Riding the Rails: My Scenic Train Journey to Paris in My 60s
All Aboard at St Pancras International
My journey started at the beautiful and busy St Pancras International station in London. It was my first time ever traveling on a train to another country, and I won’t lie—I was so excited I could hardly sit still. I’ve flown before, of course, but something about riding a train straight into another part of the world just felt special.
It was like stepping into one of those old travel movies where people sip tea and watch the countryside fly by.
I had my train tickets ready and made sure to get there early, just to soak in the moment. The station itself felt like a mix between a fancy shopping center and a historic landmark, with everything from cozy cafes to designer stores. I even spotted the big bronze statue of the couple hugging and thought, Yep, this is going to be a memory.
Since I wanted to be as comfortable as possible, I made sure to book our seats ahead of time so we could all sit together. We didn’t get business class, but the process still went smoothly. As someone in their 60s, I appreciated that we didn’t have to rush—we had time to get through security, find our spot, and get settled before boarding.
When the high-speed train finally rolled up, my heart actually fluttered a little. This was it—off to Paris by train! It felt like the start of something new and unforgettable.
Getting There Was a Journey on Its Own
Walking into St Pancras International felt like stepping into a giant maze. There were signs, screens, announcements, and people rushing in every direction. I’ll be honest—it was a bit overwhelming. With all the different train stations, platforms, and sections, it took a second to figure out where we needed to be. Everyone around us seemed to know exactly where they were going. My daughter and I looked at each other like, Okay, we got this… right?
Thankfully, we didn’t have to figure it all out on our own. Since my husband has a disability and uses a cane, we were able to get special assistance. And let me tell you—the staff at the station were incredible. Kind, patient, and quick to help. We didn’t have to wait in line, and a team member walked us through security and pointed us in the right direction.
Once we got past security, we entered the train boarding area—and whoa, it was packed. People were racing to their platforms like it was the Olympics of train travel. Everyone looked like pros. But again, our helper stayed with us, guided us to where we needed to wait, and even told us our boarding number before it showed up on the big screen (which normally only pops up 10 minutes before departure).
Now here’s the only tough part: we had to take an escalator to get up to our train, and that was going to be tricky. Between my husband’s cane and all the luggage my daughter and I were carrying, we knew we’d need an extra hand. The elevator (called Lift in Europe) wasn’t available for our particular section, so the staff jumped in and offered real, hands-on help. They were superb—truly. They even carried some of our bags for us and made sure we got settled before rushing off to help someone else.
I have to say, I’m really impressed with how Europe handles accessibility. We felt seen, supported, and never like a burden. That kindness made all the difference and really started our journey off on the right foot.
Finding Our Seats and Finally Relaxing
We boarded and found our train car, and it was such a relief to finally sit down. I was traveling with my husband and daughter, and we were seated in a four-seat section—two seats facing two seats, with a little table in the middle. It was cozy and comfortable. We were glad to finally be off our feet after managing all that luggage.
The windows were large and wide, giving us a great view of the countryside. As the train picked up speed, we watched fields, villages, and farms roll by like scenes from a moving painting. It really made the ride feel peaceful and almost dreamy.
We also had the pleasure of sitting across from a very kind French woman who was on her way home. She chatted with us throughout the ride, and it was such a nice experience to connect with someone new. She shared a bit about French life, travel, and even gave us some suggestions for our stay in Paris. It was one of those small moments that made the trip even more memorable.
The ride from London to Paris took about 2 hours and 15 minutes on the high-speed train, but honestly, it felt much shorter. Between the good conversation, the beautiful views, and just being able to relax, the time flew by.
Oh—and for anyone wondering—yes, there are outlets so you can charge your phone, tablet, or whatever gadgets you bring along. That was a big plus for us, especially since we were taking pictures, checking maps, and staying connected along the way.
A Tasty Surprise: Train Food That Actually Delivers
Now let’s talk about the food—because I wasn’t expecting much, but I was pleasantly surprised. During the ride, we were served a fresh and flavorful meal that looked and tasted like something from a nice café, not your typical travel fare.
I had a bowl filled with grilled salmon, lentils, roasted potatoes, shaved cabbage, hummus, and pickled onions. It was colorful, healthy, and seasoned just right. There were even sunflower seeds sprinkled on top for a little crunch. It came with a crusty roll on the side, a cup of tea, and a small dessert that looked like a little cake bite (and yes—it was tasty).
Everything was served on a tray with real dishes, not plastic throwaways. You could tell some thought went into the meal—balanced, filling, and easy to enjoy without making a mess. The warm bread and hot tea were perfect for settling in and enjoying the ride.
It just added to the whole experience of traveling by train.
