Paris - Venice
Venice - paris, paris - istanbul, istanbul - paris, paris - verona, florence - paris, rome - paris, paris - innsbruck (geneva route), paris - vienna, paris - budapest, verona - paris, paris - budapest - paris, paris - vienna - paris, paris - prague, verona - paris - (amsterdam route), paris - venice (amsterdam route), venice - paris - (amsterdam route), paris - venice (florence and rome route), paris - verona (amsterdam route), venice - paris (rome and florence route), from reims to puy du fou, albertville - paris, bourg-saint-maurice - paris, paris - vienna (budapest route), paris - vienna (prague route), paris - innsbruck (amsterdam route), paris - verona (innsbruck and geneva route), paris - venice (innsbruck and geneva route), prague - paris (vienna route), paris - albertville, paris - bourg-saint-maurice, paris - moûtiers, moûtiers - paris, lyon - cannes, lyon - venice, vienna - paris (budapest route), vienna - paris (prague route), budapest - paris, informations.
Private Hire / Train Charter
Accommodation on Le Grand Tour France
18 Cabins, between 10 m² - 25 m² , personalised light levels, music, and heating / air-conditioning.
The cabins of Le Grand Tour reflect the timeless journey. Bearing the names of illustrious personalities of the past, they create a rendez-vous with history.
Private salons by day, they are transformed into comfortable bedrooms by night.
Your cabin awaits you after the events of each day, where you can relax to the sound of your preferred music in soothing lighting.
Large picture windows present the panorama of the scenic French countryside.
Each Le Grand Tour cabin has a private bathroom.
Your butler is available at all times.
Bed Sizes on Le Grand Tour
Double Queen size bed - 140cms x 200cms / 4ft 6ins x 6ft 6ins; extra bed 70cms x 190cms / 4ft 6ins x 6ft 3ins
Twin beds each 70cms x 200cms / 4ft 6ins x 6ft 6ins.
Suites have both Double Bed and Twin Bed configurations. Cabins have Double Bed only. Addition of 3rd bed possible (70cms x 190cms; 4ft 6ins x 6ft 3ins) in Suites & Adjoining Suites.
Le Grand Tour Classic Cabin
The Classic Cabins of 10 m² are suitable for 1 or 2 passengers.
Private bathroom, butler service, amenities, personalised light levels, music, and heating / air-conditioning.
Double Queen size bed (140cms x 200cms / 4ft 6ins x 6ft 6ins)
Exceptional dining included.
Le Grand Tour Suite
The Suites of 15 m² accommodate between 1 and 3 guests.
Double Queen size bed (140cms x 200cms / 4ft 6ins x 6ft 6ins) or Twin beds (each 70cms x 200cms / 4ft 6ins x 6ft 6ins). Addition of 3rd bed possible (70cms x 190cms / 4ft 6ins x 6ft 3ins)
Le Grand Tour Adjoining Suites
The Adjoining Suites of 25 m² accommodate between 2 and 5 guests.
Double Queen size bed (140cms x 200cms/ 4ft 6ins x 6ft 6ins) or Twin beds (each 70cms x 200cms / 4ft 6ins x 6ft 6ins). Addition of 3rd bed possible (70cms x 190cms / 4ft 6ins x 6ft 3ins)
Le Grand Tour France General Information
Do not confuse 'Le Grand Tour France' with similarly named rail tours of France using ordinary scheduled SNCF trains and packaged hotels.
Payment Schedule
25% non-refundable Deposit to reserve.
25% part-payment, no later than 180 days before departure.
50% balance*, no later than 90 days before departure.
Full payment* is required for reservations made 90 days or less.
*2.5% Club discount off the price will be applied to the balance or full payment for Club Members. Join free by subscribing to the Club newsletter.
Included in Le Grand Tour Journeys
The price includes all taxes except tourist tax, if applicable.
The stated itinerary on Le Grand Tour
Full board - breakfast, lunch and dinner
Beverages - mineral water, table wine matched with the menus, coffee, tea and soft drinks
Participation in the off-train visits as booked by Le Grand Tour
Transfers between Le Grand Tour and visit locations
Excluded from Le Grand Tour Journeys
Personalised off-train visits as arranged by Le Grand Tour on behalf of clients; to be booked before departure
Transfers to personalised off-train visit locations
Beverages other than those mentioned in inclusions
Tourist tax if applicable
Clients’ personal expenses
Tips / gratuities for the off-train tourist guides
External services not offered by Le Grand Tour and directly requested by the Client, in particular supplements during meals, including à la carte wine
Trip cancellation, trip interruption and repatriation assistance insurance costs in the event of an accident, illness or death
In general, all added expenses not mentioned above.
For all additional services during the itinerary, the service prices shall be those displayed in Le Grand Tour or applied by third party service providers for the personalised visits.
Much of the programme is not developed for children.
Disabled Access
One Suite on Le Grand Tour France is adapted for wheelchair use. Le Grand Tour has a wheelchair adapted for use onboard, reserve on booking. It must not be taken off the train.
This Suite can be a Double Bed (140x190cm) or Twin Beds (70x190cm each). Please note: The Double Bed is accessible by the foot of the bed. Twin Bed - Le Grand Tour's own wheelchair fits between the beds.
All visits are wheelchair-accessible. However, these areas are not accessible: Reims Cathedral - the towers; Beaune Hospices, - the cellars, Annecy, - old town; Avignon Palais des Papes - higher areas; Alpilles - the walk. Passengers can either bring their own wheelchair for off-train use (stored in the train baggage car) or arrange the local hire.
One piece of cabin luggage per person in the Suite or Classic Cabin. Exceptionally, a bigger suitcase can be stored elsewhere on Le Grand Tour; accessible upon request to your butler.
Le Grand Tour France Reservations
Please contact the Club to book Le Grand Tour France.
Join Our Mailing List:
And be a Club Member for exclusive offers and luxury train news
66,064 people have already joined
If you are having problems subscribing, please email [email protected]
Book your luxury journey
A useful guide to plan your journey, click here to view the luxury train club video, spanish luxury trains 2024, venice simplon-orient-express l’observatoire private carriage, rovos trail of two oceans angola, travel agents, travel agent bookings, group travel, private rail carriages, train charters & group travel.
Join The Club
for exclusive offers and luxury train news. 53,990 people have already joined
Sign up to the club for free
Call Us: +44 (0)20 8191 0620 | Email Us: [email protected]
Luxury European Train Tours & Luxury Train Vacations Europe
Luxury european train holiday destinations & places.
Our range of luxury train tours in Europe lets you explore this fascinating continent in comfort and style. The slow pace of luxury rail travel in Europe gives you time to see the countries you pass through rather than just the tourist sites, and we think there is nothing like European luxury train vacations as a way to travel in Europe. Most luxury European train holidays focus on East and Central Europe, including the Balkans. Spain and Portugal also have luxury trains in Europe. Below you can browse all the destinations visited by our luxury train trips in Europe. Under each destination, you can view the luxury European train tours that visit each destination.
