Grand escape to France by train: Paris, Lyon & French Riviera

Paris

Day 1: Bienvenue à Paris!

Arrive into Paris and transfer to your accommodation for check-in, with some time to relax after your travels. Then, set out to explore the romantic Marais neighborhood alongside a local guide, who'll help you uncover secret cafes and seek out inspiring architecture. Enjoy a relaxing dinner at a local Parisian bistro, and end your day with an optional vintage car tour of the city, before returning to your hotel for the night.

Paris

Day 2: A day of iconic sights in Paris

You've a wonderful program of sights to explore on today's itinerary, so be sure to fuel up at breakfast. You'll begin with a visit to the one and only Louvre Museum, for a chance to marvel at its world-renowned art collection. Then, spend the afternoon shopping and sightseeing along the Champs-Elysées, stopping at the Arc de Triomphe to snap a photo or two of this iconic landmark. End your tour with a visit to a wine cellar, where you'll kick back with a relaxing and immersive tasting session, before spending the rest of the night at your leisure.

Paris

Day 3: Quintessential Parisian experiences

On your last full day in Paris, you'll take part in another collection of memorable experiences, to end things in the capital on a high note. For mesmerizing vistas as far as the eye can see, head to the Eiffel Tower and either take the elevator or climb the stairs to the top. Then, join a macaron-making class to test your baking skills, and end the day with a Seine river cruise for a unique view of Paris at night.

Paris - Lyon

Day 4: Journey to Lyon

Good morning! After checking out of your accommodation, today you'll take a train ride from Paris to Lyon, a journey of about two hours. Arrive into the capital of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, then transfer to your hotel for check-in and time to freshen up.

You'll have the afternoon to set out and explore: venture into Vieux Lyon, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town brimming with Renaissance buildings. Visit Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, a renowned indoor market offering a wide array of gourmet foods, then enjoy a traditional Lyonnais dinner at a local bouchon restaurant.

Lyon

Day 5: Historic discoveries & wine tasting

Leaving the city center for the day, you'll start with a scenic drive to the Beaujolais wine region for a vineyard tour and wine tasting session. Visit a local winery to learn about the wine-making process steeped in age-old traditions, before heading to the medieval village of Pérouges for a walking tour of its cobblestone streets. You'll then return to Lyon in the late afternoon and relax with an evening at leisure.

Lyon - Avignon

Day 6: Take the train to Avignon

Today, check out of your hotel in Lyon to board a morning train to Avignon, approximately one hour and 30 minutes away. There, check into your hotel and stop to enjoy a quick lunch in the city.

You'll then get to visit two iconic sights, each with plenty of stories to tell: the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe, and the Pont d'Avignon, erected between 1177 and 1185. Take a moment afterwards to wander through the historic center and shop at the local markets at your own pace.

Avignon

Day 7: Into the heart of the beautiful Luberon

Today, join a guided day trip to the Luberon region, known for its picturesque villages and lavender fields. There you'll begin with a visit to Gordes, one of the most beautiful villages in France, to explore its narrow streets and soak up its ancient beauty. Head to Roussillon next, famous for its red cliffs and ochre quarries, then enjoy a wine tasting session or local lunch in one of the quaint villages before making your return to Avignon.

Avignon - Cassis

Day 8: Explore the divine Calanques of Cassis

Depart from Avignon today as you journey on to Cassis by train or car, a trip of less than three hours. Arriving into this charming port town, check into your accommodation and enjoy a relaxing lunch by the harbor, taking the time to rest after your travels.

If you have energy to burn, you could opt to take a boat trip to explore the Calanques with their stunning limestone cliffs and inlets; alternatively, embark on an e-bike tour of the Calanques, or try your hand at scuba diving! Then, relax for a while longer on the beach or take a leisurely walk along the waterfront promenade, before retiring to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Cassis - Nice

Day 9: Welcome to Nice!

From Cassis, take a morning drive or train ride to Nice, located no more than three hours away. Upon your arrival into this iconic and much-loved city on the French Riviera, you'll check into your hotel before exploring the Promenade des Anglais and old town, filled with vibrant markets and historic buildings.

Optionally, you could join a perfume workshop to learn about the art of fragrance creation, with a chance to craft your own custom scent under the guidance of expert perfumers, followed by a sunset dinner at a seaside restaurant.

Nice

Day 10: Spend a day at leisure in Nice

Enjoy the day at your leisure, with a handful of optional activities available to help you make the most of the city and its surroundings.

You could take a day trip to Monaco or visit the hilltop village of Eze, where exotic gardens and panoramic views across the Riviera await. Alternatively, relax on the beach in Nice and soak up the scents on a stroll through the Cours Saleya flower market. In the evening, you could then spend some time at a local jazz club or waterfront cafe, making like a local as you immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere.

Nice

Day 11: Goodbye, France

Begin your final day in Nice with a leisurely breakfast, and perhaps some last-minute shopping, if time allows. You'll then check out of your hotel and transfer to Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, where your onward flight awaits. Have a safe journey home!