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Discover France
From the French Riviera to the idyllic countryside of Provence
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Experience the elegance of France

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The Charming Dordogne
The Charming Dordogne
7 days£1,099 pp
  • Enjoy idyllic views from a relaxing cruise along the Dordogne
  • Based in a family run hotel in 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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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Avignon, the Rhône & Provence
Avignon, the Rhône & Provence
7 days£1,599 pp £1,499 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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ClassicClassic
Carcassonne & the Canal du Midi
First-Class Carcassonne, Châteaux & Vineyards
7 days£2,099 pp £1,999 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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Nice
Save £100pp
Nice & the French Riviera
4.2 stars(85 reviews)
2025SepOct
7 days from
£1,349 pp £1,249 pp
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ClassicClassic
Girolata Bay
First-Class Wonders of Corsica & Sardinia
2025AugSep
2026AprMayJunSep
12 days from
£3,299 pp
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Avignon, the Rhône & Provence
Save £100pp
Avignon, the Rhône & Provence
4.3 stars(150 reviews)
2025AugSepOct
2026MayJunAugSepOct
7 days from
£1,599 pp £1,499 pp
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ClassicClassic
Nice & the Cote d'Azur
First-Class Cannes & the Côte d'Azur
4.2 stars(53 reviews)
2025AugSep
2026AprAug
7 days from
£1,999 pp
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ClassicClassic
Nice Carnival
First-Class Côte d'Azur & Nice Carnival
4.6 stars(40 reviews)
2026Feb
7 days from
£1,899 pp
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Ardeche Gorge
Save £300pp
Provence & the Elegant Rhône
4.5 stars(107 reviews)
2025Aug
2026AprJunJulAugSep
8 days from
£2,299 pp
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
La Rochelle
Beautiful Bordeaux, the Dordogne & La Rochelle
2025Sep
2026JunSep
7 days from
£2,099 pp
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Dijon
Save £300pp
Waterways of Burgundy
4.2 stars(31 reviews)
2025Aug
2026Aug
7 days from
£2,499 pp £2,199 pp
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Discover the best of France with Great Rail Journeys

Paris

Experience the unmistakable charm of Parisian life. The City of Light is known for its romantic and timeless beauty from the Eiffel Tower to the grand boulevards. A Seine River cruise offers a magical perspective of Paris, gliding past Notre Dame, the Louvre, and riverside cafés.

The French Riviera

The sun-drenched Côte d'Azur blends elegance and natural beauty with its glamorous beaches, sparkling Mediterranean waters, and coastal towns. Stroll along Nice's Promenade des Anglais, delve into the glamour of Monaco or soak up stylish Cannes and Saint-Tropez.

Art and History

France's heritage spans centuries, from prehistoric cave paintings to modern masterpieces. Discover the artistic draw of Monet's gardens, explore the opulence of Versailles, visit a huge choice of contemporary galleries and experience the battlefields of Normandy.

Cuisine

France is a paradise for food lovers, offering everything from buttery croissants to Michelin-starred gastronomy. Indulge in classic dishes like coq au vin, escargots, and ratatouille, paired with world-renowned wines from the most prestigious wine-producing regions.

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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
The Charming DordogneThe Charming DordogneThe Charming DordogneThe Charming DordogneThe Charming Dordogne
The Charming Dordogne
4.1 stars(322 reviews)
2025AugSepOct
2026AprMayJunJulAug...

Based in charming Les Eyzies, explore the beautiful Dordogne 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...