Luxury train holidays in Europe visit the well-known sites but also pass through places that are less visited and can make short stops to visit these places that regular luxury rail tours to Europe might miss. As the luxury sleeper trains in Europe act as a hotel on wheels, there is no need to pack and unpack, and the European luxury train trips allow for short visits to many places. This gives the passenger a more rounded experience of the countries they pass through. Taking a luxury train through Europe is a rewarding and relaxing way to travel with like-minded people.
Luxury Rail Tours In Europe
Just click on any of the tours listed below to open up or download a PDF file with the tour’s full details including dates and pricing.
● Please remember that booking as far ahead as you can in advance is essential for these trains ●
7 Nights from UK £ 14,295 / US$ 17,595 / € 16,195
Contact us for a quote in other currencies
France ● Switzerland ● Austria ● Slovenia ● Serbia ● Bulgaria ● Turkey
Turkey ● Bulgaria ● Serbia ● Slovenia ● Austria ● Switzerland ● France
11 Nights from UK £ 14,795 / US$ 18,495 / € 16,795
Venice ● Trieste ● Ljubljana ● Sarajevo ● Mostar ● Dubrovnik ● Belgrade ● Skopje ● Sofia ● Plovdiv ● Istanbul
Venice ● Trieste ● Ljubljana ● Sarajevo ● Mostar ● Belgrade ● Bar ● Podgorica ● Skopje ● Sofia ● Plovdiv ● Istanbul
6 Nights From UK £ 8,995 / US $ 11,195 / € 10,195
Istanbul ● Veliko Tarnovo ● Sinaia ● Brasov ● Sighisoara ● Sibiu ● Kecskemet ● Lajosmizse ● Budapest
10 Nights From UK £ 13,695 / US $ 17,095 / € 15,495
Budapest ● Vienna ● Lake Achen ● Innsbruck ● Zürich ● Lake Como ● Milan ● Verona ● Trieste ● Lake Bled ● Ljubljana ● Venice
Budapest ● Vienna ● Semmering Pass ● Lake Achen ● Innsbruck ● Zurich ● St Gotthard Pass ● Lake Como ● Verona ● Trieste ● Lake Bled ● Ljubljana ● Postojna ● Venice
7 Nights From UK £ 9,395 / US $ 11,795 / € 10,695
Budapest ● Keszthely ● Tapolca ● Sopron ● Eger ● Lillafured ● Aggtelek ● Hortobagy National Park ● Tokaj ● Opusztaszer ● Szeged ● Budapest
5 Nights from UK £ 6,210 / US$ 7,590 pp
Contact us for quotes in other currencies
Epernay ● Reims ● Beaune ● Annecy ● Avignon ● Les Alpilles ● Arcachon ● Saint-Emilion ● Chenonceau ● Puy Du Fou
7 Nights From UK £ 7,995 / US $ 9,995 / € 9,095
A festive journey westbound across Europe from Budapest to Munich via Vienna & Salzburg
A festive journey eastbound across Europe from Munich to Budapest via Salzburg & Vienna
11 Nights From UK £ 14,795 / US $ 18,495 / € 16,795
Budapest ● Krakow ● Warsaw ● Malbork ● Gdansk ● Berlin ● Dresden ● Prague ● Salzburg ● Vienna
8 Nights From UK £ 11,195 / US $ 13,995 / € 12,695
Budapest ● Keszthely ● Graz ● Vienna ● Cesky Krumlov ● Prague ● Kosice ● Budapest
2 Nights From UK £ 4,400 per person
Travel straight into the heart of the Scottish Highlands, visiting enchanting sites of natural beauty and making the most of the thrilling outdoor activities
3 Nights From UK £ 6,400 per person
Explore the rugged landscapes of the West coast of Scotland
Embark on a captivating journey through Scotland’s untamed beauty.
4 Nights From UK £ 8,300 per person
Discover the wild wonders and picturesque scenery that Scotland has to offer
4 Nights From UK £ 8,900 per person
Dive into Scotland’s finest estates with untold stories and guided tours
Embark on an adventure with the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, our partner for this unique journey through Scotland
5 Nights From UK £11,200 per person
Discover Scotland through the ages with unique sceneries and intriguing experiences
5 Nights From UK £ 10,400 per person
Be spirited away as you retrace part of the famed West Highland Line
A combination of the traditional Highland and scenic Western journeys
7 Nights From UK £ 14,700 per person
Explore the many wonders of the Scottish Highlands at a leisurely pace
Head West and explore the many wonders of the Scottish Highlands at a leisurely pace
9 Nights From UK £ 8,690 / US $ 11,830
Santiago De Compostela ● Ourense ● León ● Ávila ● Toledo ● Córdoba ● Seville
6 Nights From Euro 5,600 per person
Málaga ● Granada ● Úbeda ● Baeza ● Córdoba ● Ronda ● Jerez De La Frontera ● Cádiz ● Seville
Seville ● Cádiz ● Jerez De La Frontera ● Ronda ● Córdoba ● Baeza ● Úbeda ● Granada ● Málaga
7 Nights From Euro 8,900 Per Person
Santiago De Compostela ● Viveiro ● Ribadeo ● Luarca ● Gijon ● Oviedo ● Llanes ● Santillana Del Mar ● Cabezon De La Sal ● Potes ● Santander ● Carranza ● Bilbao ● San Sebastian
7 Nights From Euro 8,900 per person
San Sebastian ● Bilbao ● Carranza ● Santander ● Potes ● Cabezon De La Sal ● Santillana Del Mar ● Llanes ● Oviedo ● Gijon ● Luarca ● Ribadeo ● Viveiro ● Santiago De Compostela
13 NIGHTS FROM £ 18,295 / US$ 24,695
BASEL ● ST MORITZ ● TIRANO (ITALY) ● ANDERMATT ● ZERMATT ● BERN ● INTERLAKEN (JUNGFRAU REGION) ● LAKE COMO (ITALY) ● PILATUS KULM ● ZURICH
Luxurious Train Rides Europe: Austria
Austria has some of the best mix of scenery and cities in Europe and is a popular destination for European luxury train travel. It has a well-developed and beautifully engineered rail network making luxury rail holidays in Europe reliable and exhilarating with routes through places like the Semmering pass. Vienna and Salzburg are the most popular cities visited in Austria visited on our luxury European train tours. Click on the European luxury train vacations below each Austrian destination for full details.
The Capital of Austria and the former Habsburg Empire is a city with a rich culture and some superb imperial architecture.
The birthplace of Mozart and, of course, setting for the Sound of Music, beautiful Salzburg is a centre of culture in Austria.
Semmering Pass
This rail pass connects Lower Austria and Styria. The Semmering Railway built from 1848–54 was the first mountain railway in the world.
