France by Rail
11 Day Tour
France by Rail
11 Day Tour
This 11-day culinary adventure includes destinations synonymous with the food and wine of which France is famous for.
Sample the regional specialities of each city, and travel in comfort aboard the world-famous TGV trains. Don’t pack too much luggage as we can guarantee you’ll be bringing a few things home with you at the end of this great vacation by rail.
Areas Visited
Paris
Dijon
Lyon
Avignon
Bordeaux
Paris
Explore the Region
Key Inclusions
- Enjoy authentic macarons and crepes in the City of Light
- Discover the real Boeuf Bourguignon and sample mustard from the tap in timeless Dijon
- Explore Lyon, the gastronomic capital of France
- Stroll the local market of Avignon, selecting ingredients for your authentic cooking class and delicious Provencal lunch
- Sample some of the finest wines in the world in the Bordeaux and Burgundy wine regions
- Conclude your trip with a fabulous 3-course dinner cruise along the Seine
- Rail travel in standard class throughout
- 3 total nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Paris
- 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Dijon
- 1 night hotel accommodation with breakfast in Lyon
- 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Avignon
- 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Bordeaux
- Hop-on, hop-off tour in Paris
- Chocolate and Pastry tour in Paris
- 3-course dinner cruise on the Seine River
- Burgundy Wine Tour from Dijon
- Tickets for Palais des Papes in Avignon and La Cite du Vin in Bordeaux
- Cooking Class followed by a Private Half-Day Wine Tour in Provence
- Saint Emilion Wine Tour from Bordeaux
Click to view Detailed Itinerary
Itinerary
This 11-day culinary adventure includes destinations synonymous with the food and wine of which France is famous for. Sample the regional specialities of each city, and travel in comfort aboard the world-famous TGV trains. Don’t pack too much luggage as we can guarantee you’ll be bringing a few things home with you at the end of this great vacation by rail.
Day 1:
Your Journey Begins in Paris
Board the Eurostar in London and upon arrival in Paris, head to your hotel for a two-night stay. Spend the remainder of the day sightseeing with your included hop-on, hop-off tour. No trip to Paris is complete without a trip to the top of the Eiffel Tower perhaps, or a visit to the Louvre Museum to marvel at some of the finest art in the world! Just ask your Rail Expert for more details about Skip-the-Line tickets for popular attractions along the hop-on, hop-off route. Come the evening, board a river cruise along the Seine. While you’re delighted with a delicious 3-course dinner, admire the way the City of Light illuminates as night falls and watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle. (Overnight in Paris)
Day 2:
Chocolate and Pastry Tour in Paris
Today enjoy a two-hour intimate tour around the scenic Montmartre district visiting 5 to 6 local eateries and getting an insight into French sweets, chocolates, pastries, and Parisian culture. After you’ve indulged, check out the great view of Paris from the gorgeous Sacre Coeur church, then head to the Marais district to check out the famous Paris flea markets, or wander the Grand Boulevards which give a wonderful insight into historic Paris. (Overnight in Paris) B
Day 3:
Paris to Dijon
Today, take the high-speed TGV train to Dijon and check in for a two-night stay. In the afternoon head to the huge Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy to marvel at the remarkable tombs and other well-preserved historical wonders. Pass by Dijon’s stunning cathedral and give the stone owl a rub for good luck as the locals do, drop by the local market to see some of the local truffles foraged from the nearby woods, or pop into any of the historic mustard shops where it’s served from a tap. (Overnight in Dijon) B
Day 4:
Burgundy Wine Tour
Set off on a half-day, small-group tour discovering the vineyards and wine-producing region of Burgundy. Your first stop is in a traditional, historic cellar, where your expert guide introduces the red and white wines of the region, including Premiers Crus. Afterwards, head to a family-owned vineyard to sample the famous Pinot Noirs over the region and stop in the village of Gevrey-Chambertin on your way back to Dijon. Want to immerse yourself further? Ask your Rail Expert about upgrading to a full-day tour! (Overnight in Dijon) B
Day 5:
Dijon to Lyon
Set off on a half-day, small-group tour discovering the vineyards and wine-producing region of Burgundy. Your first stop is in a traditional, historic cellar, where your expert guide introduces the red and white wines of the region, including Premiers Crus. Afterwards, head to a family-owned vineyard to sample the famous Pinot Noirs over the region and stop in the village of Gevrey-Chambertin on your way back to Dijon. Want to immerse yourself further? Ask your Rail Expert about upgrading to a full-day tour! (Overnight in Dijon) B
Day 6:
Lyon to Avignon
Check out of your hotel this morning and board a short train ride over to the Provence region, where you’ll spend two nights in Avignon. After checking in at your hotel for a two-night stay, use your fast-track tickets to explore the famous Palais de Popes, a gigantic gothic palace that nine popes have called home. Continue to the Pont d ‘Avignon bridge and enjoy stunning views of the Rhone River. (Overnight in Avignon) B
Day 7:
Cooking Class and Private Wine Tour in Provence
This morning, meet your English-speaking chef in front of the famous Les Halles covered market, where you’ll select all the fresh ingredients needed for your lesson. After a short demonstration, try your hands at the classic techniques, and enjoy the fruits of your labor with your handmade Provencal lunch. the tour continues with a private winery tour with a local guide, visiting two cellars and sampling in each. Return to your hotel in the evening, full of a day immersing yourself in the region’s cuisine. (Overnight in Avignon) B
Day 8:
Avignon to Bordeaux
After breakfast, head to the train station for your journey to Bordeaux. Once you’ve settled in at your hotel, head to the impressive Cite du Vin complex today to discover everything you didn’t know and thought you knew about the world of wine with your included admission. This vast museum and exhibition center, housed in a wonderfully futuristic building, holds the world’s biggest selection of wine and tells the global story of wine in a uniquely immersive and sensorial way. Visitors can not only taste but also make wine, as well as enjoy spectacular views across the Garonne River and Bordeaux. (Overnight in Bordeaux) B
Day 9:
Saint Emilion Day Trip from Bordeaux
Depart for Saint Emilion with your guide this morning, setting off on a day of wine tasting and exploring multiple wineries. You’ve sampled the Pinot Noirs in Burgundy, and now it’s time to delight your palate with the Chateau Wineries and Merlot red wines. You’ll also have free time to explore the quaint village and do a bit of shopping as well. (Overnight in Bordeaux) B
Day 10
Bordeaux to Paris
Return to Paris today for your final night in France. Cross any remaining sights off your bucket list, and come the evening, board a river cruise along the Seine. While you’re delighted with a delicious 3-course dinner, admire the way the City of Light illuminates as night falls and watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle. (Overnight in Paris) B
Day 11:
Your Journey Ends in Paris
Check out of your hotel after breakfast this morning and continue with your travels. If you’d like to extend your vacation to another city, just ask your Rail Expert and we can help you make all the arrangements. B
Pricing
Pricing Per Person From $3,709 AUD
We can also assist with international airfares, travel insurance and pre and post tour accommodation or trip extensions.
Inclusions
- Enjoy authentic macarons and crepes in the City of Light
- Discover the real Boeuf Bourguignon and sample mustard from the tap in timeless Dijon
- Explore Lyon, the gastronomic capital of France
- Stroll the local market of Avignon, selecting ingredients for your authentic cooking class and delicious Provencal lunch
- Sample some of the finest wines in the world in the Bordeaux and Burgundy wine regions
- Conclude your trip with a fabulous 3-course dinner cruise along the Seine
- Rail travel in standard class throughout
Overview
- Day 1 Your Journey Begins in Paris
- Day 2 Chocolate and Pastry Tour in Paris
- Day 3 Paris to Dijon
- Day 4 Burgundy Wine Tour
- Day 5 Dijon to Lyon
- Day 6 Lyon to Avignon
- Day 7 Cooking Class and Private Wine Tour in Provence
- Day 8 Avignon to Bordeaux
- Day 9 Saint Emilion Day Trip from Bordeaux
- Day 10 Bordeaux to Paris
- Day 11 Your Journey Ends in Paris
Handpicked Experiences