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7 days from
£1,099 pp
per person
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Avignon, the Rhône & ProvenceAvignon, the Rhône & ProvenceAvignon, the Rhône & ProvenceAvignon, the Rhône & ProvenceAvignon, the Rhône & Provence
Save £100pp
Avignon, the Rhône & Provence
4.3 stars(150 reviews)
2025AugSepOct
2026MayJunAugSepOct

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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Save £100pp
7 days from
£1,599 pp £1,499 pp
per person
View Details
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NiceNiceNiceNiceNice
Save £100pp
Nice & the French Riviera
4.2 stars(85 reviews)
2025SepOct

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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Save £100pp
7 days from
£1,349 pp £1,249 pp
per person
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Nice Carnival & the French RivieraNice Carnival & the French RivieraNice Carnival & the French RivieraNice Carnival & the French RivieraNice Carnival & the French Riviera
Nice Carnival & The French Riviera
4.6 stars(29 reviews)
2026Feb

Enjoy the flamboyant floats, colourful costumes and a cast of thousands featuring musicians and dancers at the captivating Nice Carnival. Bask in fantastic views of this vibrant extravaganza and explore the shimmering French Riviera. Get to know Nice on a guided tour of the historic market square and charismatic Old Town, and walk along the...

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6 days from
£1,099 pp
per person
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Our customers love our France and Discoveries tours
Avignon, the Rhône & Provence
9/Jul
Griffey
5 stars
“Excellent trip. Lovely weather, beautiful scenery and a friendly bunch of travellers. What more could you ask for.
Collected by Trustpilot
Nice & the French Riviera
31/May
V.A.
5 stars
“I have already sent you my review of this excellent tour. Itinerary was perfect with two full free days.
Collected by Trustpilot
Nice Carnival & The French Riviera
27/Feb
alan coltman
5 stars
“Very interesting to see the Carnival in Nice. Hotel Locarno in a very nice position, away from the centre of town, only 200m to the promenade when you can walk into the old part of Nice or take the tram line to the centre of Nice.
Collected by Trustpilot
The Charming Dordogne
15/Jul
Diane Rothwell
4 stars
“Loved the Dordogne, the hotel was lovely and so were the excursions. The journeys to and from were not so good with delays and cancellations making it a very long and at times stressful journey
Collected by Trustpilot

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit France?

France is a year-round destination. Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) offer mild weather and fewer crowds, while summer (July-August) is ideal for sunny weather and beaches.

Do I need a visa to visit France from the UK?

British passport holders can visit France for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. However, your passport must be valid for at least three months after your departure date from France.

What’s the easiest way to travel to France from the UK?

The most popular ways to travel are by Eurostar train from London to Paris or by flight to major cities such as Paris, Nice, or Lyon.

Do I need travel insurance for France?

Travel insurance is highly recommended. It can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and other unexpected events. UK travellers can also use a GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) for emergency healthcare, but it does not replace comprehensive travel insurance.

What currency is used in France?

France uses the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it's useful to carry some cash, especially in rural areas.

Do people in France speak English?

While English is spoken in major tourist areas, learning a few basic French phrases can be helpful, especially in smaller towns and villages.

What are the must-visit destinations in France?

Top destinations include Paris (Eiffel Tower, Louvre), the French Riviera (Nice, Cannes), the Loire Valley (châteaux and vineyards) and Provence (lavender fields).

What’s the tipping culture in France?

Service is usually included in restaurant bills, but leaving small change or rounding up is appreciated. Taxi drivers, hotel staff, and tour guides also welcome small tips.

What should I pack for a trip to France?

Pack according to the season-light clothing for summer, warm layers for winter. Comfortable shoes are a must for sightseeing, and don't forget travel adapters for European sockets.

How many people go on one of your holidays?

Great Rail Journeys is a market leader when it comes to small group tours. We're proud of being pioneers in our approach to group sizes and have become the leading operator for escorted holidays. Our group sizes vary between tours, but are our ranges are usually a good indicator of what to expect.

For our Discoveries range, you'll be in groups with an average of 30-35 travellers and a maximum of 40. If opting for our Classic collection, you'll be in groups with an average of 20-25 travellers and a maximum of 30*. Our Landmark holidays are where you'll find our smallest group sizes, starting from as low as 16 travellers and an average of 22, to a maximum of 30.

*Scandinavian and Worldwide tours are on average 30-35 and a maximum of 40.

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