:35

21:00

12:35

15:30

18:35

21:00

London St Pancras arrive

09:57

14:05

16:05

18:06

21:33

09:57

14:05

16:05

18:06

21:33

12:57

16:05

19:03

21:33

Notes for the timetable...

How to read these timetables:  It's easy, you read downwards, each column is a journey you can take.  You change trains at each grey bar.

Always check train times for your specific dates using www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, as the times shown here can vary.  Don't book any Eurostar tickets until you have confirmed onward train times.  Eurostar doesn't run on 25 December.

How much does it cost?

• London to Lille by Eurostar starts at £52 one-way, £78 return standard class or £115 one-way, £199 return in standard premier (1st class).

• Lille to Lyon by TGV starts at €20 each way.

• Like air fares, fares increase as the cheaper seats are sold, so book early & shop around for the cheapest departure.  Check the online booking system to see prices for your date of travel.  Children under 4 go free.

How to buy tickets...

• Click here for details of how to buy train tickets to France

What are the trains like?

1. London to Lille by Eurostar...

Eurostar trains link London & Lille in 1h22, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in (10-minutes for business premier) as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More information about Eurostar including check-in procedure.  St Pancras station guide.  Lille Europe station guide & tips on changing trains.

A Eurostar e320 at St Pancras.  More about Eurostar.		1st class:  Standard Premier or Business Premier.

Standard class seats.  Larger photo.		One of two cafe-bars, in cars 8 & 9.  Larger photo.

2. Lille to Lyon by TGV in as little as 2h57...

TGV or Train á Grande Vitesse is French Railways high-speed train, with 1st & 2nd class and a cafe-bar.  They come in various types, some single-deck, some double-deck TGV Duplex, you could get either on cross-France routes from Lille.  Most have power sockets at seats, most now have free WiFi.  The photos below show a single-deck TGV with the Christian Lacroix designer interior.  The direct TGVs from Lille by-pass Paris on a high-speed avoiding line via Charles de Gaulle Airport station.  More information about TGV.  Lyon Part Dieu station guide.

Boarding a TGV...		Cafe-bar... See sample TGV bar menu

2nd class with a mix or unidirectional seats & tables for 4.  Seats are 2+2 across car width. 360 degree photo.		1st class with a mix of unidirectional seats, solo seats, tables for 2 & for 4.  Seats 2+1 across car width.  360 degree photo.

Option 2, London to Lyon via Paris...

This is more frequent, sometimes faster and often cheaper than going via Lille, if you don't mind changing stations in Paris by metro or taxi.  Indeed, if you allow an extra hour or two between trains in Paris you can have lunch at the amazing Train Bleu restaurant inside the Gare de Lyon, making a virtue out of necessity.

Train times...

• Eurostar links London St Pancras and Paris Gare du Nord almost every hour taking 2h20.  Change stations in Paris by metro or taxi, then TGV Duplex trains link Paris Gare de Lyon with Lyon Part Dieu every hour taking 2 hours.

  I won't list the many possible departures here, to find train times and prices via Paris, simply run an enquiry at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com.

  Always allow at least 60 minutes between trains in Paris southbound, 90 minutes northbound (as northbound you have to allow for the 30-minute Eurostar check-in).

How much does it cost?

• London to Paris by Eurostar starts at £52 one-way or £78 return in standard class, £115 one-way, £199 return standard premier (1st class).

• Paris to Lyon by TGV starts at €20 each way.

• Like air fares, fares increase as the cheaper seats are sold, so book early & shop around for the cheapest departure.  Check the online booking system to see prices for your date of travel.  Children under 4 go free.

How to buy tickets...

• Buy tickets at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com.

  Booking for the TGV opens up to 4 months ahead, less than this when the December timetable change intervenes.  Eurostar opens up to 6 months ahead, but I recommend waiting until your onward train times can be confirmed before buying a non-refundable Eurostar ticket.

  If making a round trip, always book London to Paris as a return journey as Eurostar return fares are significantly less than two one-ways.  But Paris-Lyon return fares are simply two one-ways.

  If using www.raileurope.com, click More options and enter Paris as a via station with a suitable stopover duration to allow time for lunch, or simply to ensure you have an adequate time between trains.

Back to top

---

London to Bordeaux

London to Bordeaux by train in as little as 5h45...

• Option 1, by Eurostar & TGV via Lille.  This is the easiest option.  Take Eurostar to Lille Europe in 1h30 and make an easy interchange in Lille onto a direct double-deck TGV Duplex to Bordeaux now taking as little as 4h26 with no need to change trains and stations in Paris.  Relax over a glass or two as you swish past the French countryside.  However, although this avoids the need to change trains and stations in Paris, there are only a few options each day as you can see in the timetable below, and most involve a short 500m 6-minute walk between Lille Europe and Lille Flandres stations, as shown by the little 'f' against their departure time from Lille.

• Option 2, by Eurostar & TGV via Paris.  This is the most frequent option, and often the cheapest.  There are hourly Eurostars from London to Paris Gare du Nord taking 2h20, take the metro or a taxi to Paris Gare Montparnasse and hop on a TGV to Bordeaux St Jean taking as little as 2h04 since the Tours-Bordeaux high-speed line opened in July 2017.  Some of these TGVs are single deck, but most are now double-deck TGV Duplex Océane.

• Option 3, the ferry alternative:  It's slower & usually costlier than Eurostar, but if you want to avoid the Channel Tunnel, live on the south coast, or at short notice when Eurostar is expensive, it's an option.  Travel from London to Paris by train & ferry either via Dover-Calais or overnight via Portsmouth-Le Havre as shown here.  Then take onward trains from Paris, booked at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com.

Option 1, London to Bordeaux via Lille...

Timetable outward

London ► Bordeaux
Eurostar, 30 min check-in	Mondays to Thursday		Fridays		Saturdays	Sundays
London St Pancras depart	12:58	19:34	12:58	19:34	12:58	12:58	19:34
Lille Europe arrive	15:30	22:00	15:30	22:00	15:30	15:30	22:00
Change at Lille onto a high-speed TGV...
Lille Flandres depart	17:16 f	06:15 f	17:16 f	07:00	17:16 f	17:16 f	06:15 f
St Pierre des Corps (Tours)	20:06	10:06	20:06	10:06	20:06	20:06	10:06
Poitiers arrive	20:40	10:40	20:40	10:40	20:40	20:40	10:40
Angoulême arrive	21:22	11:26	21:22	11:26	21:22	21:22	11:26
Bordeaux St Jean arrive	22:01	12:05	22:01	12:05	22:01	22:01	12:05

Timetable inward

Bordeaux ► London
High-speed TGV	Mondays to Fridays		Saturdays		Sundays
Bordeaux St Jean depart	05:57	12:59	05:57	12:59	05:57	12:59
Angoulême depart	06:37	13:47	06:37	13:47	06:37	13:47
Poitiers depart	07:20	14:20	07:20	14:20	07:20	14:20
St Pierre des Corps (Tours)	07:54	14:53	07:54	14:53	07:54	14:53
Lille Europe arrive	10:40 f	17:58	10:40 f	17:58	10:40 f	17:58
Easy change at Lille onto Eurostar, 30 minute check-in...
Lille Europe depart	13:30	18:35	13:30	18:35	12:35	18:35
London St Pancras arrive	14:05	19:13	14:05	19:13	12:57	19:13

Notes for the timetable...

How to read these timetables:  It's easy, you read downwards, each column is a journey you can take.  You change trains at the grey bar.

Always check train times for your specific dates using www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, as the times shown here can vary.  Don't book any Eurostar tickets until you have confirmed onward train times.  Eurostar doesn't run on 25 December.

f = This train arrives/departs Lille Flandres station, not Lille Europe, an easy 500m 6-minute walk from Lille Europe Eurostar/TGV station.