Self Drive
Drive through the bustling streets of Reims, wonder at some famous Champagne Houses, the beautiful City Centre and its imposing Cathedral, and check out places like the Royal Square, the majestic City Hall, Roman Oratory Ruins and the widest standing Roman Arch in the world.

Food & Wine
Embark on a gastronomic journey from Bordeaux to Toulouse, tasting the iconic flavours of French cuisine and gaining an appreciation for the rich cultural heritage that defines it.

Canal Cruising
To learn more about our Canal Cruising experiences, please contact us

Custom France
Looking for a customised experience? Contact our team to create a journey designed just for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m looking for a custom itinerary and someone to manage my trip. Do you offer traditional travel agent services?
Answer: Absolutely. This is where we started. Planning any sort of travel, particularly international, can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Travel shouldn’t add to any daily stressors! It’s to be enjoyed. And that’s where we come in. Our dedicated team of truly passionate travel experts is here to handle every detail, ensuring your travel is seamless and stress-free. From booking flights and accommodation to organising guided tours, hosts and activities, we take care of everything so you can focus on making memories.
What makes Mind and Body different to traditional travel agents?
Answer: We specialise in meaningful journeys, where we spend time getting to know you and what you really need out of your time away. Going that little bit deeper to truly understand you as a person and as a traveler. To us, there are far more important questions than “where to?” and “how long for?”. Travel is an incredible opportunity to not just see something different, but to feel something different. Better even. Feel revived, refreshed and inspired.
I’m pretty easy, and like what you’re about. Do you have package holidays I can choose from?
Answer: Definitely. We’ve taken our same approach to planning personalised journeys and applied it to creating meaningful pre-arranged packages for you to take you pick. All you have to decide is where (though we can help you with this too). Every element of our package holidays has been carefully selected keeping in mind our purpose for travel – creating experiences to leave you more inspired and feeling well. As well as ensuring the destinations we travel to are cared for as well. Considered approach at every step.
Be Inspired today
Let us plan your Escape
Planning your adventure can be overwhelming, but with Mind and Body Travel, it doesn’t have to be.
Our dedicated team of travel experts is here to handle every detail, ensuring your Adventure is seamless and stress-free. From booking flights and accommodations to organising guided tours and activities, we take care of everything so you can focus on making memories with your loved ones.




