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Planet Rail · Luxury rail holiday

Aix-en-Provence by First Class Rail

Five days to Aix-en-Provence by First Class rail from London

Illustration of Aix-en-Provence by First Class Rail

Planet Rail's Aix-en-Provence by First Class Rail is a 5-day independent holiday from London to southern France. You travel by Eurostar in Standard Premier Class to Lille, then by TGV in First Class to Aix-en-Provence, enjoying complimentary meals and drinks aboard. The package places you at the 4-star Grand Hôtel Roi René in the town centre for 4 nights. Days 2, 3, and 4 are yours to spend entirely as you wish. You can explore Aix-en-Provence's 17th-century Quartier Mazarin, the Granet and Paul Arbaud museums, the medieval Tourreluquo tower, and the Cours Mirabeau boulevard. The itinerary mentions scope to venture further into the surrounding region to visit Avignon, Arles, Marseille, the Calanques, and the Côte d'Azur. This trip suits independent travellers who want the comfort and pace of First Class rail and three unscheduled days in one historic Provençal city, plus couples seeking a relaxed escape with quality accommodation and curated transport.

What to know before you look closer

  • Eurostar is in Standard Premier Class, not First Class; only the TGV legs to and from Aix-en-Provence are First Class
  • Hotel transfers between Aix-en-Provence station and the Grand Hôtel Roi René are not included and must be arranged and paid for locally
  • The itinerary text for days 2, 3, and 4 is identical in the evidence; Planet Rail provides general guidance on Aix and the surrounding region but no day-by-day plan, so your activities are entirely self-directed

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Aix-en-Provence

    London to Lille and onward to Aix-en-Provence

    Start your journey through the fabulously restored London St. Pancras International station, admiring the arched cast iron and glass roof repainted in its former Victorian sky blue, before boarding the Eurostar service to Lille Europe. Recline in the comfort of your Standard Premier Class seat and enjoy the complimentary light meal and drinks served at your seat. On arrival at Lille Europe walk to the French TGV platforms and continue your journey by TGV through the French countryside to Aix-en-Provence. On arrival make your own way by taxi or public transport (payable locally) to your hotel for the next 4 nights, the comfortable, highly-rated Grand Hotel Roi Rene, a 4 star hotel perfectly located in the centre of Aix.

  2. Day 2overnight: Aix-en-Provence

    Aix-en-Provence and the surrounding area

    Three full days to explore the pretty town of Aix-en-Provence. Discover the Quartier Mazarin south of the Cours Mirabeau, an area of 17th-century town houses built in 1646-51 by the Archbishop Mazarin, with the Granet Museum, the Paul Arbaud Museum and the 13th-century St-Jean-de-Malte church, or simply relax in the hotel gardens and enjoy the Provençal sunshine. Venture further afield into the charming Provençal countryside, perhaps to Avignon, Arles, Nîmes or Les Baux de Provence. For a different cultural feel head for Marseille, the cosmopolitan port: walk the Canebière to the pretty Vieux Port or climb to Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica for wonderful views of the city and the Mediterranean. You could also head east towards Cassis and the pretty Calanques or west to the unspoiled nature reserve of the Camargue.

  3. Day 3overnight: Aix-en-Provence

    Aix-en-Provence and the surrounding area

    Three full days to explore the pretty town of Aix-en-Provence. Discover the Quartier Mazarin south of the Cours Mirabeau, an area of 17th-century town houses built in 1646-51 by the Archbishop Mazarin, with the Granet Museum, the Paul Arbaud Museum and the 13th-century St-Jean-de-Malte church, or simply relax in the hotel gardens and enjoy the Provençal sunshine. Venture further afield into the charming Provençal countryside, perhaps to Avignon, Arles, Nîmes or Les Baux de Provence. For a different cultural feel head for Marseille, the cosmopolitan port: walk the Canebière to the pretty Vieux Port or climb to Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica for wonderful views of the city and the Mediterranean. You could also head east towards Cassis and the pretty Calanques or west to the unspoiled nature reserve of the Camargue.

  4. Day 4overnight: Aix-en-Provence

    Aix-en-Provence and the surrounding area

    Three full days to explore the pretty town of Aix-en-Provence. Discover the Quartier Mazarin south of the Cours Mirabeau, an area of 17th-century town houses built in 1646-51 by the Archbishop Mazarin, with the Granet Museum, the Paul Arbaud Museum and the 13th-century St-Jean-de-Malte church, or simply relax in the hotel gardens and enjoy the Provençal sunshine. Venture further afield into the charming Provençal countryside, perhaps to Avignon, Arles, Nîmes or Les Baux de Provence. For a different cultural feel head for Marseille, the cosmopolitan port: walk the Canebière to the pretty Vieux Port or climb to Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica for wonderful views of the city and the Mediterranean. You could also head east towards Cassis and the pretty Calanques or west to the unspoiled nature reserve of the Camargue.

  5. Day 5rail

    Aix-en-Provence to London, homeward bound

    This morning after a leisurely breakfast it is time to bid farewell to Aix-en-Provence as you make your way back to the station. Relax as your high-speed train whisks you north through France to Lille Europe, where you join the connecting Eurostar service for the last part of your journey through France and into England. Your at-seat meal and drinks are an ideal accompaniment to an afternoon of watching the countryside fly by before you return to London St. Pancras International for the final stage of your trip home.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Depart London St. Pancras through its restored Victorian station with the cast iron and glass roof repainted in sky blue, then travel by Eurostar and TGV First Class to Aix-en-Provence
  • Day 2Explore the Quartier Mazarin south of the Cours Mirabeau, with 17th-century town houses, the Granet Museum, the Paul Arbaud Museum, and the 13th-century St-Jean-de-Malte church, or relax in the hotel gardens in Provençal sunshine

Included

  • First Class Rail travel throughout your journey (Standard Premier Class on Eurostar)
  • 4 nights in a twin / double room at the Grand Hotel Roi Rene (4 star) in the centre of Aix

Not included

  • Transfer between Aix-en-Provence station and your hotel by taxi or public transport (payable locally)

Questions travellers ask

Is rail travel included?
Yes. The package includes Eurostar from London St. Pancras to Lille in Standard Premier Class, TGV from Lille to Aix-en-Provence in First Class, and the return TGV and Eurostar. At-seat meals and drinks are provided on all trains.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
Independent. Planet Rail provides the train tickets and a 4-star hotel in Aix-en-Provence for 4 nights, but there is no tour manager or guided itinerary. You explore on your own.
Where do I stay?
The Grand Hôtel Roi René, a 4-star hotel in the centre of Aix-en-Provence. You have a twin or double room for 4 nights.
How much time do I have in Aix-en-Provence?
Three full days (days 2, 3, and 4). Day 1 arrives in the evening; day 5 departs in the morning.
What is not included?
Transfer between Aix-en-Provence station and the hotel is not included. You must arrange and pay for a taxi or public transport locally. Meals beyond the complimentary service on trains, local activities, and sightseeing are not included.
How much walking is involved?
The itinerary describes exploring the old town of Aix-en-Provence on foot, including the Quartier Mazarin and surrounding sites, and venturing into the Provençal countryside. There are stairs and city walking, but no strenuous hikes.

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