Interrailing France: Travel France By Train

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As someone who’s madly in love with travelling Europe, I’ve put together this route guide and tips to help you make the most out of your interrailing France adventure. 

Looking at routes to start interrailing France?

Interrailing around France is the best way to see everything this beautiful country has to offer. 

From the stunning countryside to the vibrant cities, there’s something for everyone. 

And with so many interrailing pass options available, it’s easy to find a Rail Pass that suits your needs.

In this guide, I’ll give you all the info you need to plan your trip, plus share my personal itinerary. 

Plus, I’ve included some tips for making the most of your time in this beautiful country. 

So whether you’re a first-time interrailers or just looking for some new ideas, read on for inspiration!

🇮🇹 I’ve also got a post on interrailing Italy, interrailing Switzerland, interrailing Spain and how to backpack Europe if you’re a first-timer. Check them out!

Not sure which backpack to buy for interrailing Europe? Read my post to find the best backpack for you!

🗺️ Interrailing France? Book your interrailing pass here!

Interrailing France: Why Do It?

France is well known for its picturesque countryside and there are plenty of opportunities to explore it by interrailing. 

The French Alps are a popular destination, with their dramatic mountains and stunning views. 

And if you’re looking for somewhere a little more relaxed, the Loire Valley is home to fairytale castles and idyllic vineyards.

Of course, no interrailing trip would be complete without a visit to Paris. 

The city of love is a must-see, with its iconic landmarks, world-famous museums and excellent food. 

And if you’re interrailing on a budget, don’t worry – there are plenty of free things to do in Paris too. 

From strolling along the River Seine to climbing the Eiffel Tower, you’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy the city without spending a fortune (yay!)

So, let’s get planning your interrailing trip around France!

🗺️ My interrailing must-have: Well, it’s a little more advanced, but if you want to take high-quality photos, make sure you invest in a good camera. This doesn’t have to be thousands of pounds, and our favourite is the Canon EOS 6D Mark II.

Interrailing France: Three Routes and Itineraries

Route 1: 2 weeks

Paris > Lyon > Marseille

All routes listed in this post start in Paris, because it’s the easiest place to catch connecting trains around the country.

With this simple 2-week route, you’ll get the chance to experience some of the best of Paris, as well as France’s second-largest city, Lyon.

With this route, you can add some day trips to Geneva or Avignon, or just slow travelling the French coast when you reach Marseille.

🗺️ My interrailing must-have: Don’t forget an additional memory card and hard drive for saving your photos on the road!

Route 2: 3 weeks

Paris > Versailles > Bordeaux > Toulouse > Montpellier

This route heads in a different direction, and you’ll be travelling to Versailles from Paris to soak up some French history.

The route then takes you on a journey through Bordeaux, the world capital of wine, to Toulouse (aka the pink city, due to the number of pink buildings) and finishing in Montpellier, one of the best southern France cities perfect for a relaxing break.

Again, there are a number of day trips you can build into your trip, and it just depends on how long you want in each location.

🗺️ My interrailing must-have: If you’re travelling Europe, make sure you pack a Microfibre towel (and this one linked is super pretty too). They make life easier when getting in and out of the water, they’re portable and easy to carry on any kind of day trip. I’ve had mine for years and use it on every beach trip!

Route 3: 4 weeks

Paris > Versailles > Bordeaux > Toulouse > Montpellier > Marseille > Nice

The final route adds on more of the French coast and is perfect for anyone wanting to spend some time on the French Riviera.

You’ll finish in the sunny coastal town of Nice, where you can either fly directly home or catch a train back to Paris in under 6 hours.

Not sure which backpack to buy for interrailing Europe? Read my post to find the best backpack for you!

🗺️ My interrailing must-have: A portable power bank. Don’t get caught short and lose your phone battery whilst travelling! If you’re solo travelling, you’re going to rely on it to get you from A to B.

Interrailing France: Train Durations

Below I have listed some of the longer (or more frequently used) train duration times for your interrailing France trip.

