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Category: Solo in France
Episode 565
Are you dreaming of exploring France without renting a car or spending a fortune? In this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast, host Annie Sargent talks with Helena Fedorec, an experienced solo traveler, about how to discover France by train and bus. Helena proves that with curiosity and good planning, traveling at 70 can be affordable and deeply rewarding.
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Why Choose Trains and Buses in France
France has one of the best public transportation networks in Europe. High-speed TGV trains, regional TER lines, and long-distance bus services connect even smaller towns. Helena explains how she avoided the hassle of driving and parking. Instead, she used public transport to move easily between cities and enjoy the scenery.
If you want to discover France by train and bus, this episode is packed with practical tips: buying tickets online, saving money with off-peak fares, and using local bus networks to reach villages that many tourists miss.
A Solo Traveler’s Itinerary
Helena’s route is full of inspiration for anyone looking to travel off the beaten path. Helena discusses her visit to Nice, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Menton, Èze, Cagnes-sur-Mer, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Toulouse, Bordeaux, La Rochelle, Île de Ré, Angers, Chartres, Paris, Fontenay-aux-Roses, and the Domaine de Sceaux near Paris. Each place offered a unique glimpse into French culture—local food markets, medieval streets, museums, and friendly encounters.
Annie and Helena highlight how easy it is to plan a trip around regional trains and buses, proving that you can discover France by train and bus while keeping costs down.
Budget Travel Tips That Work
Traveling solo often means watching your budget. Helena explains how she found affordable accommodations, chose restaurants with good fixed-price menus, and booked tickets in advance for the best deals. She shares how she organized her luggage to make moving between stations and buses easier.
Here are a few of the places where Helena stayed on her trip:
Paris | Hotel de Horloge: 25, Passage de Ménilmontant, 11th arr, 75011.
Nice | La Maïoun Guesthouse: 50 rue Gioffredo, 06000 Nice.
La Rochelle | Central La Rochelle, 16 Rue de l’Escale, 17000 La Rochelle
Angers | Odalys City Angers, 20 rue Fulton, Angers
Fontenay-aux-Roses | Résidence Universitaire Lanteri, 7 Rue Gentil Bernard, 92260 Fontenay-aux-Roses
Annie points out that the flexibility of buses often surprises visitors. In some regions, buses are cheaper than trains and just as convenient, especially for short hops between towns. Important note: Bus travel is not fast! Some villages do have bus service, but only have two or three daily runs and none on holidays or weekends. You can't be in a massive hurry to travel by regional bus in France!
Hidden Gems Along the Way
This episode isn’t just about saving money. It’s about finding experiences that many visitors miss. By relying on public transportation, Helena avoided tourist crowds and found the authentic France that so many travelers seek. And she took advantage that her French skills keep getting better to talk to people she met along the way.
Lessons for Future Travelers
If you’re planning your own trip, this conversation is full of takeaways:
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How to choose train vs. bus routes based on cost and convenience
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When to buy tickets for the best prices
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Packing strategies for solo travelers on public transport
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How to feel safe and confident traveling alone in France
Annie’s friendly questions draw out Helena’s personal stories, making this episode both informative and inspiring. It shows that you don’t need to be young or spend a fortune to discover France by train and bus.
Listen and Start Planning Your Journey
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Francophile, this episode will give you new ideas for seeing France in a slower, more personal way. Click the button below to listen to the full episode and read Helena’s guest notes for more detailed tips.
Table of Contents for this Episode
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Transcript Guest NotesCategory: Solo in France