French Riviera by Train

After getting married to my husband from southern France, we spent a year and half living in the French Riviera. I had no work visa or car... so what better way to pass the time than to explore the beautiful Riviera by train?!

For the most part, I rode the TER (Transport Régional Express) line going east towards Italy. The starred cities are some of my favorites, and I'll mention them below.

I have to say that when I previously lived in Strasbourg (right on the German border), the TER trains were much cleaner and more punctual... but while not perfect or luxurious, the Côte d'Azur trains were still a very convenient and affordable way to sightsee. 

If you did this whole route without getting off the train, it would take under 2 hours. Of course, so many of these cities (and even more that I'm not mentioning) are worth a stop, so if possible it's much better to take your time, enjoy, and see the Riviera over several days or longer.

Mandelieu-la-Napoule is not a big famous city or a common stop for tourists, but I'm biased towards it because I lived there! Mandelieu is a charming little town with a nice beach and an impressive castle.

The castle dates back to medieval times but was in ruins until a wealthy and quirky American couple restored it after WWI. I highly suggest a walk through the gardens. The train station is right across the street from the castle, so it couldn't be easier to visit.

The town itself is cute and has a few nice restaurants. Warning: if you go in the off season, 80% of stores/restaurants will be closed!

Downtown Cannes is a very quick train ride away.

There isn't much history in Cannes, but there's a lot of glamour. Stop by and see the red carpet for the Cannes film festival and browse the designer stores that face the beach. For more affordable shopping, my favorite street is Rue d'Antibes. We moved back to the US years ago and I'm still wearing a lot of Rue d'Antibes clothes.

To get a view of the city, it's a short hike up to the Cannes sign on the hill. Be sure to walk through the Le Suquet neighborhood on the way- it's the oldest part of Cannes and one of the most picturesque.

Hop back on the train and head to Antibes. Like many other Riviera towns, Antibes has endless pastel buildings and sea views.

Check out the Musée Picasso located in the Château Grimaldi. Picasso spent some time living there and several of his works are on display.

I'm also a fan of walking along the harbor with its many yachts and getting a view of the Fort Carré (and the Alps in the background!). 

Before heading to the big city of Nice, make a pit-stop in Cagnes-sur-Mer. 

This is where my husband used to spend time every summer (his grandparents had an apartment there), so he has fond memories of this place. 

It's a steep climb up to the medieval village above (called Haut-de-Cagnes). There's also a bus that can take you up if you want to save your calf muscles. If you do walk, the view is worth it. 

I love that this town is fairly quiet and not as busy/touristy as some of the others I'm mentioning. It's pretty enough that Renoir chose to live here for inspiration purposes- you can even visit his house.

Now it's time for the city! Get off the train at Nice-Ville to be in the middle of the action.

Take the tram or walk down Avenue Jean Médecin to shop your way to Place Masséna.

From there, turn left and wander through the Old Town. You could spend several days exploring Nice. Check out a museum or two, walk by the flower market, and make your way to Parc de la Colline du Château for a panoramic view. There's even an elevator built into the hill to take you up!

Now it's time to hop back on the train, say au revoir to France, and head to the tiny country of Monaco. You'll know you're not in France as soon as you get off the train and see how beautiful and glitteringly clean the station is. The entire country is the size of a small city, and everything you see will likely be pristine.

The casino is worth a look inside even if casinos aren't your thing (although you can't enter without paying). We ate lunch at their fancy restaurant and it was one of the highlights of our time in Monaco. I won 10 euros there and plan on never gambling again for the sole purpose of being able to say that I only gamble in Monte-Carlo. ;)

You can tour the palace- it's small but pretty. It was of interest to me because of Grace Kelly. The cathedral is also right around the corner from the palace and worth a look.

Before heading to the end of the train line in Italy, there's another stop to make in France. Yes, the country of Monaco is entirely surrounded by France (and the coast). 

I know Italy sounds exciting, but I promise stopping in Menton first is worth it! Menton is the warmest and sunniest city in France... and from the looks of it, also one of the ritziest. 

After walking towards the water to get the view above, circle back towards the cathedral and enjoy the views on the way there.

Cross another border for your last stop on this Riviera journey and head to Ventimiglia, Italy. 

The first time I traveled here was on a whim with no plans, and it was such a good decision. I would suggest getting some gelato and wandering up the hill to the medieval section of town.

Pop into the old churches, enjoy the bright colors, and grab some Italian food before heading back to France... or continue deeper into Italy! You can easily connect to other Italian cities from Ventimiglia.

After all of that sightseeing, you deserve a day at one of the Riviera’s many beautiful beaches! Grab a good book and some gelato and find a spot in the sand.