Hi,
My bf and I are planning a trip to Italy (Rome, Florence, Venice) and would like to go to Paris at the end of the trip from Venice to Paris. We would have to return to Venice to fly back to the US because that's just how our package is structured. So my question is, is it better/more scenic to take a train up to Paris from Venice then fly back to Venice, or fly up to Paris from Venice, then take the train back? We are open to possibly stopping on the way up to Paris because I heard there are some scenic stops on the way. I'd love it if someone can offer itinerary recommendations and travel tips! Thanks!
Train from Venice to Paris or vice versa
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I have done this exact same trip by train before. There is the Thello overnight train that you could take from Venice to Paris as I think the return trip from Paris to Venice is nicer and worth seeing in daylight hours. There is a high-speed TGV between Paris and Milan taking about 7hrs first part of the trip is through pretty French towns and then when you get to Switzerland you're treated to some rather fabulous Alpine scenery.
Another option would be to do Paris > Zurich > Milan > Venice if you have the time to stop off. The middle part of the journey takes you via the Gotthard Pass by train (Google it) which is a fine way to appreciate your surroundings. Happy railing!
How much time do you have? there are even more options:
Venice-Milan-Brig/Geneva and on to Paris by TGV which can be done in daylight as long as you are willing to leave Venice early and you'll see plenty of Switzerland on that route as well.
As I recall the Paris-Milan direct no-change TGV service does not go through any part of Switzerland
My bad Dukey1, you do get some rather nice Alpine foothills around Modane though, not half bad. I would choose via Switzerland anyway!