How to get from Paris to Lisieux
- Aimee Boudreaux MacIver
- Sep 10
- 4 min read
The first time I went to Lisieux, France, the primary pilgrimage site associated with St Thérèse the Little Flower, I was alone. With nary a smartphone or wifi connection, speaking neither German nor French, and without anyone to verify I had correctly read the train schedule, I managed to take myself (and my ginormous backpack) from Vienna to Paris to Lisieux.
I have one grainy selfie from that first Lisieux visit, taken with a camera that I had to turn around physically and point at my own face. I had no idea how or if that photo would come out until I developed the film months later. I visited St Thérèse’s childhood home, her parish church, and the Carmel where she lived out her religious vocation and is now buried. It was a wonderful trip of encountering a beloved heavenly friend as closely as possible in this life.
If you’re in Paris, you should absolutely, without question, plan a day trip to Lisieux. Getting from Paris to Lisieux is simple, affordable, and deeply rewarding for anyone who wants to walk in the footsteps of one of the Church’s most beloved saints.
I’ll be sharing a Lisieux guide and suggested itinerary, so come back for that on Friday. Today, let’s get you from Paris to Lisieux.
Paris to Lisieux: a quick overview
Travel time: About two hours by direct train from Paris Gare Saint-Lazare
Cost: Around €25–€35 per person (standard class, one way)
Best for: Catholic pilgrims, friends of St Thérèse, St Louis, or St Zélie, history lovers, or travelers on your way to the Normandy beaches
Day trip ready: You can leave Paris in the morning, return for dinner, and have plenty of time in Lisieux
How to get to Lisieux from Paris
The easiest way to reach Lisieux is by train from Paris Gare Saint-Lazare, located in the 8th arrondissement near the Opera Garnier. Direct trains take about two hours, depending on the type of service and number of stops.
Where to book train tickets
Avoid the confusion of myriad third-party sellers served up by Google and buy train tickets directly on SNCF (the official French rail website) or Trainline (an easy English-language option).
Choose your dates, departure point, and destination, then select from available trips. Both sites are very easy to use.
I recommend an early departure from Paris to Lisieux so you can make the most of your day trip. Try to book a departure between 7 and 9 a.m. so you can arrive in Lisieux with plenty of time to explore.
Regular-class trips are very affordable—about $30 per person (more during high-traffic times or for first-class seats). You don’t necessarily need to book early to find a seat, but prices and selection do improve when you book in advance.
Tickets are one-way. Don’t forget to book return tickets back to Paris! I recommend choosing a departure time that gives you at least six hours in Lisieux.
Choose e-ticket options and receive your tickets by email. Download the SNCF mobile app to get your e-tickets on your phone. You can also print e-tickets from kiosks at the train station. You will scan them to get through the access gates to the train platforms.
How to get to Paris Gare Saint-Lazare
To get to Paris Gare Saint-Lazare, choose an option that makes sense from your starting point. The Paris metro is very easy to use—plan your route here by typing in your locations. You can also use Uber (your regular Uber app will work in Paris). If you’re close enough to the station, you could walk.
To find your train’s departure platform, check the large monitors posted around the main concourse. Look for your destination and departure time (remember that French times are listed in 24-hour format). The platform number will be listed next to your train's information on the board. Follow the signs to your departure platform.
Trains are usually open for boarding well before the departure time. Train seats are not assigned unless you pay for upgrade options, but you’ll have plenty to choose from. Seats face each other in pairs.
P.S. Gare Saint-Lazare has three levels including a full shopping mall, restaurants, grocery stores, cafes, coffee shops, pharmacies, and quick food options. You can grab an amazing coffee and croissant before you depart and snacks for your journey.
P.P.S. The trains do have bathrooms!
How to get from Lisieux train station to Lisieux city center
The Lisieux train station is at the bottom of the small hill where the city proper is located. From there, you’ll be able to see the enormous Basilica of St Thérèse. The train station is small, simple, and sweet—don’t expect services or shops.
We usually walk up from the train station to the city center. It’s very short—maybe 10 to 15 minutes. The city itself and the major sites are all very close together. If walking isn’t possible, there are usually taxis available at the train station.
Once you’re inside the city, everything else is walking distance. Lisieux is gently rolling (no steep climbs) and compact.
At the end of your day, walk back down to the train station, and board your train back to Paris.
Why visit Lisieux during your Paris trip?
Lisieux is one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world. In just one day, you can visit:
St Thérèse’s childhood home (Les Buissonnets)
Her parish church, where she received her sacraments
The Carmel of Lisieux, where she lived her vocation and is buried
The Basilica of St Thérèse
The tombs of St Thérèse and her parents, Sts Louis and Zélie—a lot of saint bang for your buck!
Lisieux is a day trip that adds depth and meaning to any Paris itinerary. I’ll see you back here Friday for my Lisieux guide and suggested itinerary where I’ll share the best way to spend your day in the hometown of St Thérèse. A bientot!