Paris > Lyon: 2 hours

Lyon > Marseille: 2 hours

Paris > Versailles: 45 minutes

Bordeaux > Toulouse : 3 hours

Toulouse > Montpellier : 2 hours

Marseille > Nice : 3 hours

Paris > Nice: 5 hours

🗺️ My world travel must-have: The tap water around the world isn’t always safe to drink, so I use my filter water bottle pretty much every day to keep myself hydrated. I take it everywhere with me, and it works in every country where you can’t drink tap water! You can grab yours here. 🚰

Quick Facts for Interrailing France

If you’re thinking of interrailing around France, then you’re in for a treat! 

Not only is the train network extensive, but the scenery is stunning and there’s plenty to see and do at each stop. Here are some quick facts about interrailing France:

– The French train network is extensive, so you can easily get around the country.

– The trains are comfortable and efficient, making travelling around France a breeze.

– You can buy tickets in advance, which means you can plan your trip and make sure you get the best deals.

– Train travel is an eco-friendly way to see the sights of France.

– There are plenty of stops along the way, so you can explore different parts of the country.

🗺️ My world travel must-have: Whilst out during the day, I use a tote bag to hold my belongings like my camera, notebook, purse and Microfibre towel. It’s easier to pack away than a big beach bag, and can be neatly tucked away when you don’t need it!

Night Trains whilst Interrailing France

Intercités de Nuit (ICN) is France’s night train. You can use your interrail pass on any night train, but you will always be required to book a seat reservation. 

Top tip: If you’ve booked a night train in France, your train number will begin with ICN.

Additional prices for the night train start at around 10 EUR, but for this, you will only get a reclining seat. If you have a few pennies to spare, book a couchette (a shared room) which costs between 20-30 EUR.

All night train routes begin in Paris and run south of the country.

🗺️ My interrailing must-have:  I use my Insta Mini 11 to take photos on all of my trips. As they print instantly, they’re perfect for making a scrapbook and writing in all your favourite and funniest memories. I’ve even got my boyfriend joining in on it now too!

High-speed trains whilst interrailing France

If you’re looking for an adventure and want to see as much of France as possible, you can travel between cities at high speed on trains that are comfortable, efficient and affordable. 

The French high-speed rail service is called TGV, and it connects all major cities. Your interrailing pass is valid on these trains, but you will again need to reserve your seat in advance. 

Most reservations cost around 10 EUR and can either be booked online or at the train station.

🗺️ Interrailing France? Book your interrailing pass here!

How much does interrailing France cost?

As always, this will depend on how you want to interrail France.

Are you going to stay in hostels? Shared dorms? Eat in fancy restaurants or eat home-cooked meals every evening? 

On average, I would budget around 100-120 EUR per day to interrail France. As a country, France isn’t cheap, and if you want to make the most of your experience, you’re going to have to budget wisely.

This amount gives you enough room to book activities and try local foods, as well as staying in a private room each night.

However, if you opt for shared dorms, you can probably get away with a budget of 80 EUR per day.

Want to interrail on a budget? I’ve got you covered. Check out my latest post! How to Interrail on a Budget: Interrail Europe CHEAP! (2022)

Useful Phrases whist Interrailing France

Train: former

Ticket: billet

Train station: gare

Ticket office: guichet

Carriage: le chariot

Seat: siège

Arrivals: arrivées

Departures: départs

🗺️ My interrailing must-have: If you’re solo travelling, don’t forget to take earphones for busy public transport. Listening to a podcast or tuning out from the noise is a lifesaver on a busy city trip!

What is Interrailing?

Interrailing is a great way to see Europe on a budget. 

Essentially, you buy a rail pass that allows you to travel on trains all over Europe.

 You can choose how long you want your pass to be valid for, and you can also add on extra countries if you want to. 

The great thing about interrailing is that it’s really flexible – you can change your plans at the last minute if you want to, and there are no set routes or itineraries.

You can just hop on a train and see where it takes you! 

Personally, I think the best thing about interrailing is the freedom to just go where you want.

If you’re thinking of interrailing, I would definitely recommend it – it’s a great way to travel!

🗺️ My interrailing must-have: Solo travelling on your interrailing trip? Stay safe by carrying your cash or card in a money belt. I know it sounds silly, but Europe can be chaotic and pickpockets are known to work in busy areas. it’s better to be safe than sorry!

What to Pack for Interrailing France

If you’re interrailing France, there are a few things you’ll want to make sure you pack. 

First of all, you’ll need a good pair of walking shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable shoes are a must. 

