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Experience the elegance of France

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The Charming Dordogne
The Charming Dordogne
7 days £999 pp £899 pp
  • Enjoy idyllic views from a relaxing cruise along the Dordogne
  • Based in a 3-Star hotel in idyllic Les Eyzies, explore the region’s villages and cuisine
  • Travel in the open-air carriages of Truffadou Steam Train, a heritage railway
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Avignon, the Rhône & Provence
Avignon, the Rhône and Provence
7 days £1,799 pp £1,599 pp
  • Explore Provence with guided tours of Avignon, L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, and Gordes
  • Enjoy a Rhône River cruise, a wine tasting, and visit the Pont du Gard
  • Savour Avignon's culinary delights with First Class rail travel
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Carcassonne & the Canal du Midi
Five-Star Carcassonne, Châteaux & Vineyards
7 days £1,999 pp £1,799 pp
  • Explore the medieval fortress of Carcassonne and the Châteaux de Lastours
  • Indulge in lunch and wine tasting at the 17th-century Château de Pennautier
  • Experience First Class rail travel and luxurious 5-Star riverside accommodation
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France Tours & Holidays

Rolling hills blanketed by tantalisingly fruitful vines, opulent châteaux surrounded by manicured gardens, glamorous, azure coastlines and mouthwatering cuisine. The beauty, culture and charm of France is within easy reach on its high-speed rail network, as we explore rivers and towns that inspired world-famous artists or bask in upmarket resorts on the glistening French Riviera. Indulge in tastings of Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines, savour delicious produce at Narbonne's colourful market, and enjoy an afternoon tea in a palatial villa in St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.

France also possesses one of the most modern and efficient rail networks in Europe, and an escorted rail tour in France with Great Rail Journeys is one of the easiest and most comfortable ways in which to explore and enjoy a host of France's greatest attractions.

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Holiday Ideas for France

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Avignon, the Rhône & Provence
Save up to £200pp
Avignon, the Rhône and Provence
4.3 stars(132 reviews)
2025AprMayJunAugSepOct
7 days from
£1,799 pp £1,599 pp
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Nice & the Cote d'Azur
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Cannes and the Côte d'Azur
2025AprMayAugSep
7 days from
£1,699 pp £1,499 pp
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Nice
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Nice & The French Riviera
4.1 stars(80 reviews)
2025MayJunSepOct
7 days from
£1,299 pp £1,199 pp
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Girolata Bay
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Wonders of Corsica & Sardinia
2025AprMayJunAugSep
12 days from
£3,699 pp £3,499 pp
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Nice Carnival
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The Cote d'Azur and Nice Carnival
4.5 stars(33 reviews)
2025Feb
2026Feb
7 days from
£1,699 pp £1,499 pp
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Ardeche Gorge
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Provence and The Elegant Rhône
4.5 stars(107 reviews)
2025JunJulAug
2026AprJunJulAugSep
8 days from
£2,599 pp
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
La Rochelle
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Beautiful Bordeaux, the Dordogne and La Rochelle
2025Sep
7 days from
£2,199 pp
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Dijon
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Waterways of Burgundy
4.2 stars(31 reviews)
2025JunAug
7 days from
£2,499 pp £2,199 pp
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25 results matching: France

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River CruiseRiver Cruise
BaselBaselBaselBaselBasel
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The Romantic Rhine: Amsterdam to Switzerland
4.4 stars(71 reviews)
2025MayJunJul
2026MayJunJul

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Romantic Rhine River from the North Sea to the Swiss Alps. As we cruise through France, Germany, and the Netherlands bound for Switzerland, we admire stunning forested valleys, charming half-timbered towns, and incredible cities along the enchanting riverbanks. Sail through the spectacular scenery of the...

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8 days from
£2,249 pp
per person
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Girolata BayGirolata BayGirolata BayGirolata BayGirolata Bay
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Wonders of Corsica & Sardinia
2025AprMayJunAugSep

Embrace the laidback island lifestyle on a fantastic tour of this 'forgotten corner of Europe'. Explore the glistening coast of unspoilt Corsica, a paradise of old-world French towns and hill-top villages, connected by charming train journeys through spectacular scenery. Indulge in the delicious cuisine of Sardinia, discover beautiful historic...

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12 days from
£3,699 pp £3,499 pp
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The Charming DordogneThe Charming DordogneThe Charming DordogneThe Charming DordogneThe Charming Dordogne
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The Charming Dordogne
4.1 stars(283 reviews)
2025AprMayJunJulAug...

Based in charming Les Eyzies, explore this beautiful region renowned for picturesque villages, ancient history and excellent cuisine. Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Dordogne from the village of La Roque-Gageac and discover the spectacular cliff-side pilgrimage site of Rocamadour. Delight in the sights and smells of fresh produce on market day...

