Got a thirst for adventure and all things French? There’s no better way to quench that thirst than hopping on a train with your Eurail Pass.
From the sparkling lights of Paris to the serene beauty of the French countryside, get ready to explore France like never before with this all-in-one train ticket.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Mike Kemp
What is a Eurail Pass and what perks does it bring?
Think of the Eurail Pass as your all-you-can-ride buffet across France. You’ve got two main types to choose from—the Global Pass and the One Country Pass. Plus, there’s a little twist with how you can use them: Continuous Passes and Flexi Passes.
Global vs. One Country Eurail Passes: what’s the difference?
- Global Pass. This is your all-access pass to trains in up to 33 different countries, including France. It’s perfect for the adventurers who want to cross borders and explore multiple European gems.
- One Country Pass. As the name suggests, this pass is all about diving deep into one country—France, in our case. Ideal for those who want to soak up everything French, from Parisian boulevards to Provencal countryside. (Just note: if you opt for the One Country Pass you'll be able to buy only Flexi Passes.)
Continuous Pass vs. Flexi Pass: pick your travel style
- Continuous Pass. Got plenty of time and a thirst for adventure? The Continuous Pass, like the 1 Month Continuous, is your best friend. It lets you travel by train every single day within its validity period. It’s for the marathon travelers who wake up and think, “Where to today?”. (Note: this is available only to customers choosing a Global Pass.)
- Flexi Pass. Don't want to travel every day? Feel like soaking in the vibes in a particular city for a few days before moving on? The Flexi Pass gives you the freedom to choose your travel days as you go. You get a set number of days to travel within a month.
So, what’s it gonna be? Are you the type to travel non-stop with a Continuous Pass, or do you prefer the go-with-the-flow vibe of a Flexi Pass? Either way, getting your Eurail Pass is a piece of cake—or should we say, a slice of French tarte.
Travel, scribble, repeat. Make it a ritual to log each ride in Eurail’s Travel Diary for stress-free ticket inspections.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Olena_Z. Image Location: Vallon des Auffes, Marseille, France
France Eurail Pass: your ticket to the ultimate French adventure
With a Eurail Pass, you can discover France far beyond the well-trodden paths of Paris, Marseille, Nice, and Lyon.
- To the lavender fields of Provence. Hop on a train and get ready to flood your Instagram with all shades of purple.
- Château-hopping in Loire Valley. The Loire Valley is your go-to for fairytale castles, where you can pretend to be royalty without the hassle of ruling a kingdom. Just sip wine and enjoy the view.
- Annecy, the hidden gem. Ever wanted to be in a place so quaint and charming that it feels like you’re the first to discover it? Annecy is your spot.
- Colmar, straight out of a fairytale. Welcome to Colmar, where the houses look like gingerbread, and you half expect Hansel and Gretel to pop out.
- Gerberoy, the town time forgot. Gerberoy is where you go to unplug. It’s like the Wi-Fi signal never reached here, and honestly, that’s a good thing. Marseille-en-Beauvaisis is your closest train station.
Grab your Eurail France Pass and get ready for laughs, gasps, and the occasional “I’m never leaving this place” moment. France is waiting to wow you, one train ride at a time.
Image Credit: Getty Images, guy-ozenne. Image Location: Gerberoy, Oise, France
FAQs: traveling France by train with a Eurail Pass
Does Eurail work in France?
Yep, it sure does! As long as you have a Global Pass or a France One Country pass, your Eurail Pass is like your VIP ticket to ride on trains all over France. From the city lights of Paris to the sunny French Riviera, the pass has got you covered.
What’s the deal with Eurail Pass reservations for trains in France?
Here’s the scoop: while your Eurail Pass gets you on most trains, for many high-speed and long-distance ones in France, you’ll need to book a seat. This might cost a bit extra, but you can easily do it online, at a train station, or through the Trainline app.
Does the Eurail Pass cover all my train travels in France?
Pretty much! It’s your golden ticket to hop on and off national trains and some local ones too. Just watch out for those high-speed trains and night services, as you’ll need to reserve your spot in advance.
What’s so cool about French high-speed trains?
Ah, they’re awesome! French high-speed trains, like the TGV, zoom you across the country at speeds up to 198 mph. Imagine having breakfast in Paris and dinner in Nice—that’s what we call proper nutrition. Just remember, these speedy journeys usually require a reservation.
What are the best Eurail routes in France?
France’s train network is vast and varied, connecting big cities and quaint towns. With your Eurail Pass, you can glide from Paris to Bordeaux, zip from Lyon to Marseille, or take scenic routes through the Alps or along the coast. Your adventure, your choice!
What should I know about traveling through France by train?
Train travel in France is a breeze. Pack light, as some trains have limited luggage space. Keep your Eurail Pass handy, and don’t forget to reserve your seat when needed. Oh, and enjoy the views—from its boulangeries and bookstores to vineyards and châteaux, France is stunning.
Is seeing France by train really the way to go?
Cent pour cent! This way, you’ll enjoy a hassle-free, relaxing way to travel and see parts of France you’d miss otherwise. Plus, with a Eurail Pass, you have the flexibility to explore at your own pace.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Gael Fontaine. Image Location: Lyon, France
Why choose Trainline for your travel across France with the Eurail Pass?
- Direct partnership with Eurail. Trainline’s tight with Eurail, making it super easy to grab your pass and hit the tracks.
- Simple to use. Planning is a breeze with the Trainline app. A few taps and you’re ready to roll.
- Touch-free travel. Ditch the paper. Your phone’s all you need for tickets and changes on the go.
- Best deals. Trainline helps you find the best prices by comparing loads of options in a flash.
- Live updates. Spontaneous change of plans? No stress. Trainline keeps you updated in real-time.
- Explore more. Not just France. Trainline’s your ticket to trains and buses all over Europe.
Need more Eurail info? Check out our comprehensive guide to all things Eurail.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Chalermkiat Seedokmai. Image Location: Eiffel Tower and Champs de Mars, Paris, France