
Authentic Europe
Paris, Normandy, the Loire Valley & Bordeaux
Self-guided 9-day train trip: Paris, Normandy, Loire Valley, Bordeaux
Rail Escape

Discover the sun-soaked glamour of the Côte d'Azur on our 9-day French Riviera Tour. Enjoy seamless rail travel and luxurious coastal experiences. Book now!
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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.

Authentic Europe
Self-guided 9-day train trip: Paris, Normandy, Loire Valley, Bordeaux

Authentic Europe
10-day Loire Valley bike and barge cruise from Paris to Nevers

Great Rail Journeys
Ten-day escorted French trip pairing rail travel with a Bordeaux river cruise

Discovery Trains
Six-day Belle Epoque train circuit through France ending at Puy du Fou