France has an up-to-date rail system that includes abundant high-speed rail lines. Using the rail map below, you can find the main rail lines to plan your vacation in France and get information on the rail passes available to the tourist in France.
Railway map of France
The rail map of France shows the main rail routes in France. Not all the smaller lines can be included on a map of this scale, but you should be able to plan your vacation using the lines shown here.
Red lines indicate rails on which the fastest trains can travel safely. In France, the names of the fast trains are TGV, Thalys and Eurostar. Eurostar connects London with Paris and Avignon via Lille.
Thalys trains link Belgium and the Netherlands with Paris. TGV trains are France’s homegrown speed train. TGV trains are capable of traveling at speeds of up to 320 km / h (200 mph). High-speed trains require special supplementary rates, even if you have a Eurail Pass.
To see a larger map, see the Rail Map of France.
France rail passes
There are a variety of single-country and dual-country rail passes available for travelers to use on their vacation. On the linked page you will find tickets, rail passes and passes that include other Western European countries. You will also find some options for excursions and day trips.
TGV Europe
TGV Europe is the SNCF national railway website for visitors from the Americas. If you are traveling without a rail pass, you can check this site for information on special offers on the French rail lines.
TGV reservation center (direct purchase)
Book a ticket on the fastest trains in France at the Rail Europe TGV Reservation Center. Travel at speeds up to 186 mph.
TGV East Tickets (Direct purchase)
If your destination in France includes the Champagne-Ardenne, Lorraine and Alsace regions, you should consider boarding TGV East in France. Fast trains that will increase your time at your destination.
Train Travel Toolbox
Do you need to make a decision about transport within Europe? Take a look at Train Travel Toolbox. You’ll find information on rail passes, purchase point-to-point tickets, and determine if a rail pass will actually save you money.
