Perfect for food, wine and culture enthusiasts, this trip starts with several days in Lyon, a gastronomic mecca and UNESCO-designated old town. Then, drive through Provence’s vineyards and lavender fields at your own pace before ending in the yacht-filled Riviera.
Up to 4 daily direct high-speed TGV services link Lyon Part Dieu and Nice Ville. Standard inOui TGV fares start at EUR25; WiFi, bulky luggage and seat reservations are extras.
Lyon
A high-speed TGV (high-speed train) makes the journey between Lyon and Nice in 4.5 hours. This is one of the quickest and most comfortable ways to travel between these two cities. All trains are fitted with ample legroom and power sockets, plus food carriages and dedicated family areas. There are also comfort classes to choose from – First Class includes adjustable seats and fold-down tables, while Second Class offers comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi and a personal reading light.
When you book tickets for your Lyon to Nice journey, you can choose a direct train or a train with connections. Those that run straight from Lyon to Nice will be marked as “Direct”. In some cases, direct trains may not be available at all times of the day. For this reason, it is best to reserve your ticket as soon as possible.
The rail expedition from Lyon to Nice is a beautiful way to explore France’s southern coast. Whether it’s strolling along the Promenade des Anglais, visiting the ancient city of Avignon or taking in the breathtaking scenery around Arles, the trip will be an unforgettable experience. It will also be a fantastic opportunity to indulge in the local cuisine, from socca and pissaladiere to bouillabaisse and Nicoise salad.
As an added bonus, you’ll be emitting up to 30 times less carbon dioxide than by flying or driving. So sit back, relax and enjoy your voyage to the French Riviera.
Lyon might not get the spotlight when it comes to French tourist destinations, but the country’s third-largest city is a gastronomic wonderland that boasts 19 Michelin-starred restaurants, numerous museums and a UNESCO-designated old town. The city is also home to several spectacular markets, as well as a thriving art scene.
A train trip to Nice allows you to enjoy a picturesque ride through the southern Provence and Rhône-Alpes regions of France. During the journey, you’ll see rolling hills, green vineyards and charming villages. Moreover, you’ll be able to experience the rich culture and history of the region, all while traveling in comfort.
If you’re planning to visit Nice, you should book your tickets online in advance. This way, you’ll save money and avoid a long wait at the train station.
Avignon
The next leg of your train journey from Lyon to Nice takes you across Provence. This area of France is known for its pretty markets, wonderful gastronomy, and beautiful coastline. It’s a top choice for cycling enthusiasts looking to take on Mont Ventoux, a challenging mountain that has featured in several Tour de France races.
Your train journey from Avignon to Nice takes around four hours and 30 minutes to cover the 201 km distance. Around 11 trains run each day on this route, offering modern comfortable services with plenty of luggage space as standard. If you’re travelling with a bike, you can even bring it along for free (with a few conditions).
Avignon Central railway station is located on the edge of historic central Avignon and is easily reachable on foot from most of the city’s top attractions. The station was first opened in 1847, with the current station building constructed in 1860. You can see evidence of the past in Avignon’s many museums, including a collection of medieval art in the Musee du Petit Palais and ancient archaeological finds at the Musee Angladon.
On the platform level, you’ll find a cafe-bar and a Eurostar information desk. There’s also seating, a phone or camera recharging point, and a shop. When departure is announced, you’ll walk up the travelators to the platform and board your train.
Once on board, you can relax and enjoy the ride. You’ll be able to catch up on sleep or chat with friends, and there’s a buffet car serving snacks and drinks. The train’s onboard WiFi portal means you can stay connected and stream your favorite shows or books, too.
TER is the low-cost regional train company for the whole of France. They offer a range of tickets for all kinds of travellers, including discount cards and subscriptions. You can find and book TER tickets on Omio, where you’ll also be able to check out the latest offers and promotions. Depending on your budget, you can choose from several different types of tickets like Basic, Elige, or Premium.
Marseille
From Marseille to Nice is an amazing train journey that traverses the Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur region of France. Travel from France’s second-largest city to the glamorous Riviera and visit a host of historic sites along the way. From exploring a perfumery in Eze to cruising the famous circuit of Monaco, it’s an excursion that you’ll never forget.
Take in the views aboard the magnificent Train de l’Ardeche on this epic rail expedition. No seat reservations are required, so you can hop on and off to enjoy each stop at your leisure – from Avignon and its historic palaces; the stunning landscape of Arles, which inspired Van Gogh’s work; and the gorges of the Ardeche are all on the itinerary before disembarking in Lyon, where you’ll be bidding au revoir.
The journey from London to the French Riviera is a highlight of many people’s trips to Europe, with its combination of the cultural and the scenic. During the summer months, there are regular services from London’s St Pancras International to Paris, where you can catch the direct service to Nice. Alternatively, a tour like this can be enjoyed at any time of the year, with easy connections via Paris and other European cities.
SNCF trains are clean and comfortable with plenty of legroom, though during the height of summer they can be packed with tourists escaping the British winter. There are a few things to keep in mind when booking tickets on the Riviera, especially during peak season. First, book your ticket as soon as they become available. Prices will increase as you get closer to the departure date, so the sooner you can book, the better.
There are 14 trains each day from Marseille to Nice, covering the distance of 160 kilometers in around 2 hours and 34 minutes. The cheapest tickets are usually available when you start the booking process, though they can sell out quickly. Depending on the train company and the specific ticket type, you may be able to reserve your seats, freeze the price for a set period of time, or pay as you board.
Nice
The glitzy shores of the Cote d’Azur are renowned for their beautiful beaches and glamorous resorts, but the French Riviera is also home to historic cities and awe-inspiring natural scenery. Explore the best of this southeastern corner of France with this deluxe rail adventure from Nice to Cannes and beyond. From the glamorous casinos to awe-inspiring architecture, this trip includes an expert guide, all train tickets and accommodation in central locations, and some meals.
It’s an early start this morning on your luxury French Riviera rail expedition as you make for Nice and its regular train station (tram stop Gare Thiers). Here, you’ll board the Train des Merveilles, known locally as the ‘train of wonders’, which climbs up to mountainous terrain on a series of viaducts and tunnels, revealing new delights with every mile.
After your arrival, join a guided tour of the cosmopolitan port city and discover its charming market square, charismatic Old Town, and famed Promenade des Anglais. You’ll also visit the quaint medieval village of Antibes and the former home of Pablo Picasso, before enjoying free time in stylish Cannes – the city that epitomizes the French Riviera with its world-class dining, shopping, and culture.
Leave the crowds behind on this small-group tour of St Tropez, which allows a maximum of eight travelers. Enjoy exclusive access to the island’s most famous beaches and a visit to its historic citadel, plus a private boat ride around the island’s harbor and its stunning coast.
Continuing south, your journey on the Riviera Railway hugs the coast of the French and Italian Riviera, bringing you to a string of famous pastel-hued ports from glitzy Cannes to terracotta Ventimiglia in Italy’s Liguria region. Along the way, admire sea views and incredible architecture as you take in some of the region’s most celebrated towns.
Travel on a regular TER train with no assigned seats on this day-long voyage, with stops in Provence for Avignon, the town that inspired Van Gogh’s paintings; Arles, whose beauty was captured in many of his works; and Châteauneuf du Rhone for a wine tasting tour and tasting. The train travels at a lower speed than on high-speed trains, but is just as comfortable with power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.
