It’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it. I’ve spent many hours researching and testing the perfect 7-day South of France itinerary by train to bring you this blog, ensuring you get the absolute best out of your trip to the chic Côte d’Azur.
The best thing about this 7-day South of France itinerary is that you only need to change accommodation twice, with strategic day trips to ensure you see all of the iconic locations along the way.
The distances are short between each destination, leaving you more time to soak up the rosé at the beach clubs or explore charming Provençal towns.
If you only have 7 days in the South of France, it can be tempting to try and stretch yourself too thin. While it would be lovely to fit in a trip to the lavender fields of Aix-en-Provence or the bustling port of Marseille, I strongly recommend saving those for another trip and focusing on the core Côte d’Azur locations.
This South of France train itinerary ensures you get ample time in major hotspots such as Cannes, Nice, and St. Tropez, along with stops at some lesser-known towns and villages. It starts and ends in Nice, the transport hub and gateway to the French Riviera.
If you choose to rent a car, this would also work as part of a France road trip itinerary – but why tackle the chaotic roads and expensive parking when it’s so easy to explore the South of France by train?
Here, I’ll cover everything you need to know about navigating the train travel, plus insider tips to ensure your trip runs smoothly.
At the end, I’ll answer all those burning questions you have about travelling the South of France by train, but if you need to know more, just drop me a line in the comments! I’d love to help plan your France travel and French Riviera itinerary!
7-Day South of France Itinerary at a Glance
Places You’ll Visit: The ritzy city of Cannes, the dreamy Cap d’Antibes, St. Tropez, Nice, Monaco, Menton, and more!
Best Time to Go: Between June and August for the warmest weather, or April/May and September/October for fewer crowds.
What’s the Weather Like: May to October – Average daily high 25°C (77°F). November to April – Average daily high 14°C (57°F)
Don’t Miss: A catamaran cruise in Cannes, a stroll around Antibes’ old town, and a food tour of the Italian-French fusion cuisine of Menton.
Where to Stay:
Cannes – Canopy by Hilton Cannes
Menton – Hôtel De Londres
Nice – Le Negresco
Top Tip: Download the SNCF app to book and pay for all of your train tickets on the go. See live timetables and platform information all in English.
South of France Itinerary 7 Days: in Brief
Day 1: Cannes
Day 2: Cannes – Day trip to St. Tropez
Day 3: Cannes – Explore Antibes
Day 4: Menton
Day 5: Menton – Day trip to Monaco
Day 6: Nice – Explore Cap Ferrat
Day 7: Nice
7-Day South of France Itinerary: in Detail
Day 1: Cannes
On day 1 of your 7-day South of France itinerary you will arrive in the beautiful Cannes and soak up everything this sparkling city has to offer.
Transport
If you are flying into Nice International Airport, you can make use of the free tram from Terminal 1 or 2 to get to Nice St. Augustin Train Station. From here you can take a direct train to the centre of Cannes, which takes about 30 minutes.
The whole journey should take less than an hour altogether.
Where to Stay
Cannes will be your base for the first 3 nights of this itinerary.
I recommend the Canopy by Hilton Cannes, which is a bright, modern hotel in the perfect location, just a 10-minute stroll from the Old Town. It has a stunning rooftop bar and restaurant, perfect for watching the sunset.
If you’re there during the Cannes Firework Festival (selected nights throughout July and August), be sure to bag yourself a seat at Marea rooftop early for the show!
The hotel does have a pool and spa available for guests but it’s only free to enter before 10am. During peak hours, you have to pay for entry to the pool area.
The Canopy by Hilton Cannes is a 15-minute walk from the train station. Alternatively, it’s a 6-minute taxi ride or a 10-minute bus. It’s also a minute or two walk from the spot where you can catch the ferry to St. Tropez.
See rates and availability here.
If the budget is a little tighter, try the charming Hôtel de Provence, in a perfect location just 200m from la Croisette Beach.
Things to Do
Depending on your arrival time, there is so much to see and do on your first day in Cannes.
