Getting Around France
France has one of the best transport networks in Europe — the TGV high-speed rail system is world-class, regional trains connect mid-sized cities, and most urban centres have excellent public transport. But France is also a country where a car unlocks the deepest experiences: wine roads, perched villages, coastal drives, and rural landscapes that no train can reach.
| Route | Duration | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Paris → Lyon | 2h00 | Every 30 min |
| Paris → Marseille | 3h10 | Hourly |
| Paris → Bordeaux | 2h04 | Hourly |
| Paris → Strasbourg | 1h46 | Every 30 min |
| Paris → Lille | 1h00 | Every 30 min |
| Paris → Rennes | 1h25 | Hourly |
| Paris → Nantes | 2h15 | Hourly |
| Paris → Toulouse | 4h15 | Several daily |
| Paris → Nice | 5h30 | Several daily |
Booking tips: Book on SNCF Connect (app or website). Tickets go on sale 4 months ahead. The cheapest
Regional Trains (TER)
Paris Metro and RER
The Paris Métro (16 lines, 300+ stations) is fast, frequent, and covers the city comprehensively. The RER (5 lines) extends into the suburbs — use it for CDG airport (line B), Versailles (line C), and Disneyland (line A). Buy tickets on the île-de-France Mobilités app or use contactless payment.
Navigo Easy: A rechargeable card for metro, bus, RER, and tram. Buy at any metro station. Load individual tickets (€2.15 each) or a day pass.
City Transport
Most French cities over 100,000 people have excellent public transport — trams, buses, and increasingly bike-share schemes:
- Lyon: TCL metro, trams, and Vélo'v bikes
- Bordeaux: Impressive tram network (no overhead wires in the historic centre)
- Strasbourg: Tram covers the city; car-free Grande Île
- Nantes: Tram, Busway, and Bicloo bikes
- Nice: Tram Line 1 connects the city; Line 2 to the airport
Intercity Buses
FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus operate extensive networks at budget prices. Slower than trains but often significantly cheaper — Paris to Lyon from €9, for example. Book online.
Cycling
France is increasingly cycle-friendly. Major initiatives:
- Vélib' (Paris): 20,000 bikes, 1,400 stations
- Loire à Vélo: 900 km of signed cycle paths along the Loire Valley
- EuroVelo routes: Several cross France
- Most TER trains carry bikes free (no reservation needed)
When to Drive vs. Take the Train
- City to city: Train almost always wins — faster, no parking stress
- Wine routes, countryside, perched villages: Car essential
- Riviera: Train for Cannes/Nice/Monaco; car for hillside villages
- Normandy, Brittany coast: Car preferred for flexibility