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Head to the seaside with OUIGO

With OUIGO, it’s never been easier to travel to the Mediterranean. Travel by train and enjoy all sorts of activities on the French coast, such as sunbathing on the beach, surfing, water games and more, all at a low price, and year-round. 

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There’s nothing like a trip to the seaside for escaping your daily routine and getting a breath of fresh air! So pack your towels, camera and sun cream, because OUIGO will get you to the beach in the blink of an eye, without breaking the bank! Are you ready for some sunbathing, boating, and maybe even water skiing

Mère et fils à la mer
Mère et fils à la mer - © Istock - AleksandarNakic

Where to travel to the seaside with OUIGO

Le port de Saint-Raphaël
Le port de Saint-Raphaël - © iStock - JosephWGallagher

Saint-Raphaël

Located east of Port Fréjus on the Mediterranean, Saint-Raphaël has preserved its old-fashioned glamour from the era when Belmondo, Bardot and Delon made the Azure Coast the popular destination it still is today.

With its white facades, marina and palm trees, the seaside resort will immediately make you feel like you’re on holiday! There are also plenty of recreational water activities to indulge in, from swimming to kitesurfing, sailing, jet skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding and even diving.

If you need a rest, you can always take a boat tour on the sea to discover the commune’s 24 kilometres of coastline, a mix of inlets and calanques made of the red rock that is typical of the Massif de l’Esterel. It’s a sight for sore eyes!

>> Book your OUIGO ticket to Saint-Raphaël 

Anse Magaud près de Toulon
Anse Magaud près de Toulon - © iStock - LRPhotographies

Toulon

Sure, Toulon is famous for its military port, the largest in France, but the Var prefecture is also full of magnificent seaside locations. In fact, this is where Commandant Cousteau first discovered his passion for the sea floor!

When it comes to beaches, you have plenty to choose from. Plage du Mourillon, located between Fort Saint-Louis and the Yacht Club, is the most accessible. The large sand bar features green spaces, playgrounds, bars, ice cream shops and restaurants.

If you are looking for something more private, we suggest Plage de l’Anse Magaud. This marvellous little hidden beach is nestled between the cliffs and boulders, where the water is literally translucent.

Reach it by taking the coastal path, or a path from Cap Brun that runs past the restaurant Les Pins Penchés. Finally, it’s also worth taking a boat tour of Toulon’s harbour, where you can see the Bassins Vauban, the commercial port and even the mountains in the background.

>> Book your OUIGO ticket to Toulon 

Plage d'Antibes Côte d'Azur méditerranée
Plage d'Antibes - © iStock - Siempreverde22

Antibes

With the beach just 20 minutes’ walk from the train station, you can put on your bathing suit before you even reach Antibes! The Royal Beach is aptly named, as celebrities regularly come here to relax.

If you, too, find yourself in need of relaxation, we suggest a water aerobics class with Wild Move on the beaches of La Salis or La Pinède. Exercising in the water is an enjoyable way to get a low-impact workout! A friendly ambiance reigns, and peals of laughter are often heard during the classes.

For a relaxing activity on solid ground, try a hike at Cap d’Antibes. This little slice of heaven under the pine trees at the seaside feels completely cut off from the rest of the world.

If you want to get your feet wet again in the evening, enjoy a meal at La Siesta, a restaurant next to a pool with a dance floor right on the beach.

>> Book your OUIGO ticket to Antibes

Vallon des Auffes Marseille Méditerranée
Vallon des Auffes Marseille Méditerranée - © iStock - Olena_Znak

Marseille

There is plenty to say and do in Marseille. But sometimes people forget that the Phocaean city is located right on the sea. For a reminder, take a quick tour of the MUCEM, the Museum of Civilisations of Europe and the Mediterranean.

Its immense terrace offers a breathtaking view of the city and the sea that stretches as far as the eye can see. And while the Vieux-Port is always worth a visit, if only to savour some bouillabaisse at the restaurant Au Bout du Quai, it’s also nice to get off the beaten path a bit.

To do just that, we recommend heading to the Vallon des Auffes, a small, picturesque port where time seems to have stopped in the age of fisherman's shacks. We love the ambiance here! The Calanques are also a perennial favourite. Try the Calanque de Sourmiou, where the turquoise water invites you to stop and relax.

Plage de Cannes avec coucher de soleil
Plage de Cannes avec coucher de soleil - © iStock - IR_Stone

Cannes

Cannes, of course, is famous as an elegant city filled with luxury hotels and brand name stores, but that’s not all. It also offers all sorts of recreational activities you can enjoy next to the water, or even in it! 

For example, you could start with a jog along La Croisette, where the sea mist will keep you refreshed. In fact, there are fourteen running and hiking trails located throughout the city.

Next, head for the Palm Beach fitness zone for a bit of outdoor strength training. Pump it up! After that, you can choose from the wide array of water sports on offer: catamarans, sailboarding, kayaking, sailing, kitesurfing and even scuba diving.

Cannes harbour offers some fantastic places to swim with the fish in a wetsuit. If none of these options appeal to you, you can also just while your day away relaxing on the beach – no one will stop you!

>>Book your OUIGO ticket to Cannes

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Journaliste

23/04/2021