Best train lines in Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur
The French Riviera stays one of those regions people return to—not just for the light or the coast, but for a kind of texture. Beaches stretch out gently, towns unfold with a sort of restrained elegance, and layers of culture show themselves in fragments. There’s a tempo here. Unhurried. Sun-drenched. Sometimes quiet, sometimes not. And the train—oddly enough—fits right into that rhythm.
Cars have their freedom. Bikes bring you closer. But the trains of the Côte d’Azur? They follow a different line. A coastline traced in movement. Tracks that thread through narrow bays, skim beneath old villages, slip past weathered stone and quiet gardens. Each stop opens into something slightly altered. The sea changes hue. The air shifts. Time stretches—or disappears.
This article offers a way to explore the Riviera by rail. Not just where to go, but how to notice what’s there. Routes chosen not for speed, but for what they allow you to feel along the way. Tips that help you settle in, slow down, and lean into the view.
And if you’re drawn to more than just the surface, reaching out to one of the Nice Tour guides might be worth considering. Some things can’t be found in a timetable—like the way someone describes a corner they’ve known forever, or the quiet link between stories and streets.
1. French Riviera trains: An Introduction to lines and services
Here is an overview of the main lines:
- TER PACA: This regional TER network—Train Express Régional—does more than connect the big names along the coast. It reaches into smaller towns as well, those just slightly removed from the shoreline. When roads fill up in summer, it becomes a quiet way to move—steady, reliable. The route from Cannes through Antibes and into Nice is among the busiest, and from there, it carries on, drifting east to Monaco and Menton.
- TGV: Built for distance, these high-speed trains often link Paris or Lyon with the southern cities. Some lines reach down to Marseille and Nice, threading into local networks. The TGV Méditerranée, in particular, covers the ground between Paris and the coast in around five hours. Fast, sure, and almost too smooth to notice the shift in scenery.
- Intercités de Nuit: The night trains move at another pace. Paris fades behind; then comes silence. By dawn, the air smells different. On the Paris–Nice line, you leave one world and wake in another—no rush, no noise, just the slow rhythm of distance crossed in sleep.
Our tips:
- The TER system works well for frequent travelers. Regional passes like the Pass Zou! give access to unlimited rides at reduced rates. If you’re planning several short routes, it saves both time and effort.
- Some TER carriages offer panoramic windows. It’s a small thing, easy to miss, but when the train hugs the coastline, the view shifts. The sea comes closer. You feel it more.
2. The Cannes - Grasse line: Discover the hinterland
Though the Côte d’Azur often steals the spotlight with its coastline, the inland rail routes have their own quiet appeal. The train from Cannes to Grasse makes a quick but vivid transition—leaving the sea behind for hills brushed with lavender, winding through landscapes where villages cling to the slopes and time stretches a little slower.
- Main stops: This line makes several local stops, including Mouans-Sartoux and Ranguin, opening a window onto smaller Provençal towns. It’s a chance to walk unhurried streets, browse market stalls, and catch unscripted glimpses of daily life.
- Grasse: Known as the world’s perfume capital, Grasse invites a full sensory experience. Historic perfumeries—Fragonard, Galimard, Molinard—open their doors for guided visits that reveal the craft behind each fragrance. Those with an eye for history will also find depth at the Notre-Dame-du-Puy Cathedral and the Museum of Art and History.
Additional suggestions:
- Visit the Riviera Gardens: In Grasse, gardens serve more than beauty—they nourish the perfume trade, filled with aromatic plants grown for purpose. For a more peaceful stop, the botanical garden in Mouans-Sartoux offers a quiet break from the road.
- Hiking around Grasse: Several walking trails begin just steps from the station, winding into a countryside where thyme scents the air and views open wide without ever trying too hard.
3. The Nice - Monaco - Menton line: luxury, history and dazzling views
One of the most visually striking train routes on the Côte d’Azur runs between Nice and Menton, pausing in Monaco along the way. It’s the kind of ride that asks nothing more than to look out the window—where superyachts glint in Monaco’s harbor, gardens in Menton lean toward the sea, and the textured façades of Nice carry traces of a long, sunlit past.
Attractions along the route:
- Monaco: A stop here goes beyond the glitter. Whether it’s the Prince’s Palace, the Monte-Carlo Casino, or the Exotic Garden set high above the city, each site opens up wide—views spilling toward the sea on one side, rugged hills on the other.
