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Discover culture and charm in France
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Rocamadour
Flavours of the Dordogne
7 days from £1,899 pp
  • Travel by First Class rail and spend six nights at a family-run hotel famed for its cuisine
  • Marvel at the prehistoric art of the Lascaux Caves, dating back more than 17,000 years
  • Enjoy a wine-tasting at a vineyard and visit the elaborate Marqueyssac Gardens
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ClassicClassic
Carcassonne & the Canal du Midi
First-Class Carcassonne, Châteaux & Vineyards
7 days from £1,999 pp
  • Spend 6 nights in a hotel with great views, set beside the River Aude in Carcassonne
  • Savour a traditional lunch and wine tasting at a charming 17th-century château
  • Enjoy time to explore scenic medieval towns, including Narbonne and Mirepoix
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ClassicClassic
Chateau De Menthon
Classic Lakes & Mountains of France & Switzerland
8 days from £2,799 pp
  • Enjoy stays in the charming towns and cities of Annecy, Chamonix and Geneva
  • Journey aboard the Mont Blanc Express through the heart of the Alps
  • Travel on the historic cogwheel railway to the Mer de Glace, France’s largest glacier
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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.

Experience the best of French culture, history and cuisine on an escorted tour with Great Rail Journeys, backed by 50 years' expertise, award-winning customer service and an expert Tour Manager on hand to take care of your needs. Browse our collection of France holidays and discover timeless cities, celebrated wine regions and sun-soaked landscapes. 

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Experience the elegance of France

DiscoveriesDiscoveries
The Charming Dordogne
The Charming Dordogne
2026AugSepOct
2027AprMayJunJulAug...
7 days from
£999 pp
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ClassicClassic
Girolata Bay
First-Class Wonders of Corsica & Sardinia
2026AugSep
2027AprMayJunSep
12 days from
£3,499 pp
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ClassicClassic
Nice & the Cote d'Azur
First-Class Cannes & the Côte d'Azur
4.3 stars(62 reviews)
2026AugSep
2027AprMayJunSep
7 days from
£1,999 pp
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Nice Carnival & the French Riviera
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Nice Carnival & The French Riviera
4.7 stars(41 reviews)
2027Feb
6 days from
£1,099 pp £949 pp
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Nice Carnival
Save £150pp
First-Class Côte d'Azur & Nice Carnival
4.6 stars(44 reviews)
2027Feb
7 days from
£1,899 pp £1,749 pp
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Avignon, the Rhône & Provence
Avignon, the Rhône & Provence
4.5 stars(205 reviews)
2026AugSepOct
2027MayJunAugSepOct
7 days from
£1,599 pp
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ClassicClassic
Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva, Chamonix & Mont Blanc
4.4 stars(159 reviews)
2026AugSepOct
2027AprMayJunJulAugSep
7 days from
£1,799 pp
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Verdon Gorges
Walk & Tour: Portraits of Provence
2026Oct
7 days from
£1,899 pp
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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.

28 results matching: France

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ClassicClassic
Carcassonne & the Canal du MidiCarcassonne & the Canal du MidiCarcassonne & the Canal du MidiCarcassonne & the Canal du MidiCarcassonne & the Canal du Midi
First-Class Carcassonne, Châteaux & Vineyards
4.3 stars(290 reviews)
2026AugSepOct
2027AprMayJunJulAug...

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

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7 days from
£1,999 pp
per person
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Avignon, the Rhône & ProvenceAvignon, the Rhône & ProvenceAvignon, the Rhône & ProvenceAvignon, the Rhône & ProvenceAvignon, the Rhône & Provence
Avignon, the Rhône & Provence
4.5 stars(205 reviews)
2026AugSepOct
2027MayJunAugSepOct

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 flavours...

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7 days from
£1,599 pp
per person
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The Charming DordogneThe Charming DordogneThe Charming DordogneThe Charming DordogneThe Charming Dordogne
The Charming Dordogne
2026AugSepOct
2027AprMayJunJulAug...

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...

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7 days from
£999 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
La RochelleLa RochelleLa RochelleLa RochelleLa Rochelle
Save £400pp
Beautiful Bordeaux, the Dordogne & La Rochelle
2026Sep
2027JunSep

Experience the idyllic landscapes of the Bordeaux wine region on a leisurely river cruise on the Garonne and Dordogne. Discover 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 the prestigious Rochefort and picturesque...

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Save £400pp
7 days from
£2,499 pp £2,099 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Ardeche GorgeArdeche GorgeArdeche GorgeArdeche GorgeArdeche Gorge
Save £300pp
Provence & the Elegant Rhône
4.4 stars(174 reviews)
2026AugSep
2027AprMayJunJulSepOct

Discover the charm and natural beauty of southern France on this elegant river cruise. Sailing aboard the premium MS Amadeus Provence, you'll uncover the Rhône and Saône rivers, with a unique focus on the region's celebrated food and wine. Indulge in the finest Burgundy wines in Beaune, savour the culinary delights of Lyon and explore Avignon,...