Spend the day soaking up French Riviera rays on the sand on Plage du Midi or browsing the luxury boutiques on the Boulevard de la Croisette.
Stop by the red-carpeted stairs of the famous Cannes Film Festival or peek inside the ancient Notre Dame d’Espérance.
Or, jump on a catamaran cruise to dive right into those azure waters and explore the enigmatic underwater statues and unspoilt Lerins Islands.
In the evening, I recommend a sunset drink at Marea rooftop before wandering into Le Suquet (Old Town) for dinner. Book a table on the terrace at Mantel Table 22 to enjoy upscale French cuisine and unbeatable people-watching!
Day 2: Cannes – Day trip to Saint Tropez
Unfortunately, the only place that is inaccessible in the South of France by train is possibly the most famous: St. Tropez. But that doesn’t mean you have to miss out!
Cannes is connected to St. Tropez by road and ferry, so you can easily make time on your 7-day South of France itinerary for a day trip to the star-studded town. It takes just over an hour to get there.
Transport
I recommend a full-day boat tour or round-trip ferry tickets which give you five hours of free time in St. Tropez.
Both of these options give you the chance to see the beauty of the Côte d’Azur from the water, with plenty of time to explore the town itself. The full-day tour also stops at Esterel and Port Grimaud on the way back to Cannes, a beautiful pastel-hued port nicknamed the ‘Little Venice of the South’.
The boat tour is more expensive but only runs on certain days, while the ferry is more flexible.
You could also hire a car or book a private driver to take you from Cannes to Saint Tropez, but be aware that traffic can significantly impact journey times in peak season.
Things to Do
Spend your day in Saint Tropez shopping at the famous Saturday market, getting lost in the fortified complex known as the citadel, or spotting yachts in the port.
As with many towns on the French Riviera, part of its charm is simply strolling the palm-lined streets, popping into one of the many art galleries, and stopping for a croissant or two. If you love fine dining and designer brands, check out the blue-and-white Louis Vuitton cafe.
Head to La Ponche Beach for the most picturesque views of the city, or the infamous Pamelonne if you prefer to splash the cash in the beach clubs.
Just don’t miss your boat transfer home to Cannes!
For your second evening in Cannes, you’ll likely be fairly tired from a long day of exploring. For a quick and easy dinner, try the pizzeria called Al Brunello in the old town.
If you’re still eager to indulge in the trendy eateries of the French Riviera, book a table at La Môme, which turns into a party as the night goes on. You’ll need to reserve a table very far in advance!
Day 3: Cannes – Explore Antibes
On your third day, you’ll explore the gorgeous Cap d’Antibes, just 10 minutes by train from central Cannes but simply unmissable on any 7-day South of France itinerary.
Transport
It’s a 10-15 minute train ride from Cannes to Gare d’Antibes, with trains running roughly every 15 minutes. From the station, you can stroll down the hill, past the enormous Port Vauban and straight into the old town in less than 10 minutes.
Things to Do
Since you only have one day in Antibes, I recommend you start by getting there nice and early for a morning stroll through the old town.
Here you can pick up a coffee at Nomads, pop into the famous Marché Provençal and check out the iconic Musée Picasso. If art is your thing, you can even take a class led by a local artist that includes a guided tour of the museum.
If you want to know more about Antibes, you can also book a walking tour which explains the rich history of arts and crafts that the city is known for. Stop by Lilian Bonnefoi for a tasty lunch, cakes and pastries in the sunshine.
In the afternoon, why not visit one of the chic beach clubs the French Riviera is known for?
Plage Keller is a stunning spot towards the southern end of the peninsula with rows of crisp white parasols and two picturesque pontoons. During peak season, you may need to reserve your sunbeds in advance.
You can walk to Plage Keller from Antibes Old Town in just under an hour, or you can jump in a 10-minute taxi. We used Uber to get around.
In the evening, catch a taxi back to the old town for a food tour, which includes a stop at the famous Absinthe bar.
Alternatively, if money is no object, enjoy fine dining with a sunset view at the stunning Eden-Roc restaurant, part of the famous Hotel du Cap Eden Roc. If you still want a seaside dinner on a smaller budget, try the stylish Baba restaurant or the smart Cap Riviera.
