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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

Nice Carnival & The French Riviera

Escorted rail tour from London to Nice Carnival and French Riviera

Illustration of Nice Carnival & The French Riviera

Great Rail Journeys operates this 6-day escorted tour from London to the French Riviera, timed to coincide with the Nice Carnival. The journey begins with Eurostar in Standard Class from London St Pancras to Paris, then continues on the TGV direct to Nice, where you stay five nights at the 3-star Hotel Locarno near the Promenade des Anglais. Day 2 includes a guided tour of Nice's Old Town, with its 17th and 18th century alleyways, the Opera House, and cathedral. On Day 4, the group travels along the scenic Lower Corniche Road to Monaco to tour the Monte-Carlo Casino, witness the Changing of the Guards ceremony at the Palais du Prince, and explore the principality's historic center. The highlight is Day 5, when you experience the Nice Carnival from reserved grandstand seats, watching over a thousand performers and dancers in decorated floats adorned with flowers. Day 3 is entirely free to explore the French Riviera independently, with the option to travel by train to Antibes, Cannes, or Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. A UK Tour Manager accompanies the group throughout, and the package includes breakfast daily, two dinners, all rail and coach travel, and all guided tours.

What to know before you look closer

  • The package is priced from GBP 1099; optional upgrades (Eurostar Plus Class, London hotel stay, UK rail connections) are extra.
  • Day 3 is entirely free; the itinerary offers travel suggestions (Antibes, Cannes, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat) but no guided excursion.
  • Hotel Locarno is 3-star; the Promenade des Anglais is a short distance away rather than on the seafront itself.
  • Only 2 dinners are included; most other evening meals are independent.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Nice

    By rail to the south of France

    Your holiday begins at London St Pancras, meeting the Tour Manager and fellow travellers before boarding the Eurostar service to Paris. On arrival in the French capital, transfer to the TGV service direct to Nice. After checking in to the hotel, the evening is at leisure to explore the city. The hotel is a short distance from the Promenade des Anglais.

  2. Day 2overnight: Nice

    Discovering Nice on a guided tour

    Transfer to Masséna Square for a guided tour of Nice, visiting the historic Old Town with alleyways lined with 17th and 18th century buildings, the Opera House, Nice's cathedral, and the option to visit Colline du Château for panoramic views. The afternoon is free to explore independently. The group meets for dinner at a local restaurant.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3railovernight: Nice

    Free day on the French Riviera

    A full day at leisure. Options include travelling by train to Antibes (with the Picasso Museum and Provençal Market), Cannes (with the Croisette boulevard), or visiting the Rothschild villa in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Dinner independently.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4overnight: Nice

    Along the coast to opulent Monaco

    Drive along the scenic Lower Corniche Road to Monaco. Guided tour includes the Monte-Carlo Casino, Place du Casino, Le Rocher, Monaco's Old Town, and the Palais du Prince where the Changing of the Guards ceremony takes place. Free time to explore independently before returning to Nice. Dinner together at a local restaurant.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: Nice

    The spectacular Nice Carnival

    Day at leisure to soak up the festive atmosphere. In the evening, travel by tram to Masséna Square to experience the Nice Carnival from reserved grandstand seats. Watch decorated floats adorned with flowers and performers in colourful costumes. More than a thousand dancers, actors and performers take part.

    Meals: Breakfast

  6. Day 6rail

    Homeward bound

    Check out of the hotel after breakfast and board a direct train to Paris. After changing trains in Paris, arrive back in London in the evening.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Depart London St Pancras on Eurostar in Standard Class, connect to the TGV in Paris, and arrive in Nice on the Côte d'Azur in one day.
  • Day 2Guided tour of Nice's historic Old Town with 17th and 18th century alleyways, the Opera House, cathedral, and Masséna Square.
  • Day 4Drive along the scenic Lower Corniche Road to Monaco; witness the Changing of the Guards ceremony at the Palais du Prince and tour the Monte-Carlo Casino.
  • Day 5Travel by tram to Masséna Square and watch the Nice Carnival from reserved grandstand seats; over a thousand dancers, actors and performers in decorated floats adorned with flowers parade through the streets.

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 5 nights' 3-star hotel accommodation
  • All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Eurostar Standard Class
  • TGV travel Paris to Nice and return
  • Breakfast each day
  • 2 dinners
  • All guided tours and excursions
  • Reserved grandstand seats at Nice Carnival

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes Eurostar Standard Class from London St Pancras to Paris and TGV travel from Paris to Nice and return, plus tram travel to the Nice Carnival.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. Great Rail Journeys provides a UK Tour Manager from start to finish, guided tours of Nice and Monaco, and scheduled group dinners.
What is included in the price?
Five nights at Hotel Locarno (3-star), all rail and coach travel, Eurostar and TGV, breakfast daily, two dinners, all guided tours, and reserved grandstand seats at the Nice Carnival.
When does this tour run?
The operator does not publish specific departure dates in the information provided. Contact Great Rail Journeys to confirm availability.
How much free time is there?
Day 3 is entirely free to explore independently; the afternoon of Day 2 is also unscheduled. Day 5 is free until the evening Carnival experience.
Can I visit the French Riviera towns like Cannes and Antibes?
Yes, on Day 3. The itinerary notes that you may travel by train to Antibes (with the Picasso Museum and Provençal Market) or Cannes (with the Croisette boulevard).

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