Lake Achen is a beautiful alpine lake with stunning clear turquoise waters and a popular area for water sports and hiking.
Located close to both Germany and Italy Innsbruck is famed as a ski resort but also has many historical buildings in the centre of the city.
New Year in Vienna is a magical time of festivities and often snow. It is also famed for the classical Vienna New Year concert.
European Luxury Train Vacations: Bosnia Herzegovina
Bosnia Herzegovina is a relative newcomer on luxury train rides in Europe itineraries and is a country that would often be overlooked. The beauty of a luxury train across Europe is that it can pass through these less visited places and take in the better-known destinations. Sarajevo and Mostar are the most popular places visited on these luxury European train holidays, and both these destinations have recovered well from the war in the 1990s.
Sarajevo is the capital of Bosnia and known for its diversity of Christian Roman Catholic, Orthodox and the Muslim Ottoman.
Still shaking off its damage from the war in the 1990s the city is famous for its beautiful stone bridge which was rebuilt in 2004.
Luxury European Train Tours: Bulgaria
Bulgaria is located at a key point geographically between Europe and the near Orient and so features in quite a lot of luxury train vacations in Europe. The country has much to see and a good rail network for the European luxury train to use. Bulgaria has a long history and has been a pivotal country between Turkey and the rest of Europe. The main cities visited on luxury rail holidays in Europe are the coital of Sofia and the culturally rich cities of Veliko Tarnovo and Plovid.
Plovdiv is one of the oldest cities in Europe located on a large plain between the Rhodope Mountains and Balkan Range (Old Mountains).
Bulgaria’s capital is a dynamic place to visit with an architectural mix of Communist, Orthodox and European buildings.
Veliko Tarnovo
Veliko Turnovo was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire and is culturally rich in museums and historical sites.
Luxury Train Travel Europe: Croatia
Croatia is a Balkan country with a long and beautiful coastline. Its rail network is not as extensive as other Balkan countries. Still, it more than makes up for this with some outstanding destinations, not least Dubrovnik, making it a popular place to visit for luxury rail journeys in Europe. As well as Dubrovnik, other cities visited are Zagreb and Rijeka. Overall, Croatia is a welcome stop for luxury trains in Europe.
Zagreb’s chief attraction is the medieval ‘old city’ with architecture and cobbled streets reminiscent of Vienna, Budapest and Prague.
Rijeka is the main seaport of Croatia, located on Kvarner Bay, an inlet of the Adriatic Sea. It is compact and walkable city.
Once rivalling Venice, beautiful Dubrovnik is an UNESCO World Heritage city on the Adriatic Sea coast in the south of Croatia.
Luxury European Train Holidays: Czech Republic
The Czech Republic has one of Europe’s most famous cities, Prague, which is a must-see and featured on several luxury train journeys in Europe. The country has long been a stalwart for European tourism in the heart of Central and East Europe and has a well-developed train network. As well as the much-visited Prague, the luxury European train holiday also visits Cesky Krumlov, which has just as beautiful architecture as Prague but is far less well known.
CZECH REPUBLIC
Prague is one of the largest cities in Central Europe and has served as the capital of the historic region of Bohemia for centuries.
Cesky Krumlov
Český Krumlov is a beautiful town little changed over centuries full of Baroque buildings and with a castle and old-town square.
Experience Luxury Train Travel: France
Taking a luxury train in France offers an unparalleled travel experience, combining the romance of rail travel with opulent comfort. The journey itself becomes a highlight, not just a means to reach a destination. Luxury trains, like Le Grand Tour, provide sumptuous accommodations and fine dining, allowing travellers to relax in a refined ambiance reminiscent of a bygone era. The scenic routes traverse through France’s breathtaking landscapes, offering views of picturesque villages, vineyards, and historical sites, often inaccessible by other means of transport. It’s an immersive cultural experience, where travellers can enjoy French cuisine and wines while mingling with an international clientele. This mode of travel appeals to those seeking a leisurely pace, luxury, and a unique way to explore France’s rich heritage and stunning geography.
Enchanting lakeside gem with medieval charm, vibrant markets, and stunning Alpine vistas—a serene and picturesque fairy-tale escape.
A captivating seaside retreat boasting pristine beaches, renowned oyster farms, and the majestic Dune du Pilat.
Step into history with its majestic Papal Palace, vibrant cultural scene, and the iconic Pont Saint-Bénézet
Immerse in Burgundy’s heart, famed for world-class wines, historic Hospices de Beaune, and charming medieval architecture.
The Champagne capital, offering exquisite tastings, grand vineyards, and miles of underground cellars to explore.
A sensory delight with lavender fields, sun-drenched vineyards, ancient villages, and a deeply rich cultural heritage.
A historic city renowned for its magnificent cathedral, Champagne houses, and a rich tapestry of French heritage.
Luxury European Train Tour: Hungary
Hungary is a pivotal country in East Europe with an extensive and well-developed train network providing one of the best luxury train vacations Europe offers, fascinating cities and beautiful scenery. Some of the most luxurious train rides in Europe tour this country extensively to take advantage of this. The capital of Budapest is actually two cities Buda and Pest which are divided by the river. This city has some impressive architecture. The rest of the country has many towns and sights worth visiting on your luxury European train tour, and the nature of luxury train rides in Europe means that short stops can be made throughout your European luxury train trip.
Aggtelek is famous for its karst caves with the highlight being the Giants’ Hall 125 meters long, 55 meters wide and 30 meters high.
The capital of Hungary is a vibrant city noted for its classical music scene and nightlife as well as thermal baths and architecture.
Debrecen is the second largest city in Hungary and a centre for Hungarian Protestantism as well as a large science university.
Eger is known for its castle, thermal baths, baroque buildings, the northernmost Ottoman minaret, cuisine and red wines.
Hollókő is a preserved traditional settlement and a UNESCO World Heritage site and is a good way to understand local culture.
The Hortobagy National Park is in the Hungarian plain in the eastern part of the country known for it’s wildlife and traditional culture.
The city is well known for its secessionist architecture, museums, and for being the birthplace of composer Zoltan Kodály.
Located at the southern tip of lake Balaton the town is 750 years old. Gothic, baroque and Transylvanian architecture abounds.
Lajosmizse is a town in Bács-Kiskun county. It is located at the end of a railway line from Budapest and has a museum of folk culture.
Lillafüred close to Lake Hamori is a beautiful small town built as a holiday resort and centred around the Place Hotel and gardens.
Opusztaszer
The Ópusztaszer National Heritage Park is an open-air museum of Hungarian history most famous for the Feszty Panorama.
Sopron is a pleasant town very close to the border with Austria with winding streets and history dating back to medieval times.
Szeged is the third-largest city in Hungary known or the cathedral and a wealth of Art Nouveau buildings, and for the fish soup Halászlé.
