Luxury by train in October

[tryinghardtostaycalm]

Due to medical stuff we’re not going to be able to get away this summer, but hoping that by October half-term it will be possible.
I don’t think I’ll be able to fly by then, so looking for ideas of somewhere nice we can go by train (or car) from London - keener on Europe than UK as think it will probably be better weather. It’s me, my husband and 14 year old daughter.
Feel like we all deserve a treat after some rubbish times, so something quite luxurious. Ideally activities for the others but I may still need to take it fairly easy.
Does anyone have any ideas?

Biarritz? You can get the TGV from Paris. It should be around 21C.

How about a cruise from Southampton instead? P&O have 7-day cruises to the south of France and Spain in half term.

Definitely a cruise. Not the best itineraries in October as it's usually around the Canaries but at least you'll get some sun. Alternatively, you can get to Barcelona and Milan via train in one day so could do those locations or one of the Italian lakes. Lots of options from Barcelona too.

That time last year we went to Marseille by train, and it was beautiful weather, and hot enough to swim. It's 3 hours by TGV from Paris. We had first class Interrail passes, which are often worth it if you're coming from a far flung corner of the UK, but if you're near London point to point tickets would probably be cheaper. The Booking Hall bar at St Pancras (part of the Midland hotel) is gorgeous and pretty luxurious, as of course is the Train Bleu at the Gare de Lyon. We also had a night in Paris on the way back.

Marseille is amazing- I loved it- but if you're after quiet and luxurious Cassis might suit you better. There are also great day trip options- Avignon, Nimes, Arles, the Pont du Gard etc etc.

Switzerland or South of France.

Look at Byway or Planet Rail. Both travel agents that specialise in rail travel including some really great luxury trips across Europe.

Thank you so much for all the suggestions!

South of France or Italian Riviera. Doable in a long day by train. Worth looking at changing at Lille for Marseille or Lille then Valence/Aix en Provence to avoid having to cross Paris. First class is marvellous - though you don't get any free food etc.

Have a look at www.seat61.com for all the info about European rail travel.

I did look at changing at Lille for our trip down to Marseille, and think I ditched the idea because it took longer.

(And also because I love Paris, so crossing it is never a hardship. We got the metro from GdN to Bastille, then walked along the Promenade Plantee to GdL, with time for a leisurely lunch before catching our TGV to Marseille).

Definitely south of France. If you need it to be as easy as possible I'd change at Lille. It takes longer on the train but it cuts out the metro journey across Paris.
If you're after luxury, the Eurostar Plus (between standard and 1st class) is pretty nice and includes a meal on the train.
Nice and the surrounding villages would be lovely at that time of year. Summer is too hot.

Hôtel La Réserve in Knokke Belgium. It's an easy car journey from the Channel ports. Beautifully situated beside a lake, it has a huge indoor swimming pool. The restaurant is Michelin starred, you could do half-board to take full advantage of it.
The town centre is a stroll away along the promenade, with a large selection of restaurants, especially seafood. There is bike hire for the active, and usually art exhibitions in and around town.
Lots of trips available, Ostend with its fish market on the coastal tram line, or Bruges or Ghent by train. Also nearby is the wetlands nature reserve.

The change in Paris for Marseille is a 10 minute walk, so don’t be put off by that.

Saint-Cyr-Sur-Mere is a lovely seaside resort east of Marseille. I’m giving Cassis a go in September. It looks pretty with good walking for the active ones in your family.

Hey, you might want to check that. Trains to the South of France usually go from the Gare du Lyon, and the Eurostar comes into the Gare du Nord- that's the other side of the city centre. It's about 15-20 minutes on the RER on a good day I think. I have walked it (well, halfway before I gave in and took the Metro 😆), and I'd say it's a minimum 2 hour walk, more if you've got luggage or kids.

The Calanques National Park- that you access from Cassis- is incredibly beautiful- I'm sure you'll love it! I got a quick snorkel on too (on the 1st November!) and saw so many fish!

Whoops! I was thinking of the Gare de l’Est. Either way, it’s better than changing to Montparnasse (for Bordeaux).

Very easy to get a taxi from the Gare du Nord if you are changing in Paris.

Easy - though you have to queue and it costs 40 euros. RER is better but you need to make sure to buy tickets on the Eurostar / on line or queue. Honestly, changing at Lille (or Brussels) for a direct train to Marseille is much easier. As mentioned already, you can change at Valence or Aix en Provence for Nice, or for Montpellier / Nimes / perpignan. Crossing Paris is a pain - and quite stressful.

It really is not.

What “really is not”?@MissAmbrosia

The change in Paris is not 10 min walk

We’ve had similar limits with flying in the past, and honestly — a slow, scenic train trip can be such a gift. No airport stress, just proper time together. I’ve done a few with my husband and our two daughters (my eldest is 15), and I totally get wanting it to feel luxurious but still relaxed.

Here are a few ideas we’ve really liked — all doable by train in a day from London:

🚄 Strasbourg or Colmar (France)
– Eurostar to Paris, then TGV to Strasbourg (~2 hrs). Colmar’s just a short hop further.
– Beautiful, walkable towns with autumn colours, river walks, cosy cafés and patisseries.
– Feels really special but not overwhelming — great for a gentle reset.

🚄 Montreux or Lausanne, Switzerland (Lake Geneva area)
– Eurostar to Paris, then direct TGV Lyria to Lausanne (~4 hrs).
– Peaceful lakeside views, chocolate tasting, vineyard walks.
– We stayed in Vevey once — lovely little market town with direct lake access and not too hilly.

🚄 Avignon or Aix-en-Provence
– Eurostar to Paris or Lyon, then fast train south.
– Still warm in October and not touristy — lots of places to sit and people-watch.
– Feels like a mini summer you didn’t expect.

A few planning tips:
– Book Eurostar + TGV together via Trainline, Rail Europe, or directly with SNCF.
– Choose a hotel near the station or town centre — saves energy and means no car needed.
– Build in rest: we always plan a full “lazy” day in the middle (walk, café, nothing else).

Honestly, the best holidays we’ve had were the ones where we didn’t try to do too much. I hope whatever you choose feels like a proper treat — and just enough ease after a tough time ❤️

I’ve already corrected myself on that point @MissAmbrosia .

Avignon is also stunning OP. I highly recommend Acte2 restaurant.

Agree Avignon is lovely. Too hot and busy in the summer but would probably be delightful in October.