Itinerary Summary
The TGV Atlantique line takes 2.5 hours from Paris to Bordeaux for the Moon Harbour and a half-day chateau visit, then another 3-hour TGV leg reaches Marseille's old port, Cannes and its Palais des Fe…
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
CDG arrival and the grand hall of Gare de Lyon
10:00
1.5h
RER B from CDG to Chatelet
Ride the RER B into the centre and check into a hotel within walking distance of Gare de Lyon. Keep bags zipped in the carriages and your ticket for the exit gate.
📍 Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris
13:00
1.5h
Hotel check-in near Gare de Lyon
Settle in near the station so the early trains are easy, then pick up any rail tickets at the machines. The area has good bakeries for breakfast on the move.
📍 Gare de Lyon district
18:00
1.5h
Gare de Lyon and Le Train Bleu
Walk the station's clock tower facade and look into Le Train Bleu, the painted restaurant above the platforms. The restaurant serves dinner, but a drink at the bar is the cheaper way to see the room.
📍 Gare de Lyon, Paris
💡 Pro Tip: The RER B takes about 35 minutes from CDG to Chatelet. Buy rail tickets on the SNCF Connect app, where Prem fares for the week's long legs are cheapest. Entry rules depend on your passport; check the France visa section. France is UTC+1, moving to UTC+2 in summer.
Days 2-8 are member-only
Members get the complete day-by-day plan with timing, transport and on-the-ground tips.
Budget Breakdown
AccommodationUS$71035%
Comfort hotels near stations, 7 nights
Food & DiningUS$40020%
Bordeaux entrecote, bouillabaisse and salade nicoise lunches
Remaining cost categories are member-only
Members see the full breakdown for flights, hotels, food, tickets and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far ahead should I book TGV tickets for a Paris to Riviera rail trip?+
SNCF opens most tickets about three months ahead, and Prem's discounted fares sell out quickly for summer and holiday dates. Book as soon as your dates are fixed. A rail pass can suit flexible travellers, but seat reservations are still required on TGV services.
What happens if there is a French rail strike during my trip?+
Strikes can cancel or reduce TGV services with little notice. Check the SNCF app the evening before each leg and know your alternatives, such as a bus or a later train. Refunds and exchanges are usually offered for cancelled trains. Travel insurance helps with missed connections.
Is this rail itinerary manageable with luggage and no car?+
Yes. All legs use main stations in Paris, Bordeaux, Marseille, Cannes and Nice, with the short TER hop to Monaco. Pack light for stairs and platform changes, and allow buffer time between connections. Station lockers are limited, so check bag storage options.
When is the best time to take a scenic train journey through southern France?+
May, June, September and October give clear views and comfortable temperatures without the July-August coastal crowds. Summer is hot and trains fill up; winter is quieter but some coastal services run less often. Check the SNCF status page before you travel.
Attractions in This Guide
Guide at a Glance
- Duration: 8 days
- Budget: Comfort · approx. $1,640–2,390 (≈ €1,430–2,080), excl. int'l flights
- Difficulty: easy
- Best for: Rail Journeys
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