France by train
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France show-stoppers: longer adventures
Discover Corsica
Marseille, Cassis, Toulon, Bastia, Calvi, Ajaccio, Nice, Paris
The beaches of the Côte d'Azur couldn't contrast more with the rugged landscapes of the Jurassic island of Corsica. Discover both by train and boat.
Stop-offs to Spain
Angers, La Rochelle, Bordeaux, Biarritz, San Sebastián
A tapestry of striking landscapes makes up this unhurried journey through the Loire, Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Basque regions to Spain’s north coast.
The French and Italian Rivieras
Marseille, Cassis, Toulon, Nice, Menton, Alassio, Genoa, Paris
Eastward along the French Riviera into Italy is one of Europe’s finest coastal journeys worth lingering over, with stop-offs in Nice and lesser-known towns.
Rural France
Vineyards of Burgundy
Colmar, Dijon and Beaune.
The Burgundy vineyards stretch across 50 kilometres, where you can bike, walk and taste your way across France’s most acclaimed wine-growing region.
The Loire Valley
Orléans, Nantes, Paris
Green valleys meet French splendour in the UNESCO Loire. Based in Orléans and Nantes, you’ll get the best of history, gastronomy and verdant landscapes.
Provincial lavender fields
Avignon and Aix-en-Provence
Escape to Provence for balmy afternoons weaving through the fragrant Routes de la Lavande, and catch the last of the evening sun over crisp glasses of rosé.
Spring highlight
Jardin du Luxembourg
Watch spring bloom in Paris. The palatial Jardin du Luxembourg in the Sixth Arrondissement is a 57-acre garden commissioned by the French queen, Marie de Medici. Kick back under the shade of horse chestnut trees or on the low-slung chairs surrounding the fountain, and in springtime, admire colourful flowers and fragrant orchard fruit trees.
Coastal escapes
Côte d'Azur
Paris, Menton, Nice
Head southward to uncover two contrasting sides of the French Riviera: the classic glamour of Nice and the slow-paced life of Menton at the border’s edge.
The Opal Coast
Le Touquet and Boulogne-sur-Mer
You needn’t travel far for a taste of sandy French coastlines. Head to the Cote d’Opale for dune-jumping, undercliff walks and fresh de fruits de mer.
Bay of Biscay
Bordeaux, Biarritz, San Sebastián, Santander
Sprawling beaches, failsafe surf and one of the best coastal food scenes around. Sit back on a cross-border journey around Biscay from France to Spain.
Hilltop hideaways
Saint-Paul de Vence
Nice, St-Paul-de-Vence, Paris
With the Alps to the northwest and the coast to the southeast, St-Paul-de-Vence is the ideal hilltop hideaway for those looking for coast and mountains.
Cassel
Cassel and Bergues
The hilltop town of Cassel regularly pulls awards as one of the most picturesque rural communities in northern France.
Sospel
Sospel, Paris
Venture off the beaten path of the Riviera to Sospel, a remote mountain community where a slow village pace of life meets mountain biking territory.
Historical France
WW1 sites in Northern France
Compiègne, Amiens and Arras
Uncover Northern France’s most significant WW1 sites, from the Clairière de L’Armistice to the Chemin des Dames ridge.
Medieval Alsace
Colmar, Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé
At the crossroads of French and German history, the Alsace region beckons with castles, medieval old towns and a unique cultural border landscape.
Chateaus of Hauts-de-France
Chantilly and Compiègne
Uncover chateaus, gardens and former hunting grounds in Chantilly before skirting along the river Oise to Compiègne.
City breaks France
Paris and Lille
Paris and Lille
Uncover the hidden side of Paris (head down to the Catacombs or to the tucked-away Montmartre Vineyards), before exploring up-and-coming Lille.
Marseille and Nice
Paris, Nice, Sospel and Marseille
Two Riviera port cities. (Almost) guaranteed sun. A hint of resort-town glamour, with tucked-away cafés and watering holes to wine and dine with the locals.
UNESCO Bordeaux
Bordeaux
Spend a weekend in the world’s largest urban UNESCO World Heritage site. Dabble in fine food and wine, and a trip to Europe’s biggest sand dune.
French regions
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French Riviera
For turquoise Calanques and sand between your toes.
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French Alsace
For Medieval towns and vineyards at sunset.
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Corsica
For Jurassic landscapes and real escapism.
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Hauts-de-France
For Chateaux and freshly-baked Macarons.
Here’s the minimum time you’ll need for a relaxed round trip starting from London. We do other departure stations, too!
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7 best France holiday destinations by train
Embark on a train adventure through France to discover its diverse and captivating holiday destinations, easily accessible by train from London to Paris and beyond.
Paris
Take the Eurostar to Paris in just over two hours. The city of lights has iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum, but sometimes the pleasure of a weekend break in Paris lies more in strolling its neighbourhoods, stopping for coffee and to browse its boutiques.
Lille
Take the Eurostar from London to Lille in just over an hour to discover the city's charming Old Town and experience the unique blend of French and Flemish influences that make Lille a fascinating destination. The food alone is worth a weekend break to the Hauts-de-France.
French Alps
Take a train from London to Lyon or Geneva, then connect to regional trains that will bring you to various Alpine destinations. Enjoy breathtaking mountain views and in winter enjoy sustainable ski by train.
French Riviera
Travel on the Eurostar from London to Paris before connecting to the glamorous Riviera port cities of Marseille, Cassis, Nice and Menton. Enjoy the sunshine and order a spritz on your flight-free holiday to the French Riviera.
Bordeaux
Reach Bordeaux via the London Paris Eurostar, and then connect to a high-speed train to Bordeaux. Explore the city's elegant architecture, stroll along the Garonne River, and indulge in wine tastings in the nearby vineyards.
Alsace
Journey by train from London to Colmar and admire the city's charming streets and half-timbered houses. From here, it’s easy to use local buses to explore the Alsatian countryside and enchanting villages like Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé. This trip is truly off the beaten path and helps you avoid being an overtourist.
Corsica
Travel by train from London to Marseille, then take a ferry to Corsica. Once on the island, explore its stunning beaches, rugged mountains and picturesque villages that can be easily reached by train.