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Tailor Made Rail · Self-guided rail holiday

The French Riviera: Nice and Cannes

Seven-day French Riviera rail holiday from London via Eurostar and TGV

Illustration of The French Riviera: Nice and Cannes

Tailor Made Rail's French Riviera holiday is a seven-day self-guided rail break from London to the Mediterranean coast. It begins with Eurostar from London St Pancras or Ebbsfleet International, crossing the Channel to Paris, where you connect to the high-speed TGV heading south through the length of France. You arrive in Nice on Day 1, then spend three full days exploring the city's Promenade des Anglais, flower market, Old Town galleries, and Niçoise restaurants at your own pace. On Day 4 a short coastal train carries you to Cannes, where three more free days allow you to stroll the Boulevard de la Croisette, relax on the beach, or take optional boat trips to the Îles des Lerins or travel inland to the perfume town of Grasse. The return journey reverses the route via TGV and Eurostar. All rail fares, seat reservations, and hotel breakfasts are included; the format suits independent travellers seeking seaside leisure without a guided group.

What to know before you look closer

  • Hotels listed as 'or similar'; your final accommodation depends on availability and booking tier
  • All rail journeys are standard class; first-class upgrades available as paid add-ons from £200 per person
  • Days are self-guided with no escorted activities or included meals beyond hotel breakfast; you arrange your own lunches and dinners

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Nice (Hotel Apollinaire or similar)

    London to Nice

    Eurostar from London St Pancras or Ebbsfleet International to Paris, then change onto the high-speed TGV south through France to the coast, arriving in Nice this evening.

  2. Day 2overnight: Nice (Hotel Apollinaire or similar)

    Nice

    Explore the Promenade des Anglais and the Old Town, with its boutiques, cafes and vibrant flower market.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Nice (Hotel Apollinaire or similar)

    Nice

    Second free day in Nice - an optional day trip to Monte Carlo (about 25 minutes by train) is popular.

  4. Day 4overnight: Cannes (Cezanne Hotel or similar)

    Nice to Cannes

    A short journey along the coast to Cannes, with the option to break the trip in Antibes for lunch.

  5. Day 5overnight: Cannes (Cezanne Hotel or similar)

    Cannes

    Wander the seafront Boulevard de la Croisette, relax on the beach and explore the boutiques of the Old Town.

  6. Day 6overnight: Cannes (Cezanne Hotel or similar)

    Cannes

    Second free day - options include a boat trip to the Îles des Lerins or a visit inland to the perfume town of Grasse.

  7. Day 7rail

    Cannes to London

    TGV service back to Paris, connecting to the Gare du Nord for the return Eurostar home.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Eurostar departs London St Pancras or Ebbsfleet International, crosses the Channel, and connects to the TGV at Paris for the high-speed run south to the Mediterranean coast, arriving in Nice by evening
  • Day 2First full day in Nice: wander the Promenade des Anglais, browse the flower market, and sample Niçoise cuisine in the Old Town
  • Day 3Optional day trip by train to Monte Carlo, about 25 minutes from Nice
  • Day 4Short coastal train journey from Nice to Cannes; option to stop in Antibes for lunch
  • Day 6From Cannes, choose a boat trip to the Îles des Lerins or a visit inland to the perfume town of Grasse

Included

  • All rail journeys, in standard class
  • Seat reservations where required
  • 6 nights' handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
  • Easy-to-follow travel documentation
  • Despatch of tickets by email
  • Proactive rerouting in case of strikes or disruptions

Questions travellers ask

Is all the rail travel included?
Yes. The price includes Eurostar from London to Paris, TGV from Paris to Nice, the coastal train from Nice to Cannes, and return TGV and Eurostar to London, all in standard class with seat reservations.
Is this a guided tour or self-guided?
Self-guided. Tailor Made Rail provides hotels and rail tickets but no escorted activities; you explore Nice and Cannes independently over free days.
What hotels are included?
Hotel Apollinaire in Nice for three nights and Cezanne Hotel in Cannes for three nights, each with breakfast. Hotels are listed as 'or similar' so the exact property may vary.
How much free time is there?
Three full days in Nice (Days 2-3) and three in Cannes (Days 5-6), plus arrival and departure days. You set your own schedule.
What is not included?
Lunches, dinners, and local excursions. Optional upgrades (Monte Carlo day trip, Antibes lunch stop, Grasse visit) can be arranged separately.
When does it run?
Low season (November to March) from £849 GBP, mid season (April, May, October) from £949, and high season (June to September) from £1,199.

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