A coast built for rail travel
The railway along the French Riviera hugs the shore for much of its length, darting in and out of tunnels and running so close to the sea that you can sometimes see the waves from your window. Regional trains stop at almost every town, and journeys between neighbouring stops are often just ten or twenty minutes.
Basing yourself in Nice and exploring by train means you only unpack once, avoid the hassle of parking in small towns and can enjoy a glass of wine with lunch wherever you end up.
East towards Italy
Heading east, the line passes the bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer, a deep natural harbour with a colourful old town, and then Beaulieu with its elegant villas. Next comes Monaco, where you can wander the old town on its rock, watch yachts in the harbour and visit the famous casino square.
Menton, close to the Italian border, is known for its mild climate, lemon groves and pastel-painted old town climbing the hillside. Italy is just beyond, and many visitors cross over for an afternoon of Italian coffee and gelato.
West towards Cannes
To the west, Antibes has a lovely old town, ramparts by the sea and a museum dedicated to a famous twentieth-century painter who once worked there. Nearby Juan-les-Pins has sandy beaches and a lively summer atmosphere.
Cannes, famous for its film festival, has a palm-lined seafront, chic shops and an old quarter on a hill with views over the bay. From the harbour, boats run to small islands just offshore, where you'll find pine forests, quiet coves and a former fortress.
Practical advice
Trains get busy in summer, particularly at weekends and around big events in Monaco, so travel early or late in the day if you can. Tickets are easy to buy at machines or through the regional rail app, and remember to validate paper tickets if required.
For hilltop villages such as Èze or the perched towns inland, the train only takes you part of the way. Local buses or a rental car fill the gap.
Back in Nice, the city itself deserves at least a day or two. Its old town is a maze of narrow lanes, ochre facades and lively squares, with a morning market selling flowers, fruit and local produce. A climb to the hill above the harbour gives sweeping views over the bay and the red rooftops. Beaches here are pebbly rather than sandy, but the water is clear and inviting, and the long promenade is perfect for an evening stroll. Returning to Nice each evening after a day trip means you can enjoy a different neighbourhood for dinner every night.
Good to know
- Sit on the seaward side of the train for the best views.
- Buy return tickets in advance on busy days to avoid machine queues.
- Carry a light day bag with swimwear; many stations are a short walk from a beach.