Train London Nice

Get to Know Nice From London by Train

With so many compelling reasons to head to the South of France, the London to Nice train offers a convenient and comfortable means of travel to its heart. The city of Nice has a great deal to offer visitors, with historic architecture, top-quality art galleries, superb gastronomic opportunities and delightful beaches. In short, the capital of the Alpes-Maritimes department, located on the renowned French Riviera, makes for a superb holiday destination, whether you have a few days to spare or more. What can you expect when you take the train from London to Nice? Read on to find out.

Unmissable Places to See in Nice

The Promenade des Anglais, so-called because of its popularity with 19th and 20th-century British tourists, is a must-see sight in Nice. It is a long coastal boulevard with stunning views over the Mediterranean Sea. The Promenade offers bars, restaurants and more, the perfect place to begin your exploration of the city. The Old Town, Vieux Nice, is also worth spending some time in. The Cours Saleya flower market is particularly enjoyable and a veritable feast for the senses. Castle Hill, known to locals as the Colline du Château, is the site of a former fortress. It offers remarkable vistas and has some pleasant parkland to explore.

Different Areas in and Around Nice to Explore

If you want to explore Nice beyond its seafront and old quarter, then these are some of the places that are worth making the effort to get to know better.

• Cimiez is a residential area with some noteworthy Belle Époque architecture. It has a Roman amphitheatre and a museum dedicated to the artist Matisse, ideal for a cool afternoon visit out of the sun.
• Villefranche-sur-Mer is a village located to the east of Nice's city centre. It is on the coast and takes about 15 minutes to get to from the main station, Gare de Nice Ville. It boasts a charming old part and a delightful beach.
• Finally, Le Port is well worth an afternoon or an evening. This is where many of Nice's luxury yachts are moored. Check out the port area's trendy bars, seafood bistros and charming antique shops, even if you don't intend buying anything.

What Can You See Close to Nice Station?

If you have limited time during your stay in Nice and want to find things that are within walking distance of the station, then these are the go-to options.

• Formerly an aristocratic baroque palace, Palais Lascaris now functions as a fascinating music museum. It is easily reached by foot from the station and it houses a unique collection of antique instruments in a richly decorated interior that's worth coming for on its own.
• The Musée des Beaux-Arts is not much more than a stone's throw from the station. It has a world-class collection of art, much of it devoted to greats such as Rodin, Monet, Bonnard and Vuillard.
• Located a few hundred metres from the station, Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas de Nice was commissioned by the Russian Tsar Nicholas II for Nice’s Orthodox émigré community. You can book guided tours to help you get the best out of your time here. The cathedral's architecture is like few other buildings in southern France and it still serves as a place of worship to this day.

Getting to Know Nice Over a Three-Day Visit

• Day 1: Explore Promenade des Anglais and the Blue Beach

Nice is justly famous for its seaside feel and this is the simple reason why so many people love it. Begin your day with a stroll along the famous promenade and make your way to the Blue Beach, where you can hire a lounger. Many places here will serve you with drinks as you enjoy the beach and the calm waters of the Mediterranean.

• Day 2: Liberation Market and Gare du Sud

If you want to get off the beaten track and see somewhere not many tourists head to, then the Libération district, with its popular market, is worth the effort. Fresh produce and flowers make this market distinctive. What's more, there's a converted railway station, Gare du Sud, which serves as a grand food hall, ideal for exploring the culinary delights of the region. Alternatively, head to the Old Town where you can get a similar foodie experience, only with more crowds, especially in the high season.

• Day 3: The Port and Parc du Mont Boron

Spend the morning exploring the fascinating port area which is often bustling at any time of the year. Just east of the port area is the Parc du Mont Boron which can be very refreshing after spending time in such a busy location. This park has plenty of shade and pathways which are easy to navigate. It is hilly, however, so be prepared for some light exertion. You can get to Fort du Mont Alban for some great photo opportunities of the city from the park if you're in the mood to push on a bit further.

Laid-Back Travel from London to Nice

The London to Nice train offers a hassle-free means of getting to the South of France in comfort and style. Even better, when you arrive in Nice, many of the best sights are just a short walk from the station. There are also plenty of accommodation options in close proximity to the Gare de Nice Ville, meaning you can book a room, dump your luggage and be on the beach within minutes, if you want. As a coastal city on the Mediterranean, the train from London to Nice is also worth booking if you want to explore close by locations, such as Cannes, well-known for its film festival, or Monte Carlo, with its iconic casino. Monaco is about 25 minutes away from Nice's station, perfect for a day trip during your stay in the city.