Your journey begins in Paris, the capital of France, a city known for its romance, world-class museums, historic monuments, and chic culture. Before leaving the country, you'll pass through beautiful northern regions of France like Île-de-France and Hauts-de-France. If you're taking the high-speed Thalys or Eurostar train, the ride offers glimpses of the French countryside, dotted with charming villages and wide farmlands. Lille, a lovely French city near the border with Belgium, is sometimes a stop depending on your route. It's known for its Flemish architecture, markets, and vibrant student life.
From France, your route takes you into Belgium, a compact but culturally rich country known for its medieval towns, chocolate, waffles, beer, and a mix of French and Dutch-speaking regions. Many trains from Paris to Amsterdam stop in Brussels, the capital of Belgium and the de facto capital of the European Union. Brussels is famous for its Grand Place, Atomium, and eclectic food scene. Some routes may also pass through Antwerp, a stylish and artistic city known for fashion, diamond trading, and its beautiful central station. This stretch of the trip shows Belgium's rich architectural heritage and modern infrastructure.
One of the quickest and most picturesque ways to see Western Europe is to take a high-speed train (Eurostar or Thalys) from Paris to Amsterdam. The trip, which connects two famous capitals in comfort and grandeur, takes about three hours and twenty minutes. With stunning vistas of the countryside in between, you'll travel through quaint cities like Brussels, Antwerp, and Rotterdam. It's a favorite among passengers who want speed without the fuss of an airport because it offers free Wi-Fi, onboard refreshments, and smooth journeys at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).
More Info