Discover the iron legacy of Gustave Eiffel
Beautiful train journey through France
Would you like to discover Eiffel's iconic structures for yourself? We have put together a wonderful train route for you. This journey takes you past Eiffel's most impressive creations across France, from the world-famous Eiffel Tower in Paris to hidden gems like the bridges and viaducts in Bordeaux and southern France.
1. Eiffel Tower in Paris
Gustave Eiffel was a renowned engineer and architect of the 19th century. Born in 1832 in Dijon, France, he became famous for his innovative construction techniques and use of modern materials. For the 1889 World's Fair in Paris, he designed the Eiffel Tower. Originally, the tower was meant to be temporary and was set to be dismantled after 20 years. However, it became so popular that it was decided to keep it. Today, the Eiffel Tower stands as an icon of Paris and a key symbol of Eiffel's legacy.
From Amsterdam, you can travel to Paris on the Eurostar in 3.25 hours.
2. Railway Bridge in Bordeaux
The Passerelle Eiffel in Bordeaux is an old railway bridge over the Garonne River. Built by Gustave Eiffel in 1860, long before he became famous for the Eiffel Tower in Paris, this beautiful metal bridge showcases Eiffel's innovative work. Although the Passerelle Eiffel is no longer used by trains, you can still admire it from nearby paths and bridges. While in Bordeaux, enjoy not only the historical sights but also the famous Bordeaux wines.
Bordeaux is rechtstreeks te bereiken met TGV vanuit Parijs in slechts 2.11 uur.
© Maxppp - Guillaume Bonnaud
3. Busseau-sur-Creuse Railway Bridge
Busseau-sur-Creuse is a charming village near Gustave Eiffel's famous railway bridge. From here, you can walk to viewpoints offering stunning views of this impressive bridge. The railway line between Montluçon Ville and Limoges-Bénédictins crosses the bridge, allowing you to enjoy unique views of the bridge and surrounding landscape during your train journey.
From Bordeaux, you can reach Busseau-sur-Creuse in about 4 hours with just one transfer.
4. The Garabit Viaduct in Southern France
The Garabit Viaduct in southern France is part of the railway line between Neussargues and Béziers. This impressive viaduct over the Truyère River was built in 1884. Today, only one passenger train crosses the viaduct each day. This route through southern France offers a beautiful journey through the French countryside, with iconic views from the Garabit Viaduct.
By train over the Garabit Viaduct
Neussargues is accessible from Clermont-Ferrand. If you’re traveling from Bordeaux or Busseau-sur-Creuse, it’s best to split the journey into stages. At the bottom of this page, you’ll find a recommended train route. From Paris, you can reach Clermont-Ferrand directly in 3 hours and 30 minutes.
5. Observatory in Nice
In Nice stands the impressive Observatory with a large dome, designed by Gustave Eiffel in 1879. This remarkable building is still in use and highlights Eiffel's technical expertise. The observatory offers regular tours, where you can learn more about Eiffel's contribution to its construction and the significance of the dome.
Traveling from Béziers? A regional train will get you to Nice in 5 hours and 19 minutes. From Paris, you can reach Nice directly by TGV in 5 hours and 41 minutes.
Plan your train holiday from the Netherlands
| Route | Travel time | Number of transfers | Header | Header |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam - Paris | 3.25 hours | 0 | Content | Content |
| Paris - Bordeaux | 2.11 hours | 0 | Content | Content |
| Bordeaux - Busseau-Sur-Creuse | 4.04 hours | 1 | Content | Content |
| Busseau-Sur-Creuse - Clermont-Ferrand | 3.48 hours | 1 | Content | Content |
| Clermont-Ferrand - Neussargues | 1.24 hours | 0 | Content | Content |
| Neussargues - Béziers (Garabit Viaduct) | 4.55 hours | 0 | Content | Content |
| Béziers - Nice | 5.19 hours | 1 | Content | Content |
| Nice - Amsterdam | 10.08 hours | 1 | Content | Content |
Benefits of traveling by train
- Arrival in the heart of the city
- No traffic or parking issues
- Plenty of space to move around
- Ever-changing scenery
- Comfortable, spacious seating
Tips for cheaper international train tickets
Would you like to explore France and see Gustave Eiffel's iconic structures with your own eyes? With an international train journey, you can travel comfortably from city to city while enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way. Through NS International, you can easily and quickly book train tickets for each leg of your journey, allowing you to customize your route.
- Book early: The sooner you book, the better your chance of getting affordable tickets.
- Choose evening travel: Evening travel is often cheaper than daytime.
- Book from a nearby station: Start your journey from your local station.
