Why and How to Take the Train to Nice
Travelling by train to Nice is not only a convenient and comfortable way to explore France but also an eco-conscious choice. France’s extensive rail network makes getting to Nice easy, whether you’re coming from within the country or from neighbouring nations. Here’s a comprehensive guide on why train travel is a better choice and how to navigate the French rail system to reach this dazzling destination on the French Riviera.
Why Choose the Train to Nice?
Eco-Friendly Travel
- Lower Carbon Emissions: Train travel emits significantly less carbon dioxide per passenger kilometre compared to flying or driving. For eco-conscious travellers, this is a meaningful way to reduce their environmental impact.
- Sustainability in Action: Opting for rail travel supports investments in green infrastructure, helping to combat climate change.
- Energy Efficiency: Trains are one of the most energy-efficient modes of transport, running on electricity rather than fossil fuels.
Comfort and Convenience
- Relaxation Onboard: High-speed trains like the TGV can offer spacious seating, onboard dining, and smooth rides, making the journey part of the adventure.
- No Airport Hassles: Avoid the long security lines, baggage restrictions, and wait times associated with air travel.
- Scenic Routes: Train journeys through France offer attractive views of the countryside, vineyards, and coastlines, enhancing your travel experience.
Cost and Time Efficiency
- Competitive Pricing: When booked in advance, train tickets can be more affordable than flights, especially when factoring in baggage fees and airport transfers.
- City-Center to City-Center Travel: Unlike airports, train stations are centrally located, saving you time and money on transfers.
How to Get to Nice by Train
Starting in Paris: The TGV or the night train
- High-speed trains (TGV) to Nice leave from Paris Gare de Lyon. The direct journey takes approximately 5-6 hours, offering both speed and comfort.
- TGV trains to Nice run frequently, with options for standard and first-class seating, and full service or budget trains.
- The night train leaves from Paris Gare d’Austerlitz every evening at 9.15 pm and arrives in Nice the next morning at 9.08.
- Enjoy scenic views of the French countryside and the Mediterranean coastline as you approach the Riviera.
Connecting From Other French Cities
- From Lyon: A direct TGV from Lyon Part-Dieu to Nice Ville takes about 4.5 hours.
- From Marseille: A TER or TGV train from Marseille to Nice takes around 2.5 hours, along one of the most scenic train lines in Europe.
- From Bordeaux: Intercités and TGV trains connect Bordeaux to Nice with one transfer in Marseille, taking approximately 8-9 hours.
International Routes to Nice
- From the UK: Take the Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord, then transfer to Paris Gare de Lyon for a TGV to Nice.
- From Italy: Trains from Milan to Nice via Ventimiglia are frequent and offer a picturesque journey along the Ligurian coast.
- From Switzerland: TGV Lyria connects Geneva and Zurich to Nice via Lyon.
Navigating the French Rail System
Types of Trains in France
- TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse): High-speed trains connecting major cities like Paris, Lyon, Marseille and Nice. The TGVs come in 2 types. InOui is the full-service option with almost unlimited luggage allowance, free WiFi, charging plugs and buffet car. OuiGo is the budget version, rather like a budget airline, where all extras are payable. The basic price only includes a small carry-on bag, no plug, no WiFi and above all no food or drink available at all. Not even water. You must bring your own.
- Intercités: Slower long-distance trains serving routes not covered by the TGV. Food available.
- Trains de Nuit: Night trains between major cities. These offer a convenient way to travel long distances saving on time and accommodation costs. It’s possible to travel in sleeper compartments (couchettes) with bunk beds (4 or 6 people) or the budget option of reclining seats. Couchettes come with a sheet, duvet, pillow and bottle of water. It’s possible to privatise the whole of a couchette for your group to avoid sharing with strangers (prices start at 150€) and it’s possible for women to travel in a women only carriage (with children under 12).
- TER (Transport Express Régional): Regional trains ideal for shorter journeys and exploring local areas.
- International Trains: Eurostar, Trenitalia and TGV Lyria connect France with neighbouring countries.
Booking Tickets
- Reservations: reservations are obligatory for the TGV, Intercité, international trains and night train but not necessary (or possible) for the TER.
- Online: Use SNCF’s website, SNCF Connect, or apps like Trainline to book tickets. Tickets are released 4 months in advance and the earlier you book, the better the price for TGV and Intercité. You can get some very good prices on OuiGo, the “budget” TGV. TER tickets cost the same whenever you buy them.
- At the Station: Tickets can be purchased at counters or self-service machines with English language options (though don’t count on staff speaking English).
- Choice of Seats: when booking your ticket you get some choice of seating. You can choose if you want to be in a group of 4 facing each other or in a two-er. If the train has 2 decks you can choose whether you want to be upstairs or downstairs but you can’t choose the direction you travel in, that’s pure chance. For the best views I recommend upstairs. In 1st class you can choose a single seat.
Tips for Train Travel in France
- Arrive Early: Be at the station with enough time to find your platform (for example it can be confusing at Gare de Lyon with 3 different halls to navigate – Hall 3 is underground). You can board up to 2 minutes before departure but I don’t recommend leaving it this late, trains can be very long (16 carriages) and you might find you have to get to the far end of the platform for your carriage.
- Understand the train configuration: The train is unlikely to have logical carriage numbering. Don’t expect the 1st carriage to be number 1 or number 16. TGVs are usually 2 trains attached of 8 carriages each, with engines in the middle. The configuration can look like this: 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 (or similar). Therefore to find out where on the platform your carriage is, you need to look at the screens on the platform marked “composition des trains” to find which letter corresponds to your carriage. Then find that letter on the platform. Photo below.
- Understand the train number: if your destination is not the end of the line and you don’t know what the end of the line is (for the display on the departure board), all French trains (including TER) have a train number which will be on your ticket and on the display. This is also important because sometimes 2 trains can be departing close to each other for the same destination, so it is always worth checking the train number.
- A note about direct trains: direct doesn’t necessarily mean without stopping, it just means you don’t have to change trains, there may well be stops between your departure and arrival point.
- Pack Light: Luggage is limited on OuiGo TGVs, rather like on budget airlines. You can pay for bigger cases but the regular ticket only includes a small carry-on. However, on InOui TGVs the allowance is generous. Label your bags and keep an eye on them at station stops.
- Food and drink: If you are taking a OuiGo train note that there is no food or drink available onboard, not even a water fountain. It is vital to bring your own supplies especially for a long trip like Paris-Nice which takes a minimum of 5.5 hours and can take more if it’s delayed. However if you are travelling by InOui TGV you will find a takeaway food carriage (not sit-down restaurant service) with a reasonable choice of hot and cold food.
Travel to Lou Messugo by Train
It is possible to enjoy a holiday at Lou Messugo using only public transport, having travelled by train. In this case, I recommend taking the train to Antibes (one stop before Nice) and changing on to the TER (towards Nice) to Cagnes sur Mer where you change onto the 650 bus (direction Grasse) to Pignatons in Roquefort les Pins. This is our local stop, only 8 minutes walk away.
Alternatively, if you just want to take the train instead of flying but want a car when you’re here then it’s possible to rent a car from Antibes train station (our closest TGV station). Please get in touch if you’d like more information on how to reach us by public transport.
Bon voyage!
Discover Ways in Which we Try to Provide Sustainable Holidays at Lou Messugo in The Following Related Posts:
Lou Messugo Eco-Friendly Accommodation
Holiday in France With Your Electric Car
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