Do you love a holiday by the water? We have selected some French destinations that are accessible by train this summer, where you can enjoy trips to the seaside, lakes or rivers. The call of the coast promises a memorable holiday! Ready to take the plunge?
Book a train ticket
Book a train ticket
Heading for Brittany
Head to the north of France!
Explore Brittany’s northern coastline, from the ramparts of Saint-Malo and the Pink Granite Coast with its unusually shaped rocks to the grandiose landscapes of Cap Fréhel, Bréhat island (nicknamed the Island of Flowers), and the lighthouse route in Finistère via Brest and Le Conquet.
When spending the summer in Brittany, make the most of the bracing sea air to hike along the GR 34 Douaniers trail, which offers breathtaking views of coves lapped by emerald waters.
A must: a day on Ushant, a wild island surrounded by Atlantic currents, 2 hours by boat from Brest and 1 hour from Le Conquet.
Choosing between seaside and freshwater destinations
Do you prefer the sea?
Plage du Pilou beach, located at Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone, stretches for 9 km and is accessible by tram from Montpellier. With its wild, natural landscapes, fine sand and pure water, it offers a beautiful natural backdrop and is a great spot for kitesurfing.
Located just 30 minutes from Montpellier, Plage de l’Espiguette beach is another well-kept secret! Offering white dunes as far as the eye can see and an unspoilt and untamed natural setting, it is one of the region’s largest and most beautiful beaches.
Do you prefer freshwater swimming?
There is no shortage of places to swim in the lakes and rivers around Montpellier. If you’re looking for an original spot, head for Lac de Salagou, the region’s most famous lake. With its distinctive red soil and rocks, it offers breathtaking scenery! You can choose between its pebble beaches or the activities on offer at its water-sports centre.
And at the foot of Pic Saint-Loup, Lac de Cécelès is a well-protected private lake that offers exceptionally pure water. A little corner of paradise to enjoy in fine weather!
If you’re looking forward to a dip in a river, explore the Hérault gorges by canoe and take the time to stop at the foot of the Pont du Diable to admire its stunning architecture.
As for waterfalls, you can head for the Vis waterfall located midway between the Causses and the Cévennes, with its natural beach and numerous shaded spots that offer a welcome, refreshing break.
Choosing between a beach and a river
For fans of beautiful beaches
If you love wild beaches, why not plan an invigorating break in the Cotentin region, not far from Cherbourg. Écalgrain beach is a clear favourite: it is one of the most unspoilt stretches of coastline in Normandy, with few visitors along the Douaniers hiking trail. Another treasure just around the corner is Anse du Brick, a turquoise cove surrounded by cliffs.
Travelling by TER and by bike
In France’s best TER trains
The journey begins when you board the train! Some TER trains take spectacular routes, providing passengers with an unusual way to discover some exceptional seaside or mountain landscapes, as well as unspoilt villages and sprawling forests.
From the Mont-Blanc Express to the Côte Bleue line near Marseille or the Train Jaune in Occitanie, some of our TER trains offer dazzling routes, which you take to get to your destination, of course, but also for the experience of enjoying breathtaking scenery in the comfort of your seat, stopping where only a train can take you...
On the Bordeaux wine route
Did you know that you can take your bike on board the Atlantic TGV without having to dismantle it? This gives passengers the perfect way to cycle the famous Bordeaux wine route, which is undoubtedly the best way to explore it!
Get off at Bordeaux Saint-Jean station, then cycle through the legendary Bordeaux vineyards, passing through Cadillac or Saint-Emilion. From Blaye, you can even take your bike on the ferry across the Gironde estuary!
The ‘Loire by Bike’ route
On Intercités and TER trains, getting on with your bike is easy and usually free of charge. Have you heard of ‘Loire by Bike’, the 900 km route along the banks of France’s longest river?
The Train Vélo Loire (Loire Bike Train) has been specially designed for cycling tourists. It runs between Orléans and Saint-Nazaire, via Tours, Nantes or Le Croisic.