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- South of france
South of France holidays by train
Inspiration for your summer South of France holiday to Lyon, Marseille, Valence, Avignon or Aix-en-Provence.
Holidays to south of France
If you're travelling from London, you can take a Eurostar to the South of France via Paris or Lille - change to a connecting TGV train to get there. To find out more, visit our connections page.
A weekend break to the South of France is the perfect way to unwind, explore, and indulge in a change of scenery. Whether you're planning short holidays to South of France or a longer escape, the region offers endless opportunities to relax and explore. Discover the best of Provence, from the enchanting walled city of Avignon to Marseille’s breathtaking Mediterranean coastline. Read on to find out where your next unforgettable escape could take you.
Planning your weekend break to the South of France
Lyon holidays
Lyon is ideal for a cultural city break, a foodie getaway or a family holiday.
Whether you want to explore the vineyards of the northern Rhone, meander through the UNESCO World Heritage site in the city centre or cycle along the river banks with a picnic, Lyon will surprise and entrance you.
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Avignon city breaks
Avignon will charm you with its outstanding heritage, its sunny climate and its large choice of cultural entertainment, all year long.
Architecture, character, culture and gastronomy – visiting Avignon means discovering the lifestyle of Provence.
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Marseille city breaks
Marseille is a city that is changing fast, but has still retained that bit of edge that makes it stand out from the rest of the towns along the French Riviera. It's also a great base for exploring the azure blue calanques that dot the coast, so why not go on a city break and make a holiday of it?
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Aix-en-Provence holidays
The train will get you to Marseille, then Aix is just 30kms away by car or by local bus.
Once there, find yourself a seat on a terrace and watch the world go by over a coffee or a pastis. Take some time to visit Cezanne's studio and, if that leaves you feeling inspired, why not head out of town and do a bit of sketching yourself.
If painting isn't for you, explore the area, indulge in a some wine-tasting or join the locals in a game of boules. You're on a South of France holiday, you have all the time in the world.
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Valence getaway
Valence, known as the gateway to the South of France, is positioned on the banks of the Rhône River. Explore the historic town centre, visit local vineyards, and finish your day in style at one of the city’s famous restaurants. With its narrow-cobbled streets, abundance of parks, canals, marina and stunning architecture it makes is the perfect destination for your next trip to the South of France.
Train + Hotel packages
Grab your seat and stay in one neat package. Book your Eurostar tickets and a handpicked hotel together to save a little extra.
Frequently asked questions
A South of France holiday with the family is a must. Not only does it have the best weather in France, but it also hosts some of the finest coastlines and tastiest cuisines in the world, making it the ideal family holiday destination.
If you’re on a South of France holiday to Provence, you must try the Bouillabaisse, a traditional spicy fish soup which originates from port city of Marseille. If you’re taking a trip to the South of France during June or July you can’t miss a chance to inhale the breathtaking scents of the lavender fields, only an hour by train from Avignon.
Depending on how hot you'd like your South of France holiday to be – July and August is the perfect time for sun seekers but for those of you who prefer it a bit cooler spring and autumn is an ideal time for a holiday to the South of France.
Unfortunately, we are no longer running a direct service from London to the South of France but you can still easily get there by taking a Eurostar to Paris or Lille and changing to a TGV train for the rest of the journey.
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London to Nice trains
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Eurostar destinations
Between Amsterdam's canals, Paris' botanical gardens, Bruges' architecture, and London's royal parks, Eurostar has something for everyone.