3-Day Marseille and Nice Itinerary with Scenic Train Day Trips

Day 1: Historic Marseille

Marseille, France on June 25, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien

Begin your day with organic breads and fresh pastries at this cozy bakery near the Old Port, opening at 8am.
EUR15, 0h45m

9:30am

Visit Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde

Explore Marseille's iconic hilltop basilica for panoramic views of the city and sea. Open from 7:30am to 7:30pm.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Walk through Le Panier neighborhood

Stroll Marseille’s oldest district with colorful street art, artisan shops, and charming plazas.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Chez Etienne

Savor authentic Marseille-style pizza and seafood in this beloved local pizzeria, typically open 12pm-3pm.
EUR25, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations)

Discover fascinating exhibits about Mediterranean culture in a striking waterfront modern building. Open 10am-6pm.
EUR11, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Vieux Port (Old Port)

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Old Port, watching fishing boats and lively cafés as the sun sets.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Boîte à Sardine

Experience fresh seafood dishes in an informal bistro loved by locals, open until 10pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 2: Nice Riviera Charm

Nice, France on June 26, 2025

7:30am

Train from Marseille to Nice

Catch a morning TER train (around 2h40m) from Marseille Saint-Charles to Nice Ville, enjoying scenic coastal views.
EUR25, 2h40m

10:30am

Breakfast at Emilie's Cookies & Coffee

Try sweet and savory pastries in this charming cafe near Place Massena, open from 8am.
EUR12, 0h45m

11:30am

Promenade des Anglais Walk

Stroll along Nice’s famous seaside promenade and admire the azure Mediterranean waters.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Visit Old Town (Vieux Nice)

Explore narrow streets filled with markets, shops, and Baroque churches under the midday sun.
Free, 1h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at La Rossettisserie

Delight in rotisserie chicken and Niçoise specialties in a cozy setting, open until 4pm.
EUR30, 1h0m

3:15pm

Castle Hill (Colline du Château)

Climb or take the elevator up for spectacular panoramic views of Nice and the coastline. Open 8am-7pm.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Visit Marc Chagall National Museum

See an impressive collection of Chagall's biblical-themed artworks, open 10am-6pm.
EUR10, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Acchiardo

Enjoy traditional Niçoise cuisine served family-style in an authentic local atmosphere, open till 9:30pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 3: Train Day Trips

Nice, France on June 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Emilie's Cookies & Coffee

Start with a quick coffee and pastry at your favorite local café to fuel up for the day.
EUR10, 0h30m

8:45am

Train to Antibes