Not sure where to go this summer? Don’t panic! We’ve created a list of our top 7 cities, each within easy reach by train, so you’re sure to find the destination that’s right for you.
Book a train ticket
Book a train ticket
Bordeaux: a jaunt along the Garonne
Discover Bordeaux’s heritage
Bordeaux might be nicknamed “la belle endormie” (the sleeping beauty), but that’s simply because of the peace and quiet offered by its architectural heritage and its 350 listed buildings.
Summer in the city
From the Saint-Michel district to Meriadeck, Bordeaux has a wonderful atmosphere, with its lively lanes and numerous terraces. And as if that wasn’t enough, the city is organising its “Été Métropolitain” (“summer in the city”), which features around 150 events, including theatrical performances, concerts, dance shows and more, taking place all across the city, all summer long, and many of them free!
Marseille: roam along the rocky coastline
Soak up Marseille’s atmosphere
It’s hard to find a city with more character than Marseille. Be it for its vibrant, distinctive atmosphere, its diverse districts or its history, there’s always a good reason to stroll around for hours on end.
The Calanques National Park
To discover the region’s famous calanques — rocky coves that make for peaceful havens to soak up the Mediterranean sun — you have to get away from the city centre. But no worries, the Calanques National Park is easy to reach by metro. Don’t forget your towel! If you want to visit the Sugiton calanque, make sure you book in advance via the booking platform. This is a requirement to protect the site from overcrowding.
Rennes: perfect for relaxing
Thabor Park
Life is good in Rennes in the summertime. There’s no shortage of places to meet up with friends, take a stroll or have a siesta in the sun, but the real place to be in Rennes this summer is Thabor Park. In this little corner of paradise, you’ll find both a French formal garden and English-style landscaped parklands, a bandstand, a rose garden, waterfalls, and even a terrace to enjoy a refreshing drink. What an idyllic setting to relax in!
Park and beach
In addition to Thabor Park, Brittany’s capital has plenty for nature lovers. On offer are: parks and gardens, ideal for relaxing in the middle of the city; riverside quays designed for walking or cycling along the Vilaine; and even a sandy beach at the Etangs d’Apigné, just a few minutes from the city centre, where you can roll out your towel.
“Transat en ville”
Last but not least, to really convince you that Rennes is THE destination for relaxing this summer, we’ve got one more trick up our sleeve: deckchairs in the city centre from July to August. Yes, you read that right! Dozens of deckchairs appear on Place de l’Hôtel de Ville every summer for the “Transat en ville” (“deckchairs in town”) festival, with plenty of entertainment and lights to bring Rennes to life!
Nantes: art in the open air
An island of machines
Don’t be surprised if you come face to trunk with a giant elephant as you stroll along the banks of the Loire in Nantes. Take the opportunity to find out how this impressive mechanical animal works. An engineer will be happy to tell you everything about the famous elephant.
“Le Voyage à Nantes”
Every year since 2012, the city of Nantes plays host to a relaxed, open-air, artistic discovery. Once again this summer, “Le Voyage à Nantes” will be bringing the city’s streets to life. Unusual works of art will be on display all over the city... with a whole host of surprises in store!
Aix-en-Provence: authentic Provence
Relax in Aix-en-Provence
Need to relax after a hectic year? Aix-en-Provence is the ideal place! The town itself seems to be suspended in a pleasant, sleepy, summer state, and you’ll enjoy strolling along the shady Cours Mirabeau or through the vibrant streets of the town centre.
Discover the local gastronomy
From a café terrace, admire the beautiful white stone façades and savour the tasty and healthy local cuisine. Top it all off with a walk by Sainte-Victoire, the superb mountain immortalised by the Aix-born painter Cézanne.
Grenoble: sporty and lively
Let’s go ride a bike
Surrounded by three valleys and very close to the Alps pass, Grenoble is the perfect city for cycling enthusiasts! Take your mountain bike with you - or hire one on site - and set off to explore the magnificent countryside along the 350 km of cycling routes in the area.
Try out the cable car
If you prefer an easier pace, we recommend taking the Grenoble Bastille cable car. These bubble-shaped lifts go up from the city centre to the Bastille, a mountain fort with a breathtaking panorama.
Cannes: dive into the Mediterranean
Time for a dip... or some water sports!
Ah, Cannes... Its climate, beaches and bright blue sea: it’s the stuff of dreams, isn’t it? In summer, the pontoons on La Croisette and Boulevard du Midi are packed with water sports activities. Try your hand at water skiing, wakeboarding or paddle boarding.
Discover an underwater village
If you’re looking for a completely new thrill, why not try scuba diving? Discover the unimaginable underwater village of Fourmigue and its little houses. Keep an eye out for the fishy new tenants! Ready for adventure?