Tapolca is known for its cave system as well as the beautiful Mill Pond. Due to the limestone karsts of this area the water is very pure.
Tokaj is a famous wine growing region dating back nearly 1,000 years and the main square of the town even has a the Bacchus fountain.
European Luxury Train Vacation: Italy
From a tourism perspective, Italy needs little introduction. The country has been seducing travellers for centuries. It is relatively less well known though, for its trains aside from being the endpoint of the Orient Express, the crème de la crème of luxury train travel in Europe. The rail network in Northern Italy is extensive; this is where the luxury train travel through Europe focuses on. Who wouldn’t want to take a European luxury train trip that visits such stunning places as Venice, Milan and Lake Como. Under each destination, you can explore the European luxury train vacation options for Italy below.
Beautiful lake in Lombardy surrounded by mountains. There are numerous pretty towns and villages around the shore.
Milan is famous for fashion and shopping and has some beautiful architecture as well as the famous La Scala opera house.
Once a very influential and powerful centre of politics, literature, music, art and culture under Austrian-Hungarian dominion.
Venice needs little introduction. Its sheer wealth of architecture and unique cancel system make it one of the world’s most visited cities.
Verona is rich in history with an abundance of Roman roots still evident today along with world class art and architecture – and gelato!
Luxury European Train Tour: Montenegro
Tiny Montenegro only takes a few hours to cross, but this is not a problem for luxury train trips in Europe which can fit this mountainous country in on their schedules before railing on to the following country. Luxury European train tours visit the dramatically located coastal town of Bar and the capital of Podgorica before continuing to explore the rest of the Balkans.
The capital of Montenegro is an interesting mix of old and new, Mediterranean and Balkan and is known for its cafe culture.
Bar has a wonderful setting on the coast backed by steep cliffs and mountains. Close by are the striking ruins of Stari Bar.
European Luxury Train Vacations: North Macedonia
Macedonia is another small Balkan country that most tourists would overlook. However, your “luxury interrailing Europe” trip can fit into their schedules as they do not need to overnight in hotels with the train acting as a hotel on wheels. This allows your European luxury train vacation to offer a short visit to fascinating Skopje, which features son several of Golden Eagle’s Danube Express train tours, including the very popular Venice to Istanbul route – one of the great luxury train rides in Europe.
NORTH MACEDONIA
Skopje is an old city with Ottoman and Byzantine era sights. The Tvrdina Kale Fortress has guarded the city since the 5th century.
Luxury Train Tours Europe: Poland
Most luxury sleeper trains in Europe focus on the southern part of East and Central Europe, but the southern Polish city of Krakow does make it into some of these itineraries, and rightly so. Krakow is one of Europe’s architectural masterpieces and is well worth a visit on any fancy train rides in Europe.
This former capital of Poland has plenty of medieval architecture which combines with a more youthful student population and culture.
Luxury Rail Tours in Southern Europe: Portugal
Opting for a luxury train journey in Portugal offers an unforgettable experience that blends the charm of vintage travel with modern indulgence. As you traverse through Portugal’s stunning landscapes, you’re treated to a visual feast of rolling vineyards, historic towns, and dramatic coastlines. Onboard, experience unparalleled comfort, exquisite dining featuring Portuguese cuisine, and impeccable service. It’s more than just travel; it’s about embracing the slower pace and elegance of a bygone era, while exploring Portugal’s rich cultural tapestry and scenic beauty in a uniquely luxurious setting.
Luxury European Train Holidays: Romania
Like neighbouring Bulgaria and Hungary, Romania is a popular destination for the most luxurious trains in Europe. This enigmatic country has a long history and spectacular scenery to enjoy on your luxury European train holiday. The fantastically named Danube Express train tour “Castles of Transylvania” encompasses a range of places, including Sighişoara and Bran and Râșnov, which are all tied up with the legend of Vlad the Impaler, whose bloodthirsty history inspired Bran Stoker’s Dracula!
A city of gothic spires, Brasov is the base to visit the castles in Bran and Râșnov and listen to stories about Vlad to Impaler!
Cluj Napoca
Recently ‘discovered’ by tourists Cluj has a vigorous mix of galleries, gardens, cafes, Gothic Churches and medieval towers.
Sibiu has a mix of big architecture and bohemian flair and this city has long been a cultural destination in Romania.
The alleged birth place of Vlad Ţepeş (the Impaler), Sighişoara is a beautiful town full of narrow lanes and medieval architecture.
Located in a dramatic valley the town is visited by hikers in summer and skiers in winter and also for the chief attraction of Peleş Castle.
This large city has an attractive layout of squares and gardens as well as a good range of restaurants and museums.
European Luxury Train Travel: Serbia
Offering some of the best luxury train tours Europe offers, Serbia is a pivotal rail junction in the Balkans and a stop for many of the most luxurious trains in Europe. A landlocked country in the Balkans, Serbia came into being out of the former Yugoslavia in the early 1990s.
Located where the Sava and Danube Rivers meet Belgrade is where the old world meets the new in this forward looking city.
Sargan Vitasi
This place is all about trains and the unusual narrow gauge railway that ran from Sarajevo to Belgrade with the section here restored.
Luxury Rail Holidays In Europe: Slovakia
Slovakia is a landlocked and mountainous country in Central Europe with beautiful cities and incredible natural sights. Slovakia can be visited on the Central European Classics and New Year In Vienna luxury train rides in Europe. The old town of Kosicce is a highlight, as well as Poprad, known as the gateway to the High Tatra mountains.
The old town is the attraction of this city with the greatest collection of Gothic towers, medieval bastions and baroque sculpture in Slovakia.
Poprad is a known as the Gateway to the stunning scenery of the High Tatras and this town makes for a good place to base and explore.
Luxury Train Travel Europe: Slovenia
Slovenia lies in South-Central Europe in the Julian Alps at the northern end of the Adriatic Sea, bordered by Austria to the north and Italy to the west. The country is a stalwart of the best luxury rail travel Europe offers. Slovenia can be visited on the Grand Alpine Express, Venice to Istanbul luxury European train holidays.
Picture perfect and very popular Lake Bled is surrounded by the highest peaks of the Julian Alps and attractive churches and castles.
Slovenia’s capital green and liveable with a pedestrianised centre and fine architecture and bridges crossing the Ljubljanica River.
The Postojna Cave system is the thing to see here. Visitors can walk along 5km of the total 24 km of tunnels full of formations.
Luxury Train Holidays Europe: Spain
The Mediterranean country of Spain needs little introduction and is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations for its stunning history, cities and culture. Lesser known is its extensive rail network used by luxury overnight trains in Europe. Spain can be visited on the Al Andalus luxury train tours of Europe, visiting Santiago to Seville and the Portuguese capital of Lisbon to Barcelona. More details can be found below.
The old city walls consist of 8 huge gates, 88 watchtowers and 2500 turrets, is one of the best-preserved medieval in Spain.
