Historic streets and the savoir vivre unique to the south of France are just 50 minutes away from the sea. This destination is famous for its vibrant atmosphere and the 100+ fountains that give the place its moniker of ‘The City of Water’. Take a stroll along the elegant, grand boulevard of Cours Mirabeau, which is flanked by sycamores, cafés and mansions. The scent of lavender, fresh fruit and specialities from Provence hangs in the air at the markets – the perfect place to experience the approach to life in Southern France to the fullest.

If you want to delve deeper into the past, you can immerse yourself in the city’s rich history, which dates back to Roman times (123 BC). Soak up the different architectural styles represented by the impressive Cathédrale Saint Sauveur or pay a visit to Musée Granet, an art museum.

The coast is just 15 to 20 minutes away by train when travelling from Aix en Provence to Marseille. Dotted all around Marseille are the spectacular coves of Calanques National Park with their turquoise waters and white limestone cliffs – ideal for swimming and scenery-watching. Things are a little more laid back in the charming coastal town of Cassis with its delightful small beaches and Mediterranean charm. If you’re not feeling the seaside, why not swing by Montagne Sainte Victoire, a source of inspiration for Cézanne. Whether you head off on a hike or simply want to enjoy the view, the countryside around Aix is just as impressive as the city itself.

Shingle or sand? Picasso or street art? Town wall or museum? It’s up to you!

In Antibes you will find a Mediaeval old town and the beach resort of Juan-les-Pins. With 25 kilometres of coastline, the choice of bays and beaches is endless: Shingle or sand, private or public, wild or carefully-tended, sunny or shady; enjoy the beach the way you like it! Many artists have lived in Antibes, among them Pablo Picasso. Before he moved away, he gave the town 23 paintings and 44 drawings. Today, these are in the Museum Picasso in Château Grimaldi. Or is urban art more your kind of thing? Then start exploring the town and discover the artwork created for the ‘Coul’heures d’Automne’ Festival.

Marseille offers all sorts of activities and sights for visitors. Whether you are looking for vintage clothes or the famous Savon de Marseille – the second-largest city in France has just the right shop for everyone. Gourmets will find plenty to savour in the numerous eateries, perhaps a traditional bouillabaisse or a pastis – or maybe something else. For those looking for bars, it is worth making a detour into the ‘Le Panier’ quarter. Those who would prefer to explore nature should visit the Calanques National Park. Marseille doesn’t dazzle visitors with its beautiful old harbour – with their crystal-clear waters, the idyllic calanques around Marseille invite visitors to swim and while away an afternoon. Picturesque coastal walking routes lead to equally picturesque bays. If green is your thing, then you might prefer to enjoy the Mediterranean sun in one of the green city parks, such as Park Longchamp. Interested in culture? Marseille has something for you too: Have a look around ‘Le Panier’. The oldest quarter in Marseilles is famous for its narrow alleys, colourful buildings and arty shops. Le Panier is full of history and is home to the Vieille Charité, a former poorhouse which now houses museums and exhibitions.

To be fair, Bremen may not overlook the water, but it is nevertheless the gateway to the North Sea. This historic Hanseatic city has a captivating effect on visitors thanks to its maritime atmosphere, rich history and charming blend of culture and spirit. Stroll through the old town, centred around the historic market square with its town hall and Roland statue, explore the twists and turns of the Schnoor quarter with its small houses and boutiques, or enjoy a walk along the Schlachte, a riverside promenade lined with cafés and restaurants. No visit is complete without a visit to the famous Town Musicians of Bremen.

Hop on the train in Bremen to reach the coast – and the seemingly endless beaches of the North Sea. The East Frisian Islands hold a special charm, stretching away from the coast like a string of pearls. Whether your destination is Borkum, Juist or Norderney, each one promises fresh sea air, sandy dunes – and a relaxing holiday.

Rail networks in many countries tend to be upgraded and extended during the summer months. This year, a host of other engineering works are scheduled to take place on routes from Switzerland to France, Italy, Austria and other countries in Central Europe, as well as within France, Germany, Italy and Austria.

These works may result in changes to departure times, longer journey times and occasional diversions. SBB recommends checking your journey details before travelling and allowing plenty of time for changes.

An up-to-date and detailed overview of all scheduled construction works is available on the SBB website page ‘Construction sites in Europe: engineering works and timetable changes in Europe’.

The journey is the destination, and that’s exactly why rail travel is so special. Instead of losing time at airports, experience Europe the easy way – direct from your train window. It’s well worth checking out the offers. We recommend: If possible, travel during the week and book early, especially if it is the holiday season. Check the online timetable for details on all connections. Of course, you can bring your flippers and snorkel along for free.

If you’re looking to discover Europe at your pace, Interrail is just the ticket. Steeped in tradition, this rail service – continually developed over the years and today catering to young people, adults and senior citizens – allows you to plan trips through Europe or specific countries that reflect your exact preferences. Whether you want to spend a month exploring Italy with stops in Venice, Rome and Florence or are keen to plan a shorter trip, you decide on the duration and the number of days spent travelling. And it’s affordable, too: for example, a month’s rail travel through Europe starts at CHF 496 for travellers under the age of 27, while flexible options such as the pass offering seven days of travel within the space of a month is available from as little as CHF 272. In short, sustainable travel is surprisingly affordable. Did you know? Up to two children under the age of 12 can travel free of charge when accompanied by an adult holding an Adult, Youth or Senior Pass. Holders of an Interrail Pass also benefit from attractive discounts, including at restaurants, in hostels and on ferries.