Ardeche France Steam Railway Holiday
Saturday, 2nd October 2021
Europe
Ardeche & Alpine Dash
Holiday Highlights
- Two top tourist railways with the Vivarais and Velay Express
- Eurostar and TGV to Lyon via Lille
- Grenoble and cheese on a mountain top
- Discover the transport and tourist delights of Lyon
- Incredible mountain and Alpine scenery
- A top notch, traditionally “railway style”, hotel
Outline Itinerary
Saturday
Meet at London St Pancras International mid-morning, then it is a Eurostar to Lille and TGV to our hotel at Lyon Perrache arriving about 18.00. On arrival, and after checking in, you are invited to join your courier for a short stroll to where the local cafes are. A relaxed start to our “dash”.
Sunday
A morning exploring the old parts of Lyon, including an optional (but included) walking tour of the “Traboules”. A scenic rail trip into the Loire Valley begins our afternoon trip and first excursion into the Ardeche. The train calls at Retournac where we join our coach for a splendid drive to St Agreve. Here we find our first “steam” of the holiday, chuffing from St Agreve to Tence aboard the Velay Express.
Monday
To the Alps today, via two stunning SNCF rail journeys from Lyon, via Aix-les-Bains to Grenoble. Two highlights, literally, to enjoy here. Lunch amid stunning views from the top of the St Hilaire Tramway, and fantastic views of the Isere River and Grenoble from high up on the Chartreuse Range, overlooking the Vercours Range – magnifique!
Tuesday
To the Ardeche, again, for the unsurpassable trip, steam hauled, from St Jean to L’Amastre aboard the Vivarais Railway. This two-hour journey is regarded as the finest, most scenic, narrow gauge railway ride in Europe. Enjoy incredible views as we travel through gorges, up hills and down dales to the lovely market town at L’Amastre. A lunch time break here and then we drive back down to Tournon, St Jean and rail back to Lyon. No visit to Lyon is complete without a meal in its most famous restaurant, George’s Brasserie. Enjoy a gastronomic, iconic, unique experience (included) – a fitting finale!
Wednesday
Homeward bound, but a lazy morning, then via Lille and back into London by 16.00 ish!
Our Hotel
What’s Included
Transport
- All heritage railway rides
- All public transport journeys, in standard class accommodation
- Private coach transfers throughout the holiday
Entertainment
- All entrances
- Detailed itinerary/information pack
- Services of courier throughout
Accommodation
- Hotel accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis
Treats
- Evening meal out at Georges Brasserie
What's not Included
- Travel to/from the holiday start point
- Personal holiday insurance
- Porterage
- Other meals
Let's book your dream holiday!
