10-Day Eastern France Train Tour

 

Self-guided train tours can be just as rewarding as a road trip in different ways. Eastern France has many memorable towns and cities that are easily accessible by train. Once you arrive and find your lodging, you’re free to wander without having to park. The only thing you have to do is be on your next train at the right time. It might be a great change of pace!

In this post, you’ll find an exciting Eastern France 10-day itinerary and maybe you can see yourself there! Of course, it’s just a starting point. You can extend 10 days to more if you have the time, lingering longer than the sample time, or shorten it if you must. Below each town are just a few things to see and do (among many more!) to pique your interest.

 

Driving or Train Travel?

There are pros and cons for each one. When you take trains, you let someone else do the “driving”, and it’s a smooth, peaceful ride with great scenery passing by. No worries about parking, liability, gas, or tolls. Overall, it can be less expensive than renting a car, depending on the tickets you get. (And much less costly than an organized group tour.) Discounts are available for early purchase, specific routes, or age. The main advantage of a rental car is the ability to go to tucked-away places on your own schedule. But you don’t always have to have that. Train travel times are approximate. Some routes will take longer, as will certain times of day. You can also look into a train pass to avoid buying multiple tickets.

 

Your Eastern France Itinerary

 

Paris to Reims

Train travel time: 1 hour and 15 min.  Stay 1 night in Reims.

Reims is the capital of the champagne wine region. Here you’ll have many opportunities for tours and tastings, as well as enjoying the lush countryside and vineyards.

The Notre Dame Cathedral, completed in 1275, is a stunning example of Gothic architecture with over 2,000 statues. Many kings of France were crowned in this cathedral.

Be sure to enjoy the Art Deco around the city. Pick up a map to find the sites around town, especially the Bibliothèque and Halles du Boulingrin.

 

Reims to Strasbourg

 Train travel time: 1 hour and 45 min. Stay 2 nights in Strasbourg.

Strasbourg is a beautiful and lively city you’ll want to explore for 2 days. You’ll love the Alsatian half-timbered buildings (and the Alsace meal specialties!), river walk and outdoor cafés, the stunning Cathedral (Also called Notre Dame), and the bustling Old Town.

Be sure to visit the European Parliament building if that interests you. Entrance is free. Learn about what this branch of the E.U. government does and don’t forget to get a panoramic shot from the roof.

Optional side trip from Strasbourg to Colmar (32 minutes on the train. Add 1 day) Colmar to Dijon takes about 2 hours.

 

Strasbourg to Dijon

 Train travel time: 2 hours. Stay 1 night in Dijon.

Dijon is smaller than Strasbourg, but full of charm and half-timbered buildings. It’s also a center of mustard and wine (since it’s in the heart of Burgundy, after all!)

Along with that is an international food fair, an indoor market, and memorable meals. Yes, it’s a food mecca, just like Lyon!

There’s the Palace of the Dukes houses the Beaux-Arts art museum in 50 rooms of one wing! You’ll have plenty to see.

 

Dijon to Lyon

Train travel time: 2 hours. Stay 2 nights in Lyon.

Did I mention great food? Lyon is a gastronomic center you’ll enjoy exploring. You’ll enjoy walking and discovering the Old Town as well as newer parts, including the two rivers that run through it.

Lyon is a larger city (3^rd largest in France) yet is very accessible. You’ll find your favorite areas right away, and one of them might be up on the hillside not only with the Basilica de Notre Dame de Fourvière (it’s truly gorgeous) but also the view from there.

Optional side trip from Dijon to Beaune (about 45 minutes on the train. Add 1 day) Going from Beaune to Lyon takes another 2 hours.

Lyon to Annecy

Train travel time: 2 hours. Annecy Stay 1 or 2 nights.

Annecy’s reputation probably precedes it, since it’s memorably beautiful. The pristine lake invites a promenade, and the Old Town is too picturesque for words. You’ll love it, and maybe want to stay more than one day.

Optional side trip from Annecy to Chamonix: (2 hours on the train.) Take note that going from Chamonix to Grenoble takes about 6 hours. You can stop in Geneva or go back through Annecy on the way to break it up. You could also skip Grenoble. Another option is to reverse Annecy and Lyon, finishing in Lyon before returning to Paris. Though you’ll pass through Lyon on the way to Annecy, it will be an easier itinerary if you want to include Chamonix…spectacular yet out-of-the-way.

The charming town of Chamonix is worth visiting and a further draw is taking a train up the mountain (or a hike.) Le Mont Blanc is the highest mountain in Europe. If you’re adventurous or love natural beauty, you can see it or visit the largest glacier in Europe, La Mer de Glace (Sea of Ice.) Of course, if you go in winter, it’s a skier’s paradise. (A separate post on Chamonix is coming soon.)

 

Annecy to Grenoble

Train travel time: 1  hour and 45 min.  Stay in Grenoble 1 night

 Grenoble is a large city ringed by the Alps, so naturally there are ski resorts. It’s also a cultural center with many art galleries and museums.

Take the famous gondola shaped like a clear ball up one of the mountains for a panoramic view (and a meal.)

It’s known for Alpine cuisine (think fondue and raclette) as well as famous walnuts. Be sure to get a pastry with walnut cream!

Grenoble back to Paris  (or elsewhere…)   Day 10

Train travel time: 3 hours.

You can use this itinerary as is or change it up, add or subtract, according to your interest and available time. You can hardly go wrong in these visit-worthy towns of Eastern France!