From the white beaches of the Cote d'Azur to the rolling vineyards of the Dordogne, the fantastic scenery and gastronomic delights of France make it the perfect location for a truly memorable holiday.
Whether you are looking for a relaxing holiday in the south of France, a romantic break in Paris, a picturesque tour to the Dordogne, or an exploration of historic Normandy, we have a remarkable range of rail holidays in France. The country of France is home to a variety of delights from rolling hills and countryside to its famous gastronomy and wine. The beautiful landscape ranges from rocky mountains, which are perfect in the winter for skiing, to stunning coastlines and sandy beaches by the Mediterranean Sea.
This great country has so much to offer its guests all year round with famous vineyards and rustic hill-top villages contrasting with bustling cities like Paris and Lyon. Whatever you are looking for you can find it in France where you can enjoy unforgettable experiences coupled with relaxing train travel. Browse through our selection of rail holidays in France.
Based in pretty Le Bugue, this train holiday takes you to some of the most beautiful parts of the Dordogne, where you can marvel at exquisite medieval towns, outstanding countryside and pre-historic sites.
… see more6 days from £645 pp
View tour details >
Superb sandy beaches, a mild climate and delightful ocean promenade have drawn visitors to Biarritz for years, then swap the sea for two of France's most scenic rivers and cruise through one of Europe's famous wine regions. This tour is operated by our sister company Great Rail Journeys.
… see more10 days from £2,095 pp
View tour details >
The picturesque region of Dordogne is adorned with pretty villages, unique history and many attractions. Take in the beautiful countryside and relax on a journey aboard a heritage train and a river cruise.
… see more6 days from £795 pp
View tour details >
Let the gentle currents of the Rhône transport you through Burgundy and Provence. Discover the region's verdant vineyards and absorb the atmosphere of its historic towns, soaring cathedrals and half-timbered houses.
… see more8 days from £1,645 pp
View tour details >
Discover the timeless elegance of France's beautiful Rhône on a memorable cruise which takes you to ancient monuments, enchanting cities, natural wonders and more. This tour is operated by our sister company Great Rail Journeys.
… see more8 days from £1,595 pp
View tour details >
Explore the famous sights of Nice with visits to some of the French Riviera's most picturesque resorts, such as Antibes and Cannes before unearthing hidden Villefranche-sur-Mer and the iconic principality of Monaco.
… see more6 days from £745 pp
View tour details >Rail holidays in France are extremely enjoyable due to their sophisticated and reliable train service. As you glide past the picturesque countryside and vineyards that France is famous for it becomes evident just how delightful travelling on these high speed trains has become.
Travelling by rail is also relaxing as you can simply sit back and enjoy the beautiful panoramas, immerse yourself in a book or talk to fellow passengers - your time is free to spend how you wish on our rail holidays in France.
Each of our holidays has all accommodation and travel included in the price, and our escorted tours also include a range of meals and excursions. The excursions on our holidays are included to give guests an insight of the cultural, natural and historical importance of the place they are visiting. Many of the hotels we choose are situated close to many attractions so that guests can get the most out of their holiday whilst they are away. We have chosen every hotel we stay at for its quality, value for money and its personal atmosphere. Choose one of our rail holidays in France and experience the many wonders this great country has to offer.
Helping you plan your holiday to France
Call:
Enquire
As a holiday this trip was great, as a Christmas eexperience it fell a little short.
The the visit to the Lot and the Dordogne area was great fun we had an enthusiastic tour guide who helped us a great deal during our travel. The vieille auberge hotel was comfortable and the food was excellent, although there was only one choice of the 4 course menu in the evening. The visits were well organised and most interesting. I especially enjoyed the steam train from Martel. it was my first experience of rail discoveries and I would certainly consider going on another holiday with them again.
Great organisation wonderful accommodation food, wonderful weather.
Loved the holiday. Wasn't impressed by 2 of the evening meals (of 3), we were herded into a restaurant and had very little space and the food was not very good. Our Guide was lovely, and we enjoyed our trip very much.
Lovely to see the country your visiting before reaching your destination - but knowing that someone else (the courier) is taking the hassle and worry of the details. The courier was very pleasant and explained everything as we went through the holiday
Our guide was outstanding going way beyond what was expected to make the trip as personally relevant as he could in the time allotted.
By Stewart Creasey
23 April 2015
For many, France is synonymous with fromage. Don’t miss these five regional cheeses when travelling on your holidays to France by train.
Read more
By Tour Managers
10 April 2015
Rail Discoveries Tour Manager Claire Kitione takes a trip on the Dordogne's Truffadou steam train as part of an escorted rail holiday.
Read more
By Lorna Heatley
6 December 2018
It may be the season for Christmas festivities, but winter as a whole is full of absolutely incredible festivals all around the world.
Read more
By Jack Stacey
7 November 2018
On the 11th hour of the 11th day, on the 11th month in 2018, 100 years will have passed since the final shots of the First World War.
Read more
Variety of tours. Good hotel and food. Excellent tour director. A fun trip...