5 destinations by train from Paris

Want to leave for a few days in foreign countries without taking the plane? Discover these 5 destinations to discover by train from Paris, and only within a few hours.

The French capital can boast of a strategic geographical position in Western Europe. It is indeed very central! Paris also has stations in the north, south, east and west of the city that allow for optimal service at the national and European levels.

Therefore, if you want to travel abroad without jumping on a plane, it is possible to opt for the train solution. In addition to being much more ecological than the aircraft, the train is generally more comfortable. It also allows you to see the country by taking advantage of the landscapes on the way, and to bring back 1001 memories without worrying about the famous maximum weight of the suitcase. Practical, isn’t it?

And thanks to the railway network, which has greatly improved in recent years, you can discover some European capitals, as well as other cities with great tourist potential. We have gathered here 5 destinations to discover by train from Paris that might be of great interest to you.

London

The capital of the United Kingdom, one of the five most visited cities in the world, is within reach! It is only 2h20 Eurostar to reach it directly from the Gare du Nord de Paris. In addition, you will test the famous tunnel under the handle...

Once in London, you can enjoy what the "world city" offers better. Start by listing museums that might interest you: if you’re an art ferus, favor the Tate Modern or British Museum . But if you prefer history, opt for the Imperial War Museum For example.

London is also the city of the royal family. Thus, during a visit to London, the obligatory passage will obviously be Buckingham Palace where you can attend the guard's rotation, and maybe Queen Elizabeth will greet you from her window?

In addition, during a large urban hike, you can discover other iconic monuments of the city as Big Ben and 100 meters high. Next door is Palace of Westminster . If you walk along the Thames, you can also admire the London Tower Bridge and the large wheel London Eye . Don’t forget to cross the famous Place de Piccadilly Circus !

Finally, neighbourhood life is important in London. Flip into the area filled with charm Covent Garden . But if you like more atmospheres underground , and vintage fashion markets, direction Camden Town Of course.

Want to escape from the urban tumult? A green afternoon, in Hyde Park , is required. Bring your fish and chips take away, put yourself in the fresh grass and enjoy a ray of sun. Ideal as a getaway, for a destination less than 2 hours from Paris by train, right?

Amsterdam

Always from the Gare du Nord, you can access the capital of the Netherlands which will change you in just 3 hours. Once you arrive at a good port, take the time to stroll along the canals on foot or by bike. If the envy tells you, you can even make a boat cruise on the canals!

Amsterdam is also famous for its many museums, all more incredible than others. Do not pass next to the Rijksmuseum where you can admire Rembrandt’s paintings among so many others. You can also discover the Van Gogh Museum . Think about booking in advance! Indeed, at some times, they fill up very quickly...

The “Dutch Venice” is also known for the tragic history of Anne Frank . If the reading of his newspaper has marked you, we recommend you visit House in which Anne Frank had hidden himself with his family. A visit full of emotion.

To air your mind after these visits, we give you a meeting in a bucolic park: the Vondelpark . Inside this green area, you will find a charming tea room, the Blauwe Theehuis , where you can warm up or refresh depending on the season.

Finally, don’t miss a visit to the northern part of the country, more underground populated with micro-brewery, skate-bars and festive restaurants. You can access it by ferry very easily.

Of course, you can cross the famous red neighborhood and test the coffee shops that make the city's reputation. And to have a more local experience, direction the market Albert Cuypmarkt where you'll have to deal with more than 250 lanes.

Brussels

Among the destinations within 2 hours of Paris by the most popular train, we find Brussels of course. The Belgian capital will welcome you open arms for a weekend.

To launch the festivities, we give you an appointment on the Grand-Place , which counts among the most beautiful places in Europe. There you can admire many 17th-century buildings, the city hotel, the King’s House, and homes that retain their charm of old. Then lose yourself in the streets around, and you will fall on the famous Manneken-Pis . A little thirst? Take a break Halles Saint-Géry is necessary.

Brussels also consists of absolutely charming neighborhoods like the Sablons . There you can visit the Royal Museums of Fine Arts from Belgium and admire its 20,000 works. The neighboring neighborhood, Marolles , will allow you to discover a former popular and cosmopolitan area, where small markets, embracing and street art It's important.

A beer, a waffle, and it's gone? Brussels still has a lot to offer. Son Royal District is a must during a visit to the city. Do not pass next to a visit to the Brussels park , Palace , as well as Mont des Arts . The gardens are bucolic to wish. If you have a little more time, find out Château de Laeken or the Atomium .

Also note that Brussels is the city of the comics par excellence. If you like the art of the BD, then opt for a thematic visit through the important points of the city.

And that’s all we can do in a destination less than 2 hours from Paris by train!

Lausanne

If you're an amateur or a sports enthusiast, this destination less than 2 hours by train could be of particular interest to you! Indeed, Lausanne is the Olympic capital as it houses the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee and one JO Museum . We recommend of course not to miss this visit.

For the rest, we invite you to explore the surroundings of Lausanne. Stop at the Cathedral of Lausanne, for example, to admire this 13th century religious building. Continue your discovery of the city to Rolex Learning Center : a modern building with particularly amazing architecture.

For a time jump, opt for a tour of the old town. You can enjoy the best hot chocolate in your life Café de l’Evêché . Are you rather cheese than hot chocolate? The Gruyère Museum only wait for you!

Do you want to breathe fresh air and favor nature? Go for a walk on them d’Ouchy or on the beaches of Lake Geneva . The view of the mountains is beautiful. And for an even more total change, go on adventure on the famous Glacier 3000 . From this point of view, you can admire 24 summits.

Frankfurt

Germany is a destination less than 2 hours by train. But if you add a good hour and a half to your journey on the rails, you can really discover a city full of charm: Frankfurt. Forget prejudices on the city, sometimes referred to as austere. For in Frankfurt, the sweetness of life reigns!

The old quarter, Römerberg , is particularly interesting to understand the heritage wealth of the city. Its city hotel dates from the beginning of the 15th century! You can take a photo of the shaded houses and the small colored clusters. A little thirst? Cross one of the small bridges, and head to the cider taverns Sachsenhausen . Test the Apfelwein : a mixture between cider and sparkling wine.

Are you hungry for cultural visits? So take your tickets to discover the famous house of Goethe , the most emblematic writer in the country. And for the "art-lovers", enter into the Museum für Moderne Kunst where you can see works by Beuys, Lichtenstein or Warhol. Other museums are located on the shore of the city’s museums. It's for all tastes!

Frankfurt enjoys even better during a walk in the neighborhoods of the city, as Bockenheim . Quieter than the centre, you can stroll in the middle of "real Frankfurters", including many students. Coffee Heimelig , where you will find delicious pastries, is a place of choice to regain strength before continuing your visit to the city.

At the end of the day, walk on the banks of the Main, for a premium view of the skyscrapers (do not forget that the nickname of the city is Mainhattan). And to get high, go up in the famous Main Tower , which has a restaurant.

Impressive all these destinations to be discovered by train from Paris, isn’t it? Which one of you is most tempting? Tell us a comment.