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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Paris and the French Riviera

French Riviera rail loop from Paris to Monaco and back

Illustration of Paris and the French Riviera

Railbookers operates this 11-day, 10-night independent rail vacation that begins and ends in Paris, looping south to the French Riviera in between. After two nights in Paris, day 3 brings a TGV train south to Saint Raphael for a two-night stay, with a day trip by ferry to Saint Tropez on day 4. The route continues by train to Cannes for two nights, then Nice for three, with a day trip to Monaco on day 9 to see the Monte Carlo Casino and the harbour's yachts. Along the way, days leave room for personal choices, from Cannes' Marche Forville market to the Musee Matisse in Nice, before a final night back in Paris on day 10. Rail travel and hotel breakfasts are included throughout, alongside a small-group Eiffel Tower tour and a Seine cruise. This trip suits travelers who want an independent, self-paced tour of the Riviera's coastal towns bookended by the French capital.

What to know before you look closer

  • The hotel list includes 19 accommodation options across six cities and various tiers; the specific hotels depend on the tier and city choices made at booking.
  • Many suggested evening or free-time activities, such as the Moulin Rouge, Cannes' casinos, and wandering Nice's markets, appear in the itinerary text as options rather than items on the included inclusions list, which covers the Eiffel Tower tour, the Seine cruise, ferry tickets to Saint Tropez, and the Monaco day trip.
  • The evidence pack lists no current departure dates for this itinerary; confirm availability with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Paris

    Paris

    On arrival into Paris make your way to your hotel for a 2-night stay. That evening perhaps wander the streets of St Germain which are rich in artist and literary history, then head north past the beautiful Notre Dame and marvel at the futuristic Pompidou Centre before dinner in a traditional Parisian Brasserie.

  2. Day 2overnight: Paris

    Paris

    Head over to the Eiffel Tower for your small group skip-the-line trip to the second floor and gaze across Paris, then enjoy a 1hr river cruise at a time of your choosing. That evening perhaps take in a show at the Moulin Rouge or the historic Paradis Latin cabaret?

  3. Day 3railovernight: Saint Raphael

    Saint Raphael

    Enjoy the comfort of a legendary TGV train today as you speed south to Saint Raphael. On arrival check-in to your hotel for 2-nights, then perhaps head to the harbour for a relaxing drink in the sun, or explore the narrow streets of the colourful old town.

  4. Day 4overnight: Saint Raphael

    Saint Tropez

    Today enjoy a 50min cruise along the gorgeous coastline to Saint Tropez. Once there you can either relax on one of its celebrated beaches, wander the cobble streets, enjoy people-watching with a drink outside a cafe or take in some fantastic art at Musee de l'Annociade, a 1500's chapel turned museum for paintings by famous artists who have lived or worked in the area. Later that day return to Saint Raphael again by sea, and tuck into some fresh seafood for dinner.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Cannes

    Cannes

    After breakfast checkout of your hotel and make your way to the station for a 30min train ride to Cannes. Check-in to your hotel here then head off the beach perhaps head to the Allee des Etoiles to see Cannes 'walk of fame' featuring the handprints of countless movie stars.

  6. Day 6overnight: Cannes

    Cannes

    Enjoy a full day in Cannes today. Relax on the beach and take a dip in the Mediterranean, and be sure to visit the Marche Forville, a historic local market with full of color and flavors from the regions local produce. In the evening perhaps try your luck in one of Cannes famous Casinos?

  7. Day 7overnight: Nice

    Nice

    Take the pretty journey along the coast today to Nice, and on arrival check in at your hotel for a 3-night stay.

  8. Day 8overnight: Nice

    Nice

    Spend today exploring all Nice has to offer, including a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, wander around Cours Saleya markets with its local oranges and lavender then head up the Musee Matisse and the world's best collection of Matisse's work.

  9. Day 9railovernight: Nice

    Monaco

    Your journey includes a train trip from Nice to the independent city-state of Monaco. Explore at your leisure the smallest monarchy in the world, home to the famous Formula One race, the fabulous Monte Carlo Casino and some of the largest yachts in the word.

  10. Day 10overnight: Paris

    Paris

    Head north for a final night in the French capital. Take a stroll up the Champs Elysees for a snap of the Arc de Triomphe, or head north to enjoy the views for Montmartre and the beautiful Sacre Coeur.

  11. Day 11

    End Of Tour

    Check out of your hotel and continue with your travels.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A small-group, skip-the-line tour to the Eiffel Tower's second floor, followed by a one-hour Seine river cruise.
  • Day 4A 50-minute cruise along the coastline to Saint Tropez, with the option to visit Musee de l'Annonciade, a 1500s chapel turned art museum.
  • Day 6A visit to the Marche Forville, a historic Cannes market full of local produce, with the option to try one of the city's casinos in the evening.
  • Day 8A stroll along Nice's Promenade des Anglais and the Cours Saleya markets, followed by the Musee Matisse, described as the world's best collection of Matisse's work.
  • Day 9A train trip from Nice to Monaco, described as the smallest monarchy in the world, home to the Monte Carlo Casino, the Formula One race, and some of the world's largest yachts.

Included

  • All rail travel as per the itinerary
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Paris
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Saint Raphael
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Cannes
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Nice
  • Small group tour up the Eiffel Tower
  • 1hr Seine river cruise
  • Day return ferry tickets from Saint-Raphael and Saint Tropez
  • Day trip to Monaco from Nice

Questions travellers ask

Is rail travel included?
Yes. All rail travel is included as per the itinerary, along with hotel breakfasts in Paris, Saint Raphael, Cannes, and Nice.
Is this a guided tour or independent travel?
It is independent travel with Rail Experts support. A small-group tour is included for the Eiffel Tower; most other sightseeing is self-guided.
Which trains are used?
The itinerary names a TGV train for the day 3 journey from Paris to Saint Raphael, part of the trip's SNCF rail travel.
What hotels are used?
Railbookers offers 19 accommodation options across the route, including the Sofitel Le Scribe Paris Opéra, the Mercure Saint Raphael Centre Plage, and the Hotel Martinez in Cannes.
What day trips are included?
A day return ferry to Saint Tropez from Saint Raphael, and a day trip by train to Monaco from Nice.
How much walking is involved?
The itinerary includes walking through Paris neighborhoods like St Germain and Montmartre, a small-group Eiffel Tower tour, and strolls along Nice's Promenade des Anglais and Cannes' streets, plus handling luggage across five hotel stays.

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