Planet Rail · Tailor-made rail holiday

Luxury Break to Paris by First Class Rail

Four-day Paris break from London by Eurostar in First Class

Illustration of Luxury Break to Paris by First Class Rail

Planet Rail's Luxury Break to Paris by First Class Rail is a 4-day, 3-night independent tailor-made holiday for travellers who want the comfort of rail travel without a group or schedule. You depart London St Pancras International on Eurostar in Standard Premier Class, enjoying a light meal and drinks during the 2-hour high-speed journey to Paris Gare du Nord. A private transfer takes you to the 4-star Hotel Balmoral in central Paris, where you spend 3 nights. Days 2 and 3 are yours to shape: stroll the banks of the Seine, visit world-class museums like the Louvre or Musée d'Orsay, explore the Marais or Quartier Latin, shop on the Champs Élysées, or dine in traditional Parisian brasseries. On Day 4, before your return Eurostar journey, you might take an optional trip up the Eiffel Tower or a river cruise. This trip suits couples, first-time rail travellers, and independent explorers who value ease of travel and luxury accommodation without group constraints.

What to know before you look closer

  • Activities and meals in Paris beyond the included transfer and breakfast are not included; attractions such as the Eiffel Tower and Bâteaux Mouches cruises are payable locally.
  • Hotel options: other 4 or 5-star hotels are available depending on your preference or budget; the final accommodation may vary from the Balmoral.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Paris

    London to Paris

    Your short break begins at stunningly restored St. Pancras International station. Board the Eurostar service for the high-speed journey to Paris in little over 2 hours, relaxing in your spacious Standard Premier Class seat with a light meal and drinks. On arrival in Paris a private transfer will take you to your hotel for the next 3 nights, the welcoming Hotel Balmoral (4 star), ideally located in central Paris. Take a stroll to the pulsating Champs Elysées, the chic boutiques of the rue de Rivoli or the tranquillity of the Jardin des Tuileries.

  2. Day 2overnight: Paris

    Incomparable Paris

    Take some time to plan your days over a leisurely breakfast. You may decide to explore Paris on foot and wend your way along the river Seine past the charming Île St. Louis and onto the Rive Gauche. Perhaps soak up some culture with a visit to the treasures of the marvellous Louvre, including the Mona Lisa, feast on the impressionist spectacle at the Musée d'Orsay or revel in the inimitable Centre Pompidou.

  3. Day 3overnight: Paris

    Incomparable Paris

    Alternatively seek out the quieter streets of the Marais or head for the city's elegant stores and colourful markets. In the evenings you may prefer the welcome of one of Paris' traditional, evocative brasseries for dinner.

  4. Day 4rail

    Free-time in Paris and homeward bound

    After breakfast why not take a trip up the Eiffel Tower or along the river Seine aboard one of the Bâteaux Mouches (payable locally), or wander among the classy streets and stylish shops of Paris' 1st arrondissement. Your private transfer to the Gare du Nord heralds the start of your journey home, where you join the Eurostar service, relaxing with a light meal and drinks before your arrival into London St Pancras.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Depart London St Pancras International on Eurostar, travelling in Standard Premier Class to Paris Gare du Nord in just over 2 hours, then private transfer to Hotel Balmoral in central Paris.
  • Day 2Explore Paris at your own pace: walk along the Seine, visit the Louvre or Musée d'Orsay, or discover the Centre Pompidou.
  • Day 4Optional visit to the Eiffel Tower or river cruise aboard the Bâteaux Mouches before your Eurostar return to London.

Included

  • First Class Rail travel throughout your journey (Standard Premier on Eurostar)
  • 3 nights in a highly-rated 4-star hotel in Central Paris
  • Private transfers between the Gare du Nord and your hotel

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Planet Rail includes Eurostar Standard Premier Class travel from London St Pancras International to Paris Gare du Nord and return, with light meals and drinks on board.
Is this an escorted tour or independent?
It is independent and tailor-made. You plan your own activities each day in Paris; no guide or group accompanies you.
What is included in the price?
Eurostar Standard Premier Class rail travel, 3 nights at the 4-star Hotel Balmoral in central Paris, and private transfers between Gare du Nord and the hotel.
When does it run?
Planet Rail offers this as a tailor-made booking; departures depend on availability and your chosen dates. The from-price of GBP 795 per person is based on January travel for 2 people.
How much walking is involved?
Paris exploration is entirely self-guided. You can walk as much or as little as you choose, exploring neighbourhoods, museums, shops, and landmarks at your own pace.
What is not included?
Meals in Paris beyond breakfast, attractions such as museum entries and the Eiffel Tower, Seine cruises, and any activities beyond self-guided sightseeing are not included.

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