• Overview
  • Trip Outline
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  • Trip Excludes
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French Riviera Tour: Sun & Sea

Experience the Glamour of the Côte d’Azur by Rail!

Immerse yourself in the intoxicating glamour, sun-drenched scenery, and joie de vivre spirit of the French Riviera on this 9-day luxury rail tour. Begin by exploring Nice’s Belle Époque heritage and lively Vieux Carré before experiencing the iconic seafront grandeur of Cannes and its neighboring Riviera gems like Antibes. Then be dazzled by Marseille’s historic port, lively cultural scene and incredible seafood. Finally, unwind in the middle of the relaxed youthful vibe and lingering Occitan influences of Montpellier. 

We’ve crafted a journeythat allows you to savor the distinct character of each stop along the shimmering Côte d’Azur. You’ll have more than enough time to wander through ancient olive groves and seaside villages, relax on famous beaches, indulge in sumptuous regional cuisine and wines, and immerse yourself in the laidback luxury that defines the area’s art de vivre.

As you travel comfortably between cities aboard regional and high speed rail, we’ll handle all the logistics from your perfectly located hotel stays to timed journeys along the breathtaking shoreline. You’re free to embrace the blissful ambiance without a single worry. Get ready to savor the sun-drenched pleasures and timeless glamour of this unforgettable coastline in peerless comfort and style.

What your itinerary will look like:

Itinerary with Flexible Activities: You can follow our recommended itinerary to experience the highlights of each destination, or customize it to suit your personal preferences.

Itineraries

Day 1

Arrive in Nice

Welcome to the beautiful French Riviera! After checking into your hotel in Nice for two nights, ypu can spend your afternoon strolling along the iconic Promenade des Anglais and exploring the charming Old Town with its vibrant flower and food markets. [Night in Nice]

Day 2

Highlights of Nice

Today, experience the top attractions in Nice like the Russian Orthodox Cathedral with its ornate onion domes, the grand Place Masséna, and the Cours Saleya markets. You could also visit hilltop gardens like Parc de la Colline du Château for panoramic views over the city and coastline. [Night in Nice]

Day 3

Travel to Cannes

After breakfast, depart Nice and take the short train ride to the glamorous city of Cannes. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and spend the afternoon strolling along the iconic seaside Promenade de la Croisette, seeing luxury hotels and the Palais des Festivals where the famous Cannes Film Festival is held. [Night in Cannes]

Day 4

Journey to Marseille

Leave Cannes and take the train to the historic port city of Marseille. After checking into your hotel for two nights, get oriented by visiting the lively Vieux Port (Old Port) area and seeing sights like the Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde hilltop church. [Night in Marseille]

Day 5

Exploring Marseille

Today, experience more top attractions in Marseille like the Roman ruins at Le Parc Longchamp, the modern architecture of Le Mucem museum along the Old Port, and the preserved neighborhood of Le Panier. If desired, you could take a day trip to the classic Provençal towns of Arles, Avignon or Aix-en-Provence. [Night in Marseille]

Day 6

Travel to Montpellier

After breakfast, depart Marseille and take the train west to Montpellier. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel for a three-night stay. Spend the afternoon strolling through the historic center of Montpellier and seeing highlights like the 14th century Cathédrale Saint-Pierre. [Night in Montpellier]

Day 7

Montpellier's Highlights

Today, further explore the sights of Montpellier, including the grand Place de la Comédie with its ornate opera house, the Jardin des Plantes botanical gardens, and the Promenade du Peyrou with its famous arched aqueduct. You may also want to visit local museums like the Musée Fabre. [Night in Montpellier]

Day 8

More of Montpellier

With another full day in this southern French city, you can visit any attractions you missed or take a half-day trip to nearby destinations like the charming town of Sète along the Mediterranean coast or the fortified city of Aigues-Mortes. [Night in Montpellier]

Day 9

Depart Montpellier

Enjoy your final morning in Montpellier visiting any last sights or simply relaxing at a cafe terrace and soaking in the lively atmosphere before departing the Occitanie region.

