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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Grand Paris, Avignon, and Nice

Independent rail trip through Paris, Avignon, and Nice

Illustration of Grand Paris, Avignon, and Nice

Railbookers runs this 11-day, 10-night independent rail vacation from Paris to Avignon and Nice, with first-class rail travel throughout and several included small-group day trips rather than a fully escorted format. Day 2 in Paris brings a skip-the-line Eiffel Tower tour and a Seine cruise, and day 3 heads out to Monet's gardens at Giverny and the Palace of Versailles, with lunch at a traditional French restaurant along the way. The train continues to Avignon on day 4, where day 6 explores the vineyards of Chateauneuf du Pape with wine tastings and the hilltop villages of the Luberon. On day 7, the train follows the Mediterranean coast into Nice, where day 9 is a small-group day trip to Monaco by way of the mountain village of Eze. The trip ends with a final night back in Paris on day 10. It suits travelers who want an independent rail trip through France with structured day trips built in rather than a guide throughout.

What to know before you look closer

  • Railbookers lists multiple hotel choices in each city, 6 in Paris, 4 in Avignon, and 6 in Nice, for the one stay in each, so the specific hotel you get depends on the tier you select.
  • Day 11 ends with a trip to the airport for your flight home; international flights are not part of the rail itinerary.
  • The evidence available to us does not list current departure dates for this trip; confirm scheduling directly with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Paris

    Your Journey Begins in Paris

    Welcome to Paris! On arrival head to your hotel for a two-night stay, then get out to explore the city. In the evening why not speak to any of our knowledgeable Rail Experts about a night at the world-famous Moulin Rouge?

  2. Day 2railovernight: Paris

    Paris

    Today enjoy the very best Paris has to offer with a skip-the-line tour to the very top of the Eiffel Tower, and a scenic seine cruise. Explore the boulevards and arrondissements with your included hop-on hop-off pass and do speak to any of our Rail Experts should you like to get a taste of the famous French cuisine with a fabulous food tour.

  3. Day 3overnight: Paris

    Giverny and Versailles Day Trip

    The beautiful village of Giverny is just an hours' drive from Paris, and the stunning house and gardens of the great impressionist Claude Monet are known the world over for their beauty. Visit the house, gardens, and famous water garden before a delicious 3-course lunch at 'Moulin de Fourges', a traditional French restaurant located in a 200yr old mill. In the afternoon you continue to the Palace of Versailles where you will enjoy skip the line access to the State Apartments, Royal Chapel, and famous hall of Mirrors. Explore the breath-taking gardens before returning to Paris for dinner.

  4. Day 4overnight: Avignon

    Paris to Avignon

    From Paris Gare de Lyon travel in first class to Avignon. On arrival make your way to your hotel for a three-night stay, then enjoy your evening with dinner in one of the city's fine restaurants.

  5. Day 5overnight: Avignon

    Avignon

    After breakfast at your hotel this morning, make use of your included tickets and explore Avignon's most famous and historic building - the impressive Palace of the Popes, built in the 14th century. Then head over to the Pont d'Avignon, the bridge made famous by the song of the same name and a wonderful spot for vistas of the river Rhone. Discover the charm of the city's ancient streets and the courtyards of its private mansions before relaxing in one of the fantastic restaurants Avignon has to offer.

  6. Day 6overnight: Avignon

    Chateauneuf Du Pape and Luberon Day Trip

    This morning venture out of the city to discover some of the treasures of the region. First take a scenic drive through the beautiful vineyard of Chateauneuf du Pape, followed by wine-tastings at two different wineries. Visit the pretty villages of Roussillon, and Menerbes, pass by the Roman Pont Julien, and the remains of the castle of the Marquis de Sade in Lacoste. Enjoy some free time in the spectacular hilltop village of Gordes before returning to Avignon.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Nice

    Avignon to Nice

    Bid farewell to Provence as you take train south to Nice. The final hour or so of this journey is one of France's most scenic as the train line follows the coast rewarding passengers with some splendid Mediterranean views, and on arrival in Nice make your way to your hotel for a three-night stay.