Afterwards, you can catch the train back to Cannes from Juan-Les-Pins station.
**Read more things to do in Antibes here.**
Day 4: Menton
After 3 days of staying in Cannes, it’s time to move to the next beautiful location: Menton. Located just by the border of Italy, this candy-coloured town offers breathtaking architecture and serves as the perfect base for your next 2 days on the French Riviera.
Transport
The train from Cannes to Menton takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes and typically departs every 15 minutes.
Where to Stay
We stayed at Hôtel De Londres, which is a beautiful boutique just a stone’s throw from the beach. The artsy, art deco interiors are complemented by the sandy outdoor bar and free paddleboard rental for guests.
It takes approximately 10 minutes to walk from Menton train station to Hôtel De Londres. It’s about 15 minutes to reach the Old Town, and 20 minutes to Plage des Sablettes.
**Alternatively, read about 15 of the most stylish hotels in Menton, all within walking distance to the Old Town.**
Things to Do
Once you have arrived in Menton and dropped off your bags at your accommodation, I recommend spending the rest of the day exploring this gorgeous little town, famous for its lemons.
I wrote a whole guide on 21 of the best things to do in Menton, but some of my favourites include, checking out the iconic yellow stairs, strolling around the old town with a freshly squeezed citronade, and paddleboarding on the beautiful beaches.
A walking tour is always a great choice to orient yourself on the first day in a new place. Alternatively, a food and wine tour gives you a flavour of nearby Italy and a little insight into the lemony heritage of the city.
In the evening, I recommend a sunset cruise to see the incredible cityscape from the water – a dreamy experience with an aperitif in hand! Alternatively, you can stroll up the jetty off the main beach for a nice view of the city and have drinks on the rooftop of Hotel Mediterranee.
JR Bistronomie is a cosy spot for dinner in the Old Town.
Day 5: Menton – Day trip to Monaco
Spend the morning strolling through the botanical gardens of Menton and then enjoy an indulgent day or afternoon/evening seeing the sights of Monte Carlo.
Monaco is just 10 minutes by train from Menton, making it easy to visit the iconic principality without paying sky-high prices to stay there overnight.
Transport
The direct train from Menton to Monaco takes just 10 minutes and departs from Menton train station every 15 minutes.
When you arrive at Monaco train station, it’s approximately a 15-minute walk to the Café de Paris and Casino de Monte Carlo, in the centre of the city.
Things to Do
If you’re still keen to see more of Menton, you can spend the morning exploring the gorgeous botanical gardens of the city or getting some photos of the iconic Old Town spots in the best morning light.
Head to Monaco at around lunchtime, or earlier if you prefer. If you’re interested in the iconic F1 race, you can take a guided tour of the circuit to learn about the masters of the track, infamous crash sites, and the history of the event.
Alternatively, book a 2-hour walking tour to learn more about the unique history of the Principality, with spots at the Prince’s Palace, the Monte Carlo Casino, and the Cathedral of Saint Nicolas, where Grace Kelly is buried.
After you’ve had your fill of the glamorous history of the city, you can return to Menton for dinner, or stay in Monaco. The place really comes alive at night so I recommend staying for drinks and dinner if you can.
The iconic Café de Paris is a famous spot for cocktails, although it can be very expensive (not to mention a little touristy).
Buddha Bar is a stylish Asian Fusion restaurant with a low-lit lounge for cocktails, while Amazonico is a vibey bar and restaurant offering eclectic cuisine from the Amazon rainforest, located right in Casino Square. Finally, Crazy Pizza is a fun Italian place for dinner, right in the heart of the port.
If you want to make like James Bond in the casino after dinner, you’ll need your passport to get in and there is a strict dress code enforced.
It costs €19 per person to get in (with a token for a free drink) and there is a minimum bet of at least €5 but on many of the tables you will find it’s more than that.
Don’t miss the last train back to Menton, which is typically at about 11:30pm during the summer season.