Only journeys via Lille are shown here.  There are many other journey opportunities changing trains and stations in Paris, check times and prices at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com.

Shaded = time-effective journey with overnight stop in Lille.  By all means choose an earlier evening Eurostar outbound, or later morning Eurostar inbound.  I suggest the Crowne Plaza EuroLille or Novotel Suites Lille Europe, both hotels are located at Lille Europe station with good reviews.

How much does it cost?

• London to Lille by Eurostar starts at £52 one-way, £78 return standard class or £115 one-way, £199 return in standard premier (1st class).

• Lille to Bordeaux by TGV starts at €25 each way.

• Like air fares, fares increase as the cheaper seats are sold, so book early & shop around for the cheapest departure.  Check the online booking system to see prices for your date of travel.  Children under 4 go free.

How to buy tickets...

• Click here for details of how to buy train tickets to France.

• Tip: Using www.raileurope.com, click More options and enter Lille (any station).  If necessary, book London-Lille first, add to basket, then add Lille to Bordeaux..

What are the trains like?

1. London to Lille by Eurostar...

Eurostar trains link London & Lille in 1h22, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in (10-minutes for business premier) as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More information about Eurostar including check-in procedure.  St Pancras station guide.  Lille station guide & tips on changing trains.

A Eurostar e320 at St Pancras.  More about Eurostar.		1st class:  Standard Premier or Business Premier.

Standard class seats.  Larger photo.		One of two cafe-bars, in cars 8 & 9.  Larger photo.

2. Lille to Bordeaux by TGV...

TGV or Train á Grande Vitesse is French Railways high-speed train, with 1st & 2nd class and a cafe-bar.  They come in various types, some single-deck, some double-deck TGV Duplex.  Some Paris-Bordeaux TGVs are single-deck with the Christian Lacroix interior, see the photos here, most are TGV Duplex, some with the excellent new Océane interior.

Hello Bordeaux!  A 186 mph TGV Duplex double decker has arrived in Bordeaux from Lille.

Bordeaux St Jean is a beautiful station, superbly renovated.  Note the map of the French rail network on the far wall!

Option 2, London to Bordeaux via Paris...

This is more frequent, sometimes faster and often cheaper than going via Lille, if you don't mind changing stations in Paris by metro or taxi.  The southern section of the Paris-Bordeaux TGV line opened in July 2017, making it possible to go from central London to Bordeaux in as little as 5h45 - in fact, I travelled from London to Bordeaux and back as a day trip soon after the new high-speed line made such a feat possible, perhaps one of the first people in history to have made a day trip from London to Bordeaux by train!  But why not take an extra hour or two and have a leisurely lunch in Paris on the way?

Train times...

• Eurostar links London St Pancras and Paris Gare du Nord almost every hour taking 2h20.  Change stations in Paris by metro or taxi, then take a TGV from Paris Montparnasse to Bordeaux St Jean taking just over 2 hours.  Most Paris-Bordeaux TGVs are the new double-deck TGV Duplex Océane with a cafe-bar & free WiFi.

  I won't list the many possible departures here, to find train times and prices via Paris, simply run an enquiry at www.raileurope.com or Thetrainline.com.

  I'd allow at least 1 hour 10 minutes between trains in Paris southbound, 1 hour 40 minutes northbound (as northbound you have to allow for the 30-minute Eurostar check-in).

How much does it cost?

• London to Paris by Eurostar starts at £52 one-way or £78 return in standard class, £115 one-way, £199 return standard premier (1st class).

• Paris to Bordeaux by TGV starts at €20 each way.

• Like air fares, fares increase as the cheaper seats are sold, so book early & shop around for the cheapest departure.  Check the online booking system to see prices for your date of travel.  Children under 4 go free.

How to buy tickets...

• Buy tickets at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com.

  Booking for the TGV opens up to 4 months ahead, less than this when the December timetable change intervenes.  Eurostar opens up to 6 months ahead but I recommend waiting until your onward train times can be confirmed before buying a non-refundable Eurostar ticket.

  If making a round trip, always book London to Paris as a return journey as Eurostar return fares are significantly less than two one-ways.  But Paris-Bordeaux return fares are simply two one-ways.

  If using www.raileurope.com, click More options and enter Paris as a via station with a suitable stopover duration to allow time for lunch, or simply to ensure you have an adequate time between trains.

Back to top

---

London to Strasbourg

London to Strasbourg in 5 hours by train from £72 one-way, £118 return

• Option 1, by Eurostar & TGV via Lille.  This is the fastest & easiest option, taking as little as 6h15 centre to centre with one easy same-station change at Lille.  It's not the most frequent option, however, details of the one or two daily departures are shown below.

• Option 2, by Eurostar & TGV via Paris.  This is the most frequent option and often the cheapest.  Details are not shown here as there are so many possible departures every day, it's easy to check times & prices at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com.  You take Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord in 2h20 with departures almost every hour, it's an easy 10-minute walk to the Gare de l'Est next door, then you take one of the frequent high-speed TGVs from Paris to Strasbourg in as little as 1h47.

• Option 3, the ferry alternative:  This is slower & usually costlier than Eurostar, but if you want to avoid the Channel Tunnel, live on the south coast, or at short notice when Eurostar is expensive, it's an option.  Travel from London to Paris by train & ferry either via Dover-Calais or overnight via Portsmouth-Le Havre as shown here.  Then take onward trains from Paris, booked at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com.

Option 1, London to Strasbourg via Lille...

Timetable outward

London ► Strasbourg  (via Lille)
Eurostar (30 min check-in)	daily	daily	daily
London St Pancras depart	06:47	15:04	19:34
Lille Europe arrive	09:26	17:26	22:00
Easy change at Lille onto a high-speed TGV...
Lille Europe depart	11:25	19:09	08:02
Strasbourg arrive	14:35	22:21	11:05

Timetable inward

Strasbourg ► London  (via Lille)
High-speed TGV	daily	daily	daily
Strasbourg depart	06:07	12:41	15:11
Lille Europe arrive	09:08	15:38	17:58
Easy change at Lille onto Eurostar, 30 min check-in
Lille Europe depart	13:30	16:36	18:35
London St Pancras arrive	14:05	16:57	19:13

Notes for the timetable...

How to read these timetables:  It's easy, you read downwards, each column is a journey you can take.  You change trains at the grey bar.

Always check train times for your specific dates using www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, as the times shown here can vary.  Don't book any Eurostar tickets until you have confirmed onward train times.  Eurostar doesn't run on 25 December.

Shaded = time-effective journey with overnight stop in Lille.  By all means choose an earlier evening Eurostar.  I suggest the Crowne Plaza EuroLille or Novotel Suites Lille Europe, both hotels are located at Lille Europe station with good reviews.

How much does it cost?

• London to Lille by Eurostar starts at £52 one-way, £78 return standard class or £115 one-way, £199 return in standard premier (1st class).

• Lille to Strasbourg by TGV starts at €20 each way.

• Like air fares, fares increase as the cheaper seats are sold, so book early & shop around for the cheapest departure.  Check the online booking system to see prices for your date of travel.  Children under 4 go free.

How to buy tickets...

• Click here for details of how to buy train tickets to France

What are the trains like?

1. London to Lille by Eurostar...

Eurostar trains link London & Lille in 1h22, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in (10-minutes for business premier) as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More information about Eurostar including check-in procedure.  St Pancras station guide.  Lille station guide & tips on changing trains.

A Eurostar e320 at St Pancras.  More about Eurostar.		1st class:  Standard Premier or Business Premier.

Standard class seats.  Larger photo.		One of two cafe-bars, in cars 8 & 9.  Larger photo.