You’ll also want to pack some light, airy clothes for the summer months. France can get pretty hot, so it’s best to be prepared. 

And don’t forget to pack your sunscreen! 

Sunscreen is expensive in Europe, so it’s always a good idea to bring it from home.

The last thing you want is to get sunburned while you’re trying to enjoy the beautiful French countryside. 

Finally, make sure you bring along a sense of adventure. Interrailing is all about exploring new places and meeting new people, so go into it with an open mind!

If you’re still looking for things to pack for your trip, check out my post: What To Pack Interrailing Europe: Packing List Essentials.

🗺️ My interrailing must-have: Solo travelling but still want to take photos?  📸 I’ve found the most perfect adjustable tripod that’s lightweight and easy to set up (you don’t want any awkward moments alone, I know how it feels!)

Can you use your interrailing pass on the Eurostar?

Yes!

An Interrail/Eurail Global Pass can be used on the Eurostar, which travels between the UK, France, the Netherlands and Belgium.

But, you must make a seat reservation, which usually costs around 30 EUR. 

Meaning if you’re starting your journey in London, you can hop over to Paris in no time.

However, you MUST have a Global pass to take advantage of this. Unfortunately, a one-country pass does not include Eurostar access.

You can book your seat reservation here.

Can you use your interrailing pass on the local Metro?

No, unfortunately, interrailing passes cannot be used on any local metro train lines, undergrounds or tubes. 

Therefore, your interrailing pass is invalid on Metro trains in Paris.

Best Destinations for Interrailing France

Paris

Of course, Paris is going to be first on my list of best destinations to visit in France. 

Here are some ideas to help you make the most of your time in the City of Light.

Start your day with a visit to the Eiffel Tower. You can’t come to Paris without seeing this iconic landmark. 

Take the elevator to the top for breathtaking views of the city, or enjoy a leisurely stroll around the base. If you’re feeling energetic, you can even climb the 1,665 steps to the top! 

Or if you’re like me, you can feel sick and cry the entire time because you’re absolutely terrified of heights.

Next, head to Notre Dame Cathedral. This Gothic masterpiece is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Paris. 

If you’re into spooky interiors, this one’s for you (and you can climb the towers for more stunning views of the city).

After lunch, take a walk along the banks of the River Seine. 

This is a great way to see some of Paris’s most famous landmarks, including the Louvre Museum and The Palace of Versailles. 

(And getting an iconic photo in front of the triangular Lourve exterior).

Montpellier

If you’re interrailing France, chances are you’ll find yourself in Montpellier at some point.

Another of my favourite locations to visit when interrailing France is Montpellier. 

If you do end up here, I’ve written a few things that can keep you busy.

Firstly, make sure you walk around the historic centre – it’s full of gorgeous buildings and pretty alleyways. 

If you’re a fan of markets (I am a BIG fan), then head to the big open-air market on Place de la Comedie – it sells everything from fresh, local food to clothes and souvenirs. 

If you’re looking for something a bit more active, there’s plenty of opportunity for sports lovers too!

Montpellier is home to a number of good-quality beaches, so if the weather is nice then make sure you take advantage of that. 

Or if you’re feeling energetic, go for a hike up to Pic St-Loup for some stunning views over the city. 

Lastly, no visit to Montpellier would be complete without trying some of the local wine – there are plenty of vineyards in the area offering tours and tastings! 

I mean, there’s nothing that beats a day in a vineyard in the sun in Europe, is there?

Marcelle

Whilst interrailing France, Marcelle is definitely a stop you won’t want to miss. 

This quaint little town is full of character and there’s plenty to see and do. Here are some of the top things to check out when you’re in Marcelle.

One of the first things you should do is explore the old city centre.It’s full of cute narrow streets and pretty shops, and it’s the perfect place to people-watch and drink good coffee.

Then, stop off at the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Marcelle – it’s one of the most beautiful churches in Europe.

If you’re a nature lover, you’ll definitely want to spend some time hiking in the nearby mountains. 

There are some stunning trails that offer up amazing views of Marcelle and the surrounding countryside. 

And when you’re done exploring for the day, make sure you head to one of the town’s many restaurants for some insanely good French food served by some of the friendliest waiters and waitresses you’ll ever meet.

