One dream week across France on rails

In San Francisco, we can only dream of a train network like the one in France. So, on your next trip, why bother with car rentals and the nightmare of city parking? The real luxury in France is grabbing a window seat with a good book and watching the countryside fly by while listening to your favorite music.

Here is a one-week "slow travel" itinerary we think you'll love:

Days 1–2: Paris 

Start gently. Enjoy a classic pique-nique at the Jardin des Plantes or the Jardin du Luxembourg. For a local, eco-conscious vibe, visit La REcyclerie, an old train station turned into a cool urban farm and café. It’s the perfect spot to get into the "green" spirit.

Days 3–4: Bordeaux (2h by TGV) 

Hop on a high-speed train at Gare Montparnasse. Just two hours later, you're in Bordeaux. It’s super easy to rent a bike here to explore the riverfront and the futuristic Cité du Vin. If the sun is out, take the local train (TER) for 50 minutes to Arcachon. You can climb the Dune du Pilat and eat fresh oysters with your toes in the sand, no car needed!

Days 5–7: Provence & the Big Blue (4–6h by train) 

Cross the country toward Avignon or Marseille. Watch the pines turn into cypress trees as the train follows the Rhône River, it’s pure magic. Once in Marseille, head to the Calanques (accessible by bus or electric boat). It’s the French version of Big Sur, but with crystal-clear turquoise water.

Good to know: you don't have to take the train all the way back to Paris! You can easily fly back from Marseille to San Francisco via a quick connection.