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Feel enchanted by France
From the French Riviera to the idyllic countryside of Provence
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Experience the elegance of France

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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
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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
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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
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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. 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.

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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
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ClassicClassic
Rocamadour
Save up to £300pp
Flavours of the Dordogne
2026AprJunAugSepOct
7 days from
£2,199 pp £1,999 pp
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Avignon, the Rhône & Provence
Save up to £300pp
Avignon, the Rhône & Provence
4.4 stars(176 reviews)
2026MayJunAugSepOct
7 days from
£1,599 pp £1,499 pp
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ClassicClassic
Girolata Bay
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First-Class Wonders of Corsica & Sardinia
2026AprMayJunAugSep
12 days from
£3,599 pp £3,299 pp
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ClassicClassic
Nice Carnival
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First-Class Côte d'Azur & Nice Carnival
4.6 stars(40 reviews)
2026Feb
7 days from
£1,849 pp £1,749 pp
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
La Rochelle
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Beautiful Bordeaux, the Dordogne & La Rochelle
2026JunSep
7 days from
£2,199 pp
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Dijon
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Waterways of Burgundy
4.2 stars(35 reviews)
2026Aug
7 days from
£2,999 pp £2,799 pp
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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
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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.

25 results matching: France

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River CruiseRiver Cruise
BaselBaselBaselBaselBasel
Save up to £400pp
The Romantic Rhine: Amsterdam to Basel
4.4 stars(135 reviews)
2026MayJunJul

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 up to £400pp
8 days from
£2,199 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Girolata BayGirolata BayGirolata BayGirolata BayGirolata Bay
Save up to £300pp
First-Class Wonders of Corsica & Sardinia
2026AprMayJunAugSep

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 ...

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Save up to £300pp
12 days from
£3,599 pp £3,299 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
La RochelleLa RochelleLa RochelleLa RochelleLa Rochelle
Save up to £400pp
Beautiful Bordeaux, the Dordogne & La Rochelle
2026JunSep

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...

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Save up to £400pp
7 days from
£2,199 pp
per person
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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
Save up to £300pp
First-Class Carcassonne, Châteaux & Vineyards
4.2 stars(232 reviews)
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...

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Save up to £300pp
7 days from
£2,199 pp £1,999 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
StrasbourgStrasbourgStrasbourgStrasbourgStrasbourg
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Waterways of Alsace & Lorraine
4.6 stars(66 reviews)
2026MayJunSep

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...

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Save up to £400pp
7 days from
£2,999 pp £2,799 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Fontainebleau PalaceFontainebleau PalaceFontainebleau PalaceFontainebleau PalaceFontainebleau Palace
Save up to £400pp
Waterways of the Yonne, Paris & River Seine
4.3 stars(40 reviews)
2026MayJunSep

Glide along the Seine and its tributaries, taking in picturesque villages, medieval churches and verdant forests on this barge cruise holiday. The experience begins by admiring Paris by night during a dinner cruise. Heading downstream, sail along canals and below bridges that larger ships cannot navigate, while serene river scenery passes...

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Save up to £400pp
7 days from
£2,699 pp £2,499 pp
per person
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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(55 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...

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Save up to £300pp
7 days from
£1,799 pp
per person
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San SebastianSan SebastianSan SebastianSan SebastianSan Sebastian
Beautiful Basque Country: San Sebastian & Bilbao
4.5 stars(82 reviews)

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...

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8 days
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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(176 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 ...

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Save up to £300pp
7 days from
£1,599 pp £1,499 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Ardeche GorgeArdeche GorgeArdeche GorgeArdeche GorgeArdeche Gorge
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Provence & the Elegant Rhône
4.4 stars(156 reviews)
2026AprJunJulAugSep

 The timeless destinations and renowned beauty of Southern France beckons on this cruise journey. Join the luxurious MS Amadeus Provence to uncover a tapestry of experiences while cruising along the Rhône and Saône rivers, with a unique focus on the region's culinary prowess. Indulge in the finest Burgundy wines in Beaune, savour the ...

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Save up to £400pp
8 days from
£3,299 pp
per person
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Lake GenevaLake GenevaLake GenevaLake GenevaLake Geneva
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Lake Geneva, Chamonix & Mont Blanc
4.3 stars(142 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.

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Save up to £300pp
7 days from
£2,199 pp £1,999 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
ParisParisParisParisParis
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Paris, Normandy & the River Seine
4.0 stars(31 reviews)
2026AprJunJulSep

Eight days of unparalleled luxury aboard the MS Amadeus Diamond begin and end 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 up to £400pp
8 days from
£2,499 pp
per person
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Our customers love our France tours
Beautiful Basque Country: San Sebastian & Bilbao
12/Oct
Margaret Johnson
5 stars
“Excellent trip
Collected by Trustpilot
Avignon, the Rhône & Provence
12/Oct
G Regan
5 stars
“Really enjoyed this trip,beautiful places to visit,a lovely boat journey down the Rhone with lunch to Arles,friendly fellow travellers,we would definitely book again with GRT maybe send the suitcase ahead another time.
Collected by Trustpilot
Lake Geneva, Chamonix & Mont Blanc
1/Oct
Robert Walters
5 stars
“Great trip made even better by John Grundy our tour manager. Very knowledgeable and calm. Strongly recommended.
Collected by Trustpilot
Waterways of Alsace & Lorraine
26/Sep
Mrs P Sargeant
5 stars
“Everything was perfect food, staff and fellow travelers
Collected by Trustpilot
Provence & the Elegant Rhône
22/Sep
Victorian House Owner
5 stars
“A well organised and interesting trip. From the moment we met our group at St Pancras until our return we were so well looked after; the journey to and from the River Cruiser mostly went smoothly and any issues were swiftly sorted by Ann Marie. Lucy, our Cruise...
Collected by Trustpilot
First-Class Cannes & the Côte d'Azur
17/Sep
M Elliott
5 stars
“This is my 4th trip with GRJ which I really enjoyed. With excellent organisation from Head Office staff through to our lovely tour manager who's knowledge of the venue's and history was super. The hotel provides a lovely breakfast, although you do have to pay for a cooked breakfast....
Collected by Trustpilot
The Romantic Rhine: Amsterdam to Basel
17/Aug
Helen Antrichan
5 stars
“Everything was so well planned and organised. The ship was perfect and staff were wonderful.
Collected by Trustpilot
First-Class Carcassonne, Châteaux & Vineyards
8/Oct
Dinah Calderbank
4 stars
“Hotel great. L’Occitane beautiful.
Collected by Trustpilot
Paris, Normandy & the River Seine
7/Oct
B Culver
4 stars
“Boat was fine. Staff were good. Food was very good. General service was good. Room was perfectly fine. Evening entertainment was OK for first couple of days, then as it was the same person, it became a bit repetitive. Quizzes were OK, but could...
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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