Call it the French Riviera, the Cote d’Azur, the South of France.
We just call it a good time.
This splendid slice of France runs from the Southern Alps near Théoule all the way through Menton to the micronation of Monaco. Summers are synonymous with the South of France, though vacationers do more than lay out under the sun.
The French Riviera has it all: tranquil national parks perfect for hiking, history ranging from Roman ruins to medieval villages, and endless on-water activities like whale watching, kayaking, and posing for photos on a chartered yacht like a boss.
And it’s all accessible via train.
Image Credit: Getty Images, John Lamb. Image Location: Cap D'Ail, France.
Getting around the Cote d’Azur
Can you fly direct to Nice from the US?
Yes, some airlines offer nonstop flights, such as Delta’s route from JFK to NCE.
How do I get to Nice from Paris?
If you can’t fly into Nice, you can certainly fly into Paris. After visiting the Eiffel Tower and having a staring contest with the Mona Lisa, you can head to the Gare de Lyon and take a 6 hour train ride to Nice Ville.
You could fly instead, but why miss out on the scenic train ride? Besides, once you add in the time it takes to get to and from each airport, wade through security, wait for baggage claim, and get your bearings, you’ll be hovering near that 6 hour mark anyway.
Or, you could settle into a train car, order a meal from the food carriage, and stream all of those Official Cannes Selection films you’ve been meaning to watch using the free Wifi.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Fraser Hall. Image Location: Beaulieu Sur Mer, France.
How do you get around the French Riviera without a car?
Train travel in the South of France is the perfect way to visit the many pedestrian-friendly towns along the Cote d’Azur. You can visit some of the best spots in the area by train, such as the Basilica of Saint Michael Archangel in Menton and the Picasso Museum in Antibes.
Feel like stretching your legs? Hike along the coast from Nice to Beaulieu-sur-Mer, taking in the sights, then have an alfresco rosé on the promenade and take a quick train ride back.
Best time to visit the French Riviera
Is there ever a bad time to sit by the sea, drink wine, and eat cheese? Never.
But many tourists consider the best time to visit the French Riviera between May and September, thanks to these can’t-miss events:
- Cannes Film Festival (May)
- F1 Monaco Grand Prix (May)
- Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity (June)
- Les Voiles d’Antibes (June)
- Nice Jazz Festival (July)
- Vence Nuits du Sud (July)
- Menton Music Festival (July/August)
- Cannes Yachting Festival (September)
- Monaco Yacht Show (September)
- Le Voiles de Saint-Tropez (September)
The South of France runs on the same calendar you do, so no month is off limits for an unforgettable vacation. Come in December for a Christmas market. Visit in February and you can take a day trip to the snowy Alps within hours. Experience Carnival or the Lemon Festival in February or run seaside during the Nice-Cannes Marathon in November.
Get here on any day of the year and the Cote d’Azur will treat you right.
Image Credit: Getty Images, ICHAUVEL. Image Location: Nice, France.
Remember, you only need a car for the Grand Prix
We won’t lie: cruising around the Cote d’Azur is a dreamy thought, but the act of driving can be a nightmare scenario for travelers.
Navigating heavy traffic, finding (expensive) places to park overnight, and not being able to fully enjoy the views because your eyes are on the road turn those “Sunday drive” vibes into an unnecessary chore. Just hop the train from Nice to Monaco and walk the Grand Prix track or catch a train to Cannes.
Another reason trains come in clutch: there’s a slight issue with Ubers.
Is Uber available in the South of France? Yes.
Are there Ubers in Nice? Yes, and you can take one to Monaco. However, it’s costlier than the train and you cannot get a return ride back (Uber does not provide outbound service from Monaco to France).
Paradise is just a train ride away
So make your trip to the Cote d’Azur as relaxed and stress-free as possible with train travel on the French Riviera. Download the Trainline app today and save money when you buy your tickets in advance. Looking for other South of France destinations to tick off your list? Check out our guides to Cannes, Marseille, and Aix-en-Provence, as well as the best beach clubs and hotels on the French Riviera.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Pierre Longnus. Image Location: Villefranche sur Mer, France.