DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: London to Paris or Lyon

Begin your luxury rail holiday to French Catalonia by Eurostar from London to Paris or Lyon, depending on the season. Departures are hourly to Paris and the journey takes approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.

There is one direct Eurostar service to Lyon three or four times a week during the summer. It usually departs just before 07:30 hrs arriving into Lyon at 13:00 hrs. Check in to your hotel for one night and spend the rest of the day exploring the city.

Depending on the season, another option to avoid an overnight stay on the outbound journey would be to take a direct Eurostar service to Avignon. You would then arrive in Avignon just after 14:00 hrs and collect your hire car for the three hour drive to your hotel.

Day 2: Travel to Perpignan and Molitg-les-Bains

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before boarding a train to Perpignan. If you are travelling from Paris, there is a direct service. If you are travelling from Lyon, you will need to change at Montpellier. You arrive at Perpignan at about 16:00 hrs. Collect your hire car and drive 40 minutes or so to your hotel in the spa town of Molitg-les-Bains.

Days 3 to 7: In French Catalonia

You have five whole days in French Catalonia to use your boutique hotel as a base to enjoy the natural surroundings of Molitg-les-Bains. Your hotel looks out on to snow topped Mount Canigou in this thermal spa town in the foothills of the Pyrenees. Enjoy exploring on foot with hikes through the nearby forest-clad hills and orchards, with plenty of time to unwind by the pool.

A short drive away is the town of Prades, situated at the foot of the Canigou, home to a weekly farmers’ market and the Pablo Casals museum, once home to the Spanish-born cellist, composer and conductor.  Another nearby town is Villefranche-de-Conflent. This fortified town dates from the 11th century and has the 12th century Church of Saint-Jacques. Nearby, visit the Canalettes caves.

Spend a day on the Mediterranean coast in the town of Collioure, just over an hour’s drive away. Situated in the Roussillon wine area, the town enjoys a pretty location on a bay. Continue south towards the Spanish border to Port Vendres where you find Vauban fortifications. Visit the historic city of Perpignan to discover the citadel and royal castle. Near to the town of Arles-sur-Tech, you can find the spectacular Gorges de la Fou. This is well-worth visiting and takes about an hour to walk.

Céret is about a 1 hour 10minute drive from your hotel. The old town is composed of narrow, winding streets and alleyways. Notable sights include the 12th century church of Saint-Pierre, the old town gates, museum of modern art composed of works presented by artists who worked in Céret such as Picasso, Matisse, Chagall and Dali.

Day 8: Molitg-les-Bains to London

Drive back to Perpignan and board a direct train to Paris. There is a train which leaves at 11:40 hrs. After a change of stations in Paris, travel by Eurostar back to London. You arrive in London just after 20:30 hrs.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis. This price includes standard class rail travel, with supplement for standard premier/first class of about £335 per person. Local car hire is also included.

We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

Before your departure, you will receive personalised holiday information, including full directions and suggestions on places to visit, to help you get the most from your trip.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance and an appropriate driving licence. The AA and FCO should also be consulted.