2. Lille to Strasbourg by TGV...

TGV or Train á Grande Vitesse is French Railways high-speed train, with 1st & 2nd class and a cafe-bar.  They come in various types, some single-deck, some double-deck TGV Duplex, you could get either on cross-France routes from Lille.  Most have power sockets at seats, most now have free WiFi.  The photos below show a single-deck TGV with the Christian Lacroix designer interior.  The direct TGVs from Lille by-pass Paris on a high-speed avoiding line via Charles de Gaulle Airport station.  More information about TGV.

Boarding a TGV...		Cafe-bar... See sample TGV bar menu

2nd class with a mix or unidirectional seats & tables for 4.  Seats are 2+2 across car width. 360 degree photo.		1st class with a mix of unidirectional seats, solo seats, tables for 2 & for 4.  Seats 2+1 across car width.  360 degree photo.

Strasbourg's remarkable railway station, where a glass 'bubble' has been built over the original historic facade...

Back to top

---

London to Limoges, Brive, Toulouse

There are two rail routes from Paris to Toulouse:  The classic direct route from Paris Gare d'Austerlitz to Toulouse via Limoges & Brive uses conventional 125mph trains, most now stylish and comfortable Téoz carriages, see the photos below.  The high-speed route from Paris Gare Montparnasse to Toulouse via Bordeaux uses 186mph TGVs, this is a longer way round but it's still faster, especially since 2 July 2017 when the Tours-Bordeaux high-speed line opens.

Important:  The Eurostar times shown below are the normal pre-Covid ones.  Eurostar is running a reduced service at the moment, so check what Eurostar departures are available on your date of travel at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com.  Beyond Paris, trains are running almost normally.

Timetable outward

London ► Limoges, Brive, Toulouse

Eurostar, 30 min check-in

Sat

Mon-Sat

Sun

Daily

Daily

Daily

Daily

Mon-Fri

Fri

Daily

Daily*

Daily

London St Pancras depart

07:55

07:55

08:19

09:22

09:22

12:24

12:24

13:31e

14:22

14:22

16:31

20:01

Paris Gare du Nord arrive

11:17

11:17

11:47

12:47

12:47

15:47

15:47

17:17e

17:47

17:47

19:47

23:17

Cross Paris by metro from the Gare du Nord to the Gare d'Austerlitz or Gare Montparnasse...

Sleeper

Hotel

Paris Austerlitz depart

12:40

TGV

TGV

14:38

TGV

17:38

TGV

18:41

TGV

19:38

22:12

06:40**

Paris Montparnasse dep.

|

13:59

13:47

|

16:47

|

18:47

|

19:47

|

|

|

Limoges

16:00

|

|

17:57

|

20:58

|

22:01

|

23:03

|

09:57**

Brive-la-Gaillarde

17:03

|

|

19:00

|

22:01

|

23:06

|

00:06

|

11:00**

Cahors

18:15

|

|

20:14

|

23:13

|

-

|

-

|

12:14**

Toulouse

-

18:10

18:13

21:21

21:17

-

23:15

-

00:12

-

06:00

13:21**

Timetable inward

Toulouse, Brive, Limoges ► London

TGV or Téoz...

Daily

Mon-Sat

Mon-Sat

Mon-Sat

Mon-Fri

Sun

Sat

Daily

Mon-Fri, Sun

Sun

Sat

Daily

Daily

Daily *

Toulouse

-

-

06:47

-

06:23

-

07:38

08:47

11:54

-

-

16:30

18:47

22:35

Cahors

-

-

|

06:44

07:34

07:42

08:49

|

|

12:40

12:45

17:48

|

|

Brive-la-Gaillarde

04:56

06:00

|

07:57

08:47

08:55

09:59

|

|

13:52

13:58

19:00

|

|

Limoges

06:01

07:02

|

09:01

09:49

09:59

11:01

|

|

14:57

15:04

20:02

|

|

Paris Montparnasse arrive

|

|

11:08

|

|

|

|

13:08

16:08

|

|

|

23:08

|

Paris Austerlitz arrive

09:31

10:31

TGV

12:32

13:12

13:35

14:25

TGV

TGV

18:25

18:25

23:26

TGV

06:52

Cross Paris by metro to the Gare du Nord for Eurostar, 30 minute check-in...

Hotel

Hotel

Sleeper

Paris Gare du Nord depart

11:13

13:13

13:13

15:13

15:13

15:13

16:13

15:13

18:13

20:13

20:13

07:13e

07:13e

09:13

London St Pancras arrive

12:30

14:39

14:39

16:39

16:39

16:39

17:39

16:39

19:39

21:39

21:39

08:32e

08:32e

10:39

Notes for the timetable...

How to read these timetables:  It's easy, you read downwards, each column is a journey you can take.  You change trains at the grey bar.

*  By Intercités de Nuit couchette train between Paris & Toulouse, with 2nd class 6-berth couchettes, 1st class 4-berth couchettes, reclining seats.  Watch the Intercités de Nuit video.  Times may vary.

** Monday-Friday  mornings.  The first train runs later on Sat & Sun, check times online.

e = Eurostar connection varies on certain dates or days of the week. 

Trains marked TGV are 186mph TGV trains.  Trains running via Limoges are 125mph Intercité (formerly Téoz) trains, see photos below.

Eurostar links London & Paris almost every hour, there's no obligation to book the exact one shown above to connect with a particular onward train.  By all means book an earlier one if it has cheaper tickets available or if to spend some time in Paris between trains.

Always check train times for your specific dates using www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, as the times shown here can vary.  Don't book any Eurostar tickets until you have confirmed onward train times.  Eurostar doesn't run on 25 December.

How much does it cost?

• London to Paris by Eurostar starts at £52 one-way or £78 return in standard class, £115 one-way, £199 return standard premier (1st class).

• Paris to Limoges starts at €20 each way. 

• Paris to Toulouse starts at €25 each way.

• Like air fares, fares increase as the cheaper seats are sold, so book early & shop around for the cheapest departure.  Check the online booking system to see prices for your date of travel.  Children under 4 go free.

How to buy tickets...

• Click here for details of how to buy train tickets to France

• Tip:  If you want the classic route via Limoges, it helps to click More options and add Limoges as a via station.

What are the trains like?

1. London to Paris by Eurostar...

Eurostar trains link London & Paris in 2h20, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in (10-minutes for business premier) as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More information about Eurostar including check-in procedure.  St Pancras station guide.  Paris Gare du Nord station guide.  How to cross Paris by metro or taxi.

A Eurostar e320 at Paris Nord.  More about Eurostar.		1st class:  Standard Premier or Business Premier.

Standard class seats.  Larger photo.		One of two cafe-bars, in cars 8 & 9.  Larger photo.

2. Paris to Limoges, Brive or Toulouse by Intercité...

Although merely 125mph trains not TGVs, most Paris-Limoges-Brive-Toulouse trains now use stylish air-conditioned coaches like this, with a unique interior design formerly branded Téoz.  1st class seats have power-recline and are fitted with power-points for laptops/mobiles.  There's a small children's play area in 2nd class, & baby-changing room.  There is usually a cafe-bar or at least a refreshment trolley service.  Watch the video.  Seating plan.  Paris Austerlitz station guide.

An Intercité train...

1st class seats...		2nd class seats...

...or Paris to Toulouse by Intercité de nuit sleeper train...

The intercité de nuit overnight train from Paris to Toulouse has 1st class 4-berth & 2nd class 6-berth couchettes, each with lightweight sleeping-bag & mineral water.  More information about intercité de nuit trains.  Paris Austerlitz station guide.

Back to top

---

London to Vichy & Clermont Ferrand

Just hop on a Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord, change stations by taxi or metro to the Gare de Bercy, and catch a southbound express to the Massif Central...  Trains between Paris and Clermont are usually Intercités with the Téoz-style interior, see the photos above.