Discover timeless beauty in its well-preserved medieval quarter, historic monuments, and a rich blend of cultural influences.
Home to some extraordinary islamic architecture, not least the Mezquita, this city also is quintessential Spain and not to be missed.
Leon’s cathedral is one of Spain’s most impressive and largest and at night this city comes alive with bars and restaurants.
Experience the pulsating heart of Spain with world-renowned museums, lively plazas, and an unrivalled culinary scene.
Ourense is known for its hot springs and thermal waters as well as its 12th-century Cathedral and Roman era bridge, the Ponte Romana.
Santiago de Compostela
The final stop on the famed pilgrimage trail of the same name 300,000 pilgrims still walk here to visit the cathedral each year.
Seville is one of Spains most impressive and pleasant cities with grand architecture and an Andalusian culture of food and drink.
Toledo is dramatically sited atop a gorge overlooking the Río Tajo, it was known as the ‘city of three cultures’ in the Middle Ages.
A harmonious blend of futuristic architecture, lush gardens, vibrant festivals, and a rich, historic Old Town.
Luxury Rail Journeys Europe: Switzerland
Landlocked Switzerland offers unique luxury rail journeys in Europe with stunning mountainous scenery and cities and towns rich in a culture influenced by the surrounding countries, including Italy, France, Germany and Austria. Swiss rail is famous for its punctuality and breathtaking engineering feats over mountain passes. Although there are few luxury night train Europe rail tours, the trip does use luxury rolling stock for day trips with nights spent in hotels. Switzerland can be visited on the Grand Alpine Express and Swiss Rail Spectacular tours, making them great luxury European train holidays to be remembered.
SWITZERLAND
Andermatt is a village in the Ursern Valley in the Swiss Alps. The train station is on the route network of the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn.
Located astride the mighty Rhine river the city is popular for it’s wealth of galleries, museums and iconic buildings.
Switzerland’s capital has a beautiful listed old town of cobbled streets with 6km of covered arcades, cellar shops and bars.
A traditional village overlooking the lake of the same name, this is the quintessential Alpine setting among forests and mountains.
The steep Furka Pass at 2,431m) offers superb views and a memorable train ride during the summer months when the pass is snow free.
The Jungfrau, at 4,158 meters is one of the main summits of the Bernese Alps. From here the views across the Alps are stunning.
Popular with the likes of Goethe, Queen Victoria and Wagner Lucerne is as charming today as in the 19th Century and not to be missed.
Reichenbach Falls
The Reichenbach Falls (of Sherlock Holmes fame) drop over a total height of about 250 metres and are reached by a funicular train.
St Gotthard Pass
The St Gotthard Pass at 2,106 m (6,909 ft) is a mountain pass for road and rail connecting northern with southern Switzerland.
The ultimate Swiss winter resort loved by celebrities and the well-heeled alike. Year round the beautiful lake and scenery can be enjoyed.
Vitznau lies in an idyllic bay of Lake Lucerne at the foot of the Rigi making time well spent to explore the lake and the mountain area.
Zermatt lies at the foot of the famous Matterhorn. The town has preserved its original character and is a car free zone.
The lakeside city of Zürich has the classic Swiss old town (Altstadt) and plenty of bars, art galleries and shopping opportunities.
Luxury Train Journeys Europe: Turkey
Turkey is a country full of wonder and history that straddles Europe and the near Orient and has long been a place of fascination for tourists. Some of the best luxury trains in Europe start of finish in Istanbul, and Turkey can be visited on the Balkan Explorer, Castles of Transylvania, Venice to Istanbul tours.
Istanbul is one of the world’s great cities sitting on the strategic Bosphorus with a skyline that speaks of its long history.
The luxury train travel company
Contact us about european luxury train tours.
We look forward to hearing from you and are happy to answer any questions you have – just email or call us or use the form below.
Tel: +44 (0)20 8191 0620
Please complete The Form Below
Please provide as much information as possible so we can respond with the best answer and don't forget to press the submit button at the bottom. We reply to all enquiries within one working day.
How Can We Reach You?
How can we help, which region(s) are you interested in, which train(s) are you interested in, how did you hear about us, the most popular questions, luxury train travel europe & luxury european train tours faqs, what destinations and places are covered in your luxury european train tours.
Our luxury train rides in Europe cover a wide range of destinations from the Iberian Peninsular to the East, Central Europe and the Balkans. Above you will see all the luxury European train holiday destinations covered by our luxury European train tours, and each destination has the tours that visit it below.
How Much Do Luxury Sleeper Trains In Europe Cost?
The luxury train Europe price depends on both the trip chosen and the class of cabin you require. You can find all pricing by clicking on any luxury European train tour above, which will open up the European luxury train trip dossier, which contains pricing, dates, details of the itinerary and cabin classes available for that train. There is a lot of information, so if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us about the European luxury train vacations you are interested in.
What Is The Most Luxurious Train In Europe?
It is often said that the most luxurious train in Europe must be the Orient Express which travels from London to Venice. However, this is a short train trip, and we recommend booking that as a means to get to Venice and start another European luxury train tour on a train like the Danube Express operated by Golden Eagle. These luxury train trips in Europe are much more extensive and complement the Orient Express. We mustn’t forget the luxury trains in Portugal and Spain known as the Al Andalus which we like for its old work decor – to some these could be the most luxurious trains in Europe.
Why Book A European Luxury Train Trip With theluxurytraintravelcompany.com?
We have been offering luxury train vacations in Europe for many years. Our experience in dealing with Luxury Train travel companies and operators allows us to point you towards the best luxury train travel Europe offers. Price, cabin class and route are all important decisions, and we have vast experience and good connections with the luxury rail operators to secure the highly sought-after cabins. We are delighted to assist you in booking your European luxury train and experiencing the best possible luxury train vacation in Europe.
explore the world of luxury trains
Explore the luxury train travel company.
Explore Our Range of Luxury Rail Tours Across the Globe. Learn About The Different Luxury Trains We Can Offer. View Our Tours by Region & Destinations. View our train departure Calendar.
The 8 most spectacular train journeys in France
Dec 25, 2023 • 11 min read
Traveling across France by train might be the ideal way to take in its glorious scenery © iandresr / Getty Images
Chugging past rolling hills full of heritage vineyards, cutting through spectacular mountainous backcountry, or zipping along the coastline of the Mediterranean: there’s no better way to experience the beauty and bounty of France than from the window seat of a train.
The superb rail network in la République makes it easy to explore the far corners of this rich, varied country. We’ve chosen the following journeys because they offer scenic beauty, keep up a vintage heritage or are just plain fabulous. All aboard for the best train rides in France!
