Provence Holidays by Rail

F rom the red soil to the fields of lavender and sunflowers and the blue shutters on village houses, it’s hardly surprising that the colours of Provence have inspired a profusion of Impressionist paintings. You can find out more about the artists who worked here but also discover picture-postcard mountain villages, wonderful Roman remains, artistic cities and the joy of a long al fresco lunch with a pichet of Luberon wine.

Recommended Holiday Ideas

Tailor Made Rail

Our Recommended Hotels in Provence

Avignon
Hotel de l’Horloge

Overlooking the pretty Place de l’Horloge in the centre of Avignon, the Hotel de l’Horloge occupies a traditional 19th century building with antique furnishings and elegantly decorated bedrooms. All of these feature air-conditioning, sound-proofing and complimentary Wi-Fi access.

Avignon
Cloître Saint Louis

The Clôitre Saint Louis occupies a 16th century building right in the heart of the city, 10 minutes walk from the Palais des Papes. Traditional French and Provençal cuisine is served in the hotel restaurant and in the summer, guests can dine in shade of the private terrace.

Aix-en-Provence
Grand Hotel Roi-René

Around 350 metres from the Cours Mirabeau, Aix’s main shopping street, the Grand Hotel Roi Rene is a modern hotel occupying a tradtional 19th century building. All air-conditioned bedrooms come with satellite TV, minibar and tea and coffee making facilities. The hotel is also within easy walking distance of the station.

Aix-en-Provence
Renaissance Hotel

This luxurious hotel offers rest and relaxation with its fantastic facilities including a heated indoor swimming pool, a gym and a spa. There is also a restaurant and bar with other leisure facilities nearby such as a golf course, bowling alley and riding stables.

Nîmes
Novotel Atria

The Novotel Atria is a modern, family friendly hotel, ideally located within easy walking distance of the main train station and all the sights of this Roman city. All 119 comfortable bedrooms feature air-conditioning as well as tea and coffee making facilities, perfect for a quick pit-stop after a day’s sightseeing.

Orange
Hotel Le Glacier

This charming hotel is well-situated to explore the highlights of Orange as well as the beautiful surrounding countryside which you might want to explore on the electric bikes available to hire from the hotel. Rooms are decorated with a Provencal theme and include modern necessities such as air conditioning and Wi-Fi whilst on the ground floor there is a comfortable lounge and bar area for guests.

Arles
Hôtel Jules César MGallery

This former 17th century convent was re-imagined by the famous designer Christian Lacroix in 2014 and is now a beautiful, relaxing and indulgent retreat amongst the Roman history of Arles. Rooms are equipped with a safe, WiFi and air conditioning amongst numerous other comforts, and in the summer the on-site restaurant and bar spill onto the sunlit terrace. Guests also have access to a heated outdoor pool and a spa.

Suggested Tours in Provence

Van Gogh Tour from Avignon

This tour will give you an insight into Van Gogh’s life in Provence and the landscapes which inspired him. Visit Arles, where Van Gogh produced many of his works and and Saint Rémy de Provence where he spent time in the asylum at Saint Paul de Mausole. Your tour finishes in Les Baux de Provence.

from £72 per person
Full Day Luberon Villages Tour from Aix

Visit some of the Luberon’s most photogenic villages on this full-day tour from Aix en Provence. Stops along the way include the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Senanque, surrounded by lavender fields, the hill-top village of Gordes and pretty Isle-sur-Sorque.

from £94 per person
Rhone Valley Wine Tour from Avignon

Discover the appeal of Rhône Valley wines on this half-day tour from Avignon, led by an expert wine guide. Visiting two wine estates in Rhône Valley’s most prestigious winemaking regions, your tour includes samples galore of esteemed AOC-classified wines. Numbers are limited to eight on this small-group wine tour, ensuring personalised attention from your guide.

from £62 per person
Camargue Tour from Aix en Provence

Explore the wild and wonderful Camargue region in Provence on this half-day trip from Aix. Travel to pretty coastal capital, Les Saintes Maries de la Mer for a quick tour and then spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Bring a bathing suit for a swim in the sea, or visit (own expense) the bird sanctuary of Pont de Gau Ornithological Park to see the region’s pink flamingos.

from £63 per person

Blogs About Provence

14 Jul, 2020
Provence is a place that seems to sum up all things that are enviable about French life. From the fantastic climate, delicious food, hilltop villages, amazing wines, bustling markets and pastoral landscapes, it is understandable that it is a popular tourist destination.