Luxury Train Journeys in France
France occupies a central place in the story of European luxury rail travel. From the romance of Paris to vineyard-lined valleys and Mediterranean light, the country combines cultural refinement, culinary excellence and historic rail heritage in a uniquely elegant format.
At The Luxury Train Travel Company, we curate bespoke journeys aboard France’s most distinguished luxury trains — from new-generation domestic grand touring to legendary Paris departures linking Europe’s great capitals.
France Luxury Rail – At a Glance
● Typical journey length: 3–10+ nights
● Key departure hub: Paris
● Regions covered: Loire Valley, Burgundy, Provence, Champagne, French Riviera
● Style: Grand touring heritage & refined French art de vivre
● Accommodation: Private en-suite cabins & luxury suites
● Best months: May–June & September–October
Explore this page:
Why Travel by Train ● Featured Luxury Train ● Destinations ● When to Travel ● What’s Included ● FAQs
For over a decade, we have curated luxury rail journeys across Europe and beyond, working directly with the operators of France’s most distinguished trains and iconic Paris departures.
Why Choose Luxury Train Travel in France?
France is the spiritual home of European grand touring. Luxury rail journeys here blend elegant heritage carriages, exceptional gastronomy and curated cultural exploration in a seamless format.
Rather than coordinating internal flights and hotel changes, guests travel within a single refined setting where accommodation, dining and guided visits are thoughtfully integrated.
French routes emphasise:
● Regional gastronomy and fine wines
● Historic châteaux, cathedrals and artistic heritage
● Scenic countryside travel at an unhurried pace
● Paris as a cultural gateway to wider Europe
Planning a luxury rail journey in France? Our specialists can advise on routes, cabins and seasonal timing.
“Dining on regional French cuisine as vineyard landscapes unfold is one of the defining pleasures of luxury rail in France.”
Featured Luxury Trains in France
Le Grand Tour – The New Era of French Luxury Rail
Le Grand Tour represents a contemporary interpretation of French grand touring. Designed to explore France’s most iconic regions in comfort and style, it combines artisanal interiors, regional cuisine and curated cultural experiences.
Journeys focus on immersion within France itself — vineyards, historic towns and celebrated landscapes — with a distinctly modern design sensibility.
Ideal for travellers seeking an intimate, France-focused luxury rail experience.
Explore full details, cabin layouts and itineraries here: Le Grand Tour France.
Danube Express – Paris to Istanbul (and Vice Versa)
Departing from Paris, this remarkable transcontinental journey links Western Europe with Central and Eastern Europe in a single sweeping narrative.
Travelling through multiple capitals and cultural regions, the Paris–Istanbul route offers an epic grand tour experience that combines refined onboard service with historic depth.
For travellers seeking scale, story and continental breadth, this journey delivers one of Europe’s most compelling rail experiences.
Explore full details, cabin layouts and itineraries here: The Danube Express.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express – Paris Departures
Few names in travel carry the prestige of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. With Paris as one of its principal departure points, this legendary train evokes the golden age of rail travel.
Polished marquetry, heritage carriages and formal evening dining define an atmosphere of timeless elegance. Routes from Paris connect to Venice and other iconic European destinations, offering an experience that blends history, refinement and mythic status.
Full details, cabin layouts and selected Paris departures available on request.
● On all these trains, cabins are limited on peak departures. Early enquiry is recommended, particularly for spring and autumn travel ●
Cabin Comfort & Grand Touring Style
French luxury trains combine heritage craftsmanship with refined modern comfort. Suites typically range from approximately 8–15m² and include private en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning and attentive daily servicing.
Dining cars reflect France’s gastronomic prestige, while lounge and bar carriages provide an elegant setting for evening conversation and regional wines.
Depending on the train, evening attire may lean more formal than other European routes, reinforcing the classic grand touring atmosphere.
“Few countries reward slow travel quite like France — each region reveals a distinct cultural and culinary identity.”
Destinations Explored by Luxury Train in France
Paris
The Grand Departure
Paris is the spiritual gateway to European luxury rail. From Haussmannian boulevards and landmark museums to Michelin-starred dining and historic cafés, the city embodies refinement. Many of Europe’s most iconic rail journeys depart from or return to Paris, making it both a cultural anchor and a symbolic starting point for grand touring across the continent.
Loire Valley
Châteaux & Renaissance Elegance
The Loire Valley presents one of France’s most picturesque landscapes, defined by riverbanks, vineyards and fairy-tale châteaux. Luxury rail journeys through the region focus on architectural heritage, refined wine traditions and the gentle pace of rural France. It is ideal for travellers drawn to history, romance and pastoral beauty.
Burgundy
Wine, Gastronomy & Timeless Villages
Burgundy offers rolling vineyards, medieval towns and one of the most respected culinary traditions in Europe. Luxury rail exploration here emphasises terroir, seasonal cuisine and centuries-old winemaking heritage. For connoisseurs of food and wine, Burgundy provides a deeply immersive regional experience.
Provence
Mediterranean Light & Cultural Depth
Provence combines Roman ruins, hilltop villages and sunlit landscapes beneath expansive southern skies. Lavender fields, vibrant markets and artistic heritage define the atmosphere. Luxury rail journeys through Provence balance cultural exploration with relaxed Mediterranean character.
Champagne
Celebrated Vineyards & Refined Tradition
Champagne’s gently undulating vineyards and historic maisons create a setting of understated elegance. Beyond its world-renowned sparkling wines, the region offers Gothic cathedrals and refined countryside landscapes. It is a natural inclusion for travellers seeking celebratory sophistication.
