Only by train, only in Europe
Embark on our hand-picked journeys and see the highlights of the continent faster. Our top 3 itineraries, with stopovers in Paris.
Europe has so much to offer that choosing a destination can feel overwhelming. Our advice? Don’t limit yourself to just one city or country. The continent’s extensive rail network makes it a breeze to visit multiple destinations. By train, it’s just a few hours from Paris to Zurich or from Milan to Paris. So, you can fill your holiday with your dream destinations without breaking the bank.
If you need help deciding where to go, get inspired by our hand-picked double itineraries below. These routes all pass through Paris and boast diverse destinations and first-class tickets at low fares, so you can make your summer holiday extra special. After all, if you’re going to travel across the continent, you may as well do it in style!
🏙️ Frankfurt to Paris & Paris to Barcelona
This itinerary takes you from ultra-modern Frankfurt to the sunny beaches of Barcelona, with a stopover in France's most visited city.
▫️ First leg: Frankfurt to Paris
Start in Germany’s high-tech capital—perfect if you’re arriving from overseas, as Frankfurt is a hub for air traffic. Considered the heart of Europe, it’s the ideal place to start your multi-country journey. Towering skyscrapers, quaint historic centres, and impressive museums are all woven into the fabric of this eclectic city. It’s a taste of Berlin that’s more walkable and less crowded. Visit the house where Goethe grew up, shop on the Zeil (the city’s famous pedestrian shop-lined street) and enjoy local cuisine and spirits: frankfurter würstchen (sausage) or handkäse mit musik (local cheese) with apfelwein (apple wine). Once you’ve eaten your fill, it’s off to the City of Lights!
🚅 Fastest journey time Frankfurt to Paris: 3 hours 40 minutes
✔️ Number of trains per day: 16
▫️ Stopover: Paris, Europe's number one destination and must see!
▫️ Second leg: Paris to Barcelona
After the hustle and bustle of Frankfurt and Paris, it’s time to head to the beach. Make your way across France (look out the window as you approach the Spanish coast!) and down to the Catalan capital of Barcelona. Known internationally as Spain’s quirky city for sun and surf, it’s a fun way to conclude your journey. Take in Gaudi’s funky architecture, including Parc Güell (pictured) and Sagrada Familia, then head to the Picasso Museum for more abstract masterpieces. Finally, grab a beach blanket and a refreshing glass of horchata (sweetened non-dairy milk) for some rest and relaxation. You deserve it after your whirlwind tour of Germany, France, and Spain!
🚅 Fastest journey time Paris to Barcelona: 6 hours 19 minutes
✔️ Number of trains per day: 20
🍷 Bordeaux to Paris & Paris to Zurich
This itinerary takes you from French wine country, through the capital, and on to the heart of German-speaking Switzerland.
▫️ First leg: Bordeaux to Paris
Bordeaux is famous for its red claret wine, so there are plenty of tasting and wine education opportunities: l’Ecole du Vin, la Cité du Vin, and even local bistros are great places to get started. Bordeaux is also known for its stunning architecture: from the winding streets of the Chartrons neighbourhood to the Gothic Porte Cailhau (a castle-like 14th century gate to the city) and the Hausmannien buildings around the Place Pey-Berland. Try the local cuisine: anything à la bordelaise (in wine sauce), foie gras, and canelés (rum and vanilla-flavoured custard pastries). Bordeaux’s proximity to other sites of interest makes visits further afield even more enticing. Discover la Dune du Pilat (the largest sand dune in Europe), the charming coastal city of Arcachon, and the medieval vineyard village of St Emilion. After your grand tour of the Bordeaux wine region, it's time for your city trip to Paris.
🚅 Fastest journey time Bordeaux to Paris: 2 hours 3 minutes
✔️ Number of trains per day: 72
▫️ Stopover: Paris, Europe's number one destination and must see!
▫️ Second leg: Paris to Zurich
In just about four hours, you’ll find yourself in the heart of German-speaking Switzerland, Zurich. A mix of the ultra-modern and the traditional, hip art installations and fusion food meet historic old town charm. The Swiss National Museum, Grossmünster church, and the Altstadt (Old Town) are rivalled by the galleries and restaurants in the former industrial zone of Zurich West. If you’re looking for some green space and a breath of fresh air, Zurich is a very outdoorsy place: take advantage of a stroll along its namesake lake or hop on a Limmat Cruise. Get out of the city on a local train to Uetlibertg for a bird’s eye view of Zurich and the surrounding Alps. It’s the perfect ending to a perfect European tour.
🚅 Fastest journey time Paris to Zurich: 4 hours 3 minutes
✔️ Number of trains per day: 30
👗 Milan to Paris & Paris to Munich
This itinerary covers both the Italian and French fashion capitals and finishes up in the gem of Bavaria, complete with Disney princess castles.
Milan’s luxury shopping is Italy’s most famous and a trip to the Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele shopping arcade is a must, even if it’s just to admire the architecture. The glass vaulted ceilings and ironwork are works of art in their own right. In addition to the Galleria, other sites of note include Sforzesco Castle (a 15th century royal complex), Duomo del Milano (the city’s immense Gothic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site), and in the Santa Maria delle Grazie church (where visitors can see The Last Supper). For aperitivos (pre-dinner drinks) and dining, head to the stylish Brera neighbourhood (pictured). Italian classic cocktails such as Aperol Spritzes or Negronis are widely consumed. To eat, there’s Risotto alla Milanese (made with saffron), Costoletta alla Milanese (breaded veal cutlet), and panettone (bread with fruit and raisins). The six-hour trip to Paris will give you ample time to digest!
🚅 Fastest journey time Milan to Paris: 6 hours 32 minutes
✔️ Number of trains per day: 10
▫️ Stopover: Paris, Europe's number one destination and must see!
▫️ Second leg: Paris to Munich
After experiencing the Latin culture in Italy and France, head to the Bavarian capital of Munich. This fairy tale city boasts over eighty museums (many of which are in the museum district of Kunstareal), two castles, and some of the most beautiful traditional architecture in Germany. After a long day of visits, sit down outside for a refreshing beverage at one of the city’s many beer gardens, where local cuisine is often served. If you still haven’t gotten your fill of Bavarian food, head to the bakery for a fresh pretzel or a loaf of rye bread. Munich is a great jumping off point to visit the region: places like Neuschwanstein Castle (one of Disney’s inspirations) and Ciemsee Lake (complete with saunas) are accessible via S-Bahn. Finish up your whirlwind tour like royalty!
🚅 Fastest journey time Paris to Munich: 5 hours 31 minutes
✔️ Number of trains per day: 5
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