Nice to Paris by Train

The homestretch of our December trip to Europe had us take a train from Nice (France) to Paris. Read on for more about how we made the most of the train trip and how it’s inspiring us to return to the coast of France.

Why The Train?

Why not! Nik and I are always up for an adventure and we had the time to take the train, so we decided to do something different. The train ride was just over five hours and the first part of the train runs along the coast passing through neighboring towns of Antibes and Cannes. Unfortunately the train windows were really dirty and it’s what the camera focused mostly on when I tried to take pictures.

View from the Train

Nice-Ville Train Station

Our train was leaving from the Nice-Ville station which was a short walk from where we stayed at Hôtel Le Grimaldi. The day before the train we walked to the station to scope out the area and to see if we’d pass a bakery on the way since we were planning to bring snacks for the ride.

Nice-Ville Station

The station exterior has a very nice historical looking main building, but the inside wasn’t that exciting to me. There is one main stretch of ticket gates, some seating and a convenience store. Par for the course, we arrived early and had to sit and wait before boarding time. But once the time came to scan our tickets, we made our way to car number 3 and took our seats facing each other.

Related: Staying at the famed Le Negresco Hotel

The Train Ride

Nik is the train trip planner and reserved our seats so we would be able to ride comfortably for five hours from Nice to Paris by TGV Train. Our seats were on the upper level of the carriage and the setup was one and one across from each other with a table between us. It was perfect for the lunch we planned for the ride.

Our Train Seats to Paris

Fromagerie Metin – Cheese Shop

Our friend Paola told us about Fromagerie Metin, a cheese shop in Old Town. Nik and I stopped in the night before the train ride and bought three cheeses that would serve as lunch during the train ride. The store was fantastic and it will be my go-to shop for cheese whenever I return to Nice. So many cheeses to choose from.

Fromagerie Metin in Old Town Nice

Fromagerie Metin in Old Town Nice

Fromagerie Metin in Old Town Nice

I told them no blue cheese and nothing too strong smelling. We got a goat and two other types that I don’t really remember what they were other than being delicious.

Our Lunch on the Train

For the train ride, we also brought with us a bottle of champagne and a bottle of white wine. Our plastic cups from the Lille Christmas Market came in handy to drink from. The morning of the train ride, we successfully bought a fresh baguette.

Related: Our recap of visiting Lille, France

Paris Gare de Lyon

Just over five hours later, our train arrived into Paris Gare de Lyon. Gare de Lyon is one of the busiest train stations in Europe so we skipped taking pictures and just wanted to get out and make our way to the hotel.

Paris Gare de Lyon Train Station

We booked a one night stay at the Courtyard by Marriott Paris Gare de Lyon which was conveniently located. Our room had an amazing view out to the city and the train station down below.

View from the Courtyard by Marriott Paris Gare de Lyon

View from the Courtyard by Marriott Paris Gare de Lyon

Overall, the train from Nice to Paris was fantastic. Nik and I definitely want to explore Antibes and Cannes on our next trip to the French Riviera.