Monaco

If you’re interrailing around France, make sure you don’t miss out on Monaco (especially if it’s the price tag that’s putting you off).

It’s an awesome little spot and there’s plenty to do, even if you’re on a budget!

Firstly, if you’re a fan of Formula 1, take a walk down to the racetrack and see if you can spot any famous faces. 

And when it comes to food, don’t miss out on the delicious Mediterranean cuisine – it’s worth every penny. Trust me, Monaco is an interrailing gem and you won’t regret adding it to your itinerary!

Visit the Oceanographic Museum: This museum is dedicated to marine life and oceanography, and entry is only €8.50 for adults (students and seniors get a discount). There are plenty of interactive exhibits, so it’s perfect if you’re travelling with kids.

Explore the Old Town: Monaco’s Old Town is really atmospheric, and it’s fun to explore the narrow streets and alleyways. Be sure to stop by the Prince’s Palace – entry is free, and you can get some great views from the grounds.

Check out Casino Square: This is one of Monaco’s most iconic spots, and it’s also where you’ll find the world-famous Casino de Monte-Carlo. Even if you’re not planning on gambling, it’s worth popping in to take a look around (it’s free to enter!).

Have a picnic at Jardin Exotique: If you’re looking for a bit of peace and quiet, head here for a picturesque picnic with food bought from a local bakery or French supermarket.

🗺️ Interrailing France? Book your interrailing pass here!

Accommodation whilst Interrailing France

Taking the train through the picturesque countryside, and stopping off at all the amazing cities along the way sounds like a pretty great time to me. 

But one thing you’re going to need to sort out before you get too carried away with planning your trip is accommodation. 

Thankfully, there are plenty of options available to those interrailing France, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding somewhere to stay that suits your needs and budget. 

Whether you’re looking for a place to crash for a night or two or want somewhere to call home for your entire journey, there’s sure to be an option that’s perfect for you. 

So don’t wait until the last minute to sort out your accommodation – get sorted early and then you can really start enjoying the planning process (and daydreaming about all the baguettes and cheese you’re going to eat). 

Average hostel price in France: £20-50 (shared dorm) £30-80 (private room)

Expected hotel price in France: £90+ per night

General Airbnb price in France: £60-100 (private room) £100+ entire apartment

🗺️ Booking hostels? I always use Hostelworld as their deals are usually the cheapest. They also have reviews from other backpackers, and explain the vibe of the hostel (party, chill, social…) so you know exactly what you’re booking.

Staying in hostels whilst interrailing France? Don’t forget to pack:

• A padlock: to keep your valuables secure when you leave your hostel room.
• A hanging wash bag: to make sure all your toiletries are kept in one place, and won’t get confused with anyone elses
• Speakers: because, well, who doesn’t love music? Just make sure everyone in your room gets a chance to pick a song! (And no one minds you playing the music)
• A microfibre towel: Not all hostels will provide you with towels for free. Bring your own to save extra ££.
• Earphones: for loud nights and disruptions to your sleep.
• Flip flops: if you’re using shared showers.
• Eyemask: for uninterrupted sleep.
• World travel adapter or an extension lead: so you’re not using more than one plug!
• Your laptop or tablet: for movie nights, of course! 🍿

Not sure which backpack to buy for interrailing Europe? Read my post to find the best backpack for you!

Interrailing France: In a Nutshell

If you’re looking for an amazing European adventure that won’t break the bank, I highly recommend interrailing through France. 

With its stunning countryside, delicious food, and abundance of activities to enjoy, you can create some unforgettable memories on a tight budget. 

Oh, and don’t forget to book your interrailing pass before you go!

Have you ever been to France? What was your favourite part? Let me know in the comments below or DM me on Instagram – I’d love to hear from you!

Happy travelling!

Jennie 😀 x

Interrailing Europe? You might also like…

• Backpacking Europe: A Beginners Step-by-Step Guide
• 21 Interrail Tips for First-Timers: Interrailing Europe
• Is the Interrail Pass Worth it? An Honest Review (2022)
• Interrailing Routes 3 Weeks: FOUR Routes You’ll Love!
• Interrailing Italy: Ultimate Guide and Route
• How to Interrail on a Budget: Interrail Europe CHEAP! (2022)

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