South of France Steam

DAY 1

Travelling by Eurostar from London St Pancras to Lille, then onwards to Valence and our hotel for three nights, the Hotel de France, where we check in and enjoy free time to explore our new surroundings with our first evening at leisure.

DAY 2

After breakfast this morning, we will travel by road to Tournon Saint-Jean to experience the historic Vivarais Railway, an 18-mile metre-gauge line using powerful Mallet steam locomotives to haul the train through the spectacular Doux Gorges. A water stop is made at the village of Boucier-le-Roi before continuing through open countryside passing charming villages, chestnut groves, and orchards. After climbing nearly 1,000ft, we will arrive at the small town of Lamastre, where we will watch the locomotive turn on its turntable and enjoy our lunch at a nearby restaurant, before returning by steam to Tournon and by coach to our hotel.

DAY 3

Today, after breakfast, we travel by private coach to Anduze for the remarkable Cévennes Steam Train to Saint-Jean-du-Gard. Winding through tunnels and along viaducts, our journey allows us to discover the valleys of the Gardon and their superb views. We will enjoy lunch together in the station at Saint-Jean-du-Gard before retracing our steps to Anduze and returning to Valence.

DAY 4

After breakfast this morning, we will depart by rail over the old 'classique' route to Marseille, changing here for our relaxing and scenic train journey along the beautiful Mediterranean coast to Nice, arriving early in the afternoon. We have the remainder of the day at leisure to explore this elegant city, famous for its sunny climes, gorgeous beaches, and colourful architecture staying for three nights at the Hotel Khla near the railway station.

DAY 5

Today, we experience a spectacular two-hour rail journey on one of France's most scenic railways aboard the aptly named 'Train des Merveilles' (Train of Wonders) journeying through untouched scenery dotted with tunnels, viaducts, and beautiful little alpine villages to Tende. This medieval village, set 2,600ft above sea level, is set in the heart of the Mercantour National Park which houses the largest collection of open-air petroglyphs in Europe. After our lunch together at a local restaurant and some free time to explore, we complete the return journey to Nice for an evening at leisure.

DAY 6

Today, we depart the metre-gauge Chemins de Fer de Provence railway station on a railcar through the dramatic Var Gorge to Puget-Théniers. Here, we will board the steam-hauled 'Train des Pignes' for an historic ride through the beautiful Provence countryside and vast pine forests, passing the charming, fortified city of Entrevaux, and onwards to the village of Annot. On arrival, we will enjoy lunch together and time at leisure to discover the architectural treasures of this medieval village before retracing our steps to Nice for an evening at leisure.

DAY 7

We bid farewell to Nice and to France, returning by rail to Lille, where we will join the Eurostar service to London St Pancras.

Or why not complete the ultimate FRANCE IN STEAM tour and book alongside our Northern France Narrow-Gauge Steam Tour departing 14/05/2027.

SAVE £150 PER PERSON when booking these tours back-to-back.

*Important Note: Whilst the arrangements for all described steam train travel are in place, we do reserve the right to make substitutions should it be deemed necessary for whatever reason.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch