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Paris to Nice by rail?

Posted by on

In early September, my husband, 10-year old daughter and I plan to spend a week in Paris then head south to Nice. I have a few questions:

  1. What's the lovliest way to get to the south of France from Paris? All three of us love European train travel so I'm hoping there's a TGV option. Can we catch a train in Paris or would we have to go back to CDG airport?

  2. How long would Paris-Nice take by train?

  3. We want to end our holiday in Nice then fly back to Canada. What's the closest airport?

  4. I know my way around Paris but I've never been to Nice. I hear it's a good base from which to do day trips. Are there any must see / must do suggestions that might appeal to the whole family? Like most kids her age, our daughter prefers being active to lingering over romantic meals.

  5. What's our best option for accomodations in Nice? When we travel, we prefer to rent an apartment rather than staying in hotels. Ever since we became parents, we've found it easier and more comfortable. If anyone has had any luck renting a great place from someone local, I'd love to hear about it. Of course, we're also open to cozy hotels.

  6. Finally, is early September still considered the busy season in the south of France or are locals already back at work and school by then? The dreaded "rentre" at summer's end.

Thanks for reading my questions. Can't wait to hear what my fellow Francophilles have to say.
Greer

Posted by
2030 posts

I took the TGV from Gare de Lyon in Paris to Nice. I traveled first class on the upper deck of the train - highly recommended! Very comfortable ride -- the scenery was nice, took around 6 hours. Nice has an airport you can fry home from.
You can take inexpensive bus (or train) trips to many interesting neighboring towns. I took the trip to Monaco, which went along the coastline, was very scenic. Monaco is interesting, I'll bet your daughter would like it, and there is an aquarium founded by Jacques Cousteau there which she might like also.

Nice has 2 good art museums, and a lovely beach and promenade, a good outdoor market. Other good beaches in the area also. I I was in Nice for only 3 days a couple of years ago, and I'm returning in October -- renting an apartment for 2 weeks. I plan to explore the area a bit more, and am doing an overnight trip from there to Aix en Provence. The Rick Steves Provence/Cote de Azur guidebook covers all the towns, sights activities in the area -- highly recommended you get it.
I am renting an apartment in the center of town which I found on VRBO. I will send you info about it via private message if you wish.
There are lots of apartments that tout sea views and balconies that look great, but I opted for a place near Old Town in Nice -- where I can walk to many charming and fascinating shops and restaurants, rather than take a short hike or bus ride. There are lots of hotels there too. I stayed at a Best Western one in center of town that was fine and a good location. (Check TripAdvisor for list and rating of all hotels).
I'm not sure what the scene is there in September, since I've only been in October -- but it was not busy then.

But I love Nice, and I'm sure you and your family will also!

Posted by
32345 posts

greer,

Regarding your questions.....

  1. The "lovliest way" to get from Paris to Nice would be via TGV at 300 kmH. There are direct trains from Gare de Lyon to NIce Ville very day. You'd need some extra time to get from the area of your hotel to Gare de Lyon. A departure at 09:17 would get you to Nice at 14:55 (a good time to arrive in a new city).
  2. Travel time will depend on which train you use, but the one mentioned above has a travel time of 5H:40M.
  3. The closest airport is Nice, and as I recall Air Transat operates from there back to Canada. You could also try Air Canada as I'm sure they would have connections with their Star Alliance partners. The flight specifics will probably depend on where in Canada you're flying to? You could also take a budget flight (ie: easyJet to London or another major hub and then return to Canada from there.
  4. Where to begin...... the Oceanographic museum in Monaco, changing of the guard (11:55 each day as I recall), Villefranche, Eze, the Villa & Jardins Ephrussi de Rothschild, the Chagall and Matisse Museums, have a look at the posh Monte Carlo Casino (dress code inside) or just enjoying the scenic old town of Nice.
  5. I can't help with apartments as I usually travel solo so use budget hotels. I'm sure one of the others will be able to help with that.
  6. That will be the "fall shoulder season" so will still be busy. Many cruise ships dock in Villefranche, and the hordes descend on the various towns in great numbers.
Posted by
7151 posts

The train from Paris to Nice leaves from Gare de Lyon and takes about 5-1/2 hrs, yes it's TGV. I took that train a couple of years ago and it was a nice ride, not particularly scenic but very relaxing.

You can use the normal booking sites for apartments in Nice - airbnb, VRBO, booking.com, homeaway.com, etc. There are lots of apartments there.

It's easy to do day trips from Nice with public transportation. I took the train to Monaco to watch the changing of the guard and explore the old town. There's also a good art museum and a botanical garden of exotic plants, both were very interesting. There's also a bus to St Paul de Vence which is a very picturesque small hill town. There are many places along the coast that you can get to by train.

Old town Nice is very nice also and the flower market is famous. The pedestrianized part is lovely to walk in the evening and there are tons of nice restaurants.

Nice has it's own airport so it's the closest. If it's easier to get flights home from Marseilles that's a 2-1/2 hrs train ride away.

edit I was interrupted while typing this so I see there have been a couple of other posts, sorry if mine is duplicate.

Posted by
16895 posts

Rick’s France rail travel page has the link and tips for buying “Prems” rate TGV tickets through SNCF (cheapest, reserved, nonrefundable, available three or four months ahead of your travel date) to print at home and pay with PayPal.

Posted by
11507 posts

Bring your own picnic.. the food offerings onboard are grim and expensive... no lovely dining car.. but a concession car instead.. you stand up and order a sandwich or premade salad..
We travelled first classs too.. it means nothing included.. lol

Posted by
151 posts

We spent a week in Nice over Christmas. I found a wonderful 3 bedroom apt on Home Away. There were many options so I would suggest checking there. The Nice airport is just a 10 - 15 minute bus ride away. Very easy to get into the city. Do some research on Nice activities and various day trips to see what interests you. Trip Advisor has a specific Nice section and the Nice specialists are great at answering detailed questions.

We were 2 parents with 3 adult children. We went to Antibes, Monaco, Monte Carlo and St Jean Cap Ferrat to tour the Rothschild Villa. The Villa was the highlight of the trip for the 5 of us. Its location on the sea is unbelievable and the gardens are amazing. The gardens there have musical fountains which I think your daughter would enjoy. We also took the train across the border to Italy for a quick visit as our son had not been to Italy before.
Wherever you choose to visit, the views from the bus or train along the coast are gorgeous.
Nice is a great home base for the south of France. You will have a wonderful time!

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