The French Riviera by Train – 12 Must-Visit Destinations

If there’s one place I’m the most passionate about, it’s the French Riviera. Also known as the Côte d’Azur, the French Riviera is the strip of France that borders Italy on the Mediterranean and goes west to the port city of Marseille.

I first fell in love with the French Riviera at 18. I was on a school trip to Europe during spring break of my senior year, and it was one of our last stops before heading home to Hawai‘i. It was a cold spring in Europe, so I welcomed the warmth of the sun immediately. The place I really fell for was Monaco, but I was heartbroken when I returned home and found out you couldn’t even get a parking spot there for less than 400,000 euros.

Eventually, I met Woodrow, my boyfriend (now husband) and new travel partner. We both loved seeing the world and wanted to study abroad in college. During the first semester of our senior year, we finally decided to take the leap and studied at SKEMA Business School in France for one semester. The school was great, but the location was even better. We were hooked. After graduating, we immediately returned to the French Riviera, where we lived for over five years.

We did not have a car for most of our time there. That wasn’t a problem, though — Europe is known for its highly efficient public transportation systems. This includes the train, which is how we got around to all of our favorite South of France destinations.

Throughout the years, we have discovered some pretty amazing places along the SNCF train line, and I can’t wait to share them with you today! I’ll be going in geographical order, starting from the border of Italy and working our way west towards Marseille.

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1. Menton

Menton is super reminiscent of Italy’s Ligurian Coast, and that’s because it was part of Italy up until the 1940s. The colorful buildings, delightful boardwalk, and incredible scenery make this one of my favorite places to spend an afternoon. Excellent seaside restaurants cater to every preference. It has a sandy beach if you’re just looking for a place to relax.

I highly recommend walking up to the Basilique Saint-Michel Archange de Menton. The stairs can be accessed from the road next to Plage des Sablettes. The entire walk up the stairs is just breathtaking and Instagram-worthy. Once you reach the top, walk past La Chapelle des Pénitents-Blancs and to the left to get to the main shopping road.

If you’re looking for fantastic souvenirs to bring back, stop by Maison Herbin. They have an incredible selection of locally-made jams, honey, and other sweet treats. We went there all the time, especially when we had visitors.

Also Read: Everything You Need to Know About the Menton Lemon Festival

2. Monaco

The glamorous city-state of Monaco is an easy train ride from anywhere on the French Riviera. It’s a must-stop, especially those looking to cross another country off their list!

While Monaco is tiny, it packs a big punch. This micro-state has everything from glamorous casinos to world-class shopping, stunning beaches, and incredible history.

From the train station, you can make your way on foot or by bus to Monte-Carlo, where you’ll find the famous Monte-Carlo Casino front and center. Be sure to have your passport on you if you want to enter! The main area of the casino doesn’t open until mid-afternoon, but until then, you can enjoy shopping (or window shopping) at any luxury shop you could wish for or sip on a cocktail at Cafe de Paris.

Follow Avenue de Monte-Carlo down to Port Hercule, where you can admire some of the largest superyachts in the world or the Prince’s car collection. This is also where Monaco hosts its annual Christmas Market if you happen to be visiting in December. You can take the bus or the stairs up to Monaco-Ville from here. The stairs can be found near the La Condamine neighborhood. Here’s a link to it on Google Maps, as it can be a bit tricky to find.

One thing I highly recommend doing in Monaco-Ville is visiting the Prince’s Palace of Monaco. Part of the palace just became accessible to the public in 2023, so not many people have gotten the chance to see it. It is absolutely gorgeous and worthwhile. Afterward, have lunch at La Pampa. It faces the palace and is a great place for people-watching.

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3. Cap d’Ail

Cap d’Ail is often overlooked for more popular destinations like Nice and Cannes. It actually took me years before I decided to visit, and I was not disappointed! The beach here is one of the nicest on the Riviera.

From the train station, walk down towards the sea and eventually make a right on the seaside path towards Plage Mala. The coastal path is easy, but it is rocky and can be slippery depending on the sea conditions. After about 10 minutes, you should reach the glistening shores of Plage Mala. The shore is a mix of sand and pebbles, so I recommend bringing water shoes if you have them.

You can bring your own beach blanket or rent a set of sun loungers at one of the two private beach clubs here. Both high-end beach clubs have amazing restaurants and cocktail bars. If you want a sun lounger in the front few rows, it will be more expensive and fill up fast, so you’ll want to book that in advance. Click here to reserve at Eden Plage or click here to make a reservation at La Réserve de la Mala.