Your rail adventure and hotel package includes: 

  • Welcome Package: Receive a personalized welcome package upon arrival, including travel essentials and detailed itinerary information to ensure a seamless start to your journey. 
  • First-Class Rail Travel: Experience the ultimate in comfort and style with first-class rail travel throughout your itinerary. Please note that some regional trains may only offer second-class seating. 
  • 4-Star Plus Hotel Accommodation: Enjoy luxurious 4-star-plus accommodations in all cities, conveniently located near train stations for easy access and maximum convenience. 
  • Daily Breakfast: Start each day with a delicious full breakfast, provided at all hotel accommodations, offering a variety of local and international options. 
  • Airport Transfers: Enjoy hassle-free airport transfers upon arrival and departure, ensuring a smooth and stress-free travel experience. 

Your rail adventure and hotel package does not include: 

  • International Airfare: Flights to and from Europe are not included in the package price. Rail Escape can offer an additional reservation of flights. 
  • Excursions Activities and Entrance Fees: Any tours, excursions, or activities are not included and may incur additional costs. 
  • Meals Beyond Breakfast: While a full breakfast is provided daily, lunch, dinner, and any additional meals or snacks are not included and are the guest’s responsibility. 
  • Local taxes or fees: The packages do not include additional local taxes or fees, such as hotel tourism taxes.  
  • Personal Expenses: Personal shopping, souvenirs, and additional hotel services (e.g., minibar, laundry, room service) are not covered. 
  • Tips and Gratuities: Gratuities for hotel staff, guides, and drivers are not included and are at the guest’s discretion. 
  • Local Transportation: Transportation within cities, such as taxis, buses, and subways, is not included. 

 

Important Notes 

  • Customs Fees and Duties: Any – if applicable - customs fees or duties for goods purchased while traveling are the responsibility of the traveler. 
  • Extra Nights: Any additional hotel nights or early check-ins and late check-outs outside the scheduled itinerary will incur extra charges.  
  • Visa and Passport Fees: Guests are responsible for securing their own visas and any associated costs. Please ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. 
  • Travel Insurance: We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your trip. Please arrange this separately, as it is not included in the package. 

All our hotel options have been carefully selected, conveniently located near the train station for your comfort.

Nice

Our Included Favourite

Hôtel Nice Excelsior

Several breakfast options available

Bar in a sunny and quiet landscaped courtyard

Popular Alternative

Maison Lamartine

Beautiful Garden and Outdoor Spaces

Gourmet Breakfast

Luxe Alternative

Boscolo Nice Hôtel & Spa

Spa with indoor pool

Rooftop with panoramic views

Cannes

Our Included Favourite

Hotel Renoir

Continental breakfast served in the room every morning

Spacious and soundproofed rooms

Popular Alternative

Best Western Plus Cannes Riviera Hotel & Spa

Swimming pool on the roof of the hotel

Lounge with piano bar

Luxe Alternative

Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel

Spa & fitness center

Best sea-view vistas

Marseille

Our Included Favourite

Mercure Marseille Centre Vieux Port

Views of Notre Dame de la Garde

Fitness centre

Popular Alternative

NH Collection Marseille

Elegant Haussman style décor

Breakfast buffet

Luxe Alternative

InterContinental Marseille - Hotel Dieu, an IHG Hotel

Bar with Notre-Dame views

Spa area

Montpellier

Our Included Favourite

BW Plus Hotel Comedie Saint-Roch

Victorian styled rooms

Lounge bar

Popular Alternative

Hôtel Oceania Le Métropole Montpellier

Outdoor Pool

Iconic and prestigious hotel

Luxe Alternative

Grand Hôtel du Midi

Magnificent Haussmannian building

Baroque and chic atmosphere