Grand Tour of France by Rail from Dublin

Day 1  Paris      
Fly to Paris. Perhaps begin your explorations with a visit to the Louvre whose iconic treasures include the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. Finish your day with some exquisite French cuisine at one ofthe many brasseries dotted around the city.      

Day 2  Paris      
Spend the day exploring the beautiful streets and taking in views of iconic monuments like Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower. Here, head up by a glass elevator to the top floor and marvel at sweeping views of Paris from its highest point.      

Days 3-4  Paris to Strasbourg  
Leaving Paris behind, head to picturesque Strasbourg. Visit the magnificent cathedral, watch the parade of the apostles at the Renaissance astronomical clock (except Sundays) and climb the 330 steps for sweeping views of the historic city.  Why not visit the remarkable ancient Cave des Hospices Strasbourg wine cellars, which contain the world’s oldest wine, aged since 1472.      

Days 5-6  Strasbourg to Lyon  
Board your train to the Lyon. Explore Vieux Lyon, the UNESCO World Heritage listed old town lined with colourful renaissance mansions or perhaps visit Musée des Beaux-Arts which houses an impressive collection of fine art.

Days 7-8  Lyon to Avignon  
Leaving Lyon behind, take the train to the medieval walled city of Avignon. This enchanting city is filled with arts, culture and impressive medieval architecture including the imposing Gothic Palace of the Popes and the city’s iconic bridge, Pont d’Avignon. Wander the picturesque, cobblestone streets and sample delicious wines from the nearby Côtes du Rhône wine region.

Days 9-10  Avignon to Nice      
Take the train on the scenic journey to the glamorous French Riviera. Nice is a city of old-world opulence, elegance, palatial piazzas and fabulous rooftop bars. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, the beautiful seaside promenade and wander around the large open air market before choosing to head to one of the atmospheric bars in the evenings.      

Day 11  Nice to Marseille      
Catch the train to Marseille and explore the old port before wandering around the artsy Cours Julien neighbourhood.

Days 12-13  Marseille to Bordeaux      
Board the train to the port city of Bordeaux and take a stroll after the long train ride to get acquainted with the city. The following day, spend your morning sampling Bordeaux’s finest wines on a guided tour of UNESCO World Heritage listed SaintÉmilion in a traditional château. Explore   the city centre and roam the cobbled streets before returning to Bordeaux in the afternoon.      

Day 14  Fly home