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 £2,399 pp £2,199 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 stars17,287 reviews on

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

Holiday Ideas for France

DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Nice
Save up to £300pp
Nice & the French Riviera
4.2 stars(85 reviews)
2025Oct
7 days from
£1,349 pp £1,249 pp
View Details
ClassicClassic
Girolata Bay
Save up to £300pp
First-Class Wonders of Corsica & Sardinia
2025Sep
2026AprMayJunSep
12 days from
£3,599 pp £3,299 pp
View Details
DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Avignon, the Rhône & Provence
Save up to £300pp
Avignon, the Rhône & Provence
4.3 stars(154 reviews)
2025SepOct
2026MayJunAugSepOct
7 days from
£1,599 pp £1,499 pp
View Details
ClassicClassic
Nice & the Cote d'Azur
Save up to £300pp
First-Class Cannes & the Côte d'Azur
4.2 stars(53 reviews)
2026AprJunAugSep
7 days from
£1,799 pp
View Details
ClassicClassic
Nice Carnival
First-Class Côte d'Azur & Nice Carnival
4.6 stars(40 reviews)
2026Feb
7 days from
£1,849 pp
View Details
River CruiseRiver Cruise
Ardeche Gorge
Save up to £400pp
Provence & the Elegant Rhône
4.4 stars(121 reviews)
2026AprJunJulAugSep
8 days from
£3,299 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(31 reviews)
2026Aug
7 days from
£2,999 pp £2,799 pp
View Details

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.

6 results matching: France

Filters
Any
Reset
Any
Reset
Any
Reset
Any
Reset
Any
Reset
Any
Reset
Any
Reset
Any
Reset
ClassicClassic
Carcassonne & the Canal du MidiCarcassonne & the Canal du MidiCarcassonne & the Canal du MidiCarcassonne & the Canal du MidiCarcassonne & the Canal du Midi
Save up to £300pp
First-Class Carcassonne, Châteaux & Vineyards
4.2 stars(213 reviews)
2025SepOct
2026AprMayJunJulAug...

Embark on an indulgent French holiday based in a riverside hotel in stunning Carcassonne, discovering the myths of hilltop Cathar castles and soaking up the region's renowned flavours. Stroll through Carcassonne's magical walled fortress on a guided tour of the city's medieval delights and uncover the mysterious history of the four hillside...

View map

Save up to £300pp
7 days from
£2,399 pp £2,199 pp
per person
View Details
ClassicClassic
Girolata BayGirolata BayGirolata BayGirolata BayGirolata Bay
Save up to £300pp
First-Class Wonders of Corsica & Sardinia
2025Sep
2026AprMayJunSep

Uncover the laid-back 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 hilltop villages, connected by charming train journeys through spectacular scenery. Indulge in the delicious cuisine of Sardinia, discover beautiful ...

View map

Save up to £300pp
12 days from
£3,599 pp £3,299 pp
per person
View Details
ClassicClassic
Lake GenevaLake GenevaLake GenevaLake GenevaLake Geneva
Save up to £300pp
Lake Geneva, Chamonix & Mont Blanc
4.4 stars(132 reviews)
2026AprMayJunJulAug...

Explore picture-book mountain towns bursting with traditional Swiss and French charm from a base in an idyllic village of Champéry, located in the Chablais Alps overlooking the Dents du Midi. Climb past snow-capped peaks on the elegant Mont Blanc Express to the historic resort of Chamonix, nestled beneath western Europe's highest mountain.

View map

Save up to £300pp
7 days from
£2,199 pp £1,999 pp
per person
View Details
ClassicClassic
Nice & the Cote d'AzurNice & the Cote d'AzurNice & the Cote d'AzurNice & the Cote d'AzurNice & the Cote d'Azur
Save up to £300pp
First-Class Cannes & the Côte d'Azur
4.2 stars(53 reviews)
2026AprJunAugSep

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...

View map

Save up to £300pp
7 days from
£1,799 pp
per person
View Details
ClassicClassic
Nice CarnivalNice CarnivalNice CarnivalNice CarnivalNice Carnival
First-Class Côte d'Azur & Nice Carnival
4.6 stars(40 reviews)
2026Feb

Admire the decorated floats, colourful costumes and spirited atmosphere of the captivating Nice Carnival on this rail holiday to the French Riviera. From reserved grandstand seats, bask in fantastic views of this vibrant extravaganza and explore the shimmering Côte d'Azur. Uncover the charm and history of Nice on a guided tour and watch ...

View map

7 days from
£1,849 pp
per person
View Details
ClassicClassic
San SebastianSan SebastianSan SebastianSan SebastianSan Sebastian
Save up to £300pp
Beautiful Basque Country: San Sebastian & Bilbao
4.5 stars(82 reviews)
2025Oct

From our grand base, the fabulous Parador of Hondarribia, a fortified castle in the medieval town of Hondarribia - which has a global reputation for great food - we uncover the gems of the beautiful Spanish and French Basque country. This gastronomy-packed tour includes visits to the cosmopolitan cities of San Sebastián and Bilbao, with...

View map

Save up to £300pp
8 days
View Details
Our customers love our France and Classic tours
Lake Geneva, Chamonix & Mont Blanc
22/Jul
MLTA
5 stars
“A well organised trip to see some beautiful sights. Terry kept us safe and informed in a relaxed way that made it fun as well and he was able to accommodate the different abilities of the members of the group some of whom wanted to go slightly off-piste. Trying to be...
Collected by Trustpilot
First-Class Carcassonne, Châteaux & Vineyards
16/Jul
Sarah
5 stars
“A wonderful trip.
Collected by Trustpilot
Beautiful Basque Country: San Sebastian & Bilbao
24/Jun
M Llewellyn
5 stars
“Excellent tour. Good size group, very congenial, well paced events, (we particularly enjoyed wine tasting and lunch), lovely base in Hondarribia parador. Very capable tour manager.
Collected by Trustpilot
First-Class Cannes & the Côte d'Azur
15/Jun
William Smallshire
5 stars
“A very enjoyable holiday. Basically, it does what it says on the tin. Just what I expected and just what I wanted.
Collected by Trustpilot
First-Class Côte d'Azur & Nice Carnival
19/Mar
Les
4 stars
“Very elegant, beautiful area for a holiday.
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