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Save £300pp
8 days from
£2,799 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Rhine GorgeRhine GorgeRhine GorgeRhine GorgeRhine Gorge
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The Majestic Rhine: Basel to Amsterdam
4.5 stars(289 reviews)
2027MayJunJul

Embark on a scenic river cruise from Switzerland to the Netherlands, uncovering enchanting landscapes throughout your journey. Discover the joys of a luxury Rhine cruise while drifting beside forested valleys and charming riverside villages. Soak up idyllic views of the UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge, adorned with stunning castles, forests and...

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8 days from
£2,499 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
BaselBaselBaselBaselBasel
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The Romantic Rhine: Amsterdam to Basel
4.5 stars(198 reviews)
2027MayJunJul

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Netherlands to Switzerland on a luxury river cruise. Sail through four countries, admiring stunning forested valleys, charming half-timbered towns and historic cities lining the picturesque banks of this incredible river. Marvel at the spectacular scenery of the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage ...

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Save £300pp
8 days from
£2,199 pp
per person
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Lake GenevaLake GenevaLake GenevaLake GenevaLake Geneva
Lake Geneva, Chamonix & Mont Blanc
4.4 stars(159 reviews)
2026AugSepOct
2027AprMayJunJulAugSep

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.

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7 days from
£1,799 pp
per person
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Girolata BayGirolata BayGirolata BayGirolata BayGirolata Bay
First-Class Wonders of Corsica & Sardinia
2026AugSep
2027AprMayJunSep

Experience 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 historic...

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12 days from
£3,499 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
ParisParisParisParisParis
Save £300pp
Impressions of France: Paris, Normandy & the Seine
4.4 stars(76 reviews)
2026Sep
2027AprJunSep

Enjoy eight days of luxury aboard the MS Amadeus Diamond, beginning and ending in the romantic City of Light, Paris. Cruise along the River Seine, where history, art and natural beauty converge to create an inspiring experience. While sailing, discover the peaceful landscapes that inspired some of the world's greatest artists. Wander the...

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Save £300pp
8 days from
£2,699 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
BiarritzBiarritzBiarritzBiarritzBiarritz
Save £400pp
Biarritz & Bordeaux Cruise
2026Sep
2027JunSep

Experience the Basque coast of France and a river cruise into the wine region of Bordeaux. Starting in the Belle Époque city of Biarritz, we enjoy a trip on La Rhune Mountain Railway in the western Pyrenees. Next, we sail through the scenic Garonne and Dordogne aboard the MS Cyrano de Bergerac, into one of Europe's most renowned wine regions.

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10 days from
£3,699 pp £3,299 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
StrasbourgStrasbourgStrasbourgStrasbourgStrasbourg
Waterways of Alsace & Lorraine
4.7 stars(68 reviews)
2026Sep
2027MayJunSep

Uncover the treasures of Alscace and Lorraine on this all-inclusive barge cruise, discovering sights that lie off the beaten path, including the historic towns of Saverne and Sarrebourg. Starting in the historic Alsace city of Strasbourg, we sail through ancient waterways on a panoramic boat into picturesque districts, aglow with evening twilight...

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7 days from
£2,499 pp
per person
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Our customers love our France tours
The Romantic Rhine: Amsterdam to Basel
22/Jul
Graham Wright
5 stars
“We enjoyed the cruise very much. Lovely boat and lots of places to see. Thanks.
Collected by Trustpilot
Impressions of France: Paris, Normandy & the Seine
21/Jul
Mr Jeff Wight
5 stars
“excellent excursions at reasonable pace
Collected by Trustpilot
Waterways of Alsace & Lorraine
16/Jul
J Avery
5 stars
“It was a really good experience and full of interest except for two items. The first day was tiring due to a walking tour and scenic boat excursion following a long day's travel. The Tarte flambe evening in an Alsatian restaurant did not compare well with superior on-board meals.
Collected by Trustpilot
First-Class Carcassonne, Châteaux & Vineyards
16/Jul
Mandy
5 stars
“We had a great trip. The hotel was lovely - beautiful view of Carcassonne. We enjoyed all of the trips, they were a nice mix, although we did feel that the Mirepoix trip could have been organised differently. The journey back took over 2 hours, and whilst it was nice...
Collected by Trustpilot
Lake Geneva, Chamonix & Mont Blanc
22/Jun
Lesley
5 stars
“Excellent programme, fantastic hotel and good company. The tour manager Rebecca was fantastic and Switzerland did not disappoint.
Collected by Trustpilot
Provence & the Elegant Rhône
22/Jul
jan
4 stars
“Overall very good, however we suffered from a lack of continuity in the people leading the group. I don't feel it's suitable for the tour guide to leave the ship and go back home. We were in the hands of the crew and, while they were very good and well...
Collected by Trustpilot
The Majestic Rhine: Basel to Amsterdam
22/Jul
D Phillips
4 stars
“We missed the ship in Switzerland and had to coach to the next stop ?? The Rhine River was very low so caused a few problems but GRJ managed the problems very well. The food was excellent and my waist line shows it.
Collected by Trustpilot
Avignon, the Rhône & Provence
8/Jul
Ian
4 stars
“Had a good holiday with a pleasant and helpful tour manager. The only issue was the hotel security when someone tried to enter our room at 5:30 in the morning on our last day. I reported to the tour manager but no follow up or response from GRJ .
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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