1. Le Cévenol is the most remote and wild train ride
Clermont-Ferrand to Nîmes; 303km (188 miles)
The savage beauty of the isolated Massif Central opens up on one of France’s oldest train routes – and one of the most challenging to build, given the topography of the Gorges de l’Allier. In the mid-1800s, the technology to blast through granite and basalt mountains didn't yet exist, so in a triumphant feat of engineering, workers used rudimentary techniques to blast out the line’s tunnels. Le Cévenol (also known as La Ligne des Cévennes) opened in 1870 for both passengers and freight, including coal headed to the Rhône region and wine to Paris.
The Cévenol forms part of a longer, cross-country route linking Marseille to Paris , but most riders jump aboard at Clermont-Ferrand , in the heart of volcano country. You’ll start off admiring volcanic plugs dotting the landscape before heading through the pièce de résistance: the Gorges de l’Allier. High above the Allier River, magnificent views open up, stretching far across the gorge.
Along the way, you’ll cross three historic viaducts, wind through several impressive valleys and traverse 106 tunnels. The highest point is La Bastide-Puylaurent at 1024m (3360ft), while the Chamborigaud viaduct promises a heart-in-mouth experience as you teeter high above the landscape for 409 endless meters (1341ft).
Planning tip: Maintenance work is often carried out in the spring, and SNCF buses replace trains. Be sure to check ahead before booking.
2. Le Train du Montenvers will get you up close to a glacier
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc to Montenvers; 5km (3 miles)
Mont Blanc towers over the Alps, its eternally snow-capped peak providing a majestic vista from afar. To get up close to this age-old mountain, hop aboard the famous cherry-red Train du Montenvers , as sightseers have done since 1908.
Departing from the main train station in Chamonix , the rack-and-pinion train trundles up the mountainside at an angle greater than 9%, climbing through dark forests and tunnels pierced through the rock. Sit on the left side of the train to take in glimpses of Mont Blanc between the fir trees.
It takes about 20 minutes to ascend 1000m (3280ft) up the mountain and – just when you think the high mountain scenery can’t get any more stunning – you arrive at the foot of Mer de Glace , a valley glacier (literally, “sea of ice”) at an altitude of 1913m (6276ft). From here, you can take in the north face of the Grandes Jorasses, an immense face of rock and ice.
Yet the most amazing sights are the dense, blue-colored ice caves of the glacier, through which you can walk to admire ice sculptures (the excursion is included in the price of the train ticket). The interactive Glaciorium , which recounts the glacier’s history, is another must-see. Grab a hot chocolate at Le Panoramique cafe before heading back down, or spend the night at the historic Refuge du Montenvers , with its stunning patio overlooking the Mer de Glace.
3. Marseille to Ventimiglia is the best train ride for dazzling sea views
Marseille to Ventimiglia; 187km (116 miles)
Traveling from Marseille to Ventimiglia in southern France along the SNCF tracks might be a standard journey. The views, however, are anything but. You will be challenged to remain seated for much of the way, as stunning scenes of the azure-blue Mediterranean Sea slide by the train’s window, illustrating the allure of the South of France . Interspersed are glimpses of maquis-covered cliffs (maquis is the tantalizing blend of herbs that grow wild here), terracotta-colored villages, and palm-tree-bedecked hills.
The stops along the way are fabled destinations unto themselves: legendary St-Tropez , made famous by then-unknown Brigitte Bardot; Cannes , with its star-studded legacy; Monaco , home of the Grimaldi royals; and Nice, with its intoxicating mix of world-class museums and legendary beaches. But there are lesser-traveled places as well, including gorgeous Èze Plage , with its medieval village perched impossibly high on a nearby peak, and down-to-earth Menton . Get out, explore, take in some sun – and catch the next train onward later.
The 50-minute stretch between Nice and Ventimiglia is perhaps the most stunning, as you glide past art deco villas, sparkling bays and pastel-colored towns marching up palm-tree-dotted hillsides. You end just at the Italian border, where you have the option of turning around and seeing it all over again.
4. Le Train des Pignes is a fabulous vintage train ride
Nice to Digne; 150km (93 miles)
Behind the Mediterranean-lapped shores of Nice, the jagged gray peaks of the Mediterranean Alps beckon from afar. A ride aboard the “ Train of Pinecones ” chuffs from the glittery seaside up into those snowy mountains in just over three hours, providing stunning, ever-changing views along the way. From Provençal fields and olive groves, you’ll enter a land of deep river gorges and medieval fortresses.
Just 90 minutes from Nice, Entrevaux is a good stop to wander enchanting medieval streets and explore an ancient citadel. Digne-les-Bains , at the end of the line, is cute as can be, with cobblestone streets, bougainvillea-draped stone villas and shops purveying honey, lavender and other local products.
With its diesel railcars and gleaming varnished wood benches, this line is the only remnant of the meter-gauge Chemins de Fer de Provence that once crisscrossed southern France.
The pigne in its name means “pinecone”: perhaps because the train used to run so slowly that passengers could jump off to gather cones or because when the train ran short on fuel, the engineers resorted to burning them. Whatever the case, majestic pine forests surrounding the route add to its scenic allure.
5. Orléans to Le Croisic on Interloire is the best train ride for cyclists
Orléans to Le Croisic; 338km (210 miles)
The Loire Valley unfolds like a fairy tale, with a stunning array of Renaissance castles, green-emerald rivers and charming medieval villages. ( Azay-le-Rideau castle was, after all, the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty .) The Interloire railroad (run by the TER Centre-Val de Loire and TER Pays de la Loire ) traverses this legendary valley from Orléans , the hometown of Jeanne d’Arc, to the fishing harbor town of Le Croisic on the Atlantic.
Must-visit stops include Blois , crowned by the château once occupied by Louis XII; Amboise , Leonardo da Vinci’s final home; and Nantes , a historic Breton town with an evocative 15th-century château.
Planning tip: You can hop on and off the train with your bike to peddle parts of the 900km (559-mile) Loire à Vélo, a relatively flat bike path through this quintessentially French landscape. The train even has a car dedicated to bicycles in the summer.
6. Eurostar through the Chunnel offers a quick escape to London
Paris to London; 451km (280 miles)
If you fancy a quick getaway from Paris to London , perhaps to say hi to Big Ben or to wander through the V&A Museum , count on the Channel Tunnel. Completed in 1994, this extraordinary engineering feat – nicknamed the Chunnel – burrows deep beneath the expanse of water between France and England, allowing passengers in sleek, high-speed Eurostar trains to travel the channel portion of the trip – 51km (31.5 miles) – in just 30 minutes, with a full 38km (23.5 miles) of that underwater.
From Gare du Nord in the heart of Paris to St Pancras International in the heart of London, the entire trip takes just 2½ hours from door to door. Along the way, you’ll enjoy pretty French and English countryside – inside the tunnel itself, you shouldn’t count on seeing any sea life, only blackness until you emerge into the light of day.