French Riviera
Glamour & Coastal Grandeur
The Côte d’Azur introduces a different dimension of French luxury: Mediterranean coastlines, Belle Époque villas and Riviera glamour. Luxury rail routes connecting Paris to southern France often culminate in this region, blending cultural prestige with coastal elegance.
When Is the Best Time to Travel by Luxury Train in France?
France offers strong seasonal character across its regions:
● Spring (May–June): Blossoming countryside and ideal sightseeing conditions.
● Summer (July–August): Vibrant Riviera atmosphere and long daylight hours.
● Autumn (September–October): Harvest season in Burgundy and Champagne, with rich colours and exceptional culinary experiences.
● Winter: Select festive departures may operate on certain iconic routes.
Spring and autumn are generally considered optimal for climate, scenery and comfort.
What Is Included on a French Luxury Train Journey?
Most journeys typically include:
● Private en-suite cabin or suite accommodation
● All gourmet meals onboard, inspired by regional French cuisine
● Selected wines, champagne and beverages
● Guided cultural excursions and entrance fees
● Luggage handling throughout the journey
● Dedicated onboard steward service
Depending on the route, certain departures may also include special dining experiences, wine tastings or seasonal cultural events.
International flights and pre- or post-train hotel extensions are arranged separately as part of a bespoke itinerary.
Who Is A French Luxury Train Journey Perfect For?
● Travellers seeking refined European grand touring
● Guests drawn to iconic routes such as Paris to Istanbul
● Gastronomy and wine-focused travellers
● Couples celebrating anniversaries or special occasions
● Visitors wishing to experience multiple regions without changing hotels
● Those looking for a seamless blend of culture, cuisine and comfort
How France Compares to Other European Luxury Rail Destinations
France – Grand Touring Prestige & Gastronomy
France emphasises heritage, culinary excellence and Paris as a cultural gateway.
Spain – Regional Identity & Authentic Tradition
Spain highlights restored historic trains and strong regional character.
Italy – Contemporary Design & Seamless Routing
Italy focuses on design-led interiors and iconic city connections.
Our specialists can help compare routes, cabin styles and seasonal timing to ensure the right match.
Not sure which destination is right for you? Speak to our specialists for a personalised recommendation.
How Does Luxury Rail Compare To Independent Travel In France?
Independent travel in France offers flexibility, but luxury rail delivers cohesion and refinement. Rather than coordinating domestic flights, regional trains and multiple hotel stays, guests travel within a single curated journey where accommodation, gastronomy, touring and transport are seamlessly integrated.
Luxury rail removes repeated packing and logistical complexity. Days balance guided exploration of historic cities, vineyards and cultural landmarks with relaxed scenic travel, while evenings unfold in elegant dining cars and refined lounge spaces.
Guests benefit from privileged access arrangements, expert-led excursions and thoughtfully paced itineraries that prioritise depth over speed. The result is not simply transport between destinations, but a continuous grand touring experience that combines culture, cuisine and comfort in effortless style.
Planning A Luxury Train Journey In France?
We specialise in integrating luxury rail travel within broader French itineraries. Many guests combine their train journey with private stays in Paris, Bordeaux, Lyon or the French Riviera, creating a seamless exploration of France’s cultural, culinary and regional diversity.
Our specialists advise on:
● Route selection across France and wider European grand routes
● Cabin categories and suite configurations
● Seasonal considerations and major cultural events
● Pre- and post-train hotel extensions and multi-country combinations
Enquire with our team to discuss your preferred travel dates and itinerary style. We work directly with France’s leading luxury train operators and provide up-to-date cabin availability, confirmed departure dates and fully bespoke extension planning.
Frequently Asked Questions – Luxury Train Travel in France
Luxury Train Journeys In France – An Overview
Luxury train journeys in France combine elegant accommodation, exceptional gastronomy and curated cultural exploration within a seamless grand touring experience. Whether travelling between Paris and the French Riviera, through Burgundy’s vineyards or onward on iconic routes linking Western Europe with Istanbul, French luxury rail holidays offer a refined and immersive way to explore the country.
Each journey blends timeless style, attentive service and regional culinary excellence in an unhurried format designed for depth, atmosphere and distinction rather than speed.
French Luxury Rail Holidays Designed Around You
Every French luxury rail journey we arrange is tailored to your preferences.
Private departures may be arranged on selected routes, and we frequently incorporate pre- and post-train hotel extensions in Paris, Provence or along the Riviera. Multi-country rail combinations across Europe can also be seamlessly designed.
From initial enquiry through to departure, our rail specialists provide expert planning, real-time cabin availability and personalised guidance.
Start Planning Your French Luxury Train Journey
Whether you are considering an elegant journey through Burgundy’s vineyards, a Paris to Riviera itinerary or an iconic rail route linking Paris with Istanbul, our rail specialists provide tailored guidance on routes, suite categories and the most suitable departure dates.
Many French luxury train departures operate seasonally and are frequently reserved well in advance. Early enquiry ensures access to preferred cabin categories and optimal routing.
The Luxury Train Travel Company works directly with France’s leading luxury rail operators, providing confirmed availability, transparent pricing guidance and expert advice on suite configurations, dining experiences and seasonal timing.
Contact us to begin designing your personalised French luxury rail itinerary.
enquiry@theluxurytraintravelcompany.com
Tel: +44 (0)20 8191 0620
Explore Luxury Rail Travel Worldwide
France is one of several distinguished luxury rail destinations we curate worldwide. From grand European routes through France to heritage journeys in Spain and scenic explorations in Scotland and Italy, our portfolio spans Europe, Asia, Africa and South America.
If you are considering a wider European rail journey or a multi-country itinerary beyond France, our specialists can design a seamless programme tailored to your interests.
Explore our full collection of luxury rail destinations worldwide or contact us to begin planning.