I spent five weeks in France with a small backpack, too many croissants, and a rail pass I almost lost twice. If you want a ready-made plan for stringing cities together by train, this Ultimate France Itinerary by Rail would have saved me a few frantic platform sprints. I rode the TGV, sat on pebble beaches, got sunburned in one place, rained on in another, and ate things I can’t pronounce. Some cities felt like a dream. Some felt like a test. Here’s what stuck with me, good and bad, with real moments you can picture. If you want yet another honest, first-hand take on city-hopping in France, this piece pairs well with my own notes.
You know what? France surprised me. It wasn’t just Paris. The other cities had their own beat, their own smell, their own snacks. Let me explain. If you want a deeper dive into each region before choosing your own route, check out the guides on Just France — they gave me solid context for every stop. Also, I loved reading about someone else's favorite cities with real moments before I mapped my own route.
Paris: Big, Loud, and Still Magic
I stayed near Canal Saint-Martin so I could walk along the water in the morning. The first baguette I bought was still warm, and I ate half of it before I got back to my tiny Airbnb. Classic me.
- Best moment: Watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle from the Pont d’Iéna while a busker played “La Vie en Rose.” Cheesy? Yep. I cried anyway.
- What bugged me: Crowds. And August heat. My room had no AC, and the fan sounded like a plane. Also, I got shoulder-bumped on Line 4 so hard my metro ticket flew.
- Little tip: Get a Navigo Easy card and load 10 rides. It saves time. I also booked a morning slot for the Louvre and still got lost in there for three hours. The café espresso helped.
Paris is also synonymous with romance, and some couples want a souvenir that's a little spicier than selfies; if the idea intrigues you, this candid, safety-focused sex tape guide breaks down consent, lighting, and storage tips so you can record the moment without regret. And because wanderlust and intimacy often hold hands, if your travels eventually land you back in the U.S.—maybe not Paris but prairie-flat Abilene—check out the LGBTQ-welcoming listings at Trans Escort Abilene, where each profile is verified and the etiquette tips ensure a safe, respectful experience for first-timers.
Bonus: I rented a Vélib’ bike and felt brave crossing Place de la Concorde. Brave, or not very bright. Watch the lanes.
Lyon: Food That Hugs You
Lyon is calm but not boring. It’s where I ate the best meal of my trip, hands down. I went to a tiny bouchon in Vieux Lyon with red checkered tablecloths. The owner called me “ma petite” and served quenelles so light, I needed a minute.
- Best moment: Sitting on the Saône river steps at sunset, listening to a street violin. Yes, that happened, and yes, it was perfect.
- What bugged me: Lots of hills in Fourvière. I took the funicular up and still huffed and puffed. Also, I almost missed my TER train because my coffee came late. My fault, but I panicked anyway.
- Little tip: Make a dinner reservation. The good spots fill up. The Paul Bocuse market is fun, but it’s pricey. I tried a praline tart and felt sugar-happy for hours.
And if you feel like detouring north, I still bookmark this hotel-by-hotel hop through Burgundy for future wine-soaked wanderings.
Marseille: Salt, Sun, and a Little Chaos
Marseille felt raw in a good way. The colors pop. The wind (the Mistral) pushed my hair straight back. I stayed near Vieux-Port and watched fishermen sell wriggling fish at 8 a.m. I’m not squeamish, but I did look away once.
- Best moment: Hiking part of the Calanques trail and swimming in water so clear it looked fake. I ate panisse (fried chickpea snacks) and a messy slice of pizza after. Perfect snack combo.
- What bugged me: Stairs, heat, and the wind. Also, scooters zoom everywhere, and I jumped more than once. Keep your bag close on the metro.
- Little tip: Go early to Vallon des Auffes for sunset. The light on the arches, wow. For bouillabaisse, pick a place that cooks it fresh. Ask questions; they respect that.
If the coast hooks you and you crave a smaller Provençal town afterward, consider spending a long weekend in Brignoles; it's a gentle reset between sea adventures.
Nice: Blue Sea, Pebble Knees
I came for the water. Stayed for the old town. The promenade is long and smooth, and I saw rollerbladers who looked like they do this for sport. I tried it. I do not do this for sport.
- Best moment: Socca at Chez Pipo, hot and crisp. I burned my tongue and kept going. Then I sat on the beach with water shoes, because those stones are no joke.
- What bugged me: Pebbles, not sand. Also, the beach packs in fast. I lost my spot after a swim and had to do that awkward towel search dance.
- Little tip: Day trip to Villefranche-sur-Mer on the TER. It’s close, cute, and less busy. Bring a hat; the sun is loud here.
Strasbourg: Fairytale Looks, Real-Life Bikes
I visited during the holiday season once, and then again in spring. Both times felt new. Petite France looks like a postcard with timber houses that lean a little. The river wraps around, and the bridges feel friendly.
- Best moment: A buttery kougelhopf in the morning and tarte flambée at night. I also rented a bike and looped the town in soft light. Bells rang. It felt gentle.
- What bugged me: Tram lines cut across the streets in a maze. I looked the wrong way and almost stepped into one. Keep your head up.
- Little tip: If you go in December, the markets glow but get packed. I tucked my scarf tighter and moved slow. Glühwein helps.
Bordeaux: Wine, Yes, but Also Calm Walks
Everyone told me, “Wine!” And yes, I tasted. But my favorite moment was simple: a long walk along the Garonne, then a stop by the Miroir d’Eau with kids running through the mist. The city felt tidy, like it had ironed its shirt.
- Best moment: Canelés with coffee at 10 a.m. The crust was caramel-brown and the center was soft. So good I bought three more and called it lunch.
- What bugged me: Lots of places close on Monday. I wandered around with a grumpy stomach once. Also, the Cité du Vin needs at least two hours. I rushed and wished I didn’t.
- Little tip: If you want a vineyard visit, book ahead. I used the SNCF Connect app to time my trains and it saved me from one bad sprint.
Toulouse: Pink Brick and Big Sky
They call it “La Ville Rose” for the pink brick. I didn’t get it till sunset. Then I did. I sat on the Garonne steps with a cheap sandwich and watched the city glow.
- Best moment: Cassoulet that felt like a grandma hug. I needed a nap after. Instead, I walked to a small bookshop and bought a map I didn’t need.
- What bugged me: I went during a heat wave. Shade was gold. The metro was fast, but the platforms felt warm.
- Little tip: If you like planes, the Aeroscopia museum is cool. If not, skip and chill along the river. The vibe is easy here.
Nantes: Whimsy with Gears and Leaves
Nantes surprised me. I went for one thing: the giant mechanical elephant at Les Machines de l’Île. It sprays water and stomps around like it owns the place. I laughed like a kid.
- Best moment: The green line on the ground (Le Voyage à Nantes) led me to art spots and odd corners. A good game for my curious brain.
- What bugged me: I got rained on twice in one day and my socks stayed soggy. Also, the last tram back was crowded, and my backpack stuck on the door. Smooth.
- Little tip: Bring a light rain jacket and patience. The city moves at a smart pace. Coffee shops help when clouds roll in.
Real Travel Bits I Wish Someone Told Me
- Trains: The TGV is fast and smooth.