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Train holiday to Nice and the French Riviera

France’s famous Mediterranean coast has long been a favourite celebrity destination. Setting off from our landmark hotel each day by train and coach, we explore chic resorts and hilltop towns of the picturesque Provence and the glamour of Monaco.

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Type of Holiday: Classic Rail Journeys, Rail Holidays - Escorted

Price:

From £1,398 per person based on two people sharing

Duration: 8 days. For more information telephone: 01904 734182.

Departures: April to September 2012

Start point: London St Pancras International Station

End point: London St Pancras International Station

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This exciting European rail journey starts at London St Pancras International. If you have some time to explore before boarding your train, we have a comprised a wonderful collection of Greentraveller's Facebook fan suggestions of what to do in the area. Some excellent recommendations include King's Place for a relaxing atmosphere and a cup of coffee, the free exhibitions at the British Library and a tasty lunch at Acorn House.

Overview of Nice and the Cote d'Azur

Discuss this Mediterranean rail holiday with our dedicated team of travel professionals, telephone: 01904 734182.

Day 1 - London to Paris

We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar to Paris. During our journey in Leisure Select Class we enjoy a complimentary meal and drinks. We spend one night in the French capital at the Hotel Terminus Nord opposite the Gare du Nord and this evening you are free to choose your own restaurant for dinner. (E)

Day 2 - Paris to Nice

Our journey continues in comfort and style as we travel by TGV to the delightful city of Nice on the Côte d'Azur. We stay for six nights at the Hotel Westminster, superbly located on the famous Promenade des Anglais. This evening we dine together in the hotel. (B,D)

Day 3 - Highlights of Nice

This morning we take a guided coach tour of Nice, beginning with a visit to Mont Baron for views of the city before travelling to the hilltop quarter of Cimiez, once home to the artist, Matisse. We also visit the fascinating Roman remains with its gardens and monastery. Our tour continues with a visit to the ornate Russian Orthodox cathedral with its distinctive domed roof, the Place de l'Opéra and the flower market. Your afternoon is spent at leisure in Nice before we dine together at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 4 - Full day excursion to Monaco

Our day begins with a coach journey along the Lower Corniche Road, enjoying the spectacular views over the Mediterranean. On arrival in Monaco, we make our way to the 13th century Palais du Prince to watch the Changing of the Guard. We drive along a dramatic section of the Monaco Grand Prix circuit and also visit the fascinating Jacques Cousteau Oceanographic Museum. We have lunch in a local restaurant close to casino square. On our way back to Nice we stop at Eze, a medieval village perched on a narrow rocky peak overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. (B,L)

Day 5 - A day at leisure in Nice

You are free today to explore the French Riviera, its glamorous resorts and pretty villages. Perhaps take the train along the coast to Cannes. Although most famous for its annual film festival, Cannes is worth a visit year-round. Browse the stylish boutiques in town, or take a ferry to the Îles de Lérins, two islands in the bay which offer a monastery and two castles. Also nearby is Antibes, home to a fascinating Old Town, covered market and several olive tree-lined parks. Antibes was home to Pablo Picasso for six months and during his time here he created many ceramics, drawings, lithographs, paintings and sculptures. These can now be seen in Château Grimaldi, the first museum dedicated to Picasso. (B)

Day 6 - St-Paul-de-Vence and Grasse

We travel to the medieval perched village of St-Paul-de-Vence today. We begin with a visit to the Maeght Foundation, which houses one of Europe's most important collections of 20th century art. We head into the hills and enjoy lunch at La Jarrerie restaurant, a firm favourite with our customers. We then continue to Grasse. This medieval village is renowned as the perfume capital of the world. The Notre Dame du Puy cathedral dominates the town with its massive clock tower. Inside are three early paintings by Rubens. This afternoon we tour the Fragonard Parfumerie, home to a dazzling array of perfumes, colognes, soaps and all manner of delightful smells. We return to Nice for an evening at leisure. (B,L)

Day 7 - A day at leisure on the Côte d'Azur

Today you are free to explore at your own pace. Perhaps take the opportunity to shop in Nice, visit the Old Town again or perhaps travel to pretty Villefranche-sur-Mer, a short train ride away. Here you will find quiet little squares such as the Place Félix Poullan beside the church and the Place de l'Eglise, perfect places to rest and enjoy a refreshing drink in the shade. Of course, the French Riviera is home to dozens of other coastal resorts, equally worth a visit, in addition to lesser known towns lying slightly inland. Alternatively, you could simply relax and enjoy the Mediterranean pace of life. We enjoy a final dinner together at a local restaurant this evening. (B,D)

Day 8 - The journey home

We depart Nice and travel by TGV to Paris, where we connect with the Eurostar service to London. A complimentary meal and drinks are served on board before our arrival into St Pancras International. (B,E)

Day 1
Eurostar to Paris then one night in the French capital at the conveniently located Hotel Terminus Nord opposite the Gare du Nord. You are free to choose which Parisian restaurant you go to for dinner.

Day 2
We travel through the gorgeous French countryside in comfort and style on board a TGV to the delightful city of Nice on the Côte d'Azur. We stay for six nights at the Hotel Westminster on the famous Promenade des Anglais.

Day 3
In the morning we take a guided coach tour of Nice, including a visit up to Mont Baron overlooking the city before travelling to the hilltop quarter of Cimiez, once the home of Matisse. We also visit fascinating Roman remains, a Russian Orthodox cathedral, the Place de l'Opéra and the flower market.

Day 4
A day trip to Monaco by coach, visiting the 13th century Palais du Prince, driving along a section of the Monaco Grand Prix circuit and visiting the Jacques Cousteau Oceanographic Museum. Lunch is at a local restaurant close to casino square and on the return journey we stop off at Eze, a medieval village perched on a narrow rocky peak overlooking the Mediterranean.

Day 5
A leisurely day in Nice during which you are free to enjoy the delights of the French Riviera.

Day 6
Today we visit the enchanting medieval village of St Paul de Vence, including a visit to the Maeght Foundation - home to one of Europe's most important collections of 20th century art. We head into the hills for lunch at La Jarrerie restaurant then onward to Grasse - known as the perfume capital of the world.

Day 7
A leisurely day on the Côte d'Azur.

Day 8
We return from Nice to Paris on the fast TGV to connect with the Eurostar back to London, including a complimentary meal and drinks are served on board so you arrive home in style.

Discuss this Mediterranean rail holiday with our dedicated team of travel professionals, telephone: 01904 734182.

More about the trains

Eurostar: The high speed Eurostar trains link St Pancras International in London with Paris, Lille and Brussels. In your dedicated Standard Premier (the highest class of Eurostar travel available for leisure customers) carriage you'll find a less dense seat configuration, meaning the seats are larger and you have ample space to relax and stretch out. As part of the service you'll enjoy complimentary drinks and refreshments, served at your seat by friendly, helpful waiting staff.

TGV: Introduced in 1981, France's TGV was the original European high-speed train. First linking Paris to Lyon, the new service revolutionised train travel and meant that travelling by air over medium and short distances was no longer the best option. The network has expanded rapidly and today these sleek, stylish trains offer links to over 60 destinations throughout France. The trains can achieve speeds of up to 186mph (300km/h) on most long distance routes and 200mph (320km/h) on the new TGV Est line. With the exception of shorter journeys, TGVs almost always have an on-board buffet car, serving a selection of drinks and light refreshments.