The Grand Tour France (French luxury train)

Departing from Paris, the Grand Tour France is the first luxury train journey in France. It offers both a chance to discover France's most beautiful cities and an introduction to French history thanks to the participation of constant actors and high-quality staging.

DAY 1 - Monday: PARIS - REIMS - BEAUNE

In the morning, make your way to the Gare de l'Est in Paris and board France's first luxury train. The Grand Tour de France begins!
You will be welcomed into a train that has been completely refurbished in the Belle Epoque spirit. You enter a time bubble of the 1920s.

Your first stop is Reims, capital of the Champagne region and home to most of the major producers of the famous French sparkling wine. Reims is also the city where Clovis, the first King of France, was baptised. All the kings of France have been crowned here. The quick city tour includes a visit to the cathedral and other secret places, hidden from the public. With surprise guests.

The French luxury train continues on to Burgundy, another region of France famous for its wine. You contemplate the scenery as it passes before you.Your lunch on board the train offers a unique panorama of the Alps.

You arrive in Beaune, the heart of this beautiful wine-growing region. Admire the colourful roofs covered in polychrome glazed flat tiles and discover the unusual and secret sites of the famous Hospices de Beaune.
Overnight on board the Grand Tour France train (B, L, D)

DAY 2 - Tuesday: AVIGNON - CARCASSONNE

Early in the morning, your show train arrives in Provence.
The Grand Tour France stops off in the magnificent city of Avignon. This medieval city was the residence of the popes in the 14th century. Today it is famous for hosting the most famous Festival in France. Take part in an original tasting of the region's finest wines and products.
The next stop is Carcassonne. You'll discover this splendid 13th-century citadel in the south of France, still rustling with legends and secrets of history.
At the end of the day, your luxury train journey sets off again: heading for the West of France.
Overnight on board the Grand Tour France train (B, L, D)

DAY 3 - Wednesday: PAU - ARCHACON

In the morning, your luxury French train arrives in Pau. You will discover the castle where Henri IV, the King of France who restored peace between Catholics and Protestants, was born.
You then take the train back to the Atlantic coast, heading for Arcachon. The programme includes a visit to one of France's oldest shipyards. Learn about the history of the region's fishing boats. The visit is followed by a seafood tasting.
Overnight on board the Grand Tour France train (B, L, D)

DAY 4 - Thursday: LA ROCHELLE, CHATEAU DE CHENONCEAU

In the morning, your train heads for the rebellious French town of La Rochelle. In the 17th century, the city opposed King Louis XIII and Cardinal de Richelieu organised a siege to subdue it. An episode in French history that will keep you on the edge of your seat!
Then your luxury French train resumes its journey through the heart of French geography and history. The next stage reveals a "limestone miracle", the Château de Chenonceau. Also known as the Château des Dames, it was once a gift from King Henry II to his Favourite, Diane de Poitier. Its magnificent buildings were the setting for many secret episodes in French history.
Overnight on board the Grand Tour France train (B, L, D)

DAY 5 - Friday: DAY AT THE HISTORICAL ATTRACTION PARK 

In the morning, your luxury train departs for the Vendée, a region famous for its resistance to the French Revolution. Your journey aboard this formidable luxury train France ends in style: the last stage of the Grand Tour is undoubtedly the highlight of the tour. You'll be treated to a dazzling journey back in time at Le Puy du Fou, a historical theme park that has been voted "best theme park in the world" several times.
The day ends with a great historical night show under the stars.
Overnight on board the Grand Tour France train (B, L, D)

DAY 6 - Saturday: VENDEE - PARIS (End of the Grand Tour by train)

As you enjoy brunch on board, the scenery flies by.
Arrive in Paris around 1 p.m. and end your trip on France's luxury train.
(BRUNCH)

(Stages are subject to change, depending on the vagaries of rail transport).

France luxury train (ref.)

THE GRAND TOUR, FRENCH LUXURY TRAIN AND SHOW TRAIN

France's first luxury train

This is the first time that a French luxury train has seen the light of day! The real photos will soon be available. For the moment, the train is still in the expert hands of the craftsmen working on its renovation and fitting-out.

The provisional visuals sent over give a foretaste of what's in store for this sumptuous "Belle Epoque" train. It has already been described as a "true work of art". Its unique and ravishing decorations will plunge you into the carefree atmosphere of the Belle Epoque".

The train has 18 cabins, a bar and a restaurant carriage where you can enjoy meals prepared with local produce. Each cabin has its own private shower and toilet, and a personal butler is at your service to ensure your journey is as comfortable as possible.

The train has 10 cabins (10m²) and 8 suites (15m²).

The world's first show train

As well as being France's first luxury train, Le Grand Tour is also the world's first show train! It will travel across France like a time capsule frozen in the 1920s. But during its stops in French towns and cities, passengers will interact with costumed characters straight out of the finest pages of French history.

The promoters of this new kind of luxury train are also the promoters of France's most famous amusement park: "Le Puy du Fou". They have put their expertise at the service of this new project to make this journey even more extraordinary.

PRICES - TOUR DE FRANCE BY LUXURY TRAIN

• Standard double / twin cabin: from €8,300 / person
  Standard single cabin supplement: from €5,700 / person
  Discount of €800 per person for dates in April
  
  
• Suite cabin double / twin: from €13,000 / per person
  Triple supplement: from €5,400 / per person
  Single suite cabin supplement: from €9,100 / person
  Reduction of €1,200 per person for dates in April (except for the triple option)
  
  
• Connecting Suite Cabin: from €18,100 / per person
  Discount of €1,700 per person for dates in April

THE PRICE INCLUDES

• Participation in the Grand Tour, including nights on the train
• Full board for all breakfasts, lunches and dinners included in the tour (B= Breakfast, L = Lunch and D= Dinner)
• Drinks on board (mineral water, table wine according to menu, coffee, tea)
• Participation in experiences during stopovers
• Transfers between the Grand Tour Train and the main stopping places
• French-speaking assistance to prepare your stay

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

• Personal expenses
• Gratuities for Escales tour guides
• A la carte wines, spirits and other drinks not mentioned above
• Insurance (comprehensive - available at extra cost)

CONDITIONS OF SALE 

• 30% on order (non-refundable deposit)
• 30% six months before departure (180 days)
• Balance 90 days before departure. Consequently, any order placed 90 days or less before the date of departure must be paid in full.

CONDITIONS OF CANCELLATION

in all cases, the deposit is non-refundable

• between 181 days and 96 days before departure, 50% of the cost of the trip will be retained
• between 91 days and 66 days before departure, 75% of the amount will be retained
• less than 65 days before departure: 100% of the price of the trip will be retained