A large country by European standards, France is approximately the size of the state of Texas, with many more varied landscapes, types of cheese and wine regions than the Lone Star state. Since most people book their airfare to France into Paris and then explore the country from there, many may be wondering about their transportation options in France and the best ways for getting from Paris to Normandy or from Paris to the South of France. Here is a run-down on your different options for getting from point A to point B when traveling in France:
Train Travel in France
France is extremely well connected via rail. Laced with many high-speed train tracks (called the TGV or train a grande vitesse), for those traveling longer distances across France or who do not want to rent a car, taking the train is definitely your best bet for getting around the country. In fact, traveling by train is almost always the fastest and easiest way to get around the county.
>>Read more about the difference between the TGV and local/regional trains and more in traveling by train in France.
Driving in France
While driving will almost always take you longer than taking the train, a car also allows a lot more flexibility when traveling. Also, while trains will take you almost everywhere in France, some small villages do not have a train nearby, and are mostly easily accessible by car. Driving in France can also allow you the freedom to take the leisurely route, stopping at villages and markets as you travel, hopping between small towns in the South of France and more.
Some of my most memorable times in France were spent driving through the countryside, taking in the sites as we went along. That being said, avoid driving in or around Paris at all costs. If you are planning on hanging out in Paris and then renting a car, I would recommend picking one up at the end of your time in Paris (preferably out of the city center).
>>Read more about Driving in France and Renting a Car in France
Bus Travel in France
While France has an extremely well connected highway system that laces the country, there is no national bus system in France. This means that while you can travel regionally by bus in France, it is not possible to travel inter-regionally by bus in France. There are some companies like Eurolines that offer international bus routes that go through France as part of a longer route, but you can not travel domestically on bus in France.
>>Read more about regional, inter-regional and international Bus Travel in France
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