  8. Day 8overnight: Nice

    Nice

    After breakfast at your hotel, get your bearings of the charming town of "Nice la belle" with a 3hr guided tour. Blessed with a sunny, temperate climate, Nice offers beautiful beaches, luxurious seaside dining and plenty of opportunities for shopping. Not to be missed is the flower and food market in the centre of the Old Town. For some culture, visit the Chagall and Matisse galleries to experience the colourful works of these two famous French artists. Please note this tour maybe replaced with a half day tour of Cannes, Antibes, and Saint-Paul-de-Vence.

  9. Day 9overnight: Nice

    Monaco Day Trip

    This morning enjoy some amazing panoramic views along the road heading east. Stop in the medieval mountain village of Eze where you will learn about the whole process of perfume creation with Fragonard, then continue to the village of La Turbie and its 2000yr old monument - the Trophy of the Alps. From here the road heads down into the Principality of Monaco. Discover its famous Casino on the Golden square, take a ride on the famous Formula 1 circuit to the Old Town and enjoy some free time strolling its tiny streets.

  10. Day 10railovernight: Paris

    Nice to Paris

    Check out of your hotel after breakfast and make your way to station for your journey back to Paris in First class. Bask in the beautiful scenery as the train speeds its way north, and on arrival head to your hotel for a final night in France.

  11. Day 11rail

    Your Journey Ends in Paris

    Make your way to the airport for your flight home, and please do speak to any of our Rail Experts if you might prefer a private car transfer, or to extend your travels elsewhere.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A skip-the-line tour reaches the top of the Eiffel Tower, followed by a scenic Seine river cruise.
  • Day 3A day trip visits Claude Monet's house and gardens at Giverny, with a 3-course lunch at a traditional French restaurant, before continuing to the Palace of Versailles.
  • Day 6A scenic drive through the vineyards of Chateauneuf du Pape includes wine tastings at two wineries, plus stops in the Luberon villages of Roussillon and Menerbes.
  • Day 7The train south from Avignon to Nice follows the coast for its final stretch, with views of the Mediterranean.
  • Day 9A day trip to Monaco passes through the mountain village of Eze and the ancient Trophy of the Alps monument in La Turbie.

Included

  • Rail travel as per the itinerary in First Class
  • 4 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in Paris
  • 3 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in Avignon
  • 3 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in Nice
  • Skip the Line Eiffel Tower tickets
  • 2 Day Paris hop-on hop-off pass
  • Scenic Paris River Cruise
  • Small group day trip to Giverny and Versailles from Paris
  • Palace of the Popes - Pont d'Avignon tickets in Avignon
  • Small group day trip to Chateauneuf du Pape & Luberon
  • Wine Tasting in Chateauneuf du Pape
  • Nice city tour
  • Small group day trip to Monaco, including a visit to Eze and La Turbie

Questions travellers ask

Is rail travel included?
Yes. First-class rail travel is included throughout, connecting Paris, Avignon, and Nice.
Is it escorted or independent?
Railbookers describes this as an independent rail vacation with included small-group day trips, rather than a fully escorted tour.
What hotels are used?
Railbookers lists hotel choices across the three cities, including the Sofitel Le Scribe Paris Opéra, the Avignon Grand Hotel, and the historic Negresco in Nice.
How long is the trip?
The itinerary runs 11 days and 10 nights, with 4 nights in Paris split across the start and end, 3 nights in Avignon, and 3 nights in Nice.
What is included besides rail and hotels?
Skip-the-line Eiffel Tower tickets, a Seine river cruise, a small-group day trip to Giverny and Versailles, Palace of the Popes tickets in Avignon, a small-group day trip to Chateauneuf du Pape and the Luberon with wine tasting, a Nice city tour, and a small-group day trip to Monaco, Eze, and La Turbie.

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