Where to travel by train in Europe ?
Our selection of eco-friendly destinations to discover the continent's most beautiful cities in a convenient and sustainable way !
1. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Journey time:
3h30 from Paris (Eurostar – ex Thalys)
Stations served:
Paris Gare du Nord → Lille → Brussels → Rotterdam → Amsterdam Centraal
Why go there?
Amsterdam is a model sustainable city, with countless bicycle paths and pedestrian zones. Visit the famous museums (Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum) or enjoy a picnic in the Vondelpark. The city also offers numerous eco-friendly cafés and restaurants, as well as a multitude of outdoor activities.
Let's go to Amsterdam
2. London, United Kingdom
Journey time:
2h30 from Paris (Eurostar)
Stations served:
Paris Gare du Nord → Lille → Calais → London St Pancras
Why go there?
London is a dynamic and very green city, with hundreds of parks and pedestrian areas, such as Covent Garden. Explore the many free museums (British Museum, National Gallery) or stroll through eco-friendly markets like Borough Market. When it comes to transport, London makes it easy to get around with its network of self-service bicycles.
Let's go to London
3. Zürich, Switzerland
Travel time:
- About 4 hours from Paris (TGV Lyria)
- 2h45 from Geneva
Stations served:
Paris Gare de Lyon → Dijon → Mulhouse → Basel → Zurich HB
Why go there?
Zürich perfectly combines nature and modernity, with strong ecological initiatives and the possibility of exploring the city on foot or by boat. It’s a popular destination for swimming, hiking and excellent public transport. What’s more, Zurich is renowned for its commitment to local and sustainable practices in the restaurant and hotel industries.
Let's go to Zurich
4. Barcelona, Spain
Travel time:
- Approx. 6h45 from Paris (Renfe-SNCF)
- 3h15 from Montpellier
Stations served:
Paris Gare de Lyon → Valencia → Nîmes → Montpellier → Perpignan → Figueras → Girona → Barcelona Sants
Why go there?
Barcelona combines beaches, culture and Mediterranean gastronomy. The city is investing in initiatives to become greener, with many areas dedicated to pedestrians and cyclists. Explore lively neighborhoods on foot, sample local specialties in eco-responsible markets, and discover Gaudí’s unique architecture by visiting the Sagrada Familia and Parc Güell.
Let's go to Barcelona
5. Milan, Italy
Travel time:
- About 7 hours from Paris (TGV and Trenitalia)
- 4h from Geneva
- 3h15 from Zürich (SBB CFF)
Stations served:
- Paris Gare de Lyon → Chambéry → Turin → Milan Garibaldi
- Geneva → Lausanne → Montreux → Sion → Brig → Domodossola → Milan Centrale
- Zürich HB → Zug → Lugano → Como → Milan Centrale
Why go there?
Milan is Italy’s economic capital, with an elegant ambience and cultural heritage, while at the same time incorporating ecological initiatives such as the Bosco Verticale. The city boasts stunning architecture and numerous green spaces, which can be explored on foot through the various districts, ending up in front of the emblematic monuments for which Milan is famous: the splendid Duomo and the Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery.
Let's go to Milan
6. Zermatt, Switzerland
Travel time:
- About 4 hours from Geneva
- 3h15 from Zürich (SBB CFF)
Stations served:
- Genève Cornavin → Lausanne → Visp → Täsch → Zermatt
- Zürich HB → Bern → Visp → Täsch → Zermatt
Why go there?
Nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Zermatt is famous for its ecological approach, being a car-free resort. Ideal for nature lovers, the town offers exceptional hiking and panoramic views in summer, as well as an immense ski area, the highest in Europe. Its many mountain trails and 100% pedestrian village allow you to discover the breathtaking scenery in complete tranquillity and respect for the environment.
Let's go to Zermatt
7. Vienna, Austria
Travel time:
- Every evening, a night train (Nightjet) connects Zürich main station, departing at 9:40 pm, with Vienna, arriving at 8:17 am.
- From Paris, the connection takes place 3 evenings a week and links Gare de l’Est, departing at 7.58pm, with Vienna, arriving at 10.03am.
Stations served:
- Zürich HB → Innsbruck → Salzburg → Linz → Vienna Hauptbahnhof
- Paris Gare de l’Est → Strasbourg → Munich → Salzburg → Vienna Hauptbahnhof
Why go there?
Thanks to Nightjet, it’s possible to travel to Vienna by night in an environmentally friendly and comfortable way. Majestic Vienna has preserved the grandeur of its imperial past and a rich musical heritage. It is also renowned for its multiculturalism, creative design and enthusiasm for the outdoors. Stroll through the city to admire the Baroque architecture, explore the ethical Viennese cafés, and enjoy the many green spaces such as the Prater.
Let's go to Vienna
8. Munich, Germany
Journey time:
Approx. 5h40 from Paris (TGV INOUI / ICE)
Stations served:
Paris Gare de l’Est → Strasbourg → Stuttgart → Munich Hauptbahnhof
Why go there?
Munich is a green city par excellence, combining history, nature and modernity. Stroll through the vast Englischer Garten, visit the historic center and its ancient buildings, or discover contemporary art at the Pinakothek museum. Bavaria’s capital, Munich hides behind its provincial air a warm atmosphere, and becomes a real festive and convivial city in September during Oktoberfest, the famous beer festival.
Let's go to Munich
9. Marseille, France
Travel time:
- About 3h20 from Paris
- 1h40 from Lyon (TGV OUIGO)
Stations served:
- Paris Gare de Lyon → Avignon → Aix-en-Provence → Marseille Saint-Charles
- Lyon Part Dieu → Valence → Avignon → Marseille Saint-Charles
Why go there?
With its year-round sunny climate, Marseille is ideal for an eco-responsible Mediterranean getaway. The city promotes sustainable initiatives, from its many parks to hiking trails in the Calanques. Explore the Old Port, stroll through the Panier district, or opt for a trip out to sea to discover the local biodiversity. Marseille also offers eco-tourism-oriented dining and accommodation options.
Let's go to Marseille
10. Annecy, France
Travel time:
- Approx. 3h50 from Paris(TGV)
- 1h50 from Lyon (TER)
Stations served:
- Paris Gare de Lyon → Chambéry → Aix-les-Bains → Annecy
- Lyon Part Dieu → Aix-les-Bains → Annecy
Why go there?
Annecy is an ideal destination for a romantic or sporty break in the heart of nature, with its crystal-clear lake and surrounding mountains. Perfect for activities such as cycling, hiking or swimming, the town is also committed to preserving its natural heritage. There’s a wide range of eco-responsible accommodation and activities on offer, for a sustainable and authentic stay.
Let's go to Annecy