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Planet Rail · Tailor-made rail holiday

Cannes & The Côte d'Azur by First Class Rail

Five-day first-class rail journey from London to Cannes via Lille

Illustration of Cannes & The Côte d'Azur by First Class Rail

Planet Rail's Cannes and Côte d'Azur package is a five-day, four-night independent rail journey across the Channel and down the length of France to the Mediterranean coast. You depart London St Pancras by Eurostar in Standard Premier Class, arriving in Lille for a seamless connection to a first-class TGV heading south along the coast. The TGV winds through France with Mediterranean views before you reach Cannes, where you stay four nights in a choice of two four-star hotels. Days two through four are unstructured: you can wander La Croisette and the harbour, visit nearby riviera towns such as Nice, Monte Carlo, or St Tropez by local train, or journey inland into Provence on the Train des Pignes. Return on day five by TGV north to Paris, then Eurostar back to London. Breakfast is provided each morning; Planet Rail handles the bookings, but you travel at your own pace with no escort. This suits independent-minded rail travellers and couples seeking coastal relaxation, first-class comfort, and flexibility to shape their days.

What to know before you look closer

  • This is a tailor-made package, not an escorted tour; you travel independently and make your own plans for days 2-4 in Cannes.
  • The from-price is GBP 995 (approximately USD 1,329) and covers rail, four nights' accommodation, and breakfast; lunch and dinner are not included.
  • Hotel choice is between two four-star options, Le Cavendish or Le Canberra, both in Cannes; final booking depends on availability at the time you reserve.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Cannes

    London to Cannes

    Travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras International to Lille at speeds of up to 186mph, with a light meal and drinks served on board in Standard Premier Class. At Lille Europe walk the short distance to the TGV platform and continue through France to Cannes, with fabulous Mediterranean views as the train snakes along the coast. On arrival it is a 400 metre walk to your hotel for the next 4 nights, the highly-rated boutique Hotel Le Cavendish (4 star).

  2. Day 2overnight: Cannes

    Cannes and the Côte d'Azur

    Stroll the streets around the harbour to see how the other half live on their luxury yachts, or relax along La Croisette and the beaches of this palm-lined town famous for its International Film Festival.

    Meals: breakfast

  3. Day 3railovernight: Cannes

    Cannes and the Côte d'Azur

    Explore the beautiful Côte d'Azur: visit attractive towns along the coast such as Monte Carlo and St Tropez, all easily accessible by train, or go to Nice for the lovely old town, the Promenade des Anglais and the Matisse and Chagall museums.

    Meals: breakfast

  4. Day 4railovernight: Cannes

    Cannes and the Côte d'Azur

    For a different view of the French Riviera take a car inland to discover the charm of the provençal hills, or enjoy a wonderful day trip on the 'Train des Pignes' from Nice into Provence.

    Meals: breakfast

  5. Day 5rail

    Cannes to London

    Board the TGV service to Paris, whisked virtually the entire length of France from south to north. A private taxi transfer takes you to the Gare du Nord for the Eurostar to London, with light meal and drinks served on board, arriving into London St Pancras.

    Meals: breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Eurostar departs London St Pancras at speeds up to 186 mph, with light meal and drinks served in Standard Premier Class, then TGV continues south with Mediterranean coastal views as the train winds along the shore into Cannes.
  • Day 2Stroll the streets around Cannes harbour to view luxury yachts, or relax along La Croisette and the palm-lined beaches famous for the International Film Festival.
  • Day 3Day at leisure on the Côte d'Azur: accessible by local train are Monte Carlo and St Tropez along the coast, or Nice for the old town, Promenade des Anglais, and the Matisse and Chagall museums.
  • Day 4Optional day trip on the Train des Pignes from Nice into Provence to explore the charm of the provençal hills, or venture inland by car to discover the region.
  • Day 5TGV returns north, travelling nearly the entire length of France from south to north; a private taxi transfer in Paris takes you to Gare du Nord for Eurostar back to London St Pancras with light meal and drinks served on board.

Included

  • First Class rail travel from London to Cannes via Lille and Cannes to London via Paris (Standard Premier service on Eurostar)
  • 4 nights accommodation with breakfast each day in a double room at the Hotel Le Cavendish (4 star) or the Hotel Le Canberra (4 star) in Cannes
  • Taxi transfer in Paris

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. The price includes Eurostar Standard Premier Class from London St Pancras to Lille, TGV first class from Lille to Cannes and Cannes to Paris, and Eurostar Standard Premier Class from Paris back to London.
Is this an escorted tour?
No. Planet Rail arranges the package, but you travel independently; there is no guide or escort accompanying you.
What meals are included?
Breakfast is included each morning at your hotel. Light meals and drinks are served on board the Eurostar trains. Lunch and dinner in Cannes are not included.
How many nights do I stay in Cannes?
Four nights, in either Hotel Le Cavendish or Hotel Le Canberra, both four-star properties.
What can I do in Cannes if I don't want a guided tour?
The itinerary is free-form on days 2-4. You can explore Cannes harbour and La Croisette, visit nearby coastal towns like Monte Carlo, St Tropez, or Nice by local train, or take an optional day trip on the Train des Pignes from Nice into Provence.
Is a taxi included in Paris?
Yes. A private taxi transfer takes you from your Paris arrival point to Gare du Nord for your Eurostar departure.

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