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

Northern France - Lille

The hospitality, beautiful lights and so many brilliant Flemish paintings makes this a city you will never forget!

Visit Lille by train

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The French Alps - Chamonix

Head to the foot of the famous Mont-Blanc for a visit to one of France's most authentic and cozy village! Hiking, multi-day trips, winter sports and mountain bike trails: here is always something to do. Take the cable car to the Aquille du Midi for a breathtaking view.

Visit Chamonix by train

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Alsace - Colmar

The different Alsacian architectures, including the Koïfhuis, Saint-Martin, the Maison Pfister and colored half-timbered houses, are the touristic attraction of the French / German Colmar. Tip: treat yourself to a ride in flat-bottomed boat on the Lauch river.

Visit Colmar by train

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Normandy - Deauville

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?

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Brittany - Saint Malo

Saint-Malo is a proud city, as steadfast as the ramparts that stand strong against the sea. Behind these walls however you will discover an authentic gem with a romantic allure that could have come straight out of a tale by the novelist François de Chateaubriand!

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Basque Country - Biarritz

Biarritz's beach is well known as a paradise for surfers. Feel like doing something more cultural? Dive into the Museum of the Sea and finish your trip with some 'chipirons à la plancha' (small squid) on the esplanade of the Old Port.

Visit Biarritz by train

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⁽¹⁾Valid for a combines TGV Lyria / TER Travel. TGV Lyria Fare NON-FLEX from, valid for a single outbound journey in TGV Lyria 2nd class. On sale 3 months before the date of travel. Tariff valid subject to available seats, non-exchangeable and non-refundable tickets. 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⁾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.

⁽³⁾Valid for a combines TGV Lyria / Intercités Travel. TGV Lyria Fare NON-FLEX from, valid for a single outbound journey in TGV Lyria 2nd class. On sale 3 months before the date of travel. Tariff valid subject to available seats, non-exchangeable and non-refundable tickets. 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. Intercités Prem's fare, from, per person, for a 2nd class single, from selected cities and to a range of destinations. Offer subject to availability. Tickets are on sale between 3 months and 14 days before departure. Tickets are non-exchangeable and non-refundable. Online payment is required and multiple ticket withdrawal options are available, depending on the journey and the number of days between the date of booking and that of departure (e-ticket, free shipping, withdrawal from French railway stations or Rail Europe store (additional charges of €8 /CHF 12.-for each booking)). Offer cannot be combined with any other promotions or SNCF reductions.