May bank holidays: five European capitals within train reach of Paris 🚄🌍

IN BRIEF

Make the most of the May 2025 bridges to travel with minimal vacation days.
Travel by direct train from Paris to five major European cities.
Destination #1: Brussels in 1h22, perfect for a gourmet and cultural getaway.
Destination #2: London reachable in 2h17, experience a truly British adventure.
Destination #3: Amsterdam in 3h20, between canals and exceptional museums.
Destination #4: Luxembourg, a charming small capital just 2h12 from Paris.
Destination #5: Berlin now accessible directly in about 8h.
Mediterranean bonus: Barcelona reachable in under 7h.
Comfort, time-saving, and hassle-free discovery of European capitals from the heart of Paris.

Are you already feeling the thrill of beautiful days and the irresistible urge to escape? Thanks to the May bridges of 2025, planning a spring getaway becomes a piece of cake. This year, the dates align perfectly to multiply long weekends without weighing down your vacation balance! What if we traded airport queues for the cozy comfort of a direct train, heading towards the vibrant heart of Europe? Discover how, from Paris, you can reach five European capitals (plus a Mediterranean bonus) without changing trains and without losing a minute of enjoyment.

Want to turn the May bridges 2025 into stress-free European escapes? You’re in luck! This year, May 1st and May 8th offer two golden Thursdays, followed by Ascension Thursday: three opportunities to sneak away for several days with just a handful of vacation days. All this while favoring the direct train to connect, from Paris, to five European capitals that can be enjoyed in just a few hours by rail. Brussels, London, Amsterdam, Luxembourg, and Berlin are waiting for your validated ticket! Ready to leave the stress of airports behind? Embark on a fun tour that combines culture, culinary delights, and landscapes within reach of your suitcase.

The May Bridges: A Rail Invitation Across Europe #

The 2025 calendar is cleverly placing its holidays during the week, offering beautiful bridges ideal for escape. Instead of struggling in traffic jams or wasting time on airport transfers, nothing beats the direct train to reach the heart of a capital, already relaxed and ready to enjoy. No more endless queues: here, the journey begins as soon as you arrive at the station, between the pages of a novel or with a coffee in hand.

Brussels: Chocolate Vibes, Surrealism, and Political Buzz #

In just 1h22, Paris and Brussels come closer than ever thanks to the Eurostar (long live Thalys, cheers to its successor!). As soon as you step off at Brussels Midi, rush to discover the sparkling Grand Place, the colorful markets, and the witty Manneken Pis – his wardrobe rivals that of a Netflix series actor. For a plunge into European backroom dealings, head over to the institutions’ quarter, then let Bruegel and Magritte converse in the royal museums. And let the food lovers raise their hands: Brussels waffles, moules-frites, and gueuze are waiting for you… enough to thrill your taste buds while toasting at Place du Jeu de Balle or in a local café.

London: British Charm at the End of the Eurostar #

It’s impossible to resist the temptation of a London stay in just 2h17 by train under the Channel. A smooth landing at St Pancras, beneath a neo-Victorian glass roof, before getting close to Big Ben, gazing at the Thames, and attempting a selfie stop in front of the Tower of London (beware of the ravens!). Food lovers won’t miss the chance to indulge at Borough Market, a temple of cosmopolitan street food. Art enthusiasts will dash to Tate Modern, while nostalgia buffs will tackle the historical enigmas of the city. A little reminder: passport and electronic authorization are mandatory, but an unparalleled atmosphere is guaranteed in the black cabs and retro pubs. For the curious, a quick exploration of the history of capitals starting with G is possible on this website.

Amsterdam: The Venice of the North in Three Hours Twenty from Paris #

Winding through the canals of the Golden Age, the mandatory bike weighing and the festival of leaning gables await you just 3h20 from Paris. Amsterdam invites you to stroll along its bridges, visit the Rijksmuseum in front of the famous Night Watch, and explore the colorful rooms of the Van Gogh museum. Rent a bike to pedal to Vondelpark, before sitting down in a brown café steeped in history. Amsterdam combines a spring-like art of living: a relaxed atmosphere, refined museums, and terraces celebrating the return of the sun. To broaden your horizons on the charms of Europe, feel free to check out this article on the European cultural capitals.

Luxembourg: Discretion, Grandeur, and a Sweet Way of Life #

In 2h12 from Paris-Est by TGV INOUI, Luxembourg-City reveals itself, perched on its rocky spur between the Pétrusse valley and the Alzette valley. Here, a stroll along the Corniche offers what is called “the most beautiful balcony in Europe,” with landscapes sculpted by history. Discover the grand-ducal palace, get lost in the mysterious underground casemates, and uncover the contrasts between the ultra-modern Kirchberg plateau and the picturesque old town. For a local break, head to the terraces of Place d’Armes, a Luxembourgish crémant in hand and some Gromperekichelcher to nibble: a sweet life, grand-ducal style. Want to learn more about unique European cities? Take a detour to this Japanese site for a different perspective.

Berlin: New Tracks and Alternative Life for a Long Bridge #

Train enthusiasts, rejoice: since December 2024, Paris and Berlin are now just a line on the map thanks to the direct TGV/ICE (count about 8h, tickets starting from €59). Ideal for a long weekend, the journey is enjoyed like a prelude to discovery. Upon arrival, you can’t miss the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag with its futuristic dome, or the famous mural at East Side Gallery. Berlin cultivates its contrasts: techno clubs set in former factories, lively markets at Mauerpark, and neighborhoods still marked by the Cold War. Treat yourself to a Käsekuchen in a trendy café in Mitte between two forays into the vibrant artistic life.

Mediterranean Bonus: Barcelona, Catalan Capital and Sunny Escape

Want to extend your journey? The TGV drops you in Barcelona in less than 7 hours. The Sagrada Familia points its spires to the sky, La Rambla buzzes morning and night, and tapas are savored at tables in the districts of Gràcia or Born. Bite into some pimientos de padrón (watch out for the tricky pepper!) and experience the Mediterranean on the beaches of Barceloneta. Enough to add a final colorful… and salty, chapter to your travel diary. To prepare your trips around Sarlat or dive into other charming European villages, check out this inspiring article.