7. The Nîmes to Le Grau-du-Roi Line is the best Wild West train ride
Nîmes to Le Grau-du-Roi; 37km (23 miles)
Wild bulls in Provence? And cowboys? Mais oui . Tucked away in the southwestern corner of Provence, the marshy Camargue – a river delta south of Arles where the Grand and Petit Rhône meet the Mediterranean – reigns as France’s version of the Wild West. Gardians – Camarguais cowboys – live on manades (ranches), riding indigenous white horses with flowing manes as they round up wild black bulls.
Bullfighting is a big part of the culture here (unlike Spanish bullfights, the bulls here are not killed or injured). As are paella (though Camargue rice differs from its Spanish cousin), jazzy manouche music and an independent spirit developed from working a challenging landscape for centuries. You can get to the heart of it all aboard the Nîmes to Le Grau-du-Roi train route.
Departing from Nîmes , the single-track train rumbles through the vineyards of Costières de Nîmes before passing by Aigues-Mortes . Kings departed on their Crusades from this medieval walled city, where you can still stroll ancient streets. From there, you head across the salt marshes and lagoons; keep your eyes out for horses and bulls, as well as pink flamingoes flying overhead. The route ends in Le Grau-du-Roi , just steps from the Mediterranean Sea.
8. Le Petit Train Jaune is the most famous vintage train ride
Villefranche-de-Conflent to Latour de Carol; 64km (40 miles)
This historic little train – or, literally, the “ little yellow train ” – may be the most famous of them all in France. It’s certainly one of its most stunning when it comes to scenery. Chugging through the mountainous Pyrénées-Orientales from medieval Villefranche-de-Conflent to Latour de Carol on the Andorra border, it winds through gorges and shadowy forests, across viaducts, past two historic fortresses and by one perilously perched ancient monastery. The highest point is the Bolquère Eyne depot, a gasp-inducing 1593m (5225ft) high – making it France’s highest station.
Note that two different types of trains operate this route: a modern enclosed train as well as the vintage train that sometimes runs with open carriages. No need to worry about which one to choose, though – both are painted yellow.
Tips for train travel in France
Train options in France
Several different types of trains travel across France, including local and regional trains, overnight trains with sleeping accommodations and the TGV , the high-speed Trains à Grande Vitesse. To travel between most big cities, the TGV is your best bet: these pioneering high-speed trains travel between 255km/h and 320km/h (160mph and 200mph) and will get you there within hours.
Paris to Bordeaux, for example, is 2½ hours, with Paris to Marseille a mere 3 hours 40 minutes. That said, the slower local and regional trains open up lesser-traveled regions of the country. TGV inOui is a new premium TGV train service operated by SNCF on certain high-speed rail services.
Two classes of tickets are usually available to purchase: first ( première ), with plush, reclining seats and ample space; and second ( deuxième ), which is still comfortable but often more crowded. Maps of the French rail network are available on the SNCF website.
How to book a train in France
While you can buy a ticket at the station, either from a ticket window or a vending machine, it’s often cheaper to book your ticket online in advance. Contact Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer (SNCF ) or, from the United States, Rail Europe .
Cheap train tickets in France
France offers various rail passes, including the France Pass, with unlimited travel on the national rail network; and the Eurail Global Pass, which includes train travel to neighboring countries. Deals for hotels, museums and other attractions are often included, too. You’ll find more information on the Rail Europe website .
The TGV offers Prem’s tickets (their term for affordable tickets) three months in advance (the booking horizon may be extended in summer).
The Eurostar high-speed train service connecting the United Kingdom with France (and Belgium and the Netherlands) offers a limited batch of discount fares six months in advance. The sooner you book, the better chance you have of getting a good price.
Set up a booking alert to be notified when discount tickets are released.
How to get from Italy to France by train
You can get from Italy to France via Italiarail. It takes about 11½ hours to travel from Rome to Paris. SNCF also serves the route.
How to get from Spain to France by train
Spain’s train company is Renfe . It takes about 10½ hours to get from Madrid to Paris, a route also served by SNCF.
How to get from Switzerland to France by train
The TGV runs from Geneva to Paris in a little over four hours.
How to get from Germany to France by train
The Deutsche Bahn ’s InterCity Express (ICE) is Germany’s high-speed train service, allowing travel from Frankfurt to Paris in as little as four hours (as long as you don’t have to connect in Cologne). SNCF also serves the route.
How to get from Poland to France by train
It takes between 14 hours and 19½ hours to cross much of Europe from France to Poland, and you typically need to make two changes along the way. Train companies serving this route include Deutsche Bahn, SNCF and Eurostar (the French–Belgian high-speed train operator, which will take you as far as Cologne).
This article was first published August 2022 and updated December 2023
Explore related stories
Public Transport
Mar 17, 2024 • 10 min read
London has a huge public transportation system, but is not the most intuitive city to navigate. Here's what you need to know about getting around London.
Feb 8, 2024 • 7 min read
Dec 19, 2023 • 6 min read
Dec 27, 2022 • 8 min read
Dec 9, 2022 • 9 min read
Sep 20, 2021 • 5 min read
Apr 19, 2024 • 8 min read
Apr 17, 2024 • 8 min read
Apr 12, 2024 • 9 min read
Apr 3, 2024 • 15 min read
Paris Dijon Champagne Carcassonne Vandenesse-en-Auxois Rhône Strasbourg Camargue
A chic place to live à la mode
Twirl back in time aboard our art deco train for a journey of peerless luxury. Or sun yourself on the deck of one of our boats, where passing views are as picturesque as a watercolour painting. Whether sipping a full-bodied Burgundy or dining on Brittany lobsters, your journey with us is sure to be a bon voyage.
Thank you for your interest in Belmond.
Email: [email protected]
Prefer to talk? You can call us on 800-455-2427
Submitting......
For further information about how we use your data, please see our privacy policy .
From the gentle luxury of life on the river...
Into The Skies
At The Market
Champagne's Liquid Gold
...to a glittering vintage adventure on the rails.
The Art Deco Age
A Sparkling Breakfast
By Grand Suite
Classic Journeys
Discover our classic journeys in France
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Venice - Paris Experience a classic voyage. Your time on board our iconic vintage carriages will be wrapped in timeless romance.
Les Bateaux Belmond
Chateau-Thierry to Chalons-en-Champagne Soak-up the beauty of Champagne on a cruise of luxurious indulgence. France’s gorgeous Marne Valley is home to the legendary spirit of sparkle.
Budapest - Paris Depart from the Pearl of the Danube for an overnight journey to the world’s most romantic city.
Avignon to Lyon Uncover the secrets of historic cities as you drift beside the rolling vineyards of the Rhone Valley in utter bliss.
Plan your next adventure
Explore in depth.
See more ideas and articles from Belmond
An invitation to Champagne excellence aboard Coquelicot
A genuine illustration of savoir-vivre, the new floating villa of Les Bateaux Belmond captures the essence of French refinement while offering you to rediscover Champagne with a contemporary lens...
