The French Riviera & More

ITINERARY

Day 1 – London to Lyon

We take the lunchtime Eurostar from St Pancras to Lille and then continue by high-speed train. Late evening arrival into Lyon for a 1-night stay.

Day 2 – Onwards to Nice

After breakfast we travel by train to Marseille and onwards along the renowned French Riviera coastal line to Nice for a 3-night stay. Arriving mid-afternoon, the rest of the day is free to begin experiencing the culture of this historic city.

Day 3 – Nice to Annot – Train des Pignes

A full day excursion onboard the Train des Pignes. We ride this historic line through pine forests to the medieval town of Puget Thieners, where we board the steam train and continue to the village of Annot, famous for being a natural site of sandstone. Lunch and a guided tour is included before returning to Nice.

Day 4 – At Leisure in Nice

Time to explore Nice, one of the world's most popular tourist regions. Explore the historic Old Town and the famous Cours Saleya Market, climb the Colline du Château for the most spectacular views over the entire bay, visit the enchanting hilltop medieval village of Eze or take the train along the coast to Monaco. Alternatively, you may wish to explore the area using the modern, extensive tram system.

Day 5 – Train to Perpignan

After breakfast we board our train and continue along the coast to the Catalan influenced city of Perpignan, arriving late afternoon for a 3-night stay. Thanks to its compact layout and maze of interweaving streets, walking is the perfect mode of transport in Perpignan to fully appreciate the sights and sounds of this historic city.

Day 6 – Carcassonne

Today we take the train to the medieval fortified city of Carcassonne (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Easily accessible by foot you can explore the historic Ramparts and Castle and cross the 14th Century Pont Vieux. After lunch, why not admire the stained glass of the Basilica of Saint Nazaire before re-joining the group for a boat trip on the Canal du Midi, returning to Perpignan early evening.

Day 7 – Le Petit Train Jaune

Transfer to Villefranche-Vernet-les-Bains where we board the famous Little Yellow Train. Referred to as the Pride of the Pyrenees and considered one of the great rail journeys of the world, this historic 1000mm metre-gauge electric railway makes a spectacular climb into the French Pyrenees. Return by train via Toulouse for an evening arrival in Perpignan.

Day 8 – Ligne des Causses

A morning departure from Perpignan to join the spectacular Ligne des Causses line from Béziers. We head to Clermont Ferrand, passing en route the Massif Central, gorges, valleys, vineyards, tunnels and viaducts. Highlights include the 'Viaduc de Garabit' built by Gustave Eiffel, which spans the gorge of the river Truyère and is now a national monument. There is only one direct train a day on this line that winds its way north at a leisurely pace. We arrive late afternoon for a 1-night stay.

Day 9 – To Lyon

We leave Clermont Ferrand after breakfast and take the train to Lyon for an afternoon arrival. The remainder of the day is free to explore Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A good place to start is the La Place Bellecour – one of Europe’s largest pedestrian squares. For a great view of the city, take the Funicular up Fourviere Hill or explore Vieux Lyon (Old Town). Considered to be the gastronomic capital of France, you may wish to dine on authentic French food and raise a toast on the final evening of your trip.

Day 10 – Return to London

Morning TGV service direct to Lille to connect with Eurostar, arriving at St Pancras mid-afternoon.