As you may know, reserving high-speed trains in France during the summer can be challenging for Passholders, as French railway companies offer limited seats for Interrail travellers. But we can always make the best of it and find alternatives to our trips, and I assure you that you will love this alternative route. Allow for an 8-hour journey time and relax, enjoying wonderful views along the way!
Start with a morning TER train from Paris Bercy to Dijon, passing through beautiful French countryside and small local towns. There are around 7 trains per day on this route, and it is fully covered with your Pass, no reservation needed.
Once in Dijon, you should allow time to visit, or you can head straight to Lyon if you prefer. There's a direct TER train available; however, we recommend travelling via Beaune and allowing time for a stopover there. It's gorgeous! From Beaune, there's a direct train to Lyon every hour.
You may wish to spend the night in Lyon and explore this wonderful city, moving to Geneva the following day. However, if you decide to continue travelling to Geneva on the same day, you can hop on the TER train from Lyon Part Dieu to Annecy (note that some connections require a change of train in Aix-les-Bans or Chambery Challes les Eaux).
Annecy is most definitely worth checking out, but do be aware that it can be very busy during the summer. As for the final step, take a TER train to Geneva Cornavin. This last train is part of the cross-border rail network known as the Léman Express, which connects various Swiss and French destinations in stunning Alpine territory.
Route details:
-Paris Bercy to Dijon - 3h (TER)
-Dijon to Lyon 2 h (TER) ó (vía Beaune +20 min)
-Lyon to Geneva 2h (TER) ó (vía Annecy +1h)
The trains on this route do not require seat reservations, so you're ready to board with a valid Pass by simply adding the trains to your Pass in the Rail Planner App. You can be freer and more spontaneous with this route, taking your time to appreciate the surrounding areas and exploring interesting towns and cities along the way.
Enjoy this gorgeous alternative! 🚂