Top train destinations from Paris: your travel guide!

1. London 🇬🇧: A cultural and historical getaway

Board the Eurostar at Gare du Nord and reach the heart of London in just 2 hours and 15 minutes. The British capital is an ever-moving icon: Big Ben, the British Museum, Camden Market, or the West End musicals… each neighborhood offers a unique atmosphere.

Why we go there:

• To stroll through Notting Hill or along the Southbank.
• To enjoy an afternoon tea in a palace or fish & chips in a Victorian pub.
• To rediscover classics at the Tate Modern or the National Gallery.

London is also an ideal destination for a shopping weekend between Oxford Street and the trendy thrift shops of Shoreditch.

Good to know: the Eurostar offers several round trips daily. Book early to get the best rates!

2. Brussels 🇧🇪: Chocolate Tasting and Belgian Culture

Head to the capital of Belgium, just 1h22 from Paris by Thalys! Brussels is a human-sized city, perfect for a gourmet and cultural getaway. Between the crispy waffles, craft beers, and quirky museums, it charms with its elegant yet offbeat atmosphere.

Not to be missed:

• The Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site, illuminated with gold and history.
• A visit to the Magritte Museum or the Atomium for an artistic touch.
• The neighborhoods of Sablon or Marolles, perfect for thrift shopping or brunching.

And for fans of soft mobility, getting around Brussels is a piece of cake — just like in Paris thanks to Vélib’ Paris, practical and eco-friendly.

Quick tip: hot chocolate at Pierre Marcolini or a cone of homemade fries to enjoy in front of the Stock Exchange is a must!

3. Amsterdam 🇳🇱 : Picturesque canals and renowned museums

With its romantic canals, world-famous museums, and laid-back atmosphere, Amsterdam captivates travelers seeking cultural escape. From Paris, the Thalys takes you there in just 3h20: perfect for a long weekend!

What we love:

• Cycling along the canals or taking a sunset cruise.
• Visiting the Rijksmuseum, the Anne Frank House, or the Van Gogh Museum.
• Strolling through the Jordaan district, between art galleries and bohemian cafes.

Amsterdam is also a model for smooth urban transport. And in Paris, to easily reach your train station, consider using the Paris bus network — convenient, economical, and perfect for admiring the city along the way.

The + Come To Paris: rent a bike on-site to live like a local, and stop at a café by the water for a typically Dutch break.

4. Geneva 🇨🇭: Sparkling lake and majestic mountains

Want a breath of fresh air with a view of the Alps? Geneva is the ideal destination! Just over 3 hours from Paris by TGV Lyria, this elegant Swiss city perfectly combines nature, culture, and refinement.

What awaits you:

• A stroll around Lake Geneva, among swans and sailboats.
• A visit to the Museum of Art and History or the UN headquarters.
• Swiss specialties to savor: fondue, chocolate, or prune tart.

Geneva is a peaceful city where one takes the time to live, and the journey from Paris is even more enjoyable if you start your adventure in complete serenity thanks to the Paris metro, quick and reliable for reaching the major train stations.

Insider tip: in winter, combine Geneva and the nearby Alps for an urban and high-end ski combo. In summer, it's perfect for a lake & mountain getaway.

5. Barcelona 🇪🇸: Unique architecture and sunny beaches

Barcelona is the perfect balance of sea, culture, and Mediterranean energy. Thanks to the direct TGV from Paris (about 6h30), you can reach the Catalan capital stress-free and without transfers, arriving right in the city center.

Why we love it:

• To admire Gaudí's masterpieces: the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Casa Batlló...
• To stroll along La Rambla or in the Gothic Quarter.
• To enjoy urban beaches just steps away from tapas.

Barcelona is explored on foot, by bike, or even... by boat! And if that inspires you, why not extend the experience in Paris with a Seine cruise? It’s the best way to (re)discover the capital in a different way, along the water.

Come To Paris Tip: remember to book your TGV Paris-Barcelona tickets early to find the best deals and avoid peak times.

6. Milan 🇮🇹 : Capital of fashion and artistic treasures

A city of elegance and contrasts, Milan is both a hub of contemporary creation and a treasure trove of history. From Paris, the direct TGV takes you there in about 7 hours, through the Alps, for a journey as beautiful as the destination.

