Operated by national rail provider SNCF, the French TGV trains travel at speeds reaching 180-kilometers per hour, and a breathtaking 350-kilometers per hour for lines serviced by the newest M series. Yet they are whisper silent for passengers inside as they relax while watching the beautiful scenery pass smoothly out their window, or enjoy coffee with snacks in one of the dining cars. It’s easy to wake up in Paris and be seated at a sun-drenched bistro along the Cours Mirabeau in Aix for lunch!

The modern station was opened in 2001, and is located about 20-minutes (15-kilometers) from the Aix-en-Provence city center, so plan on taking a taxi, Uber, bus or renting a car if you decide this is something you’d like to take advantage of. You can find ticket prices, timetables and destination information on the SNCF website.