New `rail and sail’ holidays from Star Clippers (0845 200 6145, www.starclippers.co.uk) include train travel direct to the South of France to join a tall ship sailing from Cannes or Monaco without the worry of flight delays, airport taxes or baggage fees.

Star Clippers operate fully-crewed sailings on three of the world’s most striking tall ships, guaranteed to turn heads wherever they sail, and have rail and sail departures throughout summer 2010.