- Menton: With its mild climate and understated charm, Menton feels a little removed from the rush. Gardens thrive year-round, and in winter, the Lemon Festival colors the streets with light and celebration.
- Roquebrune-Cap-Martin: This hillside village seems made for wandering—its medieval alleys narrow and shaded, stone walls weathered with age, and a castle still anchored in the memory of the Middle Ages.
Additional points of interest:
- Nice: Before setting off, take time to lose yourself in old Nice. The scent of fresh produce, shutters streaked with sun, and the easy rhythm of the Promenade des Anglais give the city its unmistakable tone.
- Villefranche-sur-Mer: Tucked between busier stops, this quiet seaside town wraps gently around its bay. Its small port invites a slow walk along the water—especially in the hush of early morning or the fading light of evening.
4. The wonder train: Discovering the Mercantour
* closed for renovations from September 2, 2024, until the end of 2025.
The Train des Merveilles charts a route unlike any other—linking Nice to Tende as it winds deep into the Maritime Alps. Over two hours, the train disappears into tunnels, glides across bridges high above ravines, and climbs steadily into wilder terrain. It’s a favorite among hikers and history enthusiasts, drawn to the dramatic landscapes and the traces of past lives etched into the rock. The line also edges toward the Mercantour Park, where the land still feels raw—untamed, and quietly immense.
- Main Sites: The train stops at several remarkable spots, including Breil-sur-Roya and La Brigue—quiet mountain villages where time softens, and walking becomes the natural way to take it all in.
- Activities: In summer, onboard commentary adds depth to the journey, tracing the contours of the landscape through stories of geology and time. The Vallée des Merveilles stands out in particular—famous for its Bronze Age carvings, etched directly into the rock face by hands long gone.
Other options for mountain lovers:
- Hiking in Tende: From the town, a web of trails stretches outward—some leading into the Vallée des Merveilles itself, where the silence carries something ancient, and the stones speak without words.
- The Museum of Wonders: Located in Tende, the museum offers more than displays—it opens a window into the meaning behind the carvings, their age, and the people who once passed through these valleys.
5. The Côte Bleue Line: Between Marseille and Miramas
The Côte Bleue line runs from Marseille to Miramas, curving along the coastline in broad, elegant sweeps. Through the window, calanques rise abruptly—white limestone cliffs set sharply against the deep blue—then give way to secret beaches, tucked out of sight from the road. Often named among the most beautiful train rides in France, the journey feels like a postcard coming to life, frame by quiet frame.
Stops not to be missed:
- L’Estaque: Immortalized by Cézanne’s brush, this corner of Marseille still holds the same raw light and rugged edges that once drew painters in search of something unpolished and real.
- Carry-le-Rouet: A welcome pause when the pace slows—perfect for a swim, an unhurried lunch, or simply letting the sea do what it does best: quiet everything down.
- Niolon: Nestled in the hills above a sheltered cove, this small fishing village feels like a secret. With a modest beach and a few trails nearby, it offers a peaceful break just off the line.
6. French Riviera tourist trains: an authentic experience
The French Riviera also offers several tourist trains created with visitors in mind. These aren’t just about getting from one place to another—they open a path into the region’s history, its landscapes, its slower moments. Each route is shaped for discovery, designed to let the journey linger a little longer than usual.
- The Train des Pignes: Stretching from Nice to Digne-les-Bains, this line winds through timeless Provençal landscapes—sleepy villages, rolling hills, and fields that shift with the seasons. It’s a calm, steady way to reach the Haut Pays, where the pace slows and the scent of herbs lingers in the air.
- The Steam Train des Pignes: In summer, a vintage steam locomotive takes over part of the journey. Wooden carriages creak gently, the engine breathes smoke, and the whole ride unfolds like a passage back into early 20th-century rural Provence—slower, quieter, and deeply nostalgic.
7. Practical tips for travelling by train on the French Riviera
- Tickets: Booking online often means better prices on TER routes—especially during peak season, when trains tend to fill up quickly.
- Regional Pass: The “Zou!” pass, offered by the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, allows unlimited travel across the TER network at a reduced rate. It’s a solid option if you’re planning to hop between several towns.
- SNCF App: The SNCF app makes staying on top of your journey simple—check real-time schedules, follow delays, and get instant updates right to your phone.
