France is perhaps the most popular country for backpackers and travellers using the trains and subsequent Eurail passes. France is a particularly large country, and is well connected by trains to other neighbouring countries as well domestic cities and towns. There's so much to see in France, from Normandy to Paris and south to the French riviera on the Mediterannean sea. Traveling by train is a great way to see all this beautiful and changing countryside.
Trains in France are generally safe, speedy, and on time. France also has claim to the TGV which has various lines connecting the country by an ultra-fast train travelling at 300 km per hour. You can make if from Paris to Bordeaux in just a few hours! While the TGV is covered by a Eurail pass, you'll need to make a reservation and/or pay a supplement to use it. It's worth it for a few extra Euro.
I found the train ride south along the Mediterannean coast really beautiful. The route follows the shoreline closely giving great views othe water, beaches, and cliffs. Also, the ride when you cross south into Spain from Bordeaux through the Pyrennes mountains is also a great trip.
Many routes are booked full in the summer though - be sure to stop at a train station a day in advance if you want to go from Paris to Barcelona for example, or or Nice as many of these trains cram full of travellers to the point where you might not get on.
Eurail / Eurorail Passes for France
France Rail Pass - 4 days of travel in France over one month.
France Youth Rail Pass - Same as above, but discounted for people under 26 years of age.
France Pass Saver - Saves you money if you're travelling with two or more people.
France and Italy Eurail Pass - Combine France and Italy for one price, great deal if thats where you'll be travelling most.
France and Spain Eurail Pass - Combine France and Spain with one pass.
France and Switzerland Eurail Pass - Combine France and Switzerland for a lower price.
Check out the Backpacking Europe section for more information about Eurail passes / train travel and backpacking in Europe.
European Train Schedules
New! Eurail / Eurorail train schedules courtesy of Deutsche Bahn. Just pop in your destination and departure points and you'll get your itinerary. Check it out here:
Deutsche Bahn - European Rail Schedules
Directory of European Railway Websites
The link below will provide you with a full listing of European railways and their websites.
Directory of European Train Service Websites
Multiple Country Eurail / Eurorail Passes
Multiple Country Eurail Passes: create your own pass
Eurail Pass: The best way to get around Europe
Eurail Selectpass (3 countries), as low as $243
Europass® (5 countries), as low as $253
Eurostar - Breakfast in London and Lunch in Paris
Paris to Venice in your Pajamas. Sleeper trains from Rail Europe.
Country Specific Eurail / Eurorail Passes
Single Eurail Country Passes: choose your country in Europe
France Railpass: the best way to see France!
British Rail Products: BritRail, Freedom of Scotland & more
Swiss Pass: take the most spectacular rail trips in the World
Eurail also now offers many more passes and options to plan your European vacation. You can now purchase Eurail Saver Passes that include countries like Bulgaria, Serbia / Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia and other Eastern European coutries that weren't included previously.