Marseille to Ventimiglia by Train: One of Europe's Most Beautiful Coastal Rail Journeys

4 days ago
4 min read

There are train journeys where the destination is everything, and then there are journeys where you find yourself reluctant to arrive. The railway from Marseille to Ventimiglia falls firmly into the second category. For almost four hours, the tracks hug the Mediterranean coastline, weaving between fishing ports, glamorous resorts, sandy beaches and rocky headlands before quietly crossing into Italy.

Unlike many scenic railways that exist purely for sightseeing, this is a working railway used by commuters, students and holidaymakers. You don't need to book a luxury train or reserve a panoramic carriage. Simply board a regional TER service and settle beside the window as southern France unfolds outside. Between Marseille and Ventimiglia you'll pass some of the Riviera's most celebrated destinations—including Cannes, Antibes, Nice, Monaco and Menton—before reaching the Italian border. The final stretch between Nice and Ventimiglia is widely regarded as the most spectacular, with uninterrupted sea views and colourful Riviera towns clinging to the hillsides.

Why this journey is so special

France has no shortage of famous rail journeys, but many travellers race along this coastline aboard high-speed TGVs without appreciating what they're missing. The regional TER trains are slower, but that's precisely the point. They stop in the towns that give the Côte d'Azur its character, allowing you to hop on and off throughout the day if something catches your eye.

Leaving Marseille, the scenery changes surprisingly quickly. The city's busy commercial port gives way to sheltered coves, pine-covered hills and quiet beaches before the railway begins tracing the Mediterranean almost continuously. Palm trees replace olive groves, grand Belle Époque villas appear above hidden bays and every few minutes another colourful harbour seems to emerge from around the next headland.

By the time you reach Nice, the landscape has become unmistakably Riviera. East of the city, the railway skirts elegant seaside towns including Villefranche-sur-Mer and Beaulieu-sur-Mer before reaching glamorous Monaco and finally Menton, where France gently gives way to Italy.

History, culture and Riviera glamour

The railway itself helped create the French Riviera we know today. During the second half of the nineteenth century, improved rail links transformed what had once been quiet fishing villages into winter playgrounds for European royalty, aristocrats and artists. British visitors flocked to Nice, Russian nobility built extravagant villas, while Monaco reinvented itself around its famous casino.

Yet despite its glamorous reputation, much of the route still feels remarkably authentic outside the busiest summer weeks. Local markets continue to fill town squares, fishing boats return each afternoon, and cafés remain full of residents rather than tour groups. It's this mixture of everyday life and iconic scenery that makes the journey feel so rewarding.

A taste of the Mediterranean

This railway also links two distinct culinary traditions. In Marseille you'll find the bold flavours of Provence, where seafood, olive oil, garlic and herbs dominate local menus. Further east, Niçoise cuisine begins to appear, with pissaladière, socca and salade niçoise reflecting centuries of Mediterranean influence. By the time you reach Menton, Italian flavours are beginning to blend naturally with French cooking, creating one of Europe's most interesting culinary borders.

If time allows, this is a journey to savour slowly rather than rush through.

Planning your trip

The journey from Marseille to Ventimiglia takes around 3 hours 45 minutes using TER regional trains, usually requiring a simple change at Nice. Services are frequent throughout the day, making it easy to break the journey overnight or stop for lunch before continuing. Tickets can be booked through SNCF Connect, although regional fares are often available until shortly before departure.

For the very best views, try to sit on the right-hand side leaving Marseille. After Nice, either side offers wonderful scenery as the railway twists around bays and headlands.

Where to stay

If you're planning to break the journey, Hôtel La Pérouse (@hotellaperouseniceofficiel) remains one of Nice's most charming places to stay, tucked beneath Castle Hill with sweeping views across the Baie des Anges and easy access to the Old Town.

Alternatively, continue to Hôtel Napoléon in Menton (@hotelnapoleonmenton), a stylish seafront boutique hotel with contemporary rooms, an outdoor pool and an atmosphere that perfectly reflects Menton's relaxed Riviera character. It's an excellent base for exploring both the French and Italian sides of the border.

Where to eat

Seafood lovers should head for Chez Fonfon (@chezfonfon), one of Marseille's best-loved institutions overlooking the picturesque Vallon des Auffes, where traditional bouillabaisse remains the signature dish.

In Nice, Le Plongeoir (@leplongeoir) offers one of the Riviera's most memorable settings, perched dramatically above the Mediterranean on a rocky outcrop.

For a relaxed finish in Menton, Mirazur (@restaurantmirazur) has earned worldwide recognition for showcasing ingredients grown in its own gardens while celebrating the unique meeting point between French and Italian cuisine.

Real Travel Guides Insight

The temptation is to treat this as a single scenic train ride, but you'll enjoy it far more if you break the journey. Nice makes an obvious overnight stop, yet Menton is arguably the Riviera's hidden gem. Smaller, quieter and noticeably more relaxed than its famous neighbours, it's the perfect place to wander colourful streets, enjoy a leisurely dinner overlooking the sea and watch France gradually blend into Italy.

If you have an extra day, continue just one stop beyond Ventimiglia to Sanremo on an Italian regional train. Crossing an international border without ever leaving the railway is one of Europe's great travel pleasures, and it's surprisingly inexpensive.

Discover more of France by rail

Journeys like Marseille to Ventimiglia are exactly why travelling through France by train is so rewarding. Rather than rushing between famous cities, you'll discover spectacular scenery, historic towns and unforgettable local experiences that many visitors simply pass by.

If you're planning a rail holiday in France, Touring France by Train brings together carefully designed itineraries, practical rail advice, destination guides and insider recommendations to help you explore the country with confidence. Whether you're discovering the Riviera, Normandy, the Loire Valley or the Alps, it's the perfect companion for making the most of every journey.

Access the guide at https://mybook.to/TouringFrancebyTrain