St Malo to Paris BY TRAIN

More appealing than sitting in a busy UK city airport for a few hours waiting for the connecting flight to Paris, you could be walking around charming St Malo before your train departs. Time your connections perfectly to relax over a quick coffee or leisurely lunch in one of the countless brasseries along the quaint cobbled streets. And, it’s all just a short walk from where the ferry docks.

The train journey from St Malo begins just two kilometres from the ferry port at the station itself; choose between a 20-minute walk or bus ride. You can purchase tickets from here or you can save time by booking online in advance for a time of your choosing. On an average weekday, there are 13 trains travelling from St Malo to Paris Montparnasse including a changeover at Rennes. There are also 3 direct trains which run each day and the journey will take you straight to Paris in under 2.5 hours. Fares are available from €20 so make sure you book in advance for the cheapest fares!

The trip itself takes a route right across the northwest of France, boasting fantastic countryside views, whizzing past rural towns and undulating fields. The first major city to traverse is Rennes, the capital of Brittany. Its medieval half-timbered houses and vibrant streets are a sight to behold, whether that’s during a changeover for the next train, or at a quick glance on the direct journey train.

Once you’re past Rennes, there’s plenty to keep your mind occupied outside the carriage, as the train travels through a mix of quaint communes such as Alençon and the gorgeous vistas of Perche Natural Regional Park. Before you know it, the train will be rolling into Paris Montparnasse station for your arrival.

Paris has a plethora of things to see and do; it’s no wonder over 80 million tourists visit each year. Fast and frequent trains from St Malo make it easy to take day trips or even short weekends away without having to plan too far in advance.

If you’re a bit of a film buff, one event for the diary is the Paris Independent Film festival which takes place during 19 - 23 November. The fantastic event highlights the work of independent filmmakers from around the globe, many of which are made by novice directors. Tickets are for sale at the door, first come first served. Head over to http://www.filmfestival.paris/en and start planning!

If you’re thinking of going on a city break with your other half, there couldn’t be anything more romantic than a night bike tour with a river cruise on the Seine. Follow your tour guide around the city for breath-taking night time views of the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and the Champs Elyseés. Then, hop off your bike and onto a river boat for a relaxing night time cruise on the dreamy Parisian river.