France Port Reviews
Doing the French Riviera By Train
By Tom Ogg
The Villefranche Train
Station
Ahhhh, the French Riviera.
Beautiful beaches, gorgeous villages and so much to see.
Generally, every Western Mediterranean cruise will hit at
least one port along the French Riviera. While we have
discussed the excellent bus system the French Riviera
enjoys, it is also possible to travel the Riviera via the
train system. In each port I describe where the train
station is and how to get to it. The only potential port
that a taxi would be more appropriate would be in Nice,
France. While the train station is within walking distance
(25 to 30 minutes) from the beach, it is advisable to take a
taxi to Nice's main train station.
Trains run
frequently between Nice and Monaco, making stops at
Villefranche sur Mer, Beaulieu-sur Mer, Eze and Cap d'All
before entering Monaco. Be aware that some trains do not
stop in Villefranche. If this is the case, get off the train
in Beaulieu sur Mer and walk to Villefranche as described in
the Villefranche port review. Also trains run from all of
these ports to Cannes, west of Nice. Here is the scoop on
how to do it starting from Monaco.
Monaco: The train station is deep underground
and accessible by either the tunnel a few blocks from the
trail to the Palace or from the Upper Corniche. Trains leave
frequently for all destinations west of Monaco. Simply buy a
ticket to the destination that you are wanting to visit and
go. Click HERE
to read about Monaco.
Cap
d'All: This should be the first stop of your ride. Cap
d'All offers a fabulous beach (maybe the best on the
Riviera) and an ocean front walkway that goes all the way
back to Monaco. If you are looking for a beach day close to
Monaco, this is your best bet.
Eze:
This isn't really the village of Eze, however, if you want
to visit Eze and have chosen the train to do it, all you
have to do is exit the train station and take the shuttle up
to the village of Eze. However, if you simply take the
elevator in the Monaco train station to its upper station on
the Upper Corniche, you can catch the bus to Eze and it is a
much easier trip.
Beaulieu
sur Mer: Ahhhh, if you really want to escape the tourist
trade, this is the place to come. The train station is
located just a few blocks inland from the beach. Just leave
the train station, turn to the left, go under the tracks and
follow the road to the coastline. You will find excellent
beach front restaurants where you can use a lounge chair all
day and enjoy French cuisine and some wine. A huge bonus for
visiting Beaulieu sur Mer is that it is also the entrance
for St-Jean Cap Ferrat. This is a peninsula that sticks out
into the Mediterranean and separates Beaulieu-sur Mer from
Villefranche sur Mer. St-Jean Cap Ferrat is simply amazing.
There is a trail that circumnavigates the entire peninsula
that can be accessed at the western end of the beach at
Beaulieu-sur Mer. The trail meanders along the coastline by
expensive villas that are to die for, some shops and
restaurants and a large park. It takes about 3-hours to walk
the entire peninsula, but it is really worth it. Simply
beautiful.
Villefranche sur Mer:
Villefranche is home to the most family friendly beach
in the Cote d' Azur. Its gradually descending bottom makes
for sage swimming for even toddlers. So, if you have a
family and want a friendly beach with lots of services
available, this would be your best choice. Villefranche has
much to offer. Excellent shopping, a medieval village, great
restaurants and an old fort. One could easily spend the
entire day here. Click
HERE to read more about
Villefranche.
Nice:
Nice is the epicenter of the Cote d' Azur. It is a large
city wit everything going for it and is certainly worth a
day's visit. The open air market in Nice and its shopping
districts are fascinating as are its beaches. There are more
than one train station in Nice so be sure to get off at the
station known as "Gare de Nice Ville" this is the main
station and the one that you want. You can walk into the old
section, beach and shopping areas by simply heading south
(downhill) and following the streets. Note that the first
few blocks are somewhat seedy, so a taxi might be the best
thing if you don't like to walk or might be intimidated by
"seedy" areas. If you are ported in Villefranche, I would
suggest taking the bus back rather than the train. It is a
short distance and picking up the bus by the main harbor in
Nice as described the review is the best way to do it.
Cannes:
If you have been to most of the main areas between Monaco
and Nice, then a visit to Cannes is certainly in order. It
makes for a great day trip and can certainly be enjoyed from
any of the ports along the French Riviera. The train station
is well located in Cannes and allows for you to start
enjoying Cannes from the moment you arrive.
Have a
great day on the French Riviera!