Day 6: Nice – Explore Cap Ferrat
On day 6, you’ll check out of Menton and head to Nice for the final part of your 7-day South of France itinerary.
Transport
The train from Menton to Nice takes 37 minutes and departs every 15 minutes. It’s the same line you’ll have used multiple times already on this itinerary so you should know your way around by now! When you arrive in Nice, you can hop on a bus or tram depending on where your accommodation is.
Where to Stay
If your budget can stretch, splashing out at the iconic Le Negresco makes for a sensational way to spend the final 2 nights of your 7 day South of France itinerary.
The legendary hotel sits proudly in the centre of the Promenade des Anglais with its pink domed turret and lively eccentric interiors. Each room is individually decorated with very individual tastes, and there’s a modern underground spa and quirky, themed restaurants to discover.
For those on a budget, the Palm Boutique is in a great location near the old town with tranquil, boho-chic interiors, while Aparthotel AMMI offers bijou studios for those looking to save money on breakfast. Some also come with a small balcony.
Things to Do
Once you’ve arrived in Nice and dropped off your bags, it’s time to head to the stunning and exclusive peninsula of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
I recommend first taking a look around Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, a palatial pink mansion with dreamy manicured gardens overlooking the sea, once the residence of the renowned art collector, Beatrice Rothschild.
To get there, you can take the number 15 bus from behind the Old Town or Port Lympia, or you can rent a Lime electric bike and cycle there. Both take about 40 minutes.
There are stations to rent bikes all around Nice – you just need the Uber or Lime app and a smartphone with data to unlock them. There are cycle paths alongside the road all the way to Cap Ferrat, so it’s a fun and safe way to stretch your legs and get some exercise.
You have to park the bikes at the small park on the corner of Boulevard du General de Gaulle, and walk back to Villa Rothschild from here (about 10 minutes).
If you’re getting the bus, get off at the stop marked Passable/Rothschild.
Entrance to the villa costs €18 for adults, with reduced rates for children.
**If you arrive in Nice early enough, you can also book an e-bike tour from Nice which gets you to some of the most beautiful villas and sights of the peninsula, including a picnic lunch. Book it here.**
Once you’ve explored the villa’s vast gardens and intricate interiors, you’ll no doubt be hot and ready to relax. Cap Ferrat is known for its beautiful and exclusive beaches, so I recommend spending the afternoon enjoying them to the fullest.
The two most beautiful beaches are called Passable and Paloma. Plage Passable is right next to Villa Rothschild and offers a chic beach club, shingly sand, and catches the late afternoon sun.
Plage Paloma is better known for its beautiful views, upscale seafood restaurant and pebbly beach. It’s about a 30-minute walk from Villa Rothschild, or you can catch a taxi.
In the evening, I recommend hopping on the bus back to Villefranche-sur-mer for dinner. Halfway between Nice and Cap Ferrat, this gorgeous port town offers a mouthwatering array of waterside restaurants and vibey bars to choose from.
We love the restaurant DRY for a low-key dinner and cocktails, followed by drinks on the rooftop bar of Achill’s.
You can catch the train back to Nice Ville or Nice Riquier from Villefranche-Sur-Mer in about 7 minutes, or jump in a 15-minute taxi (which may be a lot quicker depending on where your accommodation is located in Nice).
Day 7: Nice
Depending on whether you are departing Nice today or you still have another full day, there are lots of options for the final moments of your 7-day south of France itinerary.
If you still have a full day, I recommend a day trip to the medieval village of Eze, followed by an afternoon on the beach. If you’re departing from Nice at some point today, spend your final morning strolling around Nice Old Town and visiting the market to pick up some souvenirs.
**For more ideas of how to extend your time in the city, read my guide to spending 3 days in Nice.**
Transport
Nice International Airport is a 15-minute drive from the centre of the city, so you may just want to call a taxi to get there, especially if you have a lot of luggage. If not, you can either take a bus or a tram, depending on where your accommodation is located.
The best thing to do is ask your accommodation provider for the best route to the airport.
Things to Do
If you still have a full day left on the French Riviera, make the most of it with a day trip to the charming, cobblestone hilltop of Eze.
