Train Travel France

Is it possible to do train tours in France ?

France is a very pleasant country to discover by train. All the major French cities are well served by rail, even if the centralised network that radiates out from Paris complicates certain itineraries. In theory, it is very easy to organise magnificent tours of France by train.
In reality, for individual journeys, the 'yield management' practised by the SNCF, i.e. the constant evolution of fares according to demand, complicates matters: it is impossible to fix the price of a journey and keep it valid. Nevertheless, we hope very soon to be able to offer you some interesting variations on tours of France and other tours of the country by train, particularly for groups.

What are the remarkable trains in France ?

There are also quite a few picturesque small regional trains. Some of them are not especially touristy, but fulfil a real public service role. Such is the case of the Train des Pignes, which runs from Nice to Digne-les-Bains in 3.30 hours and offers magnificent views of the Provencal Alps. In the same vein as regular trains, there is the Ligne des Hirondelles in the Jura. This original TER takes you 120 km through the steep Jura landscapes.

Other regional trains offer short circuits at altitude. Take the Rhune rack railway in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques. It only runs on a 10 km line, but takes passengers up to 905 m above sea level to admire the Basque coast and the Atlantic Ocean.
Also in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, the little Artouste train winds its way through the mountains at an altitude of 2,000 m, again over a distance of around ten kilometres. (The highest train journey in Europe takes place in Switzerland: not far from Interlaken, the Jungfrau Railway has a station at ... 3,454 m above sea level, known as the "roof of Europe").

What are the best-known tourist train in France ?

In France, the best-known tourist trains are the Baie de Somme steam train and the Train Jaune des Pyrénées.

• The Baie de Somme train runs on the old "Réseau des trains de mer" and serves three seaside resorts: Le Crotoy, Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme and Cayeux-sur-Mer. Managed by a dynamic association, it has become a key player in the development of tourism on the Picardy coast.
  
  
• The Train Jaune des Pyrénées-Orientales (Yellow Train from the Pyrénées-Orientales) takes its historic carriages from the early 20th century through the Montagne on the Cerdagne line, crossing suspension bridges and tunnels during a 2? hour circuit in the heart of the Pyrenees, much to the delight of its "passengers". The train, sometimes known as the Canary, owes its name to its Catalan colours of yellow and red.

Can I travel by luxury train in France ?

France has regular trains, regional trains, tourist trains... But until recently, there was no real luxury train in France. Until 2022, the only luxury train departing from Paris was the Venice-Simplon Orient Express, travelling by night to Venice, Florence, Vienna or even further afield. Other projects based on a similar concept are also about to see the light of day: in 2024 the Orient Express La Dolce Vita project should link Paris to Italy and the following year the Accor group's Orient Express should, like the VSOE, link Paris and Istanbul! (Which makes you wonder which is the real Orient Express!)

But a genuine French luxury train that would depart from Paris but remain within national borders did not exist. However, the formula has been developing for years in certain countries, such as Spain with Al Andalus, the luxury train in Andalusia, or El Transcantabrico, another exceptional Spanish train in the north of the country. The luxury train departing from Paris and criss-crossing France has been a long time coming.

What is Le Grand Tour France train ?

Fortunately, from June 2023 everything will change with the Grand Tour de France, a luxury train recently created by a French company called "Le Puy du Fou". "Le Puy du Fou is a household name in France. Originally, it is a world-famous theme park that developed the historical theme of resistance to the French Revolution in the Vendée region. Over the years, the park has developed a magnificent mastery of historical spectacle, with costumed actors and romantic re-enactments.

In 2021, Le Puy du fou has announced its intention to launch France's first luxury train. This incredible train will take on two challenges at the same time: being the first French luxury train, and being the first show train of all time. The name of the project (and of the train itself) is "Le Grand Tour - France". In fact, the route of the Grand Tour is a loop around Paris, with stops in several key places in the geography and history of the French nation: Reims, Beaune, Annecy, Avignon, Arcachon, Bordeaux, Chenonceau... This trip is a unique opportunity to enjoy a journey through French history and geography, while taking advantage of the exceptional comfort of a luxury train.

The first departures of the Grand Tour should have taken place in 2023. The launch was delayed by a few months, due to the difficulty of homologating completely rebuilt rail vehicles. But in 2024, the tiny world of luxury trains will welcome this magnificent newcomer.

Discovery Trains is fortunate to be one of the distributors of this brand. If you're interested in this trip, remember that spaces are rare, and book as soon as possible!

Luxury rail travel in France

luxury train france | luxury train travel in France (ref.)