Top train destinations in Europe, for a flight-free summer

There’s something old-world romantic about journeying by train. And whether you suffer from flygskam (flight shame), are worried about the rising price of European flights or just like the sound of taking things that little bit slower, you don’t have to be limited by destination when booking a summer escape on the rails. From city to coast, culture to beach, our getaways tick off the lot.

Avignon, France

Is the south of France calling? All it takes is a simple station transfer in Paris and you can be revelling in lavender-scented, sun-soaked Provençal cities such as Avignon or Marseille. The former is romantic and old-world, with its vast Palais des Papes (once the seat of the papacy), ray-warmed squares and *that* famous pont (bridge) from the children’s song. Onward bus connections to romantic towns such as Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, and trains to nearby Arles – home to an impressive Roman amphitheatre – let