Travel Type
Rail itineraries
Duration
14 Days/13 Nights
Country
France
Discover the very best of France as you journey through its most emblematic cities. From the timeless elegance of Paris to the wine country charm of Bordeaux, and culinary delights of Lyon, every stop brings a new highlight to enjoy. With seamless travel by train, you can explore each destination at your own pace, with complete peace of mind.
Inclusions
– 13-night accommodation in 3* hotels (3 nights in Paris, 2 nights in Bordeaux, 2 nights in Toulouse, 2 nights in Lyon, 2 nights in Aix-en-Provence, 2 nights in Nice)
– Daily breakfast
– Arrival and departure transfer from/to the airport with English-speaking driver
– High-speed train tickets (TGV) in economy class: Paris – Bordeaux / Bordeaux – Toulouse / Toulouse – Lyon /Lyon – Aix-en-Provence / Aix-en-Provence – Nice
Exclusions
Flights – Transfers between the hotels and the train stations / train stations and the hotels – Gratuities – Porterage – Optional excursions – Hotel city tax to be paid locally at the hotels – Night supplement for transfers (before 8am-After 8pm) – Any other items not mentioned in the Inclusions.
Additional Information
Clients can also enjoy the train tours as three-city journeys:
Paris – Bordeaux – Toulouse (8 days/7 nights) or
Lyon – Aix-en-Provence – Nice (7 days/6 nights)
Please note that the visits and excursions mentioned in the itinerary are not included and are only suggestions.
1
DAY 1 ARRIVAL IN PARIS
Arrive at Paris airport and meet your private driver to transfer to your hotel. Begin your Parisian journey with experiences that balance elegance and ease. Glide next along the Seine aboard a graceful river cruise, where every bend of the water reveals another timeless monument. Wander the romantic lanes of Montmartre, once the haunt of artists and poets, and let the city unveil itself as you ascend gently toward the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, where sweeping views of Paris stretch out like a dream before you. As the sun sets, the Eiffel Tower shimmers to life, casting its golden glow across the city - an unforgettable sight whether admired from beneath its soaring ironwork or from the refined vantage point of Trocadéro.
Accommodation : Paris for 3 nights
2
DAY 2 PARIS
Today is all about blending art, history, and Parisian grandeur, while still leaving space to simply wander and enjoy the city’s atmosphere. In the morning, begin with the Louvre Museum, home to the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and countless treasures of world art. Afterward, take a Parisian pause, and stroll through the Tuileries Garden, where elegant pathways and fountains invite you to linger. Stop at an outdoor café for a light lunch, perhaps a croque-monsieur or a salade Parisienne, while watching the city go by. Then make your way to the Île de la Cité to step inside the soaring Sainte-Chapelle, its stained glass a kaleidoscope of color. Nearby, wander past the towers of Notre-Dame, and end your evening strolling along the legendary Champs-Élysées, and let the grand boulevard lead you to the Arc de Triomphe. Climb to the top for a dazzling view of Paris at twilight.
Meals : Breakfast
3
DAY 3 PARIS
Today, we suggest exploring neighborhoods, hidden gems, and cultural experiences that go beyond the major landmarks. Explore elegant neighborhoods, such as the Marais, one of Paris’s most charming districts. Stop for lunch at a traditional Parisian bistro or a chic café for dishes like quiche Lorraine, duck confit, or a delicate tart for dessert. In the afternoon, discover hidden gems at the Musée d’Orsay, home to impressionist masterpieces by Monet, Degas, and Van Gogh.
Meals : Breakfast
4
DAY 4 PARIS TO BORDEAUX BY TRAIN
After breakfast, take the train to Bordeaux. Bordeaux, the elegant heart of southwestern France, enchants with its grand riverside architecture, charming streets, and world-famous vineyards. Sip legendary wines in picturesque cellars, explore vibrant markets, and soak in a city where history, culture, and refined French living meet.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Bordeaux for 2 nights
5
DAY 5 BORDEAUX
Begin your day at Place de la Bourse along the Garonne River, famous for its mirrored water feature, the Miroir d’Eau. Stroll through the historic center, admiring 18th century architecture, quaint squares, and lively streets. Don’t miss Rue Sainte-Catherine, one of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a classic Bordeaux bistro. Sample local specialties like entrecôte à la bordelaise or a fresh foie gras terrine, paired with a glass of Bordeaux wine. In the afternoon, visit La Cité du Vin, a stunning modern wine museum offering immersive tastings and panoramic views of the city. End your day at the Garonne riverfront to enjoy a sunset walk along the quays or relax at a terrace café with a glass of wine, watching the city glow as the lights come on.
Meals : Breakfast
6
DAY 6 BORDEAUX TO TOULOUSE BY TRAIN
After breakfast, take the train to “The Pink City”. Toulouse charms with its warm terracotta architecture, lively squares, and winding streets. Nestled along the Garonne River, it blends rich history with vibrant culture, from bustling markets to world-class museums, all while offering a taste of the region’s famed cuisine and spirited local life.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Toulouse for 2 nights
7
DAY 7 TOULOUSE
After breakfast, start your day at Place du Capitole, the city’s grand central square, and admire its stunning 18th century facades. Wander the nearby streets of the historic center, taking in pink terracotta buildings, quaint cafés, and artisan shops. Stop by the Basilique Saint-Sernin, a UNESCO World Heritage Romanesque church. Be sure to sample local flavours in a local bistro for Toulouse specialties such as cassoulet, foie gras, or duck confit. After lunch, we suggest a visit to the Cité de l’Espace, Toulouse’s space museum, if you’re curious about aviation and astronomy, or the the Musée des Augustins, a beautiful fine arts museum housed in a former monastery. Finish your day with a relaxing drink on a terrace or perhaps take a sunset walk through the Jardin des Plantes or along the river, soaking in Toulouse’s warm, lively atmosphere.
