Europe is always a good idea. And Europe with a food-focused bent is especially enchanting in the spring, when markets brim with fresh produce and chefs celebrate nature’s bounty. In Southwest Germany, asparagus season takes center stage, while in Champagne, France, the vineyards burst to life with bud break. Imagine savoring these fresh flavors, and beyond, as you journey from Paris to Zurich with Eurail, a deliciously scenic rail passage through terroir, tradition and taste.
Why Luxury Travelers Are Embracing Euro Travel by Rail
With interest in Europe at an all-time high, it’s time to consider all forms of luxury travel abroad. While train travel is traditionally considered a more cost-effective option, those seeking luxury shouldn’t overlook the ease of this travel choice, especially with Eurail. First-class amenities are available on many routes, including spacious first-class cars and VIP lounge access in some major train stations. And flexibility is always top of mind. With a Eurail pass, travelers can spontaneously cross borders with no need to commit to fixed itineraries. It’s ideal for a multi-country Europe sweep. Eurail’s Rail Planner App makes it easy to coordinate trains and allows travelers to change their minds as they go. Beyond obsessed with Paris? Stay an extra few days and book a different train. Want to spend more time in beautiful, sun-dappled Freiburg? Go for it.
Additionally, on a train journey, the views rival the destinations. The route from Paris to Zurich offers a stunning blend of French countryside, rolling vineyards and snow-capped Alpine vistas. This is just one of nearly 30,000 journeys accessible to travelers within the Eurail network. Plus, it’s a more relaxing method of traversing the globe. With no airport hassles, long lines, or city transfers, trains can deliver you directly to Europe’s vibrant city centers. Travel by rail offers curated luxury experiences just like car or airplane trips. You can also pair your pass with the usual finer things, like uber-luxury hotels, bespoke private tours and upscale restaurants.
Paris, France
Begin your train journey in the City of Lights. With no shortage of luxe city stays, your best bet is to choose somewhere centrally located. We love the Mandarin Oriental Lutetia, a two Michelin key stay and the only true grand luxury property on the Left Bank. With stunning Art-Nouveau-meets-Art Deco architecture, a recent facelift and a spacious spa to boot, it’s the ideal spot to rest and recharge after a long trip from the US. While the property is classically lovely and iconic in its own right, the actual star of this show is the farm-to-table stylings of Chef Alain Passard at L’Arpège. Renowned for elevating plant-based cuisine to previously unheard of heights, Chef is famous for saying, “the best cookbook ever written was by Mother Nature herself.” There’s no better way to set the stage for your farm-to-track journey than by enjoying a produce-forward meal at this three Michelin star eatery.
Reims, France
All aboard for your next stop, a trip to the sparkling wine mecca of the world, Champagne. Its chic capital city, Reims, (pronounced Rahnse or Rance), makes for an ideal home base for exploring and is a less than two-hour train ride from Gare de l’Est (Paris Est) station. In town, don’t miss the awe-inspiring cathedral and lunch at L’ Extra, an inclusive, eco-responsible restaurant project. Rest your head at Domaine les Crayères, a lovely five-star hotel that’s part of the renowned Relais & Châteaux collection. A central Reims location and setting in an actual garden make it the perfect addition to our farm-to-track itinerary.
Consider spending a couple days in this bubbly city, pun intended, to experience a few distinct styles of Champagne houses. For a lovely biodynamic pic, visit Champagne Augustin, a family-owned and run operation located in Avenay Val d’Or (a quick 20-ish minute train ride from Reims on the regional train.) Note the massive crystals in the cellar and opt for an outside tasting flight on their petite deck overlooking the vines. It’s not a surprising pick, but the Veuve Clicquot cellars are uber popular for a reason. That iconic yellow-orange hue (trademarked in 1877) welcomes guests from near and far for elevated experiences like sabrage lessons (sabering). For an artsy-meets-traditional take, look no further than the oldest established Champagne house, Ruinart, where they’ve been producing sparkling wine since 1729. Their natural chalk cellars (crayères) are part of the UNESCO-recognized Champagne Hillsides, Houses and Cellars site. Consider booking the art tour to enjoy their expansive permanent contemporary art collection.
Mainz, Germany
Perched along the banks of the majestic Rhine River, Mainz, the storied capital of Rhineland-Palatinate, is our next city on the farm-to-track route. To get there, head back to Paris, then journey four hours by train to Mainz. Surrounded by rolling orchards of apples, cherries and plums, it’s well worth a stop to enjoy the magic of Spargelzeit, asparagus time. Don’t miss dinner at the excellent Pankrats Bistro. The special white asparagus menu is a true celebration of spring bounty. (Hint: get the regional cheese plate for dessert, too.) After a night recharging at the contemporary chic Brunfels hotel, spend the next day at the family-operated Appel Happel. It’s a quick 15-minute train ride on the small regional line. Start with a tour of the orchards and farm shop and end with a curated apple tasting experience. Grab lunch after at Jedermanns to sample additional local cuisine.
Freiburg, Germany
This beloved university city in the Black Forest makes for an unforgettable stay and is just a 2-3 hour train ride from Mainz. Once you arrive, visit the centuries-old Münstermarkt, held daily in the shadow of the great cathedral. Don’t miss the Freiburg specialty, Lange Rote (Long Red) hot dogs. After, try the vegetarian stylings of the sustainable Adelhaus for lunch, and pop up to the Kastaniengarten for local beer with sweeping panoramic views of the pretty city. For a lovely lodging option, consider the five-star Colombi in the city center. Its on-site eatery, Zirbelstube, has been awarded a Michelin star every year since 1983.
Zurich, Switzerland
The final stop in our farm-to-track tour is posh Zurich, an international hub and Switzerland’s largest city. Enjoy the scenic, less than two-hour train ride for the best views of the entire trip, as the land transforms from densely forested to alpine foothills. (Snag a coffee and pastry on the way from the cafe cart on the train.) Start with a tour and tasting at Umami, a unique indoor farm ecosystem transforming agriculture in the city. Enjoy the microgreens tasting game to test your palate prowess! Afterwards, check into La Réserve Eden au Lac Zurich, an opulent five-star stay situated right on the lake. After a playful yet thoughtful redesign in 2024, it’s part imaginary yacht club and part grande dame (and it has two Michelin keys). There’s no shortage of elevated meals on offer in this cosmopolitan city, but we are partial to the creative dishes at The Counter, a two Michelin-starred spot. Wash down your incredible tasting menu meal with a nightcap on your hotel’s rooftop bar.
Whether you’re a seasoned gourmand or simply someone craving a slower, more sensory way to experience Europe, this farm-to-track journey offers a compelling case for rail travel done right. From Parisian fine dining to Champagne vineyards, orchard tastings in Mainz to farmer’s markets in Freiburg, and a polished Zurich finale, each thoughtful stop invites you to taste, not just see, your surroundings. With Eurail’s seamless access, elevated comforts and unlimited flexibility, the journey is savored every bit as much as each destination. Bon voyage, and bon appétit!
