How to Travel Around France: Train vs Car vs Private Driver
France is one of the most beautiful and diverse countries in Europe—but how you choose to travel between its regions can completely change your experience. From high-speed trains to scenic road trips and private chauffeur services, each option offers a different level of comfort, flexibility, and immersion.
So which is best for your France itinerary? Let’s break it down.
🚄 Travelling by Train in France
One of the most popular and practical ways to move around France is by train. The national rail network, operated by SNCF rail network, connects almost all major cities through its high-speed TGV services.
Travelling by train in France is often surprisingly fast. Journeys that would take hours longer by car are reduced to just a couple of hours on a TGV. For example, Paris to Lyon takes around two hours, while Bordeaux or Strasbourg can also be reached in a very reasonable time. This efficiency makes rail travel especially appealing for travellers who want to maximise their time on the ground rather than in transit.
Beyond speed, train travel is also effortless. You arrive directly in the heart of each city, avoiding airport queues, security checks, and long transfers. It is also one of the most comfortable and environmentally friendly ways to travel across the country.
However, train travel does have its limitations. While it works beautifully between major cities, it becomes less practical when exploring rural regions such as Provence villages, the Dordogne countryside, or coastal areas with limited rail access. It also requires a certain level of planning, as the best fares are usually available when booked in advance.
Train travel is ideal for first-time visitors, city-hopping itineraries, and travellers who prioritise efficiency and simplicity over flexibility.
🚗 Exploring France by Car
For travellers who want to experience France at a slower, more immersive pace, driving offers a completely different perspective. Renting a car gives you the freedom to design your own route and discover places that are often unreachable by train.
The countryside of France is where driving truly shines. Regions such as Provence, Normandy, and the Loire Valley are filled with small villages, vineyards, and scenic roads that are best enjoyed at your own rhythm. You can stop whenever you want, take detours through local markets, or pause for a glass of wine overlooking rolling hills.
That said, driving in France also comes with practical considerations. While highways are well maintained, tolls can add up, and parking in larger cities can be challenging. Driving in busy urban areas such as Paris is not always recommended for visitors unfamiliar with local traffic conditions.
For these reasons, self-driving is best suited to travellers who are confident behind the wheel and who are focusing on regional exploration rather than city-centre stays. It works particularly well for families, small groups, or anyone planning a scenic road trip through the French countryside.
🚘 The Comfort of a Private Driver
At the more luxurious end of travel, hiring a private driver offers the highest level of comfort and ease. Instead of navigating roads or train schedules, you are collected from your hotel and taken directly to your next destination in complete comfort.
This option is especially valuable for multi-region itineraries or travellers who prefer a more relaxed experience. A professional driver not only takes care of logistics but can also enhance the journey with local insights, scenic stops, and recommendations along the way.
Private transfers are particularly popular in wine regions, coastal areas, and longer cross-country journeys where comfort becomes just as important as the destination itself. They are also ideal for honeymooners, senior travellers, or anyone seeking a stress-free, premium experience.
The main drawback is, of course, cost. Private drivers are significantly more expensive than trains or car rental. However, many travellers find that the added comfort, convenience, and time saved make it a worthwhile investment, especially for special occasions.
Choosing the Right Way to Travel
There is no single “best” way to travel around France. Each option offers something different, and the right choice depends entirely on your travel style and itinerary.
In many cases, the most rewarding itineraries combine all three. A journey might begin with high-speed trains between Paris and Bordeaux, continue with a private transfer through the wine regions, and finish with a scenic self-drive along the Mediterranean coast. This layered approach allows you to experience France in all its diversity without compromising on comfort or practicality.