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7 days from
£999 pp £899 pp
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Carcassonne & the Canal du MidiCarcassonne & the Canal du MidiCarcassonne & the Canal du MidiCarcassonne & the Canal du MidiCarcassonne & the Canal du Midi
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Five-Star Carcassonne, Châteaux & Vineyards
4.2 stars(188 reviews)
2025MayJunJulAugSepOct
2026AprMayJunJulAug...

Explore enchanting Cathar castles, timeless vineyards and sun-drenched hills on an indulgent French holiday based in a five-star riverside hotel in charming Carcassonne. Stroll amongst the city's magical walled fortress on a guided tour of its medieval delights and uncover the mysterious history of the four hillside Châteaux de Lastours, before...

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Save up to £200pp
7 days from
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Avignon, the Rhône & ProvenceAvignon, the Rhône & ProvenceAvignon, the Rhône & ProvenceAvignon, the Rhône & ProvenceAvignon, the Rhône & Provence
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Avignon, the Rhône and Provence
4.3 stars(132 reviews)
2025AprMayJunAugSepOct

A destination that's inspired artists such as Vincent van Gogh, this beautiful part of France oozes history, charm and culture. Explore Provence from the papal city of Avignon and uncover the idyllic villages of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and Gordes. Take a cruise along the Rhône and learn about its influence on the sights and tastes of the area before...

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7 days from
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Nice & the Cote d'AzurNice & the Cote d'AzurNice & the Cote d'AzurNice & the Cote d'AzurNice & the Cote d'Azur
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Cannes and the Côte d'Azur
2025AprMayAugSep

Embrace the sights, scents and flavours of the French Riviera from a boutique hotel in the popular coastal town of Cannes. Admire the wonderful gardens at St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat's opulent Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and witness the time-honoured Changing of the Guards ceremony in Monaco. Tour the quaint Provençal town of Èze to enjoy exquisite...

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7 days from
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Ardeche GorgeArdeche GorgeArdeche GorgeArdeche GorgeArdeche Gorge
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Provence and The Elegant Rhône
4.5 stars(107 reviews)
2025JunJulAug
2026AprJunJulAugSep

Discover the timeless elegance of France's beautiful Rhône. Join our exclusive cruise aboard the MS Amadeus Provence, where you'll uncover a rich tapestry of experiences, with a unique focus on the region's culinary prowess. Indulge in the finest Burgundy wines in Beaune, savor the gastronomic delights of Lyon, and explore the City of Popes,...

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8 days from
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Rhine GorgeRhine GorgeRhine GorgeRhine GorgeRhine Gorge
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The Majestic Rhine: Switzerland to Amsterdam
4.5 stars(208 reviews)
2025MayJunJul
2026MayJunJul

Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Europe on this Rhine river cruise from Switzerland to Amsterdam. Experience the spectacular scenery of the majestic Rhine river, including the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site adorned with stunning castles, lush forests, and sprawling vineyards. Sail from Switzerland to the waters of...

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8 days from
£2,399 pp
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La RochelleLa RochelleLa RochelleLa RochelleLa Rochelle
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Beautiful Bordeaux, the Dordogne and La Rochelle
2025Sep

Experience the idyllic landscapes of the Bordeaux wine region on a leisurely river cruise into the Garonne and Dordogne. Discover the charm of Bordeaux's 18th-century grandeur and cruise to medieval St Émilion, where ancient caves and Europe's largest monolithic church await. Explore the renowned Médoc wine route, visit prestigious Rochefort and...

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7 days from
£2,199 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
BiarritzBiarritzBiarritzBiarritzBiarritz
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Biarritz and Bordeaux Cruise
2025Sep

Experience a luxurious cruise that combines France's Basque coast with the prestigious wine region of Bordeaux. Our holiday starts among the sandy beaches and delightful ocean promenade of Biarritz. We then travel on the pretty La Rhune Mountain railway as it winds its way through the Pyrenees, rising above the low clouds. Next, we swap the sea...

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Save £300pp
10 days from
£2,899 pp
per person
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NiceNiceNiceNiceNice
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Nice & The French Riviera
4.1 stars(80 reviews)
2025MayJunSepOct

Explore the French Riviera from a hotel just a short walk from Nice's palm-lined Promenade des Anglais and its long beaches. Visit beautiful seaside towns with time to explore at your own pace. Discover colourful Villefrance-sur-Mer, uncover the history of the old port of Antibes, and savour the charm of Cannes. During a guided tour of Monaco,...

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7 days from
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
ParisParisParisParisParis
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Paris, Normandy and the River Seine
2025JulSep
2026AprJunJulSep

Cruise along the serene Seine River, where history, art, and natural beauty converge to create an inspiring experience. Seven nights of unparalleled luxury and comfort aboard the Amadeus Diamond begins and ends in the romantic City of Light, Paris. While sailing tranquil waters, discover the peaceful landscapes that inspired some of the world's...

