South of France Steam 2026

Duration

7 Days

Departure Dates

5th May 2026

Prices from

£2,125 Per person

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Experience a fantastic steam adventure on this special tour to the South of France riding steam hauled trains over some of the most scenic routes. Journey on the stunning Vivarais Railway, experience the highest steam train in France, ride the Cévennes Steam Train across superb viaducts, and take an historic steam journey aboard the Train des Pignes plus a ride along the Mediterranean coast and free time to discover Nice.

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Tain-l’Hermitage ©Shutterstock

7 days from £2,125

DEPARTS

Tuesday 5 May 2026

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Steam through the beautiful Doux Gorges on the Vivarais Railway
Ride over fantastic viaducts aboard the Cévennes Steam Train
Experience the Velay Express – the highest steam train in France!
Journey on the "classique" route to Marseille
Marvel at the wonderful coastal scenery between Marseille and Nice
Take an historic steam journey on the Train des Pignes
Discover architectural treasures in the medieval village of Annot
Enjoy time at leisure to explore Nice

Also included in your Tour Fare:

6 nights’ bed & breakfast plus 1 evening meal and 4 lunches
Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager

DAY 1

Travelling by Eurostar from London St Pancras to Lille, then onwards to Tain-l'Hermitage and our hotel for four nights, the Fac & Spera Hotel, where we check in and enjoy our first evening meal together.

DAY 2

After breakfast this morning, we will travel by road to Tournon Saint-Jean to experience the Vivarais Railway, an 18-mile metre-gauge line using powerful Mallet steam locomotives to haul the train through the scenic Doux Gorges. A water stop is made at the village of Boucier-le-Roi before continuing past open countryside offering views of villages and countryside, chestnut groves and orchards. After climbing nearly 1,000ft, we will arrive at the small town of Lamastre, witnessing the train turn on its turntable and enjoying a 3-course lunch in a nearby restaurant, before returning by steam to Tournon and by coach to our hotel.

B, L

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 at Saint-Jean-du-Gard before retracing our steps to Anduze and returning to Tain-l'Hermitage.

B, L

DAY 4

Today, we will take a private coach to Raucoules for an exciting journey on the Velay Express - the highest steam train in France! Riding the metre-gauge line to Saint-Agrève, the Velay Express faces a tormented terrain throughout its 17-mile route with 3% gradients and tight curves of the track making it a real mountain railway. We enjoy a light lunch at Saint-Agrève before returning to Tain-l'Hermitage where we enjoy free time to explore this wine growing town, perhaps indulge in a wine tasting or stroll along the banks of the Rhone.

B, L

DAY 5

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

DAY 6

Today, we depart from the metre-gauge Chemins de Fer de Provence railway station on a railcar through the 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 huge pine forests, past the incredible, charming city of Entrevaux, and onwards to the village of Annot. Here, 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.

B, L

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.

*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, D=Dinner

HOTELS

Fac & Spera, Tain-l’Hermitage

Ideally located close to the railway station, the Fac & Spera Hotel offers a welcoming and elegant atmosphere and features a relaxing wine bar, a swimming pool, and a refreshing spa including a jacuzzi, sauna, and gym. The modern bedrooms provide an en-suite bathroom with complimentary toiletries, a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and tea/coffee making facilities.

Hotel Khla, Nice

Located close to the railway station, the unique Hotel Khla offers a prime central location in Nice providing easy access to the city’s biggest attractions and a comfortable bar to unwind after an exciting day. The stylish bedrooms provide an en-suite bathroom with complimentary toiletries, air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and tea/coffee making facilities.

FARES

From London St Pancras International:
Standard Class rail travel to/from France, including Eurostar Standard	£2,125
Supplement for Eurostar Plus upgrade	£150
First Class rail travel to/from France, including Eurostar Plus	£2,325
Join at Tain-l’Hermitage & Leave at Nice	£1,985
Single Traveller Supplement	£490
Deposit	£215

6 nights’ bed & breakfast plus 1 evening meal and 4 lunches

Eurostar and rail travel to and from France in the class of your choice

All transfers, excursions & admissions as detailed

Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager

Important – Please select the number of passengers before proceeding to ‘Book Now’

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Fac & Spera Hotel, Tain-l'Hermitage

Hotel Khla, Nice

Vivarais Railway

Vivarais Railway Route

Vivarais Railway1 ©Train Ardeche

Vivarais Railway2 ©Train Ardeche

Vivarais Railway3 ©Shutterstock

Lamastre ©AdobeStock

Cévennes Steam Train ©Shutterstock

Velay Express1

Velay Express2

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South of France Steam 2026

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What our customers say

Sounds like the holiday for you?

Why Book with Railtrail

Unique Experiences

Financial Protection

Loyalty Rewards

Award Winning Team