Important:  The Eurostar times shown below are the normal pre-Covid ones.  Eurostar is running a reduced service at the moment, so check what Eurostar departures are available on your date of travel at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com.  Beyond Paris, trains are running almost normally.

Timetable outward

London ► Vichy, Clermont Ferrand
Eurostar, 30 min check-in	Daily	Daily	Fri	Daily	Mon-Fri	Sun	Daily
London St Pancras	08:31	09:22	10:24	11:31	12:24	13:31	14:22
Paris Gare du Nord arrive	11:47	12:47	13:47	14:47	15:47	16:47	17:47
Cross Paris by metro to the Gare de Bercy for a Intercité Téoz train...
Paris Gare de Bercy depart	13:01	14:01	15:01	16:01	16:57	17:57	18:57
Vichy	16:01	16:56	17:57	18:58	19:56	20:55	21:56
Clermont Ferrand	16:33	17:32	18:32	19:34	20:30	21:30	22:30

Timetable inward

Clermont Ferrand, Vichy ► London
InterCité Téoz train...	Mon-Fri	Sat	Daily	Mon-Sat	Daily	Sun
Clermont Ferrand	05:30	06:30	08:30	10:30	13:22	14:30
Vichy	06:04	07:04	09:04	11:04	13:56	15:04
Paris Gare de Bercy arrive	08:57	09:57	11:57	13:57	16:57	17:57
Cross Paris by metro to the Gare du Nord for Eurostar, 30 minute check-in
Paris Gare du Nord depart	11:13	12:13	15:13	16:13	19:13	20:13
London St Pancras	12:39	13:30	16:39	17:39	20:46	21:39

Notes for the timetable...

Eurostar links London & Paris almost every hour, there's no obligation to book the exact one shown above to connect with a particular onward train.  By all means book an earlier one if it has cheaper tickets available or if to spend some time in Paris between trains.  Lunch at the Train Bleu restaurant at the Gare de Lyon?

Always check train times for your specific dates using www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, as the times shown here can vary.  Don't book any Eurostar tickets until you have confirmed onward train times.  Eurostar doesn't run on 25 December.

How much does it cost?

• London to Paris by Eurostar starts at £52 one-way or £78 return in standard class, £115 one-way, £199 return standard premier (1st class).

• Paris to Vichy or Clermont starts at €20 each way.

• Like air fares, fares increase as the cheaper seats are sold, so book early & shop around for the cheapest departure.  Check the online booking system to see prices for your date of travel.  Children under 4 go free.

How to buy tickets...

• Click here for details of how to buy train tickets to France

What are the trains like?

1. London to Paris by Eurostar...

Eurostar trains link London & Paris in 2h20, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in (10-minutes for business premier) as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More information about Eurostar including check-in procedure.  St Pancras station guide.  Paris Gare du Nord station guide.  How to cross Paris by metro or taxi.

A Eurostar e320 at St Pancras.  More about Eurostar.		1st class:  Standard Premier or Business Premier.

Standard class seats.  Larger photo.		One of two cafe-bars, in cars 8 & 9.  Larger photo.

2. Paris to Vichy & Clermont by Intercité...

Although merely 125mph trains not TGVs, most Paris-Vichy-Clermont trains now use stylish air-conditioned coaches like this, with a unique interior design formerly branded Téoz.  1st class seats have power-recline and are fitted with power-points for laptops/mobiles.  There's a small children's play area in 2nd class, & baby-changing room.  There is usually a cafe-bar or at least a refreshment trolley service.  Watch the video.  Seating plan.  Paris Bercy station guide.

An Intercité train...

1st class seats...		2nd class seats...

Back to top

---

London to Le Mans, Nantes, Rennes

Take the train to Brittany...

• Option 1, via Lille (shown below):  The best way to reach Brittany by train is to take a Eurostar to Lille and make one easy change of train in Lille onto a direct TGV to Brittany.  This avoids the need to change trains and stations in Paris.  There are a couple of good services daily, as shown below.  Check times for your specific dates at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com.

• Option 2, via Paris (not shown here, simply check times & prices via Paris at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com.):  You can also travel by Eurostar to Paris Gare du Nord, change trains and stations in Paris, then take a TGV from Paris Gare Montparnasse to Le Mans, Angers, Nantes, and Rennes.  This is less convenient, but there are a wider choice of departures and often you'll find cheaper fares this way.  I haven't shown times via Paris here, but you can easily check times & prices at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com.

Option 1, London to Brittany via Lille...

Timetable outward

London ► Nantes, Rennes & Brittany
Eurostar, 30 min check-in	Mondays to Fridays			Saturdays			Sundays
London St Pancras depart	06:47	12:58	12:58	06:57	12:58	12:58	12:58	12:58
Lille Europe arrive	09:26	15:30	15:30	09:26	15:30	15:30	15:30	15:30
Easy change at Lille onto a high-speed TGV...
Lille Europe depart	11:25	17:39	17:39	11:25	17:52	17:52	17:39	17:39
Le Mans	14:30	20:26	20:26	14:30	20:26	20:26	20:26	20:26
Rennes	15:29	21:18	|	15:29	21:17	|	21:18	|
Angers			21:21			21:10		21:21
Nantes			22:00			21:50		22:00

Timetable inward

Nantes, Rennes & Brittany ► London
High-speed TGV...	Mondays to Fridays				Saturdays				Sundays
Nantes		06:03		12:03		06:03		12:03	08:06		12:03
Angers		06:44		12:44		06:44		12:44	08:48		12:44
Rennes	06:26	|	12:26	|	06:26	|	12:26	|	|	10:35	|
Le Mans	07:33	07:33	13:33	13:33	07:33	07:33	13:33	13:33	09:33	11:33	13:33
Lille Europe arrive	10:06	10:06	16:07	16:07	10:06	10:06	16:07	16:07	12:09 f	14:11 f	16:07
Easy change at Lille onto Eurostar, 30 minute check-in
Lille Europe depart	13:30	13:30	17:35	17:35	13:30	13:30	17:35	17:35	15:30	15:30	17:35
London St Pancras arrive	14:05	14:05	18:06	18:06	14:05	14:05	18:06	18:06	16:05	16:05	18:05

Notes for the timetable...

How to read these timetables...  Each column is a service you can take.  You read downwards, changing trains where you come to the grey bar.

Always check train times for your specific dates using www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, as the times shown here can vary.  Don't book any Eurostar tickets until you have confirmed onward train times.  Eurostar doesn't run on 25 December.

How much does it cost?

• London to Lille by Eurostar starts at £52 one-way, £78 return standard class or £115 one-way, £199 return in standard premier (1st class).

• Lille to Angers, Rennes or Nantes by TGV starts at €25 each way.

• Like air fares, fares increase as the cheaper seats are sold, so book early & shop around for the cheapest departure.  Check the online booking system to see prices for your date of travel.  Children under 4 go free.

How to buy tickets...

• Click here for details of how to buy train tickets to France

What are the trains like?

1. London to Lille by Eurostar...

Eurostar trains link London & Lille in 1h22, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in (10-minutes for business premier) as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More information about Eurostar including check-in procedure.  St Pancras station guide.  Lille station guide & tips on changing trains.

A Eurostar e320 at St Pancras.  More about Eurostar.		1st class:  Standard Premier or Business Premier.

Standard class seats.  Larger photo.		One of two cafe-bars, in cars 8 & 9.  Larger photo.

2. Lille to Le Mans or Brittany by TGV...

TGV or Train á Grande Vitesse is French Railways high-speed train, with 1st & 2nd class and a cafe-bar.  They come in various types, some single-deck, some double-deck TGV Duplex, you could get either on cross-France routes from Lille.  Most have power sockets at seats, most now have free WiFi.  The photos below show a single-deck TGV with the Christian Lacroix designer interior.  The direct TGVs from Lille by-pass Paris on a high-speed avoiding line via Charles de Gaulle Airport station.  More information about TGV.

