Diving into the Mediterranean splendor of the Côte d'Azur
If you dream of discovering the beauty of the Mediterranean, the Côte d’Azur is a must-see destination that combines elegance and diversity. Nestled between lush hills and turquoise waters, this region is a true jewel of southern France. Nice, the pearl of the Côte d’Azur, invites you to explore its emblematic neighborhoods, where history blends harmoniously with modernity. Stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, stroll through the picturesque streets of Vieux-Nice and visit prestigious museums such as the Musée Matisse and the Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain.
But Nice’s magic is not limited to its borders. Set off to discover the wonders of the surrounding area: the coastal paths offer breathtaking panoramas, while Cap d’Antibes and its secret coves will seduce you with their wild beauty. The medieval village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, with its cobbled streets and art galleries, is the perfect getaway for lovers of culture and authentic charm. To further enrich your experience and unveil this region’s best-kept secrets, enlist the help of one of French Riviera tour guides. Their expertise and passion will transform your trip into an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Côte d’Azur.
Must-sees in Nice and Côte d'Azur
The English Promenade
Stretching over 7 km along the Bay of Angels, the Promenade des Anglais is one of the most iconic places in Nice. Ideal for a walk or a bike ride, it offers a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea and is lined with palm trees, luxury hotels, and beaches.
The Promenade du Paillon
This urban park runs through Nice from the National Theatre to the sea. It is a green space and a place of relaxation in the heart of the city, with water games and picnic areas, perfect for a nature break.
Saint Nicholas Russian Cathedral
Address: Avenue Nicolas II, 06000 Nice
Built at the beginning of the 20th century, Saint Nicholas Cathedral is a magnificent example of Russian Orthodox architecture, adorned with mosaics and icons. It is a place of worship and reflection, as well as a historical monument to discover.
Old Nice
Old Nice is a maze of picturesque alleys, artisanal shops, and typical restaurants. It is the perfect place to stroll and discover the authentic charm of the city. Among the must-see places is the Cours Saleya and its famous flower market.
Cours Saleya – Flower Market
Access: Pedestrians: Montée Menica Rondelly, Montée Jules Enaudy, Montée Auguste Kerl, Montée Lesage
Bus: n°3, 7, 9, 10, 14/27, 81, 82, T32Cours Saleya is one of the most typical places in Old Nice. Every day, its colorful flower market attracts visitors who come to admire the fragrant stalls and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Castle Hill Park
Located in Old Nice, Castle Hill Park offers an exceptional panoramic view of the city and the Bay of Angels. The park is accessible on foot via several climbs or by bus. It is a perfect place for a quiet walk and spectacular photos.
Marc Chagall Museum
Address: 36 Avenue Dr Ménard, 06000 Nice
Access: Bus: n° 15 stop “Musée Chagall”This museum houses the largest public collection of works by Marc Chagall. Visitors can discover his famous biblical paintings, stained glass windows, and mosaics.
Matisse Museum
Address: 164 Avenue des Arènes de Cimiez, 06000 Nice
Access: Bus: Lines 15, 17, 20, 25. Stop “Arènes / Musée Matisse”Located in a 17th-century Genoese villa, the Matisse Museum presents a vast collection of works by the artist, tracing his artistic evolution from his early days to his last creations.
Grande Corniche Natural Park
Access: Bus: From Nice, take bus 82 towards Eze Plateau de la Justice and get off at the terminus.
Shared between the communes of La Turbie, Eze, La Trinité, and Villefranche-sur-Mer, this park offers hiking trails with breathtaking views of the sea and surrounding mountains.
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
Address: 1 Avenue Ephrussi de Rothschild, 06230 Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Access: Bus: Line 81 stop “Plage de Passable”
Train: Beaulieu-sur-Mer stationThis sumptuous Renaissance-style palace is surrounded by nine themed gardens. It houses an exceptional collection of furniture, porcelains, and works of art.
The Esterel Massif in Agay
Located between Saint-Raphaël and Théoule-sur-Mer, the Esterel Massif is famous for its red rocks and spectacular landscapes. Several hikes are possible, such as the Pic du Cap Roux, Cap Dramont, and the Rocher de Saint-Barthelemy.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence
This picturesque village is one of the most beautiful in Provence, blending authentic charm and intense artistic life. Its cobbled streets, art galleries, and panoramic views make it a must-visit.
Coastal Path at Cap d’Antibes
Address: 11 Chemin des Douaniers, 06160 Antibes
This path offers a magnificent walk along the rocky coast, with stunning views of the sea. It is recommended to start the walk at the Garoupe parking lot, although it is not suitable for strollers due to many stairs.
La Croisette in Cannes
This boulevard runs along the Bay of Cannes and is lined with sandy beaches, palaces, and luxury boutiques. The promenade is perfect for strolling and observing the city’s glamour, especially during the famous Cannes Film Festival.
Mercantour National Park
Located in the departments of Alpes-Maritimes and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Mercantour National Park offers breathtaking landscapes, from verdant valleys to snow-capped peaks. It is a paradise for nature and hiking enthusiasts.
Beautiful hikes in MercantourThe Principality of Monaco
Just 25 kilometers from the Italian border, Monaco is a favored spot for the global jet set. This micro-state is famous for its casino, its port filled with luxury yachts, and its unique atmosphere combining glamour and refinement.
