9 Train Rides in France That Will Blow Your Mind – and Your Camera Roll!
Hop on board and let France’s most unforgettable train rides take you on an amazing journey – these routes are moving theaters with views you won’t believe!
1. La Ligne des Hirondelles (Swallow Line)
Running through the Jura mountains in eastern France, this scenic route connects Dole, near Dijon, and Saint-Claude, close to the Swiss border. Named after the swallows (‘hirondelles’) that migrate through the region, it crosses 36 tunnels and 18 viaducts, with dramatic views of cliffs, forests, and deep valleys. Views includes the impressive Andelot viaduct and panoramas of the Ain River valley.
2. Bastia to Ajaccio
This Corsican rail line runs from Bastia in the north to Ajaccio in the southwest, with great views of rugged peaks, dense forests, and dramatic cliffs. The route crosses historic stone bridges, deep gorges, and tunnels. It passes through the Restonica Valley and features glimpses of the Tavignano River.
3. Chamonix to Martigny
This cross-border line links Chamonix in France with Martigny in Switzerland. It offers views of Mont Blanc, alpine meadows, and snow-capped peaks. The route goes through steep climbs, tunnels, and viaducts, including the famous Viaduc Sainte-Marie. Views include the Trient Gorge, Glacier des Bossons, and charming mountain villages.
4. Nîmes to Le Grau-du-Roi
This short, flat journey connects the Roman city of Nîmes to the Mediterranean coast, ending at the seaside town of Le Grau-du-Roi. The train crosses marshes and lagoons in the Camargue, a vast wetland region. Passengers can spot flamingos, wild horses, black bulls, herons, and egrets. The route also offers views of rice fields and salt flats.
5. Paris Metro Line 6
This elevated metro line connects Charles de Gaulle–Étoile in the west with Nation in the east, crossing the Seine twice. It provides panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower and the Paris skyline, running above ground for much of the route. You get a unique perspective of Haussmannian buildings and elegant streets.
6. Little Yellow Train (Le Train Jaune)
Operating in the eastern Pyrenees near the Spanish border, this historic train climbs steep tracks between Villefranche-de-Conflent, a medieval town, and Latour-de-Carol, close to Andorra. It has open-air carriages in summer. The train crosses spectacular mountain passes with amazing views of rugged peaks, deep valleys, and historic fortresses.
7. Marseille to Ventimiglia (Train de la Côte Bleue)
Connecting Marseille with Miramas, this line hugs the Mediterranean coast. It crosses viaducts and tunnels with views of rocky inlets, hidden coves, and fishing villages along the Côte Bleue. It stops at small seaside towns like Carry-le-Rouet and Sausset-les-Pins, popular for their beaches and seafood restaurants.
8. Le Cévenol (La Ligne des Cévennes)
Running between Clermont-Ferrand and Nîmes, this train cuts through the Cévennes mountains, a UNESCO-listed area known for its rugged landscapes and rich biodiversity. It crosses viaducts and tunnels, including the impressive Chamborigaud Viaduct, with views of forests, rivers, and rocky gorges. The route also passes through remote villages and terraced farmlands.
9. Train des Pignes
This narrow-gauge railway runs between Nice and Digne-les-Bains. It passes through Provence’s lavender fields, olive groves, and mountain landscapes. The route also winds through the rugged terrain of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, crossing viaducts and tunnels, and stopping at picturesque villages like Annot and Entrevaux known for their medieval charm and historic fortifications.