Paris and the French Riviera
- 11 Days
- From $1,699
- France
- Three days in the heart of Paris
- Travel through France on an iconic TGV train
- Explore the glamorous towns of Nice and Cannes
- Take a day trip along the coast to the tiny Principality of Monaco and Monte Carlo
- Add extra nights & destinations
- Choose alternative hotels
- Upgrade your journey to First Class
- Let us suggest the most scenic routes
- Standard Class rail travel with seat reservations
- 10 nights’ handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
- City maps, and comprehensive directions to your hotels
- Clearly-presented wallets for your rail tickets, hotel vouchers and other documentation
- All credit card surcharges and complimentary delivery of your travel documents
Suggested Itinerary
Long-associated with romance, food and fashion, the French capital remains one of the world’s premiere destinations. From your base at the Mercure Montmartre Sacre Coeur (or similar), you will have plenty of time to see the famous highlights – the Eiffel Tower, Arc du Triomphe, and the Louvre, as well as exploring some more offbeat destinations which will be less busy. Why not take a guided tour of the city’s catacombs or go for a walk along the beautiful Coulée Verte? However you spend your days, you will be spoilt for choice come dinner time when cafés and restaurants spill out onto the streets, serving delicious French cuisine, fine wines and offering the perfect opportunity for people watching.
Following breakfast at your hotel, take the metro to Gare de Lyon where one of the iconic TGV fleet will be waiting to take you south. The French countryside will blur past your window as the train gets up to full speed and you will arrive into the chic, seaside city of Nice in the late afternoon. Make your way to the Excelsior Hotel (or similar), where you have a 4-night stay.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy the charms of this Mediterranean city. Why not take a stroll to the seafront and Nice’s pebbled beaches before finding somewhere with a sea view for dinner?
The French Riviera is famous for its weather, beaches and the superstars of sport and screen attracted by the climate. Nice is the area’s largest town and whether you want to soak up the sun, explore the beautiful and fragrant flower market in the Old Town, or indulge in Nice’s thriving café culture, it won’t take you long to realise why so many of the world’s rich and famous have chosen to make it home.
DAY TRIP TO MONTE CARLO
The tiny principality of Monaco is a short train ride away from Nice and on one of your free days, you have tickets to visit at your leisure. Explore the streets which have been made famous by Formula 1 drivers or just wander along by the many fabulous yachts anchored in the city state’s port.
A short train ride takes you to Cannes, where you check in at the Hotel Splendid (or similar) for a 3-night stay.
Cannes is another stunning Riviera town, complete with beautiful beaches, a port stuffed to the gills with jaw-dropping yachts, and wonderful seafood restaurants in which you can indulge. You might want to spend a day strolling La Croisette with the town’s stylish residents but if you fancy a change of pace, why not visit the Island of Saint-Honorat where a large abbey continues to provide a peaceful home for a community of Cistercian monks?
After a final breakfast at your hotel, it is time to leave the Riviera. You might want to head back to Paris or instead travel further west, towards the beautiful historic towns of Nimes and Avignon. If you want to extend your trip in France, or explore more of Europe by rail, our team would be happy to help.
Typical hotels on this itinerary
Paris
This traditional Parisian hotel is located in the lively Montmartre district of the city, within walking distance of the Sacre-Coeur Basilica and the historic, upscale area of St Germain-des-Pres. The bright and comfortable rooms are all equipped with flat-screen TV, work desk and free Wi-Fi internet.
Nice
Close to both the city centre and the famous Promenade des Anglais, the Hotel Excelsior is the perfect base for your stay in Nice. Individually styled rooms with free Wi-Fi, a minibar, safe and a large, comfortable bed are your sanctuary from the Mediterranean sun, whilst a charming courtyard bar is the perfect place for a nightcap.
Cannes
The Splendid Hotel has an idyllic location, overlooking the yacht-filled harbour and metres from Cannes’ beaches and famous promenade. Rooms are air-conditioned and come with both a safe and a minibar as well as free Wi-Fi access and a flat-screen TV. Breakfast can be enjoyed on the sun terrace whilst the hotel also offers access to a private beach for residents.
Upgrade your accommodation
Paris
This famous luxury hotel is located in Paris’ fashion district. The guest rooms reflect the style of the area with traditional luxury combined seamlessly with modern touches such as complimentary Wi-Fi and air conditioning. The hotel features a choice of bars and restaurants, including Alain Ducasse Au Plaza Athenée which has been awarded three Michelin stars. An on-site spa offers a wide range of treatments.
Nice
Featuring a stunning Art Deco façade, the Hyatt Regency Palais de la Méditerranée epitomises the glamour of the French Riviera. Spacious modern bedrooms overlook the city, the outdoor pool or the Mediterranean. Guests can also admire the sea views from the hotel’s restaurant, which opens out onto a an outdoor terrace during the summer months. The hotel also has a fitness centre and indoor swimming pool.
Cannes
Built in 1911, the Intercontinental Carlton is a long-standing landmark of Cannes’ famous Boulevard de la Croisette. Along with 343 elegantly furnished bedrooms, the hotel also boasts a private beach, two restaurants and two bars. A classic choice on the Cote d’Azur.
