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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Classic France

Independent rail trip linking Paris, Nice, Aix-en-Provence, and Avignon

Illustration of Classic France

Railbookers operates Classic France as a 9-day, 8-night independent rail vacation that begins and ends in Paris, with stops in Nice, Aix-en-Provence, and Avignon in between. The days settle into a slow rhythm: two nights in each city means unpacking once and having time to explore rather than rushing to catch a train every morning. Paris opens with a top-of-the-Eiffel-Tower visit, a Seine river cruise, and entry to the Louvre. From there, a train south trades city streets for the beaches and seaside dining of Nice, and later for the preserved architecture and Cours Mirabeau of Aix-en-Provence, where a July or August lavender fields tour is included. The route continues by TGV to Avignon, passing olive and lemon groves, for a visit to the Palais des Papes before the return train to Paris. Because it is sold as an independent package rather than an escorted tour, it suits travelers who want the trains and hotels arranged for them but prefer to set their own pace once they arrive.

What to know before you look closer

  • The hotels listed are a set of 22 accommodation options across tiers and cities rather than a fixed list of stays; which hotel you get depends on the tier and city you choose.
  • The included lavender fields tour near Aix-en-Provence only runs from mid-June to mid-August; outside that window the day is a visit to Aix or the Luberon hilltop villages instead.
  • The evidence available does not list current departure dates for this trip; confirm availability with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Paris

    Paris

    Welcome to Paris! On arrival head to your hotel for a two-night stay, then get out to explore the city with your included Hop-on Hop-off pass.

  2. Day 2overnight: Paris

    Paris

    Included for you is a skip-the-line tour to the very top of the Eiffel Tower, a one-hour scenic seine cruise, and skip-the-line tickets to the world-famous Louvre Museum.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Nice

    Paris to Nice

    Board a train to Nice, which offers beautiful beaches, luxurious seaside dining, and plenty of opportunity for shopping and sightseeing. Enjoy visiting the Chagall and Matisse galleries.

  4. Day 4overnight: Nice

    Nice

    On your included city tour, explore the best attractions and landmarks the city has to offer at a leisurely pace, including Promenade de Anglais and the ruins at Castle Hill.

  5. Day 5overnight: Aix-en-Provence

    Nice to Aix-en-Provence

    Travel to Aix en Provence, famous for its fantastically preserved architecture. Take a walk through the Cours Mirabeau and visit the 17th and 18th century mansions.

  6. Day 6overnight: Aix-en-Provence

    Aix-en-Provence

    If travelling during July and August, enjoy a tour of the nearby lavender fields. Outside of this time, explore Aix or a tour of the local hilltop villages of Luberon.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Avignon

    Aix-En-Provence to Avignon

    Board a TGV train from Aix-en-Provence to Avignon, passing olive and lemon groves. Enjoy discovering the fascinating and atmospheric city of Avignon.

  8. Day 8overnight: Avignon

    Avignon

    Make use of the combined tickets included for the 14th century Papal home 'Palais des Papes' and the ancient Pont d'Avignon, then wander the lovely streets of the old center.

  9. Day 9

    Your Journey Ends in Paris

    Check out of your hotel and travel back to Paris to continue with your onward travels.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A skip-the-line tour to the top of the Eiffel Tower, a one-hour scenic Seine river cruise, and skip-the-line tickets to the Louvre Museum.
  • Day 3The train from Paris arrives in Nice on the Riviera coast, with the Chagall and Matisse galleries to visit.
  • Day 6A small-group tour of the lavender fields near Aix-en-Provence when travelling in July or August, or a visit to the hilltop villages of the Luberon at other times.
  • Day 7A TGV train from Aix-en-Provence to Avignon passes olive and lemon groves.
  • Day 8Combined entry to the 14th-century Palais des Papes and the Pont d'Avignon bridge in Avignon's old center.

Included

  • Rail travel as per itinerary
  • 2 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in Paris
  • 2 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in Nice
  • 2 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in Aix en Provence
  • 2 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in Avignon
  • City tour of Nice
  • Small group half day tour of the Lavender Fields from Aix en Provence (Mid June – Mid Aug)
  • Entrance tickets to Palais des Papes' and Pont d'Avignon
  • Skip the Line Eiffel Tower tickets
  • 2 Day Paris hop-on hop-off pass
  • Scenic Paris River Cruise
  • Skip the line Louvre Museum tickets (closed on Tuesdays)

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in this trip?
Yes. Rail travel is included as per the itinerary, including a named TGV train from Aix-en-Provence to Avignon.
Is it escorted or independent?
It is sold as an independent rail vacation, so travelers explore each stop on their own between the train connections and included tours Railbookers arranges.
Which trains does the trip use?
The evidence names SNCF TGV trains running the route from Paris to Nice to Aix-en-Provence to Avignon.
What hotels are used?
The trip draws from a set of 22 accommodation options across tiers and cities, including hotels such as the Sofitel Le Scribe Paris Opera, Holiday Inn Paris Gare de Lyon Bastille, and the Boscolo Nice Hotel and Spa.
What is not included?
Extra nights in any destination and a night at the Moulin Rouge in Paris are listed as optional extras rather than included in the base package.
How much walking does the trip involve?
The trip includes a leisurely city tour of Nice, a walk through Aix-en-Provence's Cours Mirabeau, and wandering Avignon's old center, along with handling your own luggage between four hotels.

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