Also Read: Best Beaches in Milos, Greece

4. Eze

Eze is a bit of work to get to, but it’s 100 percent worth it. The train stops at Eze-sur-Mer, the part of Eze closest to the ocean. If you are fit and looking to work off all the holiday eats, you can take the hiking path (Sentier Nietzsche) from the train station up to the town. It is pretty intense, so wear good shoes and be prepared to sweat. Otherwise, a bus (Line 83) goes from the train station up to the town in about 15 minutes.

Eze is one of the most picturesque villages on the Côte d’Azur. The old buildings are just magical and transport you into a fairytale land. For the best views of the village and the coast, head over to the Jardin Exotique. This garden is filled with gorgeous plants and landscaping and is a great place for a romantic stroll.

If you want to indulge in the luxurious vibes, make a reservation at La Chèvre d’Or, Eze’s very own two-star Michelin restaurant. I also recommend visiting Fragonard, a local perfumery, for unique (and delicious smelling) souvenirs. Fragonard not only sells perfume but also candles, skincare, diffusers, and clothing. You can also tour the factory and learn about what goes into creating perfumes.

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5. Villefranche-sur-Mer

I remember catching the train to Monaco for the first time and absolutely falling in love with the views of Villefranche-sur-Mer. The clear blue waters, colorful buildings, and sailboats as far as the eye can see make this a quintessential Riviera town. You can take a path into the town or take the stairs directly down to the beach from the train station.

My favorite part of Villefranche is its gorgeous, golden, sandy beach. I could literally sit there all day, everyday, and be totally content. The waves are calm and clear and not too cold. If you’re visiting in July and August, get there early, as the beach and the train can get really crowded.

Take the path along the beach to the town for lunch or dinner. There are plenty of restaurants on the waterfront that are great for a meal or just drinks. I really love the gnocchi at Spalato, but really, all of those waterfront restaurants are fabulous.

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6. Nice

Nice is the second-largest city on the Riviera after Marseille. However, the Nice Airport serves more destinations and even offers direct flights to the US in the summertime. I also just generally prefer Nice overall.

There’s plenty to do and see in Nice, including stunning pebble beaches, museums, cute cafes, and fantastic shopping. There are three train stops in Nice, but I recommend getting off at Nice-Ville. It is centrally located, and you can easily get to other parts of Nice on foot or by using the city’s tram service.

Since Nice is such a large city, it has everything you could want for your French Riviera vacation. I highly recommend visiting the Colline du Château for incredible coastal views. It’s also right about the #ILoveNice sign for your picture-taking needs. Along the Promenade des Anglais, you’ll find several beach clubs offering sun loungers and umbrellas.

If you visit during the winter, Nice has one of the best and largest Christmas markets on the Côte d’Azur. There are so many festive decorations, fun rides for kids, and don’t skip the hot wine!

Also Read: The Best Christmas Markets on the French Riviera

7. Biot

Biot may not seem as exciting as Nice or Monaco, but if you’re looking for a lowkey spot to relax and bask in the sun, it’s a fantastic choice. There’s not much to do or see here in the winter, but it features a pebbly beach with fewer crowds than most of the Riviera. You’ll definitely need water shoes here (at least I do), but the water is absolutely gorgeous and feels amazing once you get in.

Biot’s beach is huge, which allows visitors to spread out and have their own space. Bring a thick beach blanket or beach chairs since the pebbles here are pretty big and might get uncomfortable if you only have a thin beach towel. During the summer, there are pop-up restaurants and food trucks closer to Antibes and larger beach clubs if you walk down the beach towards Nice. You can also find jet ski and other watersport rentals!

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8. Antibes

Antibes offers visitors the perfect mix of history, culture, and beachy vibes. The old town is juxtaposed with Port Vauban, one of the world’s superyacht capitals. This town is great to visit year-round and offers something for everyone. It is one of my absolute favorite places on the Riviera!

My favorite thing in Antibes is walking around the old town. I’ve been to the old town more times than I can count, but somehow, I always find a new little street or alleyway to explore. There are so many beautiful buildings, cute cafes, and hidden treasures. Antibes’ Provencal market is open daily and features everything from cheese to spices, flowers, and crafts. I also recommend walking along the ramparts of the old town to enjoy Antibes’ magnificent coastline.

The Picasso Museum is an awesome place to visit, especially since he spent many years living in Antibes. If you’re going for a more beachy vibe, Plage de la Gravette near Port Vauban is a perfect quiet spot to relax as you listen to the small waves rolling in.

The nightlife hot spots in Antibes can be found along Boulevard d’Aguillon. A favorite of anglophones is The Hop Store, a fun bar with outdoor seating that also has some pretty great food.

