Rail Europe’s Paris office staff recommend nine French summer holiday destinations accessible by train that are off the beaten path. Noirmoutier-en-l’Île offers ancient salt marshes built by Benedictine monks in the fifth century, along with regional delicacies like mussels, oysters, and new potatoes. Rent a bike to explore the flat landscape of this charming coastal gem. Chablis, a winemaking village in northernmost Burgundy, offers vineyards, wineries, and traditional dishes like Boeuf bourguignon and gougère. Lake Annecy in the French Alps is perfect for outdoor activities like kayaking, boating, and hiking. Nice on the French Riviera offers galleries, museums, stone beaches, and local specialities like pissaladière.
Cannes, known for its annual international film festival, offers luxury shopping and dining opportunities on the Boulevard de la Croisette, as well as sandy beaches and casinos. The Route des Grands Crus, a 60km stretch through Burgundy, is ideal for biking and wine tasting in towns like Beaune. Besançon in eastern France is the watchmaking capital with a Time Museum showcasing over 2,000 timepieces and many historic sites to explore. La Loire Valley, known as the ‘garden of France’, offers beautiful landscapes, castles open to the public, and ‘la guinguette’ for outdoor drinks. Arles, a Provençal city on the Rhône River delta, offers Roman ruins and was the inspiration for over 300 paintings by Van Gogh during his year-long stay.
Each destination offers unique experiences, from the ancient salt marshes of Noirmoutier-en-l’Île to the luxury of Cannes during the film festival. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and water sports in Lake Annecy or explore the vineyards and wineries along the Route des Grands Crus. Besançon’s rich history and watchmaking heritage provide a glimpse into the city’s past, while La Loire Valley offers a variety of castles and outdoor taverns for a leisurely cocktail hour. Arles, with its Roman ruins and Van Gogh-inspired art, is a must-visit for history and art enthusiasts alike.
Getting to these destinations is easy by train, with options available from Paris and other major cities in France. With affordable ticket prices starting from €10 one way, travelers can explore these hidden gems without having to worry about their carbon footprint. Renting a bike in Noirmoutier-en-l’Île or taking a leisurely stroll along the Boulevard de la Croisette in Cannes allows visitors to fully appreciate the natural beauty and cultural heritage of these stunning locations. Whether it’s tasting regional delicacies like gougère in Chablis or exploring the Roman ruins in Arles, there’s something for every traveler to enjoy in these French summer holiday destinations.
From the vineyards of Chablis to the sandy beaches of Nice, each destination offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty for travelers to explore. Whether it’s following in the footsteps of Van Gogh in Arles or sampling the ‘white gold’ of Noirmoutier-en-l’Île, these French summer holiday destinations accessible by train are perfect for those looking to discover the hidden gems of France. So, why not cut your travel carbon footprint and immerse yourself in the charm and beauty of these stunning locations on your next summer holiday?