Meals : Breakfast
8
DAY 8 TOULOUSE TO LYON BY TRAIN
After breakfast, take the train to Lyon, and check into your hotel. Considered France’s gastronomic capital, Lyon delights with its elegant Renaissance-style streets, vibrant markets, and riverside charm.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Lyon for 2 nights
9
DAY 9 LYON
Today, immerse yourself in the elegance and charm of Lyon, France’s gastronomic jewel, on a day that blends history, culture, and indulgence. Begin in Vieux Lyon, the Renaissance-style quarter, where cobbled streets and hidden traboules whisper tales of centuries past, and the majestic Saint-Jean Cathedral stands as a testament to timeless beauty. Pause for lunch in a traditional bouchon lyonnais, savoring delicacies such as quenelles or coq au vin, paired with a fine regional wine. In the afternoon, wander the graceful streets of the Presqu’île, admiring the grandeur of Place des Terreaux and the treasures of the Musée des Beaux-Arts, before ascending by funicular to the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière, where sweeping panoramas of rooftops and rivers reward your journey. As evening falls, stroll along the Rhône or Saône, perhaps pausing at a riverside terrace to toast a day well spent in the heart of Lyon.
Meals : Breakfast
10
DAY 10 LYON TO AIX-EN-PROVENCE BY TRAIN
After breakfast, take the train to Aix-en-Provence. A sun-kissed gem of southern France, Aix-en-Provence charms with its elegant boulevards, vibrant markets, and graceful fountains. Stroll through its historic streets, savor Provençal cuisine, and soak in the artistic and cultural heritage that inspired Cézanne and continues to enchant visitors today.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Aix-en-Provence for 2 nights
11
DAY 11 AIX-EN PROVENCE
Start the day wandering the historic center of the city, admiring the graceful fountains and pastel-hued facades, and explore the Cours Mirabeau, lined with cafés and charming boutiques. Explore a local market to experience the vibrant colors and scents of fresh produce, lavender, and artisan delicacies. For lunch, indulge in the region’s culinary delights at a refined bistro, perhaps enjoying a plate of ratatouille, tapenade, or freshly baked pastries paired with a crisp local rosé. In the afternoon, follow in the footsteps of Cézanne with a visit to his former studio or take a gentle stroll to the surrounding hills for panoramic views of the Provençal landscape. Conclude your day with a leisurely café stop in a shaded square, sipping a coffee or local wine, as the golden light of the south casts its enchanting glow over the city.
Meals : Breakfast
12
DAY 12 AIX-EN-PROVENCE TO NICE BY TRAIN
Breakfast at the hotel, make your way to your next stop, Nice. Considered the sparkling jewel of the French Riviera, Nice enchants with its sun-kissed Promenade des Anglais, vibrant markets, and a charming old town.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Nice for 2 nights
13
DAY 13 NICE
Head to in the heart of Vieux Nice, the city’s historic old town, where narrow cobblestone streets wind past colorful facades, lively cafés, and bustling markets. Explore the famous Cours Saleya Market, where the vibrant colors and scents of fresh flowers, local fruits, and artisan delicacies capture the spirit of the French Riviera. Savour a light lunch at a charming restaurant, savoring regional specialties such as socca, pissaladière, or fresh seafood, before taking a leisurely stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, enjoying the azure waters of the Mediterranean and the elegance of the palm-lined boulevard. For panoramic views, ascend to Castle Hill (Colline du Château), where sweeping vistas of Nice’s rooftops and the coastline await. As evening falls, relax at a seaside terrace, savoring the sunset as the city glows in golden light, and let the effortless elegance and joie de vivre of Nice leave a lasting impression.
Meals : Breakfast
14
DAY 14 DEPARTURE FROM NICE
Breakfast at the hotel, then meet your private driver to transfer to the airport to take your return flight home, with lasting memories of some of France’s best assets.
Meals : Breakfast
| Rates in CA$, per person, starting from | |||
| Daily Departures 2026 | Double Occupancy | ||
| January – February | 4820 | ||
| March – April August | 5650 | ||
| May October | 5900 | ||
| June | 6690 | ||
| July | 5890 | ||
| September | on request | ||
| November | 5140 | ||
| December | on request | ||
| Supplements | |||
| Single Occupancy | on request | ||
| Paris City 24hr Hop-On Hop-Off and Seine cruise ticket | 140 per person | ||
| Private city tours | on request | ||
Product Code: HISF
Black-Out Dates (Paris – Bordeaux – Toulouse):
April 18-30; May 1-3, 27-30; June 14-15; July 7-18; August 30-31; September 1-30.
*Dates may be modified without prior notice
Black-Out Dates (Lyon – Aix-en-Provence – Nice):
February 1, 10, 17, 27; March 7-8, 25-31; April 1-11, 29-30; May 1-3, 6-11, 17-24; June 1-3, 29-30; July 1-4, 8.
*Dates may be modified without prior notice
**Prices in this document are for information only; they were issued at press time, for the current year. Please note that due to exchange rates and temporary promotions, they can increase or decrease at any time. Contact your travel agent for the price and promotion of the moment. Prices include the contribution of customers to the Compensation Fund for clients of Quebec travel agents.
*** PLEASE CAREFULLY READ OUR TERMS & CONDITIONS. ***
The Best of France – detailed itinerary
The Best of France – detailed itinerary
