How To Reach French Riviera (Cote d'Azur)

The French Riviera, better known locally as Côte d’Azur, is the south of France coast that kisses the Mediterranean sea. This south-eastern fringe of land is renowned world over for its summery beach-filled holidays and luxurious resort towns. The rich and famous of the world make this place their playground during spring and summer months, giving a glamours sheen to its beaches and markets and streets. From rugged landscapes rising gently from the sea, to natural parks and fairy tale towns perched on top of mountains, Côte d’Azur is a vacationer’s dream. How to reach this dream? Here’s how.

Nice is one of the leading International airports in France after Paris, and home to most flights coming in for Côte d’Azur. The Nice International Airport has amassed massive significance for it aid in the South of France tourism. The flights here fluctuate in frequency, increasing in summertime to connect to 100 world destinations. You can fly to Nice from Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore quite easily (off season and high season). Once in Nice, you have many options like pre-booked cars, taxis and hotel transport to take you to your next destination.

France has developed a highly advanced and efficient highway route that links all of Europe down to Côte d’Azur. You can drive down from Paris to Nice in all of 8 hours and enjoy every moment of it. People also prefer to take road trips to Côte d’Azur from cities like Milan (320 km), Rome (810 km), Barcelona (670 km) and Geneva (630 km). From the Nice airport, you can drive to Monaco or Cannes in almost the same time. Even the Southern Alps are close by.

The French have a high-speed train link - TGV and Train Corail to most cities of France and Western Europe. You can reach Nice from Paris by boarding the TGV Méditerranée in five and a half hours flat. The French countryside merging into the coastal route is sure to keep you entertained long after your journey has ended.

Since Côte d’Azur is a coast, how can you not explore sea options for travel? Many cruise ships and boats dock on ports like Cannes, Monaco, Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer etc. They are either the end point or stop-overs on Mediterranean Cruise itineraries. You can also catch a ferry from these locales to sail to the magical island of Corsica nearby. Luxurious Private yachts and boats are also supplied on hire from the harbours.

Internally, the best form of local transport is two blessed feet and bicycles. You can, however, hire cars or use buses. For cross-city or town travel you can book a seat in one of the many buses that ply - Bus Var Mer, Envibus, Bus Azur, Sillages etc. The TER (Transport Express Régional) trains also provide quick and efficient travel options as they run between Saint- Raphaël and Ventimiglia.