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Our customers love our France tours
The Charming Dordogne
16 Nov 2024
Fiona Stuart
5 stars
“For value for money, this was very good. Excellent tour manager. Hotel was good. Food in the allocated restaurant was very good.
Collected by Trustpilot
The Majestic Rhine: Switzerland to Amsterdam
11 Nov 2024
F Poplar
5 stars
“Very well organised, interesting trips and excursions, fabulous food, friendly staff.
Collected by Trustpilot
Nice & The French Riviera
17 Oct 2024
Glenise Lee
5 stars
“A great trip. Wouldn't have missed it for the world.
Collected by Trustpilot
Waterways of Alsace and Lorraine
11 Oct 2024
Peter Hughes
5 stars
“Excellent!!
Collected by Trustpilot
Waterways of Burgundy
02 Oct 2024
Mr richard garrard
5 stars
“Actual Barge trip was brilliant - good food, excellent service & staff. Gelled well as a group of passengers & had a really good time. Originally the outward Eurostar was for 9.31 so we booked an overnight stay in a hotel on a non-refundable basis. Train time was changed to...
Collected by Trustpilot
Waterways of The Yonne, Paris and The Petite Seine
26 Sep 2024
J Dudney
5 stars
“Even though the weather was cool the 6 days on Raymonde were excellent. Only 14 passengers with 6 crew so we were looked after very well. The crew were friendly, attentive with a great sense of humour. We have 2 complaints, not for the Barge but for Great Rail. Their...
Collected by Trustpilot
Provence and The Elegant Rhône
10 Sep 2024
Catharina Bekker
5 stars
“The whole trip was excellent. All Great Railways Staffa, managers were professional and helpful. The local guides were very informative and really made a difference when we visited the Towns , museums and the Camargue Delta.
Collected by Trustpilot
Mont Blanc Express and Rhône Cruise
10 Sep 2024
Jeannie Seymour
5 stars
“A well organised and thoroughly enjoyable holiday from beginning to end. We were well looked after by the Tour Managers; excursions were informative and interesting; food and service, excellent.
Collected by Trustpilot
Secrets of Provence
21 Jul 2024
Christine Sturgess
5 stars
“Lovey scenery and superb food and service on the barge.
Collected by Trustpilot

Discovering the best of France with Great Rail Journeys

At Great Rail Journeys we offer our guests a variety of escorted rail tours in France covering everything from a romantic Seine cruise to a short break in the rustic Dordogne region or a longer relaxing stay on the shores of Lake Annecy. Whichever you choose, you can be sure that our French rail breaks offer excellent value. The price of your trip covers travel to, from and within France, accommodation of a high standard, an itinerary of excursions designed to highlight the best aspects of each French destination and a selection of meals.

You'll stay in hotels that we've personally selected for their quality and value to ensure that you enjoy the best comfort, service and facilities. Where possible you'll stay in family-run hotels which we find are more relaxed and give our guests a more personal service.

 

 

You'll be escorted throughout your French train holiday by our friendly and professional Tour Manager who is on-hand whenever needed to provide assistance, answer questions and offer information and advice about the places you'll visit.

France's History and Culture

France's modern history is a story of invasions and conflicts for control. The region of Europe originally known as Gaul was ruled by Celtic tribes until the Roman Empire, under Julius Caesar, took control in 58BC. When Rome fell, Gaul was ruled by a heathen tribe - the 'Franks', who gave the country its name and its first king: Charlemagne. The monarchy continued despite an attempted invasion by the English during the 'Hundred Years War' between 1337 and 1453. They were defeated thanks to the army-rallying efforts of a young French peasant called Joan of Arc. By the seventeenth-century, ruled by King Louis XIV France had become a European superpower but a subsequent financial crisis and disillusionment with the monarchy sparked the French Revolution in 1789. The monarchy was abolished and France became the republic that it remains today.

 

 

 

France's Climate

France's climate varies with location, but is generally mild and temperate throughout the year. The north and west of the country are the coolest and experience most rainfall, whilst the Mediterranean coast enjoys the driest, warmest and sunniest weather. Spring and summer are the best times to visit anywhere in the country unless you're a snow sports enthusiast, whilst autumn is typically the wettest season.

French Cuisine

Great Rail Journeys' tours allow you to enjoy French cuisine which is renowned for its culinary artistry, flair and flavour. Should Escargots de Bourgogne (snails in garlic butter) or cuisses de grenouille (frogs legs) not be to your taste there are countless other French classic dishes and specialities to enjoy such as baked Camembert cheese, Moules Marinières; mussels cooked in a white wine broth; Soupe à L'oignon; an onion soup traditionally served with a unique crust; Cassoulet; a popular stew of duck and beans and Bouillabaisse; a colourful stew of fish and shellfish flavoured with saffron.

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