Travelling between London and Paris has become so routine – so linear and efficient – that we’re in danger of losing all the excitement and expectation of a real journey. We aim to put that right with this exclusive and intriguing itinerary, linking the British and French capitals by train and ferry. Travelling from London to Paris the long way round, you will not only sample the delights of the Channel Islands, but also spend a day exploring the historic port of St Malo on the French coast. A train then whisks you to Paris where you’ll arrive in the City of Lights feeling like you’ve really travelled there. Two full days in the French capital allow you to delve into some of its hidden treasures before catching Eurostar to London.
The Channel Islands
Guernsey and Sark feature in this holiday – two Channel Islands with distinctive characters that we know you will love. All four nights are spent on Guernsey, with a day trip arranged to Sark. Second largest of the Channel Islands, Guernsey has a stunning and varied coastline – sandy bays in the north, rugged cliffs in the south – so there’s plenty to keep walkers and beach lovers happy. Hire a bike to cycle along quiet country lanes, or don a wetsuit and get your pulse racing on a coasteering adventure. Guernsey is also awash with history, from Neolithic tombs to Victorian forts. A one-hour boat ride takes you to Sark for the day where you can explore this car-free gem of the Channel Islands.
Saint Malo
Surrounded by tall granite walls, this imposing city-port on the Brittany coast is dominated by its cathedral spire, rising above the rooftops of the old town. Arriving here by ferry from Guernsey, you’ll get a strong sense of the city’s seafaring past. An infamous lair for corsairs (or privateers), St Malo has a notorious maritime history. Find out about the city’s pirates at Demeure de Corsaire – now a hotel, but once the 18th-century home of François-Auguste Magon, director of the East India Company and corsair under Louis XIV. The Musée de la Ville also shines a light on the town’s fascinating history. While exploring intra muros (inside the walls), you’ll find cobbled streets, cosy restaurants and, of course, some fine architecture. Largely reconstructed following the Second World War, the Cathédrale St-Vincent is the city’s crowning glory and is renowned for its stained-glass windows and a floor mosaic marking the spot where Jacques Cartier received the blessing of the bishop before setting sail for Canada in 1535.
Paris
Whether it’s your first time in France’s elegant capital, or you’re a seasoned visitor, there’s never a shortage of cultural treats to discover in Paris. Classic sights range from the Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe to the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame (currently being restored after the devastating fire in 2019). Some of the world’s greatest art treasures can be found in the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Centre Pompidou and countless other museums and galleries. The food scene is equally compelling, with a fabulous range of eateries to sample – from street-corner crêperies to fine-dining restaurants. Delve deeper into the City of Lights and you will discover hidden gems like the botanical riot of Jardin des Plantes, the ancient vineyard of Clos Montmarte and the macabre Catacombes de Paris where the remains of six million Parisians can be found in a network of tunnels.
Itinerary
Depending on your sailing schedule, overnight in Poole or Portsmouth on the English coast in preparation for the ferry crossing. Allow time to explore. Poole boasts Europe’s largest natural harbour and glorious beaches, while Portsmouth is full of world-class attractions showcasing its rich naval heritage.
Catch a ferry across the English Channel to Guernsey, lying 75 miles to the south. After arriving at the island’s diminutive capital, St Peter Port (population around 19,000), transfer to your hotel for a four-night stay. Explore the town’s cobbled streets, admiring its Regency architecture and gazing across the harbour towards the magnificent 800-year-old Castle Cornet. There is plenty of choice for eating out, from beachside kiosks selling delicious crab sandwiches to high-end restaurants serving seafood dishes with a French twist. Overnight Guernsey.
Take an optional tour of Guernsey – either privately or in a small group. Public buses are also a great way to get around the island. With over 70 historic sites, there’s lots to explore. We recommend starting with Castle Cornet. Dating from 1204, the fort has a chequered history. There are fine views from the battlements and four period gardens to discover – as well as museums dedicated to the Great War, the island’s affiliation to the RAF’s 201 Squadron and the German occupation during WWII.