Good food, comfortable seating, and a beautiful view out the window—who could ask for more?
The Best Route: Scenic Views on the Way to Paris
Once we pulled out of the station, I leaned back in my comfortable seat and just watched. It wasn’t long before the English countryside started rolling by—green fields, sheep dotting the hills, and cozy cottages. Then came the thrilling tunnel under the English Channel (hello, technology!), and before I knew it, we were in France.
This is where the ride really got beautiful. We passed by olive trees, green hills, and cute little villages that looked like they belonged on a postcard. I think we even saw part of the Loire Valley along the way. The train also went near the Champagne region and parts of southern France. If you take other scenic train routes, you can even visit places like Mont Saint-Michel or the Côte d’Azur just by train.
Train lovers and nature lovers, trust me—this is the best place to travel without the hassle.
Arriving in Paris
When we finally arrived at Paris Gare du Nord, I was filled with that kind of excitement that only comes when you’ve been waiting a long time for something—and now it’s finally here. We had made it to Paris!
But first things first—I needed to use the restroom. What I didn’t realize was that in many public places in Paris, you have to pay to use the bathrooms. After exchanging a few euros, I headed inside, expecting something basic. But let me tell you—I was pleasantly surprised. The restroom was spotless, with someone actively cleaning, and the walls were decorated beautifully. It looked more like a mini art gallery than a public toilet. It definitely felt different (in a good way!) from the typical rest stops back home in the States.
Outside the station, it was buzzing with people, taxis, and that first big-city energy. There were plenty of taxis lined up, but instead of jumping right in, we decided to walk a few blocks away to get out of the crowd and order an Uber. We were heading to Vincennes, a peaceful area just outside of Paris. The Uber took about 15 minutes to arrive, probably due to the busy afternoon traffic.
As we drove through the streets of Paris, I couldn’t stop staring out the window—the buildings, the cafés, the shops, the signs all in French—it was everything I imagined and more. Even though we hadn’t reached our hotel yet, I had that moment of we’re really here.
We were finally in Paris.
A Better Way to Travel
I’ve traveled by plane, bus, and even taken a cruise—but honestly, train travel in Europe is my favorite. No long security lines, no airport stress, and the views out the window are ones you actually remember.
If you ever get the chance to ride through charming villages, see UNESCO sites, or even try a fancy train like the Orient Express, I say go for it.
There’s no better way to fall in love with a country than seeing it by rail.
A Few Things I Learned (So You Don’t Have To)
Pack light if you can. We had a lot of luggage, and since we had to carry it ourselves, it wasn’t easy—especially with my husband using a cane. It’s doable, but less is definitely better.
If someone in your group has a disability, ask for assistance early. The help we got at St Pancras made a big difference—from skipping the long lines to getting us safely to the platform. The staff were kind and really looked out for us.
Don’t expect the bathroom to be free. At Gare du Nord in Paris, you’ll need euros to use the restroom—but it was actually very clean and nicely decorated. A pleasant surprise once I got over the shock of having to pay!
Trains board quickly. Your platform might not show up until 10 minutes before departure, but the staff helping us knew ahead of time. Be ready to move when the number pops up.
The seats—even in regular class—are comfortable. There were charging outlets for our phones, which really came in handy.
- Solo Seats are also available.
Be open to talking to people. We met a lovely French woman on the train who shared great stories and tips. It made the ride feel more special.
If you’re going somewhere outside of Paris, give yourself extra time. Our ride to Vincennes took a little longer with traffic, and it took about 15 minutes just to get an Uber. But the drive was nice, and I enjoyed looking at all the Paris buildings and shops along the way.
So… have you ever taken a scenic train ride? What was your unforgettable experience? Let me know in the comments—I’m always looking for top suggestions of vacations that come with a view and a little peace of mind.
6 thoughts on “Riding the Rails: My Scenic Train Journey to Paris in My 60s”
I love riding the train in Europe! It’s so efficient, reliable, and comfortable! Although, I’ve never done the train from London to Paris – it must have been quite the experience traveling under the English Channel!!
I am so glad you had a wonderful experience, especially accessibility was not an issue. A train ride in Europe is always something fun for me. Thanks for sharing!
Love reading about your experience. Going around Europe by train is my favorite and preferred mode of transportation too, for the same reasons, like no long lines and no stress, and of course, the wonderful different views you get to experience while on it.
Thank you and thanks for sharing!
This sounds like such a dreamy trip by train! I love this type of romantic excursion. I’ve never taken a train, but I’d totally be up for it! I also love that they served meals on real plates! That’s amazing. I’ve been to Paris once (when I was in college) and would be thrilled to go back and do this route. Thank you for the great tips!
You are welcome and thanks for reading!