Old Nice
Mercantour Park
Cap d’Antibes
Best train lines in Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur
The French Riviera is one of France’s most sought-after destinations, captivating an impressive number of travelers every year thanks to its dream beaches, refined towns and rich cultural and historical heritage. Although it’s possible to discover this region by car or bike, traveling by train on the Côte d’Azur offers a unique and accessible experience. Rail lines run along the Mediterranean, winding through picturesque villages, historic sites and breathtaking scenery. In this article, we offer a comprehensive guide to rail travel on the Côte d’Azur, with practical tips and must-see itineraries to make the most of your adventure.
To further enrich your experience, call on one of the Nice Tour guides.
1. French Riviera trains: An Introduction to lines and services
Traveling by train on the Côte d’Azur is convenient and eco-friendly, with lines serving many coastal cities like Nice, Cannes, Antibes, and Monaco. The TER Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA) line is especially popular for regional travel, offering frequent journeys and stunning scenery.
Here is an overview of the main lines:
- TER PACA: The TER network, or Train Express Régional, connects major coastal cities and some more remote villages. It’s an ideal choice for those wishing to explore seaside resorts while avoiding summer traffic. The network covers main lines like Cannes-Antibes-Nice and Nice-Monaco-Menton.
- TGV: While high-speed trains are typically used for long journeys to Paris or Lyon, certain TGV lines also connect Marseille and Nice, with connections to other Côte d’Azur cities. The TGV Méditerranée provides a direct link between Paris and the Côte d’Azur in just five hours.
- Intercités de Nuit: For a different experience, night trains allow you to travel between Paris and Nice, offering a restful journey that lets you wake up directly on the Mediterranean coast.
Our tips:
- The TER network offers discounts for frequent travelers with subscriptions like the Pass Zou!, which provides unlimited access to regional lines.
- Some TER trains have carriages with panoramic views to enjoy the scenery along the Côte d’Azur, especially on the coastal lines.
2. The Cannes - Grasse line: Discover the hinterland
While the Côte d’Azur is famous for its coastline, the hinterland is also worth exploring. The train line connecting Cannes to Grasse offers a quick escape to authentic Provence, with its hills, lavender fields, and historic small towns.
- Main stops: This line has several stops, including Mouans-Sartoux and Ranguin, which allow travelers to discover picturesque villages and local markets.
- Grasse: As the world’s perfume capital, Grasse offers an olfactory immersion with guided tours in perfumeries like Fragonard, Galimard, or Molinard. History enthusiasts can also visit the Notre-Dame-du-Puy Cathedral and the Museum of Art and History.
Additional suggestions:
- Visit the Riviera Gardens: The gardens in Grasse are renowned for their aromatic plants, which inspire the perfume industry. Don’t miss the botanical garden in Mouans-Sartoux.
- Hiking around Grasse: Many trails start from Grasse’s train station, allowing visitors to explore the surrounding countryside and Provençal landscapes.
3. The Nice - Monaco - Menton line: luxury, history and dazzling views
One of the most scenic train lines on the Côte d’Azur is the route from Nice to Menton, passing through Monaco. This journey is perfect for those who wish to admire the splendor of Monaco’s yachts, Menton’s botanical gardens, and the many historic buildings of Nice.
Attractions along the route:
- Monaco: Stop to visit the Prince’s Palace, the Monte-Carlo Casino, or the Exotic Garden. Panoramic views of the Mediterranean and the mountains await you.
- Menton: Known for its mild climate, Menton is home to beautiful gardens and the Lemon Festival in winter.
- Roquebrune-Cap-Martin: A popular stop for its medieval alleys and a castle dating back to the Middle Ages.
Additional points of interest:
- Nice: Before boarding the train, explore old Nice with its markets, colorful architecture, and the famous Promenade des Anglais.
- Villefranche-sur-Mer: A charming small town with a picturesque port, ideal for a short seaside walk.
4. The wonder train: Discovering the Mercantour
* closed for renovations from September 2, 2024, until the end of 2025.
The Train des Merveilles is a unique line connecting Nice to Tende, crossing the Maritime Alps. This two-hour journey is particularly popular with hikers and history enthusiasts, featuring numerous tunnels and bridges over deep gorges.
- Main Sites: The train stops at several remarkable places, including Breil-sur-Roya and La Brigue, charming mountain villages perfect for a stroll.
- Activities: In summer, guides offer live commentary to provide insights into the region’s geology and history. The Vallée des Merveilles is famous for its Bronze Age rock carvings.
Other options for mountain lovers:
- Hiking in Tende: Several hiking trails start in Tende, including routes leading to the Vallée des Merveilles.
- The Museum of Wonders: Located in Tende, this museum offers a deeper understanding of the origins and history of the rock carvings.
5. The Côte Bleue Line: Between Marseille and Miramas
Stops not to be missed:
- L’Estaque: This Marseille neighborhood is famous for its landscapes painted by Cézanne.
- Carry-le-Rouet: Perfect for a swim or a relaxing break.
- Niolon: A small fishing village with a quiet beach and beautiful hiking trails.
6. French Riviera tourist trains: an authentic experience
- The Train des Pignes: This train connects Nice to Digne-les-Bains, passing through Provençal landscapes and typical small villages. It’s an excellent option for exploring the Haut Pays and its flower-filled hills.
- The Steam Train des Pignes: In summer, enjoy a ride on a historic steam train for an unforgettable experience. This tourist route offers a journey back in time to rural Provence in the early 20th century.
7. Practical tips for travelling by train on the Côte d'Azur
- Tickets: Book online to take advantage of discounts on TER routes, especially during high season.
- Regional Pass: The “Zou!” pass offered by the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region allows unlimited travel at a reduced price on the TER network, a great option for frequent travelers.
- SNCF App: The SNCF app allows you to check real-time schedules and receive notifications about any changes.
