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Planet Rail · Tailor-made rail holiday

Avignon by First Class Rail

Five-day First Class rail journey from London to Avignon in Provence

Illustration of Avignon by First Class Rail

Planet Rail's five-day First Class rail package carries you from London St Pancras by Eurostar and TGV to Avignon, the medieval walled city in southern France known as the City of the Popes. You spend four nights at the centrally located 4-star Hotel de l'Horloge, with your days free to explore at your own pace. Wander the maze of medieval streets and tree-lined squares, see the Palais des Papes and the 12th-century Pont St. Bénezet, or take optional day trips by train to nearby Provençal towns such as Nîmes, Arles, and Orange. You can also visit the striking Pont du Gard aqueduct, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This trip suits independent travellers who value First Class comfort and want to base themselves in one destination while discovering the character of Provence. The return journey retraces the route north to London.

What to know before you look closer

  • Palais des Papes entry and most activities are not included and payable locally
  • This is independent travel with no guide; you navigate stations and arrange your own activities
  • You make your own way from Avignon TGV station to the hotel on arrival

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Avignon

    London to Avignon

    Board the Eurostar service at St. Pancras International for Lille, unwinding in your Standard Premier Class seat with drinks and a light meal. At Lille Europe change to the TGV service south to Provence. On arrival at Avignon TGV station, change to a regional service for the short journey to Avignon Centre, then make your own way to the charming and centrally located Hotel de l’Horloge (4 star), your hotel for 4 nights.

  2. Day 2overnight: Avignon

    Avignon & Provence

    A full day in Avignon to visit the fascinating walled old town and stroll among the maze of medieval streets and tree-lined squares. See the Palais des Papes (payable locally) and the Pont St. Bénezet, or watch the world go by on the Place de l’Horloge.

  3. Day 3overnight: Avignon

    Avignon & Provence

    Take a river cruise from Avignon for a different perspective on the city, or visit the impressive Hôtel de Ville and Opera House, decorated with statues of Corneille and Molière.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Avignon

    Avignon & Provence

    Head out into the charming Provençal countryside with its hilltop villages, or take the train from Avignon's central station to nearby towns such as Nîmes, Arles or Orange. Alternatively visit the striking Pont du Gard aqueduct, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

  5. Day 5rail

    Avignon to London

    Return to Avignon Centre station and take the short regional service to Avignon TGV station, then board your TGV service to Lille. Change trains in Lille and speed back into England before your Standard Premier Class service arrives into London.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Board Eurostar at London St Pancras in Standard Premier Class, then change to TGV First Class at Lille for the southbound journey to Provence
  • Day 2Explore Avignon's walled old town with its maze of medieval streets, tree-lined squares, Palais des Papes, and Pont St. Bénezet
  • Day 4Day trip from Avignon's central station to nearby Provence towns such as Nîmes, Arles, or Orange, or visit the UNESCO World Heritage Pont du Gard aqueduct

Included

  • First Class Rail travel throughout
  • 4 nights in a twin/double room at the Hotel de l’Horloge (4 star), Avignon

Not included

  • Palais des Papes entry (payable locally)

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. First Class rail is included throughout: Eurostar (Standard Premier Class) and TGV (First Class) services on both outbound and return legs.
Is this an escorted tour?
No. Planet Rail describes this as a tailor-made, independent package. There is no guide; you arrange your own activities in Avignon.
Which trains do I travel on?
Eurostar from London St Pancras to Lille, TGV First Class from Lille to Avignon, a regional service within Avignon, and the same in reverse on the return.
Where do I stay?
The 4-star Hotel de l'Horloge in central Avignon for four nights in a twin or double room.
What is not included?
Palais des Papes entry and most sightseeing activities are payable locally. Optional extras include a river cruise, day trips by train to nearby towns, and visits to Pont du Gard.

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