Must-see:

• The Duomo, a majestic white marble cathedral.
• The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II for shopping under glass.
• The famous painting by Leonardo da Vinci, The Last Supper, at Santa Maria delle Grazie.

Milan is a city to be savored slowly, between artsy cafés and terrace aperitifs. And to start your Milanese adventure in the best conditions, make your travels in Paris easier with Parisian taxi services, perfect for reaching the station without stress or luggage on the metro.

The Come To Paris tip: visit the Navigli districts for a local atmosphere by the canals — the Milanese equivalent of our Saint-Martin!

7. Frankfurt 🇩🇪 : A Blend of Modernity and History

Frankfurt surprises: behind its skyscrapers, it hides a medieval heart, prestigious museums, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Accessible from Paris by TGV or ICE in about 3h45, it is an ideal city to mix business, culture, and urban relaxation.

What to Explore:

• The Römer district, with its half-timbered houses and picturesque squares.
• The Städel Museum, a must for lovers of European art.
• The banks of the Main, perfect for a stroll or an aperitif by the water.

A German city by essence, Frankfurt embodies the balance between rigor and the art of living. And to draw a parallel, Paris is not to be outdone: before leaving, take advantage of the metro transport network in Paris to easily reach your train and avoid the urban rush.

Tip from Come To Paris: try the Apfelwein (local cider) in a typical tavern in Sachsenhausen. Authentic, local, tasty.

8. Luxembourg: Picturesque charm and medieval fortresses

Small in size, great in history! Luxembourg is an ideal destination for a refreshing and refined getaway just 2h15 from Paris by TGV. With medieval architecture, lush nature, and a European way of life, the Grand Duchy has everything to charm.

Not to be missed:

• The fortifications of the old town, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• The Grand Ducal Palace, emblematic of a discreet monarchy.
• The Grund, a neighborhood nestled in the valley, perfect for having a drink by the Alzette.

Easily accessible, Luxembourg is also a perfectly connected city. In Paris, to reach your train without stress, consider the bus transport service — a smart, economical, and scenic way to cross the capital.

The + Come To Paris: enjoy the free train once on site — unique in Europe! A great point for an eco-friendly and car-free weekend.

9. Cologne : Imposing cathedral and vibrant culture

Located about 3 hours and 20 minutes from Paris by Thalys, Cologne is a city deeply rooted in its millennia-old history while being resolutely modern. It charms with its blend of heritage, festivities, and contemporary art.

Must-sees in Cologne:

• The Cologne Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece dominating the Rhine.
• The Ludwig Museum, a temple of modern art and pop art.
• The riverbanks, ideal for a stroll or a boat tour.

Cologne is a joyful city, lively all year round with fairs, markets, and of course its famous carnival. And to make sure you don’t miss anything from the start, consider organizing your itinerary from Paris with this transport guide in the capital — perfect for optimizing your trips to the station.

The Come To Paris tip: try the Kölsch, the local beer, in a traditional Brauhaus — guaranteed atmosphere!

10. Lyon: Refined gastronomy and historical heritage

No need to leave France to experience a memorable getaway: Lyon is one of the most charming cities to discover by train from Paris. Just a 2-hour trip on the TGV, it combines refinement, history, and a way of life.

To savor in Lyon:

• The Old Lyon, its secret traboules and cobblestone streets.
• The Lyonnais bouchons, temples of authentic cuisine.
• The slopes of Croix-Rousse, between street art, small cafés, and panoramic views.

A gourmet city, Roman capital, city of culture... Lyon is a blend of elegance and friendliness. And for a smooth departure from the capital, feel free to reach your station freely thanks to the Parisian Vélib’, perfect for combining gentle mobility and flexibility.

The + Come To Paris: treat yourself to a stroll along the banks of the Rhône at sunset — a moment of sweetness before taking the train back to Paris.

Conclusion: Travel differently, discover intensely

Paris is a unique crossroads in Europe — and thanks to its numerous train connections, it has never been easier to escape for a day, a weekend, or more. Whether you dream of the soft light of Amsterdam, the alleys of Barcelona, the refinement of Milan, or the majesty of London, the train takes you there quickly, comfortably, and without compromising on pleasure.

Choosing the train is also a gesture for the planet, reducing stress and maximizing your time on site. So, what are you waiting for to hop on the train and treat yourself to an unforgettable getaway from Paris?

Destination: escape. Means of transport: the charm of the rail.