France by Rail: An 11-Day Adventure full of Culture from Paris to Lyon & the Riviera

Welcome to France! After your arrival in Paris you first check into your hotel. In the afternoon you start to explore the capital. In the evening a local guide is waiting for you to take you on a sophisticated stroll through the streets of Le Marais, one of the most beautiful and vibrant areas of Paris. You will see beautiful old mansions with beautiful inner courtyards, boutiques, small shops and many different cafes to sit and relax in. This historic area is lived by Parisians in a very special way and has developed into a hip and trendy area with a lot of character. After the tour you will have dinner in a classic Parisian bistro. Sometimes a tour through the city in an old car is offered to drive through the lit up streets of Paris.

After breakfast, begin the day with one of the world's great cultural treasures: the Louvre. Your visit offers time to admire celebrated masterpieces while also appreciating the palace itself, a monument to centuries of French history and artistic ambition. In the afternoon, continue with a leisurely exploration of the Champs-Elysees, pausing at the Arc de Triomphe for one of Paris' most recognizable perspectives. This elegant axis of the city is ideal for a blend of sightseeing, people-watching and shopping. To close the day, step into a Parisian wine cellar for a relaxed tasting experience. It is a wonderful introduction to French wine culture before an evening at leisure in the city.

Your final full day in Paris brings together some of the city's most beloved experiences. Start with the Eiffel Tower, choosing either the elevator or the stairs, and take in sweeping views across rooftops, monuments, gardens and the curve of the Seine. Later, enjoy a hands-on macaron-making class, a sweet and playful way to connect with one of France's most delicate culinary traditions. Guided by an expert, you will learn the techniques behind these colorful pastries and, of course, taste the results. As evening falls, board a Seine River cruise and admire Paris from the water. Illuminated bridges, grand facades and riverside landmarks create a beautifully cinematic end to your time in the capital.

After breakfast and checking out from your hotel, today you depart on the 2 hour train journey to Lyon. Upon arrival at the station you are transferred to your hotel where you can freshen up and then start to explore one of the best cities for foodies and culture vultures in France. In the afternoon, you visit Vieux Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known as the Renaissance district of the city, which is full of hidden traboules and painted facades in warm colors. In the evening, you visit Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, one of the biggest covered markets in France, where you will discover the specialities of the region in the many gourmet shops. You will then have dinner in a traditional bouchon, where you can taste the hearty specialities of Lyonnais cuisine in a friendly setting.

Today, leave Lyon for a scenic immersion in the Beaujolais wine region, where rolling vineyards, golden-stone villages and family-run estates create a gentler, more rural side of France. Visit a local winery to learn about the traditions and personality of Beaujolais wines, followed by a tasting that introduces you to the region's distinctive character and terroir. Later, continue to the medieval village of Perouges, a beautifully preserved hilltop settlement of cobbled lanes, stone houses and timeless charm. After a guided walk through its atmospheric streets, return to Lyon for an evening at leisure.

Take the morning train from Paris to Avignon, the gateway to Provence. After one and half hours, arrive in Avignon and check in at your hotel. After lunch in the historic center of Avignon, visit the impressive Palais des Papes, one of the greatest Gothic buildings in Europe. The Palais des Papes was the residence of the Pope in Avignon, a city of immense importance in the Middle Ages. After visiting the Palais, cross the famous Pont d’Avignon. This bridge was built between the 12th and 13th century and is one of the symbols of the city. Even today, it is still impressive! After visiting the Pont d’Avignon, you can wander through the narrow streets of Avignon, visit local markets or simply experience the Provençal way of life from a café terrace.

Today is dedicated to the Luberon, a region of hilltop villages, stone houses, vineyards, lavender fields and golden light that has inspired generations of artists and travelers. Begin in Gordes, often considered one of the most beautiful villages in France, where narrow lanes and panoramic views capture the essence of rural Provence. Continue to Roussillon, famous for its dramatic ochre cliffs and warm red-orange landscape. Enjoy time for a local lunch or wine tasting in one of the charming villages before returning to Avignon, carrying with you the colors, flavors and quiet elegance of the Provencal countryside.

Leave Avignon today and travel toward the Mediterranean, reaching Cassis by train or car in under three hours. On arrival, check into your accommodation and enjoy lunch by the harbor, where fishing boats, pastel facades and sea views create an easy coastal mood. This afternoon can be as relaxed or active as you wish. Choose a boat excursion into the Calanques, where limestone cliffs drop into clear blue water or explore the area by e-bike for a more active perspective on the coast. Scuba diving can also be arranged for travelers who want to discover the marine world below the surface. Otherwise, simply enjoy the beach, the promenade and a slow evening in this beautiful port town.

After breakfast, continue along the coast to Nice, a beloved French Riviera city where Mediterranean color, Italian influences and seaside elegance come together beautifully. Once settled at your hotel, explore the Promenade des Anglais and the lively old town, with its markets, narrow streets, historic buildings and relaxed cafe culture. For a special optional experience, join a perfume workshop and learn the art of fragrance creation with expert guidance, crafting your own signature scent. Later, enjoy a sunset dinner by the sea and let the Riviera atmosphere unfold at its own gentle rhythm.

It’s your free day to amuse yourself on the Riviera as you wish. Why not pop off to Monaco for a taste of the glamorous end of the Riviera? Or take a scenic climb up to the hill top village of Eze. Perched on the top of the mountains with superb views of the coast and fabulous exotic gardens, Eze is not to be missed. Alternatively you could spend the day on the beach or off at a local market or visit Cours Saleya for the flower market or walk around the narrow lanes of Vieux Nice. In the evening, feel free to visit a superb local jazz club or for a more laid back evening have a late dinner of local cuisine on the sea front to celebrate your time in the south of France.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and one last morning in Nice. Depending on your flight time, there may be space for a final walk along the Promenade des Anglais, a little shopping or coffee in the old town. At the appropriate time, transfer to Nice Cote d'Azur Airport for your onward flight, bringing this tailor-made France-by-train journey to a graceful close.