France is at the forefront of a slow travel revolution in Europe, with a growing network of cross-border rail connections that are transforming the way people explore the continent. This shift towards slower, more sustainable tourism is not just about France, but a broader strategy involving Germany, Spain, Italy, and other Schengen countries. The focus is on creating a seamless travel experience that encourages exploration and responsible tourism.
One of the key drivers of this change is the expansion of international rail networks. France is connecting major cities through faster and more reliable rail services, with daily connections to Berlin, Frankfurt, and Stuttgart, as well as high-speed links to Barcelona and other Spanish cities. The Paris-Milan route, which reopened in 2025, provides a renewed Alpine connection between two major European tourism markets.
However, the biggest challenge remains completing missing links that prevent a fully seamless continental network. The Lyon-Turin railway project, for example, is designed to transform movement across the Western Alps and reduce travel times between major cities. The Montpellier-Perpignan new line in southern France is another critical project that aims to connect the high-speed network running from Seville to Amsterdam. These projects demonstrate that Europe’s tourism future depends not only on launching individual train routes but on creating a complete network where every journey connects smoothly.
The rail revolution is closely connected with a wider change in European tourism policy. Governments and tourism organisations are increasingly focusing on sustainable travel, destination balance, and longer visitor stays. France has adopted this direction through its sustainable tourism strategy, which aims to strengthen the country’s position as a leading sustainable tourism destination by 2030. Spain and Italy are also promoting seasonal and regional diversification to spread visitors beyond traditional hotspots.
The demand for multi-city European holidays is growing, with travellers seeking deeper experiences. France’s own tourism data shows a clear movement away from single-destination travel, with more than half of visitors exploring another French region without visiting Paris. Germany has also recorded similar behaviour, with 22% of French visitors taking multi-destination trips. Long-haul markets are showing similar interest, with many Australian travellers preferring longer journeys covering around three countries.
Major financial support is accelerating Europe’s rail transformation, with the European Union increasing investment in transport infrastructure. In 2024, the European Commission selected 134 transport projects receiving more than €7 billion in funding through the Connecting Europe Facility, with France becoming one of the largest beneficiaries. These investments are not only about trains but about reshaping how people travel across Europe.
However, the transformation is not complete. Missing railway links, complicated ticketing systems, and uneven infrastructure still create challenges. The next stage will depend on completing major projects, improving international booking systems, and encouraging tourism organisations to promote rail-based journeys. France’s growing connections with Germany, Spain, Italy, and other European partners represent one of the biggest changes in modern tourism, helping to create a new model of travel based on exploration rather than speed alone.
