Traveling by train from Nice, France to Monterosso, Italy

I took the train from Vernazza, one town back on the Cinque Terre, to Switzerland this summer, and at least the first hour north along the coast was almost all tunnels -- too bad. Don't know how long that lasts - and I'd think the right side of the train would be seaside.

P.S. Have you been to Ville Franche? Great little seaside town just NW of Nice, on your route to Monterosso.

Thank you for confirming that the right side of the train is along the water. I have learned from the Rail Europe web site that it is impossible to know which seat would be along the water.
We plan on visiting all the towns in the area. Do you have any other information you can share with us? Thanks
Debra

Once you are on the train and it is moving along toward Italy, you will see which side of the train is "right." If there are empty seats where you want to sit, just move there. Many trains are not full. Even on the right side, you will see water only part of the time.

There is a good chance that you will have to change trains in Ventimiglia (Ventimille in French) which is the first town you reach in Italy.

If you have a railpass covering France and Italy, you may not need a reservation at all using regional trains. If you decide to make reservations, you can do that at the Nice train station. If you want to keep costs down, don't use the Eurostar trains. ES reservation fees are higher than the fees on other trains. Check rail schedules for details. When you buy your railpass, you should get a train schedule booklet. Use the Nice train station for details. Their info people speak English.

Thanks Swan, That was valuable informtion. I appreciate you sharing your experience with me. I have traveled on trains in Europe in the past--but never along this route. Thanks for your insight.
Debra