01904 521 936
Tour Search



Feel enchanted by France
From the French Riviera to the idyllic countryside of Provence
Request a free brochure
Europe

Experience the elegance of France

DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Avignon, the Rhône & Provence
Avignon, the Rhône & Provence
7 days from £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
Discover More
ClassicClassic
Carcassonne & the Canal du Midi
First-Class Carcassonne, Châteaux & Vineyards
7 days from £2,199 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
Discover More
DiscoveriesDiscoveries
The Charming Dordogne
The Charming Dordogne
7 days from £1,099 pp £999 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
Discover More

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.

Excellent5 stars17,819 reviews on

Find out more with a free brochure and enjoy weekly travel inspiration and offers in our e-newsletter.

Holiday Ideas for France

ClassicClassic
Nice & the Cote d'Azur
Save up to £300pp
First-Class Cannes & the Côte d'Azur
4.2 stars(55 reviews)
2026AprJunAugSep
7 days from
£1,799 pp
View Details
ClassicClassic
Rocamadour
Save up to £300pp
Flavours of the Dordogne
2026AprJunAugSepOct
7 days from
£2,199 pp £1,999 pp
View Details
DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Avignon, the Rhône & Provence
Save up to £300pp
Avignon, the Rhône & Provence
4.4 stars(179 reviews)
2026MayJunAugSepOct
7 days from
£1,599 pp £1,499 pp
View Details
ClassicClassic
Girolata Bay
Save up to £300pp
First-Class Wonders of Corsica & Sardinia
2026AprMayJunAugSep
12 days from
£3,599 pp £3,299 pp
View Details
ClassicClassic
Nice Carnival
Save up to £300pp
First-Class Côte d'Azur & Nice Carnival
4.6 stars(40 reviews)
2026Feb
7 days from
£1,849 pp £1,749 pp
View Details
River CruiseRiver Cruise
La Rochelle
Save up to £400pp
Beautiful Bordeaux, the Dordogne & La Rochelle
2026JunSep
7 days from
£2,199 pp
View Details
River CruiseRiver Cruise
Dijon
Save up to £400pp
Waterways of Burgundy
4.2 stars(35 reviews)
2026Aug
7 days from
£2,999 pp £2,799 pp
View Details
River CruiseRiver Cruise
Ardeche Gorge
Save up to £400pp
Provence & the Elegant Rhône
4.4 stars(156 reviews)
2026AprJunJulAugSep
8 days from
£3,299 pp
View Details

Discover the best of France with Great Rail Journeys

Authentic French flavours

France invites you to savour the flavours that defines its regions. Indulge in a delicious lunch and wine-tasting at the 17th-century Château de Pennautier, discover the stalls of Les Halles food market in ancient Narbonne and soak up the atmosphere of Mirepoix's weekly market, sampling fresh produce and celebrated wines along the way.

History along the Rhône

The charming Rhône reveals stories shaped by empires, artists and centuries of tradition. Embark on a cruise down the river to Arles, an ancient city rich in Roman heritage and once home to Vincent van Gogh, and explore the historic city of Avignon, where Popes once resided and Gothic architecture still dominates the skyline.

Elegant riviera towns

The sparkling blue coastline and picturesque towns of the French Riviera are a delight for any visitor. Experience the glamour of Monaco, from the Changing of the Guards at the Palais du Prince to viewing the famed Monte-Carlo Casino. Uncover the stylish town of Cannes, where golden beaches meet elegant boulevards and old town lanes.

Timeless romance of Paris

Experience the charm of Parisian life, capturing the essence of French elegance with its timeless landmarks, artistic heritage and café-lined boulevards. Cruise along the Seine River for a magical perspective of the city, gliding past icons such as Notre Dame, the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower, and discover the charm of Montmartre's cobbled streets.

4 results matching: France

Filters
Any
Reset
Any
Reset
Any
Reset
Any
Reset
Any
Reset
Any
Reset
Any
Reset
Any
Reset
DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Avignon, the Rhône & ProvenceAvignon, the Rhône & ProvenceAvignon, the Rhône & ProvenceAvignon, the Rhône & ProvenceAvignon, the Rhône & Provence
Save up to £300pp
Avignon, the Rhône & Provence
4.4 stars(179 reviews)
2026MayJunAugSepOct

A destination that's inspired artists such as Vincent van Gogh, this beautiful part of France is brimming with 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, discovering how its winding waters have shaped the ...

View map

Save up to £300pp
7 days from
£1,599 pp £1,499 pp
per person
View Details
DiscoveriesDiscoveries
The Charming DordogneThe Charming DordogneThe Charming DordogneThe Charming DordogneThe Charming Dordogne
Save up to £300pp
The Charming Dordogne
4.1 stars(350 reviews)
2026AprMayJunJulAug...

Famed for its prehistoric cave drawings, Les Eyzies provides the perfect location from which to explore the beautiful Dordogne, a region renowned for picturesque villages, ancient history and excellent cuisine. Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Dordogne from the honey-hued village of La Roque-Gageac and discover the spectacular cliff-side ...

View map

Save up to £300pp
7 days from
£1,099 pp £999 pp
per person
View Details
DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Nice Carnival & the French RivieraNice Carnival & the French RivieraNice Carnival & the French RivieraNice Carnival & the French RivieraNice Carnival & the French Riviera
Save up to £300pp
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...

View map

Save up to £300pp
6 days from
£1,099 pp £999 pp
per person
View Details
DiscoveriesDiscoveries
NiceNiceNiceNiceNice
Nice & the French Riviera
4.2 stars(89 reviews)

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...

View map

7 days
View Details
Our customers love our France and Discoveries tours
Avignon, the Rhône & Provence
15/Oct
A Smyth
5 stars
“I have already done this. Twice!
Collected by Trustpilot
The Charming Dordogne
13/Oct
C Bickerton
5 stars
“Excellent tour the hotel was quiet and peaceful in a beautiful village.
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
Nice & the French Riviera
29/Sep
K Baker
4 stars
“Lovely holiday except for carrying suitcases on and off trains and coaches.
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.

Latest articles from our journey blog