GUIDE: HIDDEN TREASURES OF FRANCE
There are so many beautiful and unexplored places in the world.
Travel by train to some of the less known destinations, and discover the hidden gems.
Fancy getting off the beaten track
If you're looking for a holiday with a difference, have a look at some of our 'hidden gems'.
Travelling by train is the perfect way to discover some of Europe's less well-known towns and cities, with a quick and easy transfer in Paris or Lille unlocking thousands of routes across the stunning French countryside to the sun-kissed Mediterranean, the snow-capped Alps and beyond. Have fun!
Tip : book 3 months in advance to enjoy early bird fares !
TIPS FROM THE EXPERTS: FAVORITE FRENCH GEMS
Departure to the South West for a stay on the Côte d'Amour! La Baule, also known as the most beautiful coastal area in France, is the perfect resort for water sports enthusiasts. Tip: visit the Medieval Guérande with its salt pans, Nantes and the fishing village of Le Croisis.
Rendez vous in the French capital of chocolate! We've said enough: a visit to one of the chocolate factories is a must do on your trip to Bayonne (tip: BAYONNE CHOCOLATE WORK SHOP). After, head on a discovery along the narrow houses on the quay of the Nive, and visit the famous cathedral.
Film Art, fashion and horse racing: since 1923, Deauville is known as the French capital for polo. Get out for a trip to the "Planches de Deauville (the wooden deck along the beach), or pamper yourself at the Centre de Thalasso-Spa Algotherm. Did you know that Deauville's beaches are amongst the finest along the Côté Fleurie?
(1) Valid for a combines Thalys / TGV / TER Travel. Thalys Fare from and per person, for a Comfort 2 single ticket (2nd class) with Thalys from Brussels, Mons, Namur, Charleroi, Liège, Ostend, Ghent or Bruges to Paris or vice versa. Offer subject to availability. Tickets are on sale up to 82 days before departure and are non-exchangeable and non-refundable. Online payment only and multiple ticket pick-up options possible ( print at home option, free shipping, pick-up at French stations or at Rail Europe boutiques ( additional charges of €8/CHF 12.- for each booking). Offer cannot be combined with any other promotions or SNCF reductions. TGV Prem's fare, from, per person, for a 2nd class single with TGV, from selected cities and to a range of destinations. Offer subject to availability. Tickets are on sale between 3 months and 14 days before the date of departure. Tickets are non-exchangeable and non-refundable. On-line payment is required. Tickets can be sent to your home address free of charge or collected at a French station or a Rail Europe shop in Milan, Madrid, Geneva, Cologne (€10 supplement payable). Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion or SNCF reduction. TER Regular price ATI, from and per person, for a single journey 2nd class on TER, from selected cities and to a range of destinations. Offer subject to availability. Tickets are on sale from 4 months before and up to the day of departure. Ticket can be exchanged or refunded at no additional cost before departure, and with a deduction of 50% of the ticket price after departure. Online payment required for Self-print tickets, tickets sent to your home address free of charge or tickets collected at a French station or a Boutique Rail Europe (€10 supplement payable). Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion or SNCF reduction.
(2) Prem's fare, from, per person, for a 2nd class single with TGV, from selected cities and to a range of destinations. Offer subject to availability. Tickets are on sale between 3 months and 14 days before the date of departure. Tickets are non-exchangeable and non-refundable. On-line payment is required. Tickets can be sent to your home address free of charge or collected at a French station or a Rail Europe shop in Milan, Madrid, Geneva, Cologne (€10 supplement payable). Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion or SNCF reduction.