Paris to Barcelona: A High-Speed Route Across France

Arrival in the City of Light

Arrive in Paris at any time and settle into your accommodation. The first evening is best spent on foot, getting a feel for the city after dark. A walk through the central districts takes in the illuminated facades of the Opéra Garnier, the grand sweep of the Champs-Élysées, and Les Invalides.

Montmartre and the Masters

The day starts with a trip on the Métro up to Montmartre, the city's historic artists' quarter. A walk through the neighborhood covers key sites like Hector Guimard's Art Nouveau entrance at the Abbesses station and the former studio where Picasso pioneered Cubism. The afternoon is free to explore independently. Options include a cruise on the Seine, a visit to the Louvre, or tackling the Eiffel Tower. For popular landmarks, booking tickets in advance is essential to avoid long queues.

South to Lyon's Old Town

A final morning in Paris allows for any last-minute sightseeing before catching a local train south to Lyon. After checking in, an afternoon walk explores France's culinary capital. The route winds through Vieux Lyon (Old Town), a district of cobblestone streets, historic Roman theatres, and secret covered passageways known as *traboules*. The walk concludes at the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, which offers a commanding view over the city. The evening is open to explore Lyon's renowned restaurant scene.