To help you choose your summer 2026 destination, here is our selection of 11 destinations within easy reach by train. Perfect for discovering France’s regions and Europe.
Book a train ticket
Book a train ticket
- On the beach at Le Touquet-Paris-Plage
- Hiking in the Jura
- Roaming the Côte d’Azur by train
- On the road to Burgundy’s 5 most beautiful villages
- On the coast in France’s Basque Country
- Cycling among châteaux
- Sporting it up in Vichy
- On the shores of Lake Annecy
- In the mountains, aboard a tourist train
- On a boat in Brittany
The beach at Le Touquet-Paris-Plage
A beach just a train ride away
Why Le Touquet? Because it’s easily accessible by train, but above all because it’s long and wide! Step off the train and arrive almost immediately on the twelve kilometres of fine sandy beach with its colourful huts (typical of Le Touquet) and wild dunes.
Try some of the activities
And if you want to do more than just laze in the sunshine, there are plenty of other activities on offer in Le Touquet, including golf, paddle-boarding, nature walks, and tours about the region’s architecture.
To get to Le Touquet by train
Take the train to Etaples. When you arrive at the station, hop on a shuttle bus: the beach is just 10 minutes away.
The Jura Mountains’ many hiking trails
Recharge your batteries in the mountains
The Jura Mountains are to keen hikers what Le Touquet is to beach lovers: an unmissable destination. In the Jura Mountains, there are a whole host of hiking trails, including the not-to-be-missed “Echappée Jurassienne”.
Two weeks of hiking
Hike the 300 km of signposted trails through Dole, Lons-le-Saunier, the resort of Les Rousses, and Saint-Claude. The whole route takes 16 days, but you can also just do a smaller part if you have less time.
To get to the Jura Mountains by train
Simply take the train to Dole.
Roaming the Côte d’Azur by train
The “Côte Bleue” train
Head for the Côte d’Azur, choosing either Miramas or Marseille as the starting point for your train journey along the “Côte Bleue” (“blue coast”)! The Côte Bleue train line runs for 32 kilometres along the Mediterranean coast. The TER train has a rather classic appearance and takes you past wild landscapes, breathtaking vistas, and typical regional villages.
Calanques and GR 51
Hike along the GR 51 and discover numerous harbours and beaches, including the Niolon and Méjean “calanques” coves. The whole journey only takes an hour and a quarter, but you should take the time to makes stops along the way.
On the road to Burgundy’s 5 most beautiful villages
Discover the villages of Burgundy
From Dijon, set off on the Burgundy wine route or, more precisely, the road to Burgundy’s 5 most beautiful villages. Gourmet, historical and natural discoveries await... There’s no doubt you’re in for a treat this summer.
Discover monuments and specialities
Start your itinerary at Châteauneuf-en-Auxois, named France’s most beautiful village in 2023. Savour the aniseed sweets, a speciality of Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, before strolling through the narrow streets of another of France’s most beautiful villages: Noyers-sur-Serein. Climb the hill of Burgundy’s highest village, Vézelay, before finishing your tour of the villages at Semur-en-Brionnais and its majestic monuments.
The coast of France’s Basque Country
Discover the French Basque Coast
The wild beaches here seem endless, offering a haven for surfers, joggers, locals and tourists alike. Start with the romantic pebble beach at Guéthary, the wildest of them all and the setting for films such as “Love Lasts Three Years” (French: L'Amour dure trois ans). For more a sporty day out, head to the surfing hotspots of Anglet, Bidard or Hendaye.
Erromardie beach
The most iconic of Biarritz’s beaches is undoubtedly its central one, from which you can see the Hôtel du Palais, built by Napoleon III for Empress Eugénie and now ranked as one of the world’s most beautiful hotels. But you’re sure to be more taken with the wild beach of Erromardie, in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, accessible by a small wooden staircase leading down to the ocean.
Cycle among châteaux
Cycling and castles
We can all agree that when you think of bicycle touring, you immediately think of cycle routes along the Loire, going from château to château. The Loire’s château region is quite flat, making it an ideal place to hop on your two wheels, especially if you’re not a particularly experienced cyclist.
Of all the routes available, number 4 offers the perfect blend of history and delicacies. With château tours (such as Cheverny) and wine tastings, it’s a great way to discover this region’s wonderful heritage and gastronomy!
To get to Chambord by train
Simply take the train to Blois-Chambord. Bicycle hire is available just a few minutes’ walk from the station.
Mini adventure in Vichy
Canoeing on the Allier
Fancy canoeing along the Allier this summer? Starting from Vichy, paddle 13 kilometres (approx. 2 hrs 30 mins) to Billy... or even Villeneuve-sur-Allier for the bravest! On the first route, between Vichy and Billy, there are several stops worth making, such as the Bloie des Carrés natural area where you can observe the local flora and fauna.
National nature reserve and canoe route
The second canoe route, from Billy to Châtel-de-Neuvre, is 26 kilometres long and takes around five and a half hours. Admire the magnificent landscapes of the Val d’Allier National Nature Reserve. The longest of the routes is undoubtedly the third, between Châtel and Villeneuve-sur-Allier, at 37 kilometres. In the new natural area known as “Sensible des Coqueteaux”, you can observe beavers and salmon, wild ones of course!
On the shores of Lake Annecy
Lake Annecy
Lake Annecy is a classic (freshwater) lake destination! In the heart of the Alps, Annecy is a top stop for relaxing and recharging. Enjoy gazing over the turquoise waters of the lake or hiking around it. Whether you’re on an active holiday or a romantic break, there’s something for everyone, from paragliding and hiking to water sports and strolls through the city centre.
Angon waterfall
Don’t miss one of the most beautiful walks around the lake. It goes through hamlets and offers lovely woodland scenes and superb views over the lake, you’ll also pass near the Angon waterfall in Talloires.
All aboard the mountain tourist train
The “Train Jaune”
Have you ever been on a tourist train? Often located in mountainous regions, they are ideal for observing nature and climbing to higher altitudes. A particular favourite is the “Train Jaune”, or “Yellow Train”, in the Pyrenees, which runs from Villefranche-de-Conflent to Latour-de-Carol, offering up a succession of pastoral scenes and spectacular views.
Stop when you want
What makes the Train Jaune special? Although it makes 5 frequent stops, it passes through 21 stations in all. If you want to stop at one of them, all you have to do is let the ticket inspector know, and he’ll pass on the message to the driver!
To take the Train Jaune
Take the train to Perpignan, then the TER to Villefranche-de-Conflent, from where the Train Jaune departs.
On a boat in Brittany
Discover the Breton islands
With its many islands and islets, Brittany in summer is almost reminiscent of the West Indies. So what better way to discover these little corners of paradise than aboard a Breton sailing yacht?
All aboard a sailing boat
What’s more, the boats used for these trips are among the region’s most beautiful: the Corentin in Les Glénan, the Bro Warok in Groix, the Corbeau des Mers in the Gulf of Morbihan, the Nébuleuse in Bréhat, and the Cancalaise in the Chausey Islands - you’re spoilt for choice!