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9. Juan-les-Pins

Juan-les-Pins is the little sister of Antibes, and you’ll often see them grouped together. It is basically a suburb of Antibes but still has its own stand-out things to see and do. This little town is where we spent more than five years of our lives, so I apologize in advance if I’m a bit biased.

Juan is a sleepy little beach town that shines in the summer months. There’s great boutique shopping, cafe sitting, and the beach! The beaches in Juan-les-Pins are completely sandy, so there is no need to worry about water shoes here! There are a couple of beach clubs where you can rent sun loungers, including a city-run one that offers sun loungers at affordable prices. You can find this one opposite Villa Djunah.

Juan-les-Pins is known for its annual summer jazz festival, which draws in talent from all over the world. There’s even a walk of fame for visitors to admire along Boulevard Edouard Baudoin. The famous Cap d’Antibes, home to the luxurious Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc (known for its celeb guests and events like Sofia Richie’s wedding), is between Juan-les-Pins and Antibes. You can get here on foot, by bike, or by car by following Boulevard Maréchal Juin. My favorite beach along this stretch is Plage des Ondes. It is incredible for paddleboarding!

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10. Grasse

After Antibes/Juan-les-Pins, the train system splits off into a few different destinations. The express train goes all the way to Marseille (and skips some stops, including Juan-les-Pins), the most frequent train goes to Cannes, and a less frequent train terminates in Grasse. Be sure to check the train schedule closely to make sure you’re getting on the right train.

Grasse is known as the perfume capital of the French Riviera. You can find several perfumeries that have been around for hundreds of years. Perfume from Grasse makes a perfect gift to bring back from your trip. Aside from perfumes, you can also find soaps, candles, and fragrance oils. You may even get to smell the orange blossoms of nearby Vallauris, used exclusively in Dior’s J’adore Parfum d’eau.

While Grasse’s perfume industry is the big draw, visitors can also enjoy walking the town’s cobblestone streets lined with colorful buildings and art installations. My favorite is the pink umbrellas seemingly floating above Rue Jean Ossola. It’s definitely a photo-op moment!

Also Read: The Island’s Best Resort: Our Domes Miramare Corfu Review, With Photos

11. Cannes

Cannes’ glamorous reputation stems from the long-standing Cannes Film Festival. Held every May, the festival showcases the hottest upcoming films, indie films, and famous actors, directors, and producers. Aside from the bustle around the film festival, Cannes’ Palais des Festivals hosts a ton of events year-round. Throughout the town, you can see photos and memorabilia of film festivals from the past all year long.

Cannes can be hit or miss for many visitors. Some people think it doesn’t live up to the hype, but I disagree. It’s certainly most exciting during the film festival, but it’s still a fun place to visit regardless. Shopping ranges from high-end to mid-range and small boutiques, and there are a ton of incredible cafes to choose from.

The beach in Cannes is lovely but not as impressive as other Riviera beaches. During the summer, visitors can enjoy beach bars and restaurants at a steep price. If you want a more extensive sandy beach, head a few minutes west to Cannes La Bocca. There are also a lot of nice, cheaper restaurants in that area. 

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12. Marseille

Marseille is France’s largest port city in the Mediterranean and is the unofficial end of the Riviera. It’s a bustling multicultural city with lots to offer visitors, from historical and cultural landmarks to a vibrant culinary scene and long stretches of sandy beach.

France’s second-largest city is not everyone’s cup of tea. Marseille is known to be one of the most dangerous cities in Europe due to gang violence, drugs, and petty crime. I’ve personally never felt unsafe at any point during all of my visits to Marseille. In my experience, you’re fine if you stay around highly populated and “touristy” areas.

My favorite thing to do in Marseille was to take the petit train around the city to all of its most famous landmarks. Many French cities have a petit train, but I find it to be a fantastic way to see Marseille because the city is so hilly. It even goes all the way up to the Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, which offers stunning panoramic views of Marseille and the coast. Also, it is uniquely fisherman-themed! If you’re spending more time in Marseille, you have to visit Calanques National Park, which is not reachable by train but can be reached by bus.

FAQ

Can you see the coast from the train on the Riviera?

Yes, you can see the coast from the train on the French Riviera. It is one of the most picturesque train rides in France. The most beautiful section of the ride is from Nice to Ventimiglia (Italy).

French Riviera: drive or train?

This is totally up to you and based on your preference. The train is super convenient and removes the stress of dealing with traffic, narrow roads, and parking. Trains run frequently, so you’ll likely find a train that fits your schedule. However, driving allows you to explore a broader range of locations on exactly your preferred schedule. We enjoy both driving and taking the train.