
Great Rail Journeys
Biarritz & Bordeaux Cruise
Ten-day escorted French trip pairing rail travel with a Bordeaux river cruise
Planet Rail · Tailor-made rail holiday

Travel to the medieval fortress city of Carcassonne by first-class rail, exploring its rich history, stunning views and fine cuisine.
Your holiday begins this morning at the 'cathedral of railways', the wonderfully restored London St. Pancras International, as you travel by Eurostar to Paris with a light meal and drinks served in your Standard Premier service. On arrival at the Gare du Nord your private taxi transfer takes you to the Gare de Lyon where you continue your journey southwards through France to Narbonne. Here you connect with the InterCity service to the nearby beautiful walled city of Carcassonne. On arrival, make your way to the elegant Hotel de la Cité (5 star) for your four-night stay.
Make the most of three full days to explore this magnificent city. Set high up on a hill, Carcassonne's ancient walled city is a fairy-tale collection of drawbridges, towers and atmospheric cobbled streets, reputedly the inspiration for Walt Disney's The Sleeping Beauty. The citadel of the upper town is the major sight, with the lower town (Ville Basse) dating back to the Middle Ages and featuring typically French bars, cafés, restaurants and charming boutiques.
Once you have explored the upper town, why not enjoy a picnic by the Pont Vieux and the banks of the Aude? The bridge dates from the fourteenth century and boasts a Gothic chapel at its western end dating from 1538.
Should you wish to venture further afield, you could take the train to nearby Arles, once home to Vincent van Gogh, whose Roman centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Another popular option is Avignon, with its fascinating walled old town.
Today you bid farewell to Carcassonne as you join the InterCity train to Bordeaux, where you connect with the high-speed TGV service back to Paris Gare Montparnasse. In the French capital you are transferred by private taxi to the Gare du Nord where you join the Eurostar back to London, enjoying a light meal and drinks before your arrival into London St Pancras.

Great Rail Journeys
Ten-day escorted French trip pairing rail travel with a Bordeaux river cruise

Leger Holidays

Planet Rail

Planet Rail