7 Days in France: From Parisian Avenues to the Azure Coast
Duration
7 Days / 6 Nights
Best For
Art Enthusiasts, Sun Seekers, Romance
Pass Suggestion
Eurail 4-Day France Pass
Reservations
Mandatory for TGVs (additional seat fees apply)
The Route
Paris → Avignon → Nice → Monaco → Grasse
Total Train Time
6.5 Hours
The Quick Answer
"The classic TGV South route that maximizes your time on the coast by taking high-speed rails directly from central Paris to Provence and the Riviera."
Route Snapshot
Paris (3nt) → Avignon/Provence (2nt) → Nice & French Riviera (2nt)
Why This Trip Works
- →Uses the fastest high-speed rail lines in Europe (TGV)
- →Avignon serves as a perfect hub for lavender and village day trips
- →Nice is the ideal rail hub for the coast (Monaco, Cannes, Antibes)
- →Eliminates the need for 10+ hours of driving between North and South
Route Visualization
Day-by-Day Journey
Arrive in the City of Light: Paris
The view from the train
The Experience
Land at Charles de Gaulle Airport and take the RER B train to the city center. Walk through the Tuileries Garden toward the Louvre. Ascend the Eiffel Tower or explore the artistic hilltop of Montmartre. Sunset views from the Sacré-Cœur are unbeatable.
Rail Advice
“RER B to Châtelet-Les Halles: ~50 mins. Keep your ticket until you exit the station!”
The Louvre & Seine River Banks
The view from the train
The Experience
Immerse yourself in history at the Louvre. Pro tip: Use the 'Porte des Lions' entrance to skip the glass pyramid lines. Browse the iconic bouquinistes (bookstalls) along the Seine. Visit the medieval Sainte-Chapelle for its stunning stained glass.
Rail Advice
“Paris is best explored via Metro. Use Lines 1 and 7 for the most iconic sights. Metro tickets can be bought in packs of 10 (Carnet).”
Southbound TGV to Avignon
The view from the train
The Experience
Board the double-decker TGV Duplex at Gare de Lyon. Watch as the urban cityscape transforms into rolling vineyards. Arrive in Avignon, the medieval capital of Christendom. Walk through the Palais des Papes and the famous broken bridge, Pont d'Avignon.
Rail Advice
“Paris to Avignon TGV: 2h 40m. Reservations are mandatory and sell out fast in summer. Book weeks ahead on the SNCF site.”
Provence Lavender & Roman Ruins
The view from the train
The Experience
Take a short regional train trip to Nîmes to see the exceptionally preserved Roman Arena and the Maison Carrée temple. Return to Avignon and enjoy a glass of local Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine in the shadow of the medieval walls.
Rail Advice
“Avignon to Nîmes: 30 mins via regional TER train. No reservations needed—just validate your ticket before boarding.”
Arrive on the French Riviera: Nice
The view from the train
The Experience
The TGV ride continues south. As you approach Nice, the train tracks hug the coastline—keep your camera ready for the first glimpse of turquoise water. Walk the Promenade des Anglais. Climb Castle Hill (Colline du Château) for a perspective over the red roofs of Old Nice.
Rail Advice
“Avignon to Nice: ~3h 15m. The coastal stretch between Marseille and Nice is one of the most scenic railways in the world.”
Monaco & The Monte Carlo Glamour
The view from the train
The Experience
Take the frequent TER regional train to Monaco Monte-Carlo. The station is built directly into the mountain rock. Watch the Changing of the Guard at the Prince's Palace. Walk the Formula 1 street circuit toward the famous casino.
Rail Advice
“Nice to Monaco: 20 mins. These TER trains run every 15-30 minutes. Sit on the right side for best sea views.”
The Perfume Capital: Grasse or Departure
The view from the train
The Experience
Final morning in Nice. Consider a quick train trip to Grasse—the perfume center of the world—to create your own scent. Head to Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) for your flight or take the high-speed TGV back to Paris.
Rail Advice
“Nice to Grasse: 1h 10m. Frequent regional service. Airport is reachable via Tram Line 2.”
Where to Stay
Paris
"Central, historic, and walking distance to the Seine."
Avignon
"Stay within the medieval walls for maximum atmosphere."
Nice
"Steps from the flower market and the beach."
Budget Estimation
Budget Backpacker
$1,350
Hostels & Supermarket Meals
Flashpacker / Mid-Range
$2,600
Boutique Hotels & Nice Dinners
The Comfort Traveler
$4,200+
Luxury Suites & Private Tours
Ready to Start Your Rail Journey?
Booking your Europe Rail Pass in advance can save you hundreds and secure your seat on the world's most scenic routes.
Itinerary Alternatives
Looking for 5 Days?
Focus on Paris (3d) + Nice (2d). Skip Avignon for a faster-paced city & coast duo.
Looking for 12 Days?
Add Bordeaux & Lyon for a full 'Tour de France' focusing on wine and gastronomy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Paris urban transit included in the Eurail Pass?
Generally, no. The Paris Metro is not covered. While the pass may be valid on certain SNCF-operated stretches, most urban RER lines require separate tickets or a Navigo card.
How do I book TGV reservations?
You can book them via the Rail Planner app or SNCF Connect. Do this at least 2 weeks in advance during summer.
Can I do a day trip to Monaco from Nice?
Absolutely. Trains run every 15-20 minutes, taking only 20 minutes each way. No reservation needed.