Boarding a TGV...		Cafe-bar... See sample TGV bar menu

2nd class with a mix or unidirectional seats & tables for 4.  Seats are 2+2 across car width. 360 degree photo.		1st class with a mix of unidirectional seats, solo seats, tables for 2 & for 4.  Seats 2+1 across car width.  360 degree photo.

Back to top

---

London to Normandy

A great way to go:  Brittany Ferries' excellent ship, the Bretagne waiting to sail overnight from Portsmouth to France...

There are two ways to reach Normandy, for example St Malo, Caen, Bayeux, St Lo, Arramanches, Cherbourg.  You can travel by Eurostar and connecting trains via Paris, or you cross the Channel by ferry with Brittany Ferries.  Caen makes a good base for visiting the D-Day beaches, although you can't get to the beaches by train, you'll need to use buses or a hire car.

By Eurostar...

• You take Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord in 2h20, take the metro or a taxi from the Gare du Nord to Paris St Lazare then an intercité to Caen (2h20), Rouen (1h30), Le Havre (2h15), Bayeux (2h20) or Cherbourg (3h20). 

• London to Paris by Eurostar starts at £52 one-way or £78 return in standard class, £115 one-way, £199 return standard premier (1st class).

• Paris to Caen, Rouen or Cherbourg starts at around €15 each way.

• Like air fares, fares increase as the cheaper seats are sold, so book early & shop around for the cheapest departure.  Check the online booking system to see prices for your date of travel.  Children under 4 go free.

• Check fares and book online at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com.

By ferry...

• To go by ferry, you take a train from London Waterloo or your local station to Poole, Southampton or Portsmouth, then a taxi from the station to the port, then you cross the English Channel by ferry to Normandy.  

• First, check ferry routes, times & prices using the Direct Ferries website or using www.brittany-ferries.co.uk.  Routes include Portsmouth-St Malo, Portsmouth-Caen (Ouistreham) & Poole-Cherbourg.  Many of the ferries run overnight with comfortable cabins, allowing you to spend a full day at work on one day, sail overnight and arrive in Normandy for breakfast next morning. 

• Then check UK train times and fares from your local station to Portsmouth, Southampton or Poole using www.nationalrail.co.uk.  Remember to allow plenty of time to connect between train and ferry, at least 60-90 minutes, preferably more, plus the ferry check-in time, usually 30-60 minutes depending on the ferry operator.  If taking a ferry from Portsmouth Continental Ferry Port, remember the station you want is Portsmouth & Southsea, not Portsmouth Harbour, taking a taxi to the ferry terminal.

• If arriving at Ouistreham (the ferry terminal for Caen), there's a special bus from the ferry terminal to Caen station in central Caen which leaves after the ferry arrives and passengers disembark - it costs just a euro or two.  In the return direction there's no special bus, but the last regular town bus usually leaves Caen station around 20:00 for Ouistreham town, where you can have a meal then walk to the ferry.

Visiting the D-day beaches...

• Bayeux makes a good base, as many of the tours depart from there, and it's easily reached by train from either Cherbourg, Paris or Caen (and don't forget to visit the Bayeux tapestry, showing a much earlier battle from 1066!). 

• www.viator.com has a selection of tours, including ones starting in Bayeux.

• Or try these links for private or group tours of the D-Day beaches:  www.overlordtour.com, www.guided-normandy-tours.com, www.normandybattletours.com, www.dday-guide.com, www.ddaybattletours.com, www.firstnormandybattlefieldtours.com.  Feedback would be very welcome...

How to get to Mont St Michel...

• Mont St Michel has no station, so you must either take a train to Pontorson-Mont St Michel station which is about 5 miles away (bus and taxi available) or take a train to Rennes and a connecting French Railways bus from there. 

• If you enter 'Mont St Michel' as your destination into www.raileurope.com or  www.thetrainline.com it will offer you both 'Pontorson-Mont St Michel' and 'Mont St Michel'.  If you select the latter, it will offer combined train+bus times and fares direct to Mont St Michel via Rennes.

• Tip: When selecting your seating options on www.thetrainline.com, don't panic when it says 'no places available' against the bus (or in French 'car').  That just means there are no allocated seats, you can sit where you like.  It does not mean the bus is full!

Back to top

---

London to Lille & Northern France

London ► Calais & Lille by Eurostar...

• Regular Eurostars link London St Pancras with Lille Europe station, an easy 800m walk from Lille city centre.  A handful of Eurostars link London with Calais Fréthun, which is 9 km (5 miles) outside Calais town.

• Go to www.eurostar.com to check times & fares from London to Lille Europe or Calais Fréthun and to book online.

• In Calais, taxis are available between Calais Fréthun and Calais town centre, journey time 15-20 minutes, the cost likely to be around €30.  Alternatively, there's a regional (= TER) train service between Calais Fréthun & Calais Ville station which costs around €2, you can check train times using www.raileurope.com and simply buy a ticket at the station in Calais.

• You can also travel from London to Calais is by train & ferry via Dover, see the London to Paris by train and ferry page for full details.  You can travel from London to Calais one-way for £38.90 using a Calais Day Tripper Ticket, even bought on the day at Charing Cross station, no reservation necessary.  This is significantly cheaper than Eurostar if you have to travel at short notice.

London ► Boulogne, Etaples, Le Touquet, Amiens & Northern France...

• The easiest way to reach any of these places is to take Eurostar from London St Pancras to either Calais Fréthun (though only a handful of Eurostars call here) or Lille (served by regular Eurostars throughout the day), and change there onto a French regional train.  The good news is that the online system at www.raileurope.com (in English, tickets printed, collected at the station or sent to any UK address, can book tickets starting at any British station not just London) or www.thetrainline.com (in English & French, tickets printed or collected at the station) can book both the Eurostar and the regional French train.  The not-so-good news is that neither of these websites is very good at identifying journey opportunities.  By all means just see what train times they give you, but the best way to check train times and buy tickets is this:

• Go to the German Railways all-Europe online timetable, www.bahn.de/en.  This system is excellent at identifying journey opportunities, even ones which involve several changes of train.  You can rely on the Germans!

• Enter 'London' and your final destination, for example 'Boulogne', 'Amiens', 'St Quentin', Le Touquet, Montreuil-sur-Mer or 'Etaples', whatever...

• Find a journey option that looks convenient for you, and make a note of the trains.  Some suggested journeys will have a change of train in Lille (often involving an easy 500m walk between Lille Europe station where the Eurostar arrives and Lille Flandres station), some a change at Calais-Fréthun and occasionally even a change in Paris (via Paris is admittedly a long way round, but it can sometimes be a better bet). 

  The fastest and cheapest option is usually to take a Eurostar from London to Calais-Fréthun and change there onto a TER local train to Boulogne, Etaples, Le Touquet and so on, but it's not the most frequent option as only a handful of Eurostars stop at Calais-Fréthun so you may have to seek these departures out amongst the search results (or put 'Calais-Fréthun' in the 'via' box).  Rather than stabbing in the dark using a journey planner, you can easily see the whole train service between London & Calais-Fréthun at a glance if you download the PDF-format Eurostar timetable linked from the Eurostar page.

  Changing trains at Calais-Fréthun is easy, the Eurostar arrives at platform 4 (platforms 3 & 4 are the two high-level high-speed platforms) and regional TER trains leave from platforms 1 & 2 which are the two low-level classic line platforms, lifts are available.  Going via Lille is more frequent, but means doubling-back and so usually costs a bit more.

• Now go to either www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com and book the Eurostar from London to Calais Fréthun or Lille & back.  Add this to your basket.

