Getting Around France

France is the largest country in Western Europe, and the country’s varied landscapes, from Alpine peaks to Mediterranean coastline, are spread across an area the size of Texas. Many popular French destinations are separated by considerable distances—the journey from north-central Paris to the southern city of Marseille, for example, is about 480 miles (772 km).

France’s extensive, modern rail network links the majority of cities and towns, and travel by train is a practical and efficient way to see the country. Rail routes are divided between high-speed TGV, medium-distance Intercités, and regional TER trains; booking, ticketing, and timetables are straightforward and user-friendly. 

A rental car is a good way to tour rural areas and explore regions like Provence, Normandy, and the Loire Valley in more depth. Major highways connect most cities, and road rules are usually well-marked and self-explanatory. U.S. driver’s licenses are valid for stays under 90 days, and larger rental agencies offer cars with automatic transmissions and GPS. 

For travelers looking to cover large distances quickly, international airports connect major cities, with most journeys taking about an hour’s flight time. Air France is the primary airline, with smaller budget carriers offering competition on some routes. Make sure to compare flying times with those of train travel: once airport transfers and check-in times are taken into account, high-speed trains often end up faster and easier. 

Other transportation methods travelers might encounter include buses for more remote villages not served by trains, and ferries, which serve some towns along the Côte d’Azur, as well as offering the main method of travel between the mainland and islands like Corsica and Brittany’s Belle-Île.