Learn how to make French perfume at a historic factory (and create the perfect souvenir to take home), get lost in a maze of art galleries, and take in incredible views of the Cote d’Azur from the hilltop botanic garden.
You can read the full guide to taking a day trip to Eze from Nice here, including transport instructions and places to eat.
For your final evening in Nice, reserve a table at a special restaurant such as Le Plongeoir, perched on a rock above the azure Mediterranian.
If you are leaving Nice on day 7, spend your final morning shopping at the provencal markets for souvenirs and snapping photos in the picturesque Old Town.
A charming little place to stop for crepes and coffee is called Cafe Capucine in the Place de L’Ancien Senat.
7-Day South of France Itinerary: FAQs
What is the best way to get around the South of France?
Getting around the South of France by train is so easy and convenient. Trains are cheap, run every 15 minutes or so, and are reliably on time.
They often run late into the evening so you can spend the evening somewhere else and maximise your time in the South of France. This is especially true on the French Riviera.
If you’re planning to visit the region of Provence, hiring a car might be a better option. This is because not all of the famous towns and villages are accessible by train, and the region is famous for its rural wineries and lavender fields.
If you do choose to travel by train, read my South of France packing guide to make travelling light a breeze.
Is one week in the South of France enough?
One week is certainly enough to get a flavour of the South of France and explore the key locations on the French Riviera. You may need longer if you also plan to visit the more rural areas of Provence, Avignon, Verdon National Park, and the Luberon region.
Where else should I go if I have more than 7 days in the South of France?
You could extend this 7-day south of France itinerary by catching the train to Marseille. From here you could hire a car or catch another train to Provence to see the famous lavender fields and iconic vineyards of the region.
You could also go to Paris to spend a few days getting lost in the Louvre Museum and cruising down the Seine River to see the sights – there are regular daily direct trains from Nice to Paris. The journey takes around 6 hours.
**Read my 4-day itinerary for Paris here.**
What is the best way to get to South France?
The best way to get to the south of France is to fly into Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, which is located in the heart of the French Riviera with easy access to all of the iconic locations and hidden gems mentioned on this itinerary.
You can also fly into Marseille, which is closer to the rural Provence region. From Marseille, you can catch a train to Nice which takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Need more travel tips for your 7 day south of France itinerary? Let me know in the comments section
Hi this is excellent and gives me a real feel for the South of France-I will be there in May and have 3 nights in Nice with my 2 sons and their partners, and then my wife and I have 4 nights to ourselves, and have to end up in Marseilles for 1.30pm flight to Valencia. We will use the train and buses, and I would really like your help with an itinary for these 7 days. I love your idea of not moving around too much, so 4 nights in a town after Nice sounds like the right idea, but where, and what should we take in. I am not sure how the weather will be in late May, but fingers crossed its heading into Summer, so beaches , hikes and sightseeing are comfortable-plus of course your rooftop bars! Any help is really appreciated, Cheers, Simon
Hi Simon,
Thanks for your comment – so glad you found the blog useful!
Since you will be heading in the direction of Marseilles, spending the 4 nights in Cannes makes the most sense logistically. From here, you can take easy day trips to Antibes, boat tours of the Bay of Cannes, and enjoy the city’s beautiful old town and famous sandy beaches. Depending on your dates, the Cannes Film Festival may still be on – something to be aware of in case it interests you OR potentially to avoid in case you really dislike crowds. The city will be VERY busy when the festival is on (lots of celebrities to spot!).
An alternative option would be to make Menton your second base. It’s a longer train journey from here to Marseilles (3-4 hours), but you can enjoy a quieter beach town close to the border with Italy (perfect for daytrips), show-stopping architecture, and even coastal hikes to Monaco.
I hope this helps, and have a fab trip!
Many thanks,
Amabel
Thank you very much for this excellent guide! We were thinking of staying in Nice and then exploring the coast by commuting to the mentioned cities and villages including Eze. Do you think that it is rational or better to change locations as suggested, starting from Cannes?
This is a fabulous guide!
Thank you!