• Still at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com, now book the regional train from Calais Fréthun or Lille to your final destination and back, add to your basket and check out.

• Regional TER train tickets can be used on any train that day, not just the specific one you book.  Eurostar & TGV tickets come with a seat reservation and can only be used on that specific train.

The train & ferry alternative...

• Alternatively, you can travel from London to Calais, Boulogne, Etaples or Amiens by ordinary domestic train to Dover and ferry to Calais, see the London to Paris by train and ferry page for details.

Back to top

---

London to the French Alps

French Alps ski resort connections... Dark blue line = stations served by Eurostar ski train & Rail Europe Snow Train Light blue lines = bus or taxi transfers from rail stations.

There are two ways to reach the French Alps by train, getting your holiday off to a good start stress-free...

1. Eurostar ski train every winter Saturday, London to the French Alps, click here for details

A direct daytime Eurostar runs from London to the French Alps every Saturday from late December to early April.  It leaves London & Ashford in the morning and arrives early evening at Moutiers, Aime & Bourg St Maurice in the French Alps, see the map opposite for the resorts it serves.  This is the easiest and most civilised way to reach the Alps from London during the skiing season, and its available both to independent travellers and as part of many skiing holidays.  There's also an overnight Eurostar on Friday nights, although without any sleeping berths!  See the Ski by Train page for details.

2. Daily scheduled trains to the Alps, all-year round...

Alternatively, you can take regular, scheduled trains running daily, year-round to destinations all over the French Alps.  You can travel by day, taking Eurostar to Paris, crossing Paris by Metro, then a high-speed TGV to the Alps, or overnight, taking Eurostar to Paris, crossing Paris by Metro, then taking an overnight train with couchettes.  You'll find additional direct Paris-Bourg st Maurice trains on Fridays & Saturdays in the skiing season.

Unfortunately, the overnight couchette trains between Paris & Bourg St Maurice & St Gervais were discontinued in October 2016.

Timetable outward

London ► French Alps
Eurostar, 30 min check-in	Daily all year	Mon-Fri & Sun all year	Daily all year
London St Pancras depart	09:22	11:31*	10:24
Paris Gare du Nord  arrive	12:47	14:47*	13:47
Cross Paris by metro to the Paris Gare de Lyon for high-speed TGV
Paris Gare de Lyon depart	14:17	16:18	14:42
Chambéry	|	|	17:37
Albertville	|	|	18:38 g
Moutiers-Salins	|	|	19:12 g
Aime la Plagne	|	|	19:29 g
Bourg st Maurice (for Les Arcs)	|	|	19:46 g
Annecy	|	|
St Gervais arrive	19:16 b	21:16 b
Chamonix arrive	20:13 c	-

Timetable inward

French Alps ► London
High-speed TGV...	Mon-Fri all year	Saturdays in winter	Daily all year	Saturdays in winter	Mon-Fri & Sun all year
Chamonix depart	-	09:15 d			10:15 d
St Gervais depart	07:33 b	10:14			12:49 b
Annecy	|	|			|
Bourg st Maurice (for Les Arcs)	|	|	12:14 g	13:15	|
Aime la Plagne	|	|	12:29 g	13:37	|
Moutiers-Salins	|	|	12:43 g	13:57	|
Albertville	|	|	13:24 g	14:28	|
Chambéry	|	|	15:37	15:04	|
Paris Gare de Lyon arrive	13:16	14:49	18:45	18:11	17:47
Cross Paris by metro to the Gare du Nord for Eurostar, 30 min check-in
Paris Gare du Nord depart	15:13	17:13	21:13	20:13	19:13
London St Pancras arrive	16:39	18:32	22:39	21:39	20:46

Notes for the timetable...

How to read these timetables  Each column is a service you can take.  You read downwards, changing trains where you come to the grey bar.

Important:  Trains to the Alps vary enormously by date & time of year, in fact I'd call SNCF's timetable on these routes a shambles, so use these times as an example, go and check for your own specific date of travel at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com.

b = change at Bellegarde.

c = change at Bellegarde & St Gervais.

d = change at St Gervais.

e = Eurostar leaves London at 09:31 on most Saturdays.

g = change at Chambéry.

Les Arcs is linked to Bourg St Maurice station by a funicular railway which runs every 20 minutes.

How to buy tickets...

• Click here for details of how to buy train tickets to France

French Alps ski resort connections...

Dark blue line = stations served by Eurostar ski train & Rail Europe Snow Train

Light blue lines = bus or taxi transfers from rail stations.

Back to top

---

London to Corsica

UK to Corsica by train & ferry...

Arriving in Ajaccio at sunset on Corsica Ferries Mega Express II from Nice...

Corsica is a fantastic destination, with Mediterranean beaches, great mountain scenery and excellent hiking opportunities - check out the GR20 walking route across the island.  Corsica doesn't get overcrowded, either, even in summer.  The Corsican tourist office website is www.visit-corsica.com.  UK to Corsica without flying?  No problem!   Just take Eurostar and a high-speed TGV or overnight couchette train from London to the south of France, then a ship or fast ferry across the sunny Mediterranean to Corsica.  Two ferry companies, Corsica Linea (www.corsicalinea.com) & Corsica Ferries (www.corsica-ferries.co.uk), sail from Marseille, Toulon or Nice on the mainland to Bastia, Ajaccio on Corsica.  There are also ferries from Italy (Savona & Livorno, www.moby.it).  The crossing from Nice to Bastia takes 5½ hours by comfortable ship.  There are daily overnight ferries from Marseille & Toulon to Ajaccio & Bastia with comfortable cabins.  Here are two suggested ways to reach Corsica, though naturally they aren't the only options:

London to Corsica, via overnight ferry from Marseille...

• Leave London St Pancras by Eurostar at 11:04, make one easy change of train at Lille and arrive Marseille St Charles at 19:51.  See the train times above for details, book the trains as shown above.

• On arrival at Marseille St Charles station, either take a taxi to the Corsica Linea (formerly SNCM) ferry terminal, or use the Marseille Metro (www.rtm.fr) from St Charles station 2 stops to Place de la Joliette, you want line 2, direction Bougainville, and the fare is around €1.80.  Place de Joliette metro station is just 50m from the entrance to the ferry terminal.  You can walk from the station to the ferry terminal via Marseille's famous Vieux Port, but it's a fair old way and not an attractive or easy walk once past the Vieux Port.

• Sail overnight from Marseille to Ajaccio or Bastia, Corsica's first and second cities respectively.  Corsica Linea (www.corsicalinea.com, successor to defunct state-owned SNCM) sails overnight daily to both cities.  Sailing times vary, but the ship usually sails from Marseille at around 19:00-21:00 arriving Bastia or Ajaccio around 07:00-08:00.  Cabins have en suite toilet & shower, and even satellite TV if you don't mind watching Midsomer Murders in French!  The best way to book the ferry is online at www.corsicalinea.com, you simply print out your own ticket and show it at the port, or you can book most ferry routes & operators to Corsica on the Seat61 online ferry booking page.  Alternatively, you can book by phone with their UK agent, Southern Ferries, on 020 7491 4968.

• In the return direction, there are daily overnight ferries from both Ajaccio & Bastia to Marseille.  Allow at least 2 hours next morning to make the connection in Marseille, then choose one of the TGV and Eurostar services from Marseille to London shown above. You'll arrive in St Pancras in the early evening, less than 24 hours after leaving Corsica.

London to Corsica, via Corsica Ferries' afternoon sailing from Nice...

• Step 1, travel from London to Nice by daytime trains and spend a night and morning in Nice.  See the train times & fares above, and book the trains online as shown above.  Spend the morning exploring Nice.  At lunchtime, walk or take a taxi past the Old Town and around the headland to Nice's old port from where the ferries leave.

• Step 2, Corsica Ferries (www.corsica-ferries.co.uk) have a more or less daily afternoon sailing from Nice to Bastia, and on some days another one to Ajaccio, leaving Nice around 14:00-15:00 and arriving in Bastia or Ajaccio around 19:30-20:30 (all on day 2 from London).  Top tip:  Even though it's a daytime ferry, spend an extra €30 on a private day cabin, so you can snooze, take a shower and freshen up.  Corsica Ferries ships are modern and very comfortable.  The easiest way to book the ferry is online at www.corsica-ferries.co.uk, you simply print out your own ticket and show it at the port, or you can book most ferry routes & operators to Corsica on the Seat61 ferry booking page.  The price varies depending on the season.

• In the return direction there's normally a morning sailing from Bastia (and on some days Ajaccio) to Nice, leaving around 08:00.  Stay overnight in Nice then travel to London via Paris or via Lille, see the train times & fares above.

Corsica Ferries Mega Express Four about to sail from Nice...		A cosy cabin on a Corsica Ferries ship...

Custom-made holidays from the UK to Corsica, by train & ferry...

If you'd rather leave all the organisation to someone else, rail travel specialists www.railbookers.co.uk (0207 864 4600) can tailor-make a holiday to Corsica by train and ferry for any length of time, leaving on any date you like, using a variety of train and ferry options.

Train travel in Corsica:  Ajaccio, Corte, Bastia, Ile Rousse, Calvi...

A delightfully scenic narrow-gauge train links Bastia, Ponte Leccia, Corte, Vizzavona & Ajaccio (four trains per day), with a branch from Ponte Leccia to Ile Rousse & Calvi (two trains per day).  The line winds right up through Corsica's dramatic central mountains, which explains why the 152km from Ajaccio to Bastia takes 3½ hours!  Highly recommended, although it can get hot and crowded in summer.  It's run by French Railways (SNCF) though is branded CFC - Chemins de Fer de la Corse.  For a route map and timetables, see official site http://cf-corse.fr  or unofficial site Chemins de Fer de la Corse.  You may find more up-to-date timetables, as well as bus timetables, at independent website www.corsicabus.org.  Nw air-conditioned trains with panoramic windows are now in service, linking Bastia & Ajaccio in under 3 hours at up to 100 km/h even on Corsica's narrow metre-gauge tracks.

New panoramic trains finally in service on Corsica...  Courtesy of Nigel Edmund-Jones.

Vizzavona:  An Ajaccio-Corte-Bastia train at Vizzavona...

The Viaduc du vechju, in central Corsica

Back to top

---

Other destinations in France...

London to Dijon, Reims, Metz, La Rochelle, Versailles, Orléans, Blois...

You can get to just about anywhere in France by train from London.  Dijon, Reims, Clermont Ferrand, Versailles, Orleans, Blois, and so on.

• Go to www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com.

• You can book from London to your final destination in one go.  Look for journeys with an easy-same-station change in Lille if there are any shown.  If you are offered this option, it's simpler than crossing Paris.

• However, for journeys via Paris, it's often better to split the journey in Paris as follows.  This is so you can allow longer in Paris for a meal, or if an earlier Eurostar has cheaper fares available, it also allows you to avoid some sub-standard 40-minute cross-Paris connections which have unfortunately been pre-programmed into SNCF's database.  I recommend nothing less than 60 minutes for any cross-Paris connection between Paris Nord and Paris Gare de Lyon.

• Step 1, book from Paris to your final destination at www.thetrainline.com.  Step 2, allowing at least 60 minutes to cross Paris southbound, 90 minutes northbound (as this includes the 30 minute Eurostar check-in), book from London to Paris and back at www.eurostar.com.  You can choose an exact seat on Eurostar if you book this way too, see tips on choosing a seat here.

Back to top

---

The Train Bleu restaurant...

If you've time for lunch or dinner at Paris Gare de Lyon...

I highly recommend eating at the famous and remarkable Train Bleu restaurant inside the Gare de Lyon, on the main concourse, see the Train Bleu restaurant page for more details.

...or at the Gare du Nord, try the Brasserie Terminus Nord...

If you'd like a decent meal near the Gare du Nord rather than the Gare de Lyon, try the typically French Brasserie Terminus Nord (www.terminusnord.com), just across the road from  the front of the Gare du Nord.  It's good quality French cuisine in classic Parisian brasserie surroundings, and so handy for Eurostar.  Main dishes cost around €18-€20.

---

Short breaks to France by train

Plenty of companies offer combined Eurostar+hotel deals for an economical short break in Paris or Lille.  There are times when a combined Eurostar+hotel offer can be cheaper than a normal Eurostar ticket!  Try:

• www.eurostar.com - Eurostar's own short break packages to Paris & Lille

• www.railbookers.co.uk - tailor-made breaks to Paris and cities all over France

• www.lastminute.com - short breaks to Paris

• www.greatrail.com - 5-day escorted short breaks to the Champagne region, to the Dordogne, to the Chateaux of the Loire or to Strasbourg & Alsace, all overland by train from the UK, from around £695-£795.

Back to top

---

Holidays & tours to France by train

	0207 864 4600 (UK) 1-888-829-4775 (USA) 1-855-882-2910 (Canada) 1300 971 526 (Aus) 0800 000 554 (NZ)
	01904 730 727
	01904 527120

Several good companies organise holidays & tours to France by Eurostar & high-speed TGV, with regular departures, no airport hassles and no whole days spent in cramped coach seats on motorways.  Rail Discoveries & Great Rail Journeys offer escorted tours where you travel as a group with a tour manager and all the legwork done for you.  Railbookers can tailor-make a holiday to key French cities to meet your own requirements, with departure on any date you like.

Railbookers for custom-made tours, holidays & breaks to France by train....

• Railbookers can tailor-make a flight-free holiday or short break to France for you, with train travel, transfers & hotels included, leaving on any date you like.  For example, they offer a 2-night break to Avignon or a 6-night holiday to Nice & Cannes with daytime train travel by Eurostar & TGV.   If you tell them what you want, they'll advise you on the best trains, routes & hotels and sort it all out for you.  They get a lot of repeat business!

    UK call 0207 864 4600, www.railbookers.co.uk.

    US call free 1-888-829-4775, see website.

    Canada call free 1-855-882-2910, see website.

    Australia call toll-free 1300 971 526, see website.

    New Zealand call toll-free 0800 000 554 or see website.

Great Rail Journeys, www.greatrail.com, 01904 527 120...

• GRJ offers five-star escorted tours to France by train, with 1st class train travel and 5* or 4* hotels.  Tours include an 8-day tour to Nice & the Cote d'Azur, the Pyrenees or Lake Annecy & Mont Blanc, all with overland travel from London by train.  Great Rail Journeys also offer holidays by train to other European countries.  Check the tour details & prices online, then call 01904 527120 to book or use their online booking form.

Rail Discoveries, www.raildiscoveries.com, 01904 730 727...

• Rail Discoveries offers escorted tours to France by train, with 3* or 2* hotels and travel by Eurostar & TGV.  For example, they offer a 6-day tour to Annecy & Chamonix in the French Alps, or a 7-day holiday from London to Nice & the French Riviera.  Check prices at www.raildiscoveries.com, then book online or call 01904 730 727.

Back to top

---

Car hire

Compare 50 different car hire companies:  www.carrentals.co.uk

• The award-winning website www.carrentals.co.uk compares many different car hire companies including Holiday Autos, meaning not only a cheapest price comparison but a wider choice of hire and drop off location.

Back to top

---

European Rail Timetable & maps

The European Rail Timetable (formerly the Thomas Cook European Timetable) has train & ferry times for every country in Europe plus currency & climate information.  It is essential for regular European train travellers and an inspiration for armchair travellers.  Published since 1873, it had just celebrated 140 years of publication when Thomas Cook decided to pull the plug on their entire publishing department, but the dedicated ex-Thomas Cook team set up a private venture and resumed publication of the famous European Rail Timetable in March 2014.  You can buy it online at www.amazon.co.uk (UK addresses) or www.europeanrailtimetable.eu (shipping worldwide).  More information on what the European Rail Timetable contains.

Rail Map Europe is the map I recommend, covering all of Europe from Portugal in the west to Moscow & Istanbul in the east, Finland in the north to Sicily & Athens in the south.  Scenic routes & high-speed lines are highlighted.  See an extract from the map.  Buy online at www.europeanrailtimetable.eu (shipping worldwide) or for £9.67 at www.amazon.co.uk (UK addresses).

---

Recommended guidebooks

Paying for a guidebook may seem an unnecessary expense, but it's a tiny fraction of what you're spending on your whole trip.  You will see so much more, and know so much more about what you're looking at, if you have a decent guidebook.  I recommend the Lonely Planet or Rough Guides as the best ones out there for independent travellers.  Click the images to buy the books - if you buy anything at Amazon through these links, Seat61.com gets a small commission (at no extra cost to you) to help support the site.  My own book, an essential handbook for train travel to Europe based on this website called "The Man in Seat 61", was first published in June 2008 and revised April 2010, and is available from Amazon with shipping worldwide.

Click the images to buy at Amazon.co.uk...

Alternatively, you can download just the chapters or areas you need in .PDF format from the Lonely Planet Website, from around £2.99 or US$4.95 a chapter.

Back to top

---

Hotels in France

A special hotel for a romantic break in Paris...

• There are the obvious choices:  The famous Paris Ritz in the Place Vendôme (€490+ a night) or the similarly famous & expensive Le Meurice, which Von Choltitz made his headquarters during the occupation of Paris in WW2.

• But if you want a really special hotel for a luxury break or romantic weekend and can afford around €280 a night, I'd recommend the small, sumptuous, intimate L'Hotel.  It's on the bohemian left bank, walking distance from the Seine, the Ile de la Cité & Notre Dame.  Playwright Oscar Wilde spent the last days of his life here in room 16, famously quipping, "My wallpaper and I are fighting a duel to the death. One or the other of us has to go.".  Fortunately the wallpaper is now all in very good taste.  The hotel has been used by many famous people since then, from Sinatra to Mick Jagger.  Rooms are on the cosy side, but they are beautifully decorated and have character that bigger and flashier hotels lack.  Check prices & book a stay at l'Hotel.

Room 14 at l'Hotel, next door to room 16 in which Oscar Wilde spent his last days...		The beautiful light well at l'Hotel with a circular landing on each floor.

Hotels close to the Gare du Nord, Gare de l'Est, Gare de Lyon & other Paris stations...

If you need to stay over between trains, here are some suggestions that are both very close and get good reviews:

• Hotels near Paris Gare du Nord with good reviews:  Libertel Gare du Nord Suede (5 min walk from Gare du Nord, 2-star), 25 Hours Terminus Nord (formerly the Mercure Terminus Nord, now refurbished in a decidedly funky style, 3-star, directly across the road from the station);  Art Hotel (3-star);  Avalon Hotel (2-star);  Hotel Cambrai (5 min walk from Gare du Nord, 1-star).

• Hotels near Paris Gare de l'Est with good reviews:  Libertel Gare de l'Est Français (opposite the station, 3-star);  Libertel Gare du Nord Suede (350m from the Gare de l'Est, 2-star).  Comfort Hotel Gare de l'Est (2-star).

• Hotels near Paris Gare de Lyon with good reviews:  Hotel Terminus Lyon (right in front of the station, 3-star);  Mercure Paris Gare de Lyon (on the station itself, 4-star);   Novotel Paris Gare de Lyon (opposite the station, 4-star);  Mistral Hotel (800m from Gare de Lyon, 1-star);  Hotel de Reims (5 min walk from Gare de Lyon, 2-star);

• Hotels near the Paris Gare Montparnasse with good reviews:  Mercure Paris Gare Montparnasse (150m from the Gare Montparnasse, 4-star);  Best Western Sevres Montparnasse (15 minute walk to Gare Montparnasse, 3-star);  La Maison Montparnasse (10 min walk from station, 2-star);  Hotel du Maine (5 min walk from station, 2-star).

My favourite hotel search site: www.booking.com www.booking.com is my favourite hotel booking site and I generally prefer booking my hotels all in one place here.  You can usually book with free cancellation - this allows you to confirm your accommodation at no risk before train booking opens.  It also means you can hold accommodation while you finalise your itinerary, and alter your plans as they evolve - a feature I use all the time when putting a trip together.  I never book hotels non-refundably.  I have also come to trust their review scores - you won't be disappointed with anything over 8.0. Tip:  It can pay to compare prices across multiple hotel sites:  HotelsCombined.com is a price comparison site which compares hotel prices on Booking.com, Hotels.com, Expedia, Accor, Agoda and many others.  Though if there's not much in it, I prefer keeping all my bookings together in one place at www.booking.com.

Other hotel sites worth trying...

www.tripadvisor.com is a good place to browse independent travellers' reviews of the main hotels, and it has the low-down on destination sights & attractions, too.

Backpacker hostels: www.hostelworld.com...

www.hostelworld.com:  If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about backpacker hostels.  Hostelworld offers online booking of cheap private rooms or dorm beds in backpacker hostels in Paris and most other European cities at rock-bottom prices.

Back to top

---

Travel insurance & VPN

Always take out travel insurance...

You should take out travel insurance with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover from a reliable insurer.  It should cover trip cancellation and loss of cash & belongings up to a reasonable limit.  These days, check you're covered for covid-19-related issues, and use an insurer whose cover isn't invalidated by well-meant but excessive Foreign Office travel advice against non-essential travel. An annual policy is usually cheapest even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I use an annual policy myself.  Don't expect travel insurance to bail you out of every missed connection, see the advice on missed connections here.  Here are some suggested insurers, I get a little commission if you buy through these links, feedback always welcome.

www.staysure.co.uk offers enhanced Covid-19 protection & covers you even if the FCDO advises against non-essential travel.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition or are over 65, see www.JustTravelCover.com - 10% discount with code seat61.

You can use www.confused.com to compare prices & policy features across major insurance companies.

        If you live in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland or the EU, try Columbus Direct.

  If you live in the USA try Travel Guard USA.

Get a Curve card to save on foreign transaction fees...

Banks often give a poor exchange rate, then charge a currency conversion fee as well.  A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month as I write this.  The balance goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.  And you can get a Curve card for free.

How it works:  1. Download the app for iPhone or Android.  2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to most European addresses including the UK.  3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app.  4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, just like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance onto whichever of your debit or credit cards you choose.  You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I use a Curve Blue card myself - I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I'm recommending it here because I think it's great.  See details, download the app and get a Curve card - they'll give you £5 cashback through that link, too.

Get a VPN for safe browsing.  VPNs & why you need one explained...

When you're travelling you often use free WiFi in public places which may not be secure.  A VPN means your connection to the internet is encrypted & always secure, even using unsecured WiFi.  In countries such as China where access to Twitter & Facebook is restricted, a VPN gets around these restrictions.  And lastly, you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geographic restrictions which some websites apply - for example one booking site charges a booking fee to non-European visitors but none to European visitors, so if you're not located in Europe you can avoid this fee by browsing with a UK IP address using a VPN.  VPNs & why you need one explained.  ExpressVPN is a best buy and I use it myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using the links on this page, you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription, and I get a small commission to help support this site.

---

Back to top

Back to home page