Elsewhere on Guernsey, there are numerous megalithic structures and medieval settlements to track down, most notably Albecq, Castel Menhir, Déhus Dolmen, Delancey Dolmen and La Platte Mare. With two full days to explore the island, you will also have ample time for breathtaking coastal walks, cycling along country lanes and a chance to wind down to the island’s slower pace of life. Both nights on Guernsey.
This morning, a ferry will take you across to Sark, third smallest of the Channel Islands, in just under an hour. There will be time to explore the best beauty spots, and learn about the fascinating island’s history. Visit La Seigneurie Gardens and wander down to Port du Moulin to enjoy the spectacular coastal scenery. You could also walk over the narrow spine of La Coupée to Little Sark, savouring wonderful views of rocky coves lapped by vibrant blue waters. In the late afternoon, take the ferry back to Guernsey for your last night on the island.
Travel by high speed ferry to Brittany and the historic seaport of St Malo in just under two hours. Transfer to your hotel for a two-night stay.
Spend the day exploring St Malo. The tall spire of the cathedral, visible from all corners of the walled city, will draw you to this beautiful Romanesque and Gothic style building. Walk along the cobbled streets of the old town, discovering a rich history associated with the infamous corsairs of the 18th century.
Take advantage of low tide by walking to the uninhabited island of Grand Bé where writer Francois-René de Chateaubriand is buried. There are also some magnificent castles, country houses and gardens near St Malo, including Chateau Le Rocher, Malouiniére de La Chipaudiére and Malouiniére de la Ville Bague. Overnight in St Malo.
Travel by train to Paris, arriving at Montparnasse in just under three hours. Transfer to your hotel for a three-night stay.
With two full days to explore the French capital, take your pick from a wealth of iconic landmarks, cultural treasures, museums and gardens – not to mention a plethora of restaurants, cafés, theatres and boutiques. Stroll along the Champs-Élysées to the famous Arc de Triomphe, take a lift up the Eiffel Tower for panoramic views across the city and wander along the Seine to Ile de la Cité and Notre-Dame, where restoration is underway following the 2019 fire. Spend time admiring masterpieces by impressionists like Monet, Degas and Renoir at the Musée d’Orsay, take in the modern art collection at Centre Pompidou or delve into the magnificent Louvre where, amongst the 35,000 artworks, you will find Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.
After exploring the classic sites of Paris, discover its less well-known highlights, such as Jardin des Plantes with the unusual carousel, Dodo Manége features extinct and endangered animals. Climb 300 steps to the dome of the basilica Sacré-Coeur for breathtaking views of the city, then wander around the corner to the urban vineyard of Clos Montmartre – built around a century ago on a former rubbish dump and now producing around 1,500 bottles of wine each year.
Wherever you go and whatever you discover in Paris, eating out is always an exciting part of the experience – whether you’re grabbing a crêpe or savouring a classic dish like Magret de Canard, accompanied by a bottle of Pinot Noir. Both nights in Paris.
Travel by Eurostar back to London.
Prices
What's Included
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Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
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Breakfast throughout
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Train from London to Poole or Portsmouth and from St Malo to Paris
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Ferry from Poole or Portsmouth to Guernsey and from Guernsey to St Malo
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Return sailing between Guernsey and the island of Sark
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Eurostar from Paris to London
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24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
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No surcharge guarantee
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Full financial protection
From £2185 Excluding Flights
10 Nights
Apr-Dec
Make this trip yours
Every trip you see here can be adapted to suit you using inside-out knowledge to create one-off experiences created just for you.
Freya
30
Different countries explored
5
Continents visited
Departure & price guide
From prices are per person in a room with private facilities.
We create holidays that are as individual as you are. And we’ve been doing it for 40 years, crafting each and every holiday using our in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for our destinations. Whatever your brief, we’ll create an amazing trip for you to get excited about. That might mean adapting one of our existing itineraries or we’ll build you one from scratch.
Experts with real experience
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Lauren
Travel Specialist
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Freya
Travel Specialist
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Kieran
Travel Specialist
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Eric
Travel Specialist
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Jo
Travel Specialist
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Ben
Travel Specialist
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Gary
Travel Specialist
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Rosie
Travel Specialist
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Darren
Travel Specialist
