Life aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
29/01/2025 · By Ian Holt
Experience the world-famous Venice Simplon-Orient-Express with Great Rail Journeys as we interview General Manager Pascal Deyrolle about life onboard.
Read moreRolling hills blanketed by tantalisingly fruitful vines, opulent châteaux surrounded by manicured gardens, glamorous, azure coastlines and mouthwatering cuisine. The beauty, culture and charm of France is within easy reach on its high-speed rail network, as we explore rivers and towns that inspired world-famous artists or bask in upmarket resorts on the glistening French Riviera. Indulge in tastings of Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines, savour delicious produce at Narbonne's colourful market, and enjoy an afternoon tea in a palatial villa in St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
France also possesses one of the most modern and efficient rail networks in Europe, and an escorted rail tour in France with Great Rail Journeys is one of the easiest and most comfortable ways in which to explore and enjoy a host of France's greatest attractions.
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Holiday Ideas for France
Experience the unmistakable charm of Parisian life. The City of Light is known for its romantic and timeless beauty from the Eiffel Tower to the grand boulevards. A Seine River cruise offers a magical perspective of Paris, gliding past Notre Dame, the Louvre, and riverside cafés.
The sun-drenched Côte d'Azur blends elegance and natural beauty with its glamorous beaches, sparkling Mediterranean waters, and coastal towns. Stroll along Nice's Promenade des Anglais, delve into the glamour of Monaco or soak up stylish Cannes and Saint-Tropez.
France's heritage spans centuries, from prehistoric cave paintings to modern masterpieces. Discover the artistic draw of Monet's gardens, explore the opulence of Versailles, visit a huge choice of contemporary galleries and experience the battlefields of Normandy.
France is a paradise for food lovers, offering everything from buttery croissants to Michelin-starred gastronomy. Indulge in classic dishes like coq au vin, escargots, and ratatouille, paired with world-renowned wines from the most prestigious wine-producing regions.
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Romantic Rhine River from the North Sea to the Swiss Alps. As we cruise through France, Germany, and the Netherlands bound for Switzerland, we admire stunning forested valleys, charming half-timbered towns, and incredible cities along the enchanting riverbanks. Sail through the spectacular scenery of the...
Based in charming Les Eyzies, explore this beautiful region renowned for picturesque villages, ancient history and excellent cuisine. Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Dordogne from the village of La Roque-Gageac and discover the spectacular cliff-side pilgrimage site of Rocamadour. Delight in the sights and smells of fresh produce on market day...
Explore enchanting Cathar castles, timeless vineyards and sun-drenched hills on an indulgent French holiday based in a five-star riverside hotel in charming Carcassonne. Stroll amongst the city's magical walled fortress on a guided tour of its medieval delights and uncover the mysterious history of the four hillside Châteaux de Lastours, before...
A destination that's inspired artists such as Vincent van Gogh, this beautiful part of France oozes history, charm and culture. Explore Provence from the papal city of Avignon and uncover the idyllic villages of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and Gordes. Take a cruise along the Rhône and learn about its influence on the sights and tastes of the area before...
Embrace the sights, scents and flavours of the French Riviera from a boutique hotel in the popular coastal town of Cannes. Admire the wonderful gardens at St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat's opulent Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and witness the time-honoured Changing of the Guards ceremony in Monaco. Tour the quaint Provençal town of Èze to enjoy exquisite...
Explore picture-book mountain towns bursting with traditional Swiss and French charm from a base in an idyllic village in the Alps. Climb past snow-capped peaks on the elegant Mont Blanc Express to the historic resort of Chamonix, nestled beneath western Europe's highest mountain. Embrace appetising Swiss produce on the 'Chocolate Train',...
Cruise along the serene Seine River, where history, art, and natural beauty converge to create an inspiring experience. Seven nights of unparalleled luxury and comfort aboard the Amadeus Diamond begins and ends in the romantic City of Light, Paris. While sailing tranquil waters, discover the peaceful landscapes that inspired some of the world's...
Discover the timeless elegance of France's beautiful Rhône. Join our exclusive cruise aboard the MS Amadeus Provence, where you'll uncover a rich tapestry of experiences, with a unique focus on the region's culinary prowess. Indulge in the finest Burgundy wines in Beaune, savor the gastronomic delights of Lyon, and explore the City of Popes,...
Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Europe on this Rhine river cruise from Switzerland to Amsterdam. Experience the spectacular scenery of the majestic Rhine river, including the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site adorned with stunning castles, lush forests, and sprawling vineyards. Sail from Switzerland to the waters of...
Embrace the laidback island lifestyle on a fantastic tour of this 'forgotten corner of Europe'. Explore the glistening coast of unspoilt Corsica, a paradise of old-world French towns and hill-top villages, connected by charming train journeys through spectacular scenery. Indulge in the delicious cuisine of Sardinia, discover beautiful historic...
Experience the idyllic landscapes of the Bordeaux wine region on a leisurely river cruise into the Garonne and Dordogne. Discover the charm of Bordeaux's 18th-century grandeur and cruise to medieval St Émilion, where ancient caves and Europe's largest monolithic church await. Explore the renowned Médoc wine route, visit prestigious Rochefort and...
Experience a luxurious cruise that combines France's Basque coast with the prestigious wine region of Bordeaux. Our holiday starts among the sandy beaches and delightful ocean promenade of Biarritz. We then travel on the pretty La Rhune Mountain railway as it winds its way through the Pyrenees, rising above the low clouds. Next, we swap the sea...