LEG 03 · WESTERN EUROPE
FRANCE: THE CORE OF THE CONTINENT
FROM STRASBOURG TO NÎMES
THE HEXAGON
Crossing the Rhine from Germany, the rails glide into Alsace, where half-timbered villages and Strasbourg's sandstone cathedral mark the first chapter of France. From there, high-speed lines cut west across Champagne towards the beating heart of Paris.
Shaped by centuries of revolution, art and gastronomy, France reveals itself in layers: grand boulevards and café terraces, the vineyards of Burgundy and Bordeaux, and the lavender fields that roll through Provence.
The journey ends where the light turns golden — the Mediterranean coast of Marseille and the Riviera, the final stretch before the road south continues.
WHERE THE RAILS LEAD
French Destinations
Strasbourg
WHERE TWO CULTURES MEET
Lyon
THE CITY OF TWO RIVERS
Nîmes
ROME IN THE SOUTH
Marseille
GATEWAY TO THE MEDITERRANEAN
France Travel Tips
From TGV platforms to sidewalk cafés, a few practical pointers make moving through France smoother and more rewarding.
TRANSPORT
High-speed TGV and Ouigo trains link Paris to the regions in hours. Validate regional TER tickets where required before boarding.
ETIQUETTE
Always open with "Bonjour" when entering shops or cafés. A polite greeting goes a long way.
BOOKING
BOOK TRAINS EARLY FOR THE BEST FARES →
CUISINE
Lunch is the main event. Look for the "formule" or "menu du jour" for great value at local bistros.
PARIS — GARE DE LYON DEPARTURE
BURGUNDY VINEYARDS
MARSEILLE — VIEUX-PORT