A must-see stop on my Eurail train tour is the Côte d’Azur, known in English as the French Riviera, is as well known for its luxurious lifestyle as its beautiful summers. Here you can enjoy all the pleasures of French culture and cuisine along with the fun and sun of the Mediterranean. This area has hosted man since prehistoric times, but since the 18th century has hosted the upper-class of Europe. In more recent times, it has been synonymous as the playground of the world’s rich and famous. If you’re like me and not in this group of elite, you are still sure to enjoy this world-renowned location. So if you can’t afford a huge yacht or a Maserati, you’re Eurail pass will deliver you to all the must-see location on this strip.
There are several top spots you must visit when in this area:
Nice: The official capital of the French Riviera and is the region’s biggest city. Here you can find any number of activities, from the nightlife to the concerts, museums, galleries and of course all the amazing food. Pebble beach in Nice is also popular attraction that is worth a visit.
Cannes: The famous host city of the Cannes Film Festival. You can imagine all the excitement during the Film Festival, when the city fills to the brim with celebrities. If you didn’t receive an invitation to the film festival, this city is a real treat to visit any time of year.
Monaco: The exclusive town of Monte Carlo must be seen to believe. It is home of the Monaco Grand Prix and the legendary Monte Carlo Casino. Here you can spend all day watching the mega-yachts in the bay and the countless super-cars zipping by on the hilly roads.
Saint Tropez: This is the most classic spot to visit on this trip. Saint Tropez has barely changed in the last 100 years, and remains a timepiece of the culture and lifestyle of the area. These days it is known as the number one spot for the rich and famous to get away from it all in the lap of luxury. Here you can relax at the beaches during the day, then party at the beach clubs all night (if you can afford it..).
Now here is my top list of beaches to help you avoid the busy crowds (and high prices) of the more common tourist beaches:
Paloma Plage: This beach in Cap Ferrat is better known by the rich and famous for the Paloma Beach Club. This leaves its public beach relatively un-crowded, giving you room to enjoy the gorgeous views.
Plage de Passable: This pebble beach is peaceful place to swim or just relax. It also has a 4km cliff side hike around the Cap Ferrat that is great for the casual hiker.
Port de Crouton Plage: This perfect beach is secluded and is near the lovely resort town of Juan-les-Pins and will satisfy all your sun and surf needs.
Mala Plage: While visiting Monaco, this is a great beach to get away from all the attention of the beaches populated by the ultra-rich. It has a ten minute walk down a steep hill, but it beats the crowd and makes it worth the trip. It still includes full beach activities, from jet-skiing to snorkeling.
Next stop on my train tour are the Mediterranean playgrounds of Italy.