Down to A Fine Art
Defined by its dynamism and breaking of boundaries, art deco was a design trend that captured the collective imagination. From its origins in Paris, we look back at the movement and its place within the ‘années folles’.
France on a Plate
Step aboard as we explore some of the country’s finest flavours.
Destination Guide
Beautiful Beaune
Winding honey-coloured streets, pretty squares and captivating, vibrant boutiques—the wine capital of Burgundy is a treasure trove of delights, just waiting to be discovered. Let us be your guide.
Privacy in Motion
Luxury travel by train and boat enjoys a starry legacy—recalling cinematic glamour, overflowing bubbles and peerless hedonism. From elegant private coupés aboard a 1920s carriage to spacious cabins on elegant river barges, which exclusive adventure will you choose?
- Classic Trains
- Luxury trains
- Panoramic Trains
- Winter Special
- Orient Express
- Switzerland
- Czech Republic
- South Africa
- Scandinavia
- United States
- Amtrak (USA)
- BritRail (UK)
- ViaRail (Canada)
- Japan Rail Passes
- Destinations
- Western Europe
Train Travel France
France is relatively well served by intercity trains. There is no shortage of small regional trains, railway gems where you can embark for a few hours on typical routes. But there is only one luxury train in France , a single train that takes you on a real tour of France: the Grand Tour.
The Grand Tour France (French luxury train)
LUXURY TRAIN (6 days, 5 nights on board) - France's most beautiful cities aboard France's first luxury train. Elegance, refinement, costumed staff and historic shows
Prices from: 8300 €
Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express (Paris Venice by luxury train)
LUXURY TRAIN (2 days, 1 night on board) The most glamorous journey ever on board the Venice simplon Orient Express train. From Paris to Venice, the two most romantic cities in the world.
Prices from: 4590 €
Florence Paris, the luxury gateway (Venice Simplon Orient Express)
LUXURY TRAIN (4 days, 1 night on board) Refinement and comfort: a luxurious escape to Florence and Paris, with a night on board the prestigious Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express.
Prices from: 5605 €
Is it possible to do train tours in France ?
France is a very pleasant country to discover by train . All the major French cities are well served by rail, even if the centralised network that radiates out from Paris complicates certain itineraries. In theory, it is very easy to organise magnificent tours of France by train . In reality, for individual journeys, the 'yield management' practised by the SNCF, i.e. the constant evolution of fares according to demand, complicates matters: it is impossible to fix the price of a journey and keep it valid. Nevertheless, we hope very soon to be able to offer you some interesting variations on tours of France and other tours of the country by train, particularly for groups.
What are the remarkable trains in France ?
There are also quite a few picturesque small regional trains. Some of them are not especially touristy, but fulfil a real public service role. Such is the case of the Train des Pignes, which runs from Nice to Digne-les-Bains in 3.30 hours and offers magnificent views of the Provencal Alps. In the same vein as regular trains, there is the Ligne des Hirondelles in the Jura. This original TER takes you 120 km through the steep Jura landscapes.
Other regional trains offer short circuits at altitude. Take the Rhune rack railway in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques. It only runs on a 10 km line, but takes passengers up to 905 m above sea level to admire the Basque coast and the Atlantic Ocean. Also in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, the little Artouste train winds its way through the mountains at an altitude of 2,000 m, again over a distance of around ten kilometres. (The highest train journey in Europe takes place in Switzerland: not far from Interlaken, the Jungfrau Railway has a station at ... 3,454 m above sea level, known as the "roof of Europe").
What are the best-known tourist train in France ?
In France, the best-known tourist trains are the Baie de Somme steam train and the Train Jaune des Pyrénées.
- The Baie de Somme train runs on the old "Réseau des trains de mer" and serves three seaside resorts: Le Crotoy, Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme and Cayeux-sur-Mer. Managed by a dynamic association, it has become a key player in the development of tourism on the Picardy coast.
- The Train Jaune des Pyrénées-Orientales (Yellow Train from the Pyrénées-Orientales) takes its historic carriages from the early 20th century through the Montagne on the Cerdagne line, crossing suspension bridges and tunnels during a 2? hour circuit in the heart of the Pyrenees, much to the delight of its "passengers". The train, sometimes known as the Canary, owes its name to its Catalan colours of yellow and red.
Can I travel by luxury train in France ?
France has regular trains, regional trains, tourist trains... But until recently, there was no real luxury train in France . Until 2022, the only luxury train departing from Paris was the Venice-Simplon Orient Express, travelling by night to Venice, Florence, Vienna or even further afield. Other projects based on a similar concept are also about to see the light of day: in 2024 the Orient Express La Dolce Vita project should link Paris to Italy and the following year the Accor group's Orient Express should, like the VSOE, link Paris and Istanbul! (Which makes you wonder which is the real Orient Express!) But a genuine French luxury train that would depart from Paris but remain within national borders did not exist. However, the formula has been developing for years in certain countries, such as Spain with Al Andalus, the luxury train in Andalusia, or El Transcantabrico, another exceptional Spanish train in the north of the country. The luxury train departing from Paris and criss-crossing France has been a long time coming.
What is Le Grand Tour France train ?
Fortunately, from June 2023 everything will change with the Grand Tour de France, a luxury train recently created by a French company called "Le Puy du Fou". "Le Puy du Fou is a household name in France. Originally, it is a world-famous theme park that developed the historical theme of resistance to the French Revolution in the Vendée region. Over the years, the park has developed a magnificent mastery of historical spectacle, with costumed actors and romantic re-enactments.
In 2021, Le Puy du fou has announced its intention to launch France's first luxury train . This incredible train will take on two challenges at the same time: being the first French luxury train , and being the first show train of all time . The name of the project (and of the train itself) is "Le Grand Tour - France". In fact, the route of the Grand Tour is a loop around Paris, with stops in several key places in the geography and history of the French nation: Reims, Beaune, Annecy, Avignon, Arcachon, Bordeaux, Chenonceau... This trip is a unique opportunity to enjoy a journey through French history and geography, while taking advantage of the exceptional comfort of a luxury train.
The first departures of the Grand Tour should have taken place in 2023. The launch was delayed by a few months, due to the difficulty of homologating completely rebuilt rail vehicles. But in 2024, the tiny world of luxury trains will welcome this magnificent newcomer.
Discovery Trains is fortunate to be one of the distributors of this brand. If you're interested in this trip, remember that spaces are rare, and book as soon as possible !
Luxury rail travel in France
Luxury train france | luxury train travel in france (ref.).
58, rue de Paradis 75 010 PARIS Tel: 01 82 83 09 24
Appointment at our agency: Monday - Friday 10:00 - 17:00
- Agent Login
- General Conditions
- Specific Conditions
- Statutory Information
- Disclaimer & Privacy
Copyright © 2021 DiscoveryTRAINS | website: Open Source Design