10-Day Train Tour through Western France
Taking a train tour is a great idea, especially if you don’t want to bother with renting a car and having to drive, navigate, and pay tolls. You may have seen the 10-Day Eastern France Train Tour in my earlier post. Here is the Western version of the train tour. All aboard!
What’s great about this itinerary is you can expand any stop you like if you want more days there. Or if you have less time, you can cut something out or spend fewer days. This tour will start in Paris and has been designed so you don’t have to spend more than two and a half hours on a train at any point of the trip.
Here are the details of your Western France Train Tour!
Paris to Rennes
Train travel time: between 1.5 and 2 hours. Stay in Rennes 1 night.
You’ll begin your Western France train tour in Rennes, the largest city in Brittany. Once you’re there,
you can take a taxi to your hotel then wander the town. Here are some things to see.
In the Old Town, you’ll see half-timbered houses and charming buildings in Place St. Anne. Follow the alleys, visit the cathedral, and soak in the oldest part of Rennes. Get an overview of Brittany’s history at the Musée de la Bretagne. (Free admission; 4€ for temporary exhibits.) Visit the 17th-–century Parliament building. You can take a tour for 9 €.
The Mordelaise Gate dates from the 15th century, reminding you of medieval history. Speaking of medieval, St. Pierre Cathedral is the most-visited site in Rennes. It dates to the 12th century. You won’t have trouble spotting the 2 towers that reach to the sky.
For many more things to see, visit the Tourist Bureau and they’ll have ideas for you!
Rennes to Angers
Train travel time: About 1 hour 40 minutes. Stay in Angers 2 nights
Angers lies at the western end of the Loire Valley on the Maine River. So of course, there’s a castle there! This isn’t the fairytale castle you’re expecting, but and older one that is more like a fortress. You should definitely see it! Inside is an amazing and incredibly long tapestry, L’Apocalypse, based on the Biblical book of Revelation.
The city is lively, mid-size, and walkable. Enjoy strolling along the river and through the medieval center. Near the château is the Promenade du Bout du Monde (from the end of the world), which gives you a great view of the city.
One thing you mustn’t miss is the Galerie David d’Angers, in a former abbey, which contains some of the most amazing sculptures you’ll ever see. Next door is the Musee des Beaux Arts, so you won’t have far to go to see more stunning artwork.
Visit the tourist bureau and check out the Angers city pass for discounts and visits. If you want to venture further, three lovely villages nearby are Behuard, Bouchemaine, and Savennières. These are accessible by train or bus.
Angers to Nantes
Train travel time: Between 45-55 minutes. Stay in Nantes 1 night
Nante has a rich history and maritime heritage, once an important port. It’s also a hub for the arts. There’s a lot to see, beginning with the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, the restored former residence of the Dukes of Brittany. It houses a Nantes history museum.
The city is known for its innovative spirit and one evidence of that is Les Machines de L’Ile, an attraction with mechanical creatures. (You have to see it to understand…)
Another unique visit is Carousel des Mondes Marins, a sea-themed carousel. Head to the island in the middle of the river to discover contemporary art and culture. The whole city takes urban regeneration to a new level.
Nantes to Tours
Train travel time: Just over 2 hours. Stay in Tours 1 night.
Tours is an exciting mid-size town known as the Gateway to the Loire Valley. You’ll enjoy this lively place! I have a separate post on that
town that will give you a variety of things to see, such as a chateau, a lively Old Town, a flower market, and half-timbered buildings surrounding cafés, shops, hotels, and restaurants. (Tours: Gateway to the Loire Valley)
Tours to Bordeaux
Train travel time: Just over 2 hours. Stay in Bordeaux 2 nights.
There are tons of things to see and do in Bordeaux. I have two posts on that topic! You’ll enjoy wandering the downtown area, indulging in wine tasting, and so much more. Nearby is the famed St.Emilion, accessible by train or bus. This town is also known for wonderful wine. (See also Featuring Dijon and Bordeaux.)
Bordeaux to La Rochelle
Train travel time: about 2 hours. Stay in La Rochelle 2 nights.
This coastal town sparkles with energy and beauty. Enjoy the waterfront as well as the lively downtown. See my post on this city for more details. (The top photo is La Rochelle’s port.)
Back to Paris
Train travel time: 2.5 hours
You’ll love the variety this tour offers, and the train will whisk you silently from one town to the next. All you have to do is enjoy it!
