What if, instead of racing straight to European capitals, you let yourself be surprised by unknown but charming stops? From Paris, the high-speed trains offer a few pauses in secret cities, perched between nature and heritage, ready to reveal their well-kept treasures to those who know how to pause. Allow yourself to be tempted by these alternative destinations where spring takes on an adventurous air, without changing trains or breaking the bank!
Want to surprise your wanderlust? Forget the capitals and lace up your sneakers to explore surprising places accessible by train from Paris – with no stops and the ease of a single ticket. Between medieval Catalonia, wild Piedmont, Dutch modernity, and the greenery of the Swiss Jura, the TGV and European trains drop you where mass tourism has yet to unpack. Here are a few of these unexpected destinations where spring is savored away from the crowds and within reach by rail. Guaranteed inspirations for your next original getaway!
Girona: the medieval atmosphere in the heart of Catalonia
Leave the urban hustle of Barcelona to dive into the history-laden alleys of Girona, the first major city to emerge from the tunnel of the Pyrenees on the Spanish side. The stone buildings and secret passages seem straight out of a tale, to the point that “Game of Thrones” filmed there. Stroll through the Call Jueu, the largest Jewish quarter in Spain, admire the shimmering reflection of the colorful houses on the Onyar River, and treat yourself to a break on the ramparts or in front of the majestic cathedral.
Accessible in 6 hours from Paris, 2 hours and 30 minutes from Montpellier, and 1 hour from Perpignan thanks to TGV inOui, and served by Renfe from Lyon or Marseille, Girona can be discovered from just €29 one way. Notably for enthusiasts of original stays, this city is among the favorites of the must-visit medieval villages in Spain (see also: medieval village in Spain).
Rotterdam: the Manhattan of the Meuse
Let yourself be transported by the architectural boldness and contemporary vibe of Rotterdam, where the train drops you directly in this composite and relaxed city, quite different from its Dutch neighbors. The “Manhattan on the Meuse” first charms with its skyscrapers, gravity-defying cube houses, and the Markthal, a grand covered market under a multicolored vault.
From the bustling port to the windmills of Kinderdijk that watch over the city, Rotterdam invites you to meander between modernity, art, and industrial heritage. Accessible in just 2 hours and 40 minutes from Paris Gare du Nord via Eurostar for €35 one way, the city is perfect for an alternative city trip. Additional inspirations can be discovered at: original European getaways.
Oulx: hiking and nature in the Italian Piedmont
Lovers of green spaces and elevation changes will find their happiness in Oulx, the first Italian stop on the Paris-Milan line. After the skiers have left for Vialattea or Bardonecchia in winter, Oulx station becomes the ideal gateway to the Gran Bosco di Salbertrand Nature Park in spring. Here, deep forests, flowering meadows, and alpine lakes await you as soon as you step off the train.
In less than 5 hours from Paris and for around thirty euros, Trenitalia and TGV inOui take you to this Piedmontese paradise, perfect for a hiking getaway away from the beaten paths (also to be explored in train journeys to Milan and other affordable destinations).
Vallorbe: immersion in the Swiss Jura
If Switzerland attracts you but Geneva, Lausanne, or Zurich seem too obvious, get off at Vallorbe. This small town, nestled between mountains and the verdant valleys of the Jura, plunges you into a fairy-tale setting. Trails to Mont d’Or and the Dent du Vaulion offer breathtaking views, while underground, the Vallorbe caves reveal formations, underground rivers, and fascinating landscapes.
Discover this mountain gem with TGV Lyria, in three hours from Paris Gare de Lyon, or just 1 hour and 25 minutes from Dijon – starting from €29 – for a unique and refreshing Swiss experience. Ideas for budget destinations also await at this guide to economical getaways.
Mons: a heritage stop at the gates of France
Extend the pleasure of a trip to Brussels by stopping in Mons, a Walloon jewel where heritage and modernity elegantly intersect. The very recent train-cathedral announces the color: here, history may be savored on the Grand-Place, atop the baroque belfry listed by UNESCO or through a stroll to the Neolithic flint mines of Spiennes or the former coal mine of Grand Hornu.
Mons can be reached in 2 hours from Paris Gare du Nord via Ouigo Classic Train from just €10 for the journey. A lively and warm city, it is a perfect stop to combine with other clever European discoveries (best destinations abroad).
