Discover Netherlands by train from France: inspiration and itineraries

Want to discover Pays-Bas differently? The Netherlands offers a unique blend of flat landscapes, iconic canals, a network of windmills, and a vibrant cycling culture that invites exploration. Good news, Pays-Bas is accessible from France by high-speed Thalys trains into Amsterdam and Rotterdam, and by regular Intercity services that connect through Brussels; the country features a well-developed high-speed rail network and Intercity lines, but no dedicated night trains. Here’s our guide to Pays-Bas, car-free and flight-free.

How to reach Pays-Bas by train?

From France, you can reach the Netherlands by boarding a high-speed Thalys train that departs from Paris‑Gare du Nord and arrives in Amsterdam or Rotterdam in just over four hours. Alternatively, a direct Intercity service from Paris to Brussels allows a seamless transfer to Dutch Intercity lines heading to Utrecht, The Hague, or Eindhoven. For those preferring a more scenic route, regional buses from Paris to Lille can connect to the Thalys network, while overnight trains from Paris to Amsterdam are available through the Thalys night service. You can also combine regional train and bus services for a more flexible schedule. Once in the Netherlands, the dense rail grid lets you hop between major cities, coastal towns, and rural...

What to do and discover in Pays-Bas?

In Pays-Bas, there's something for everyone: the bustling streets of Amsterdam with its world-famous museums and canals, the modern skyline of Rotterdam and its dynamic harbor, and the historic charm of Utrecht with its medieval wharfs. The country’s natural side invites you to wander the dunes of Zeeland, stroll through the forests of the Veluwe, or sail along the Wadden Sea. Culinary delights abound, from fresh herring at the market stalls to creamy Gouda cheese and sweet stroopwafels. A contrasting, lively country, ideal for a train itinerary in Pays-Bas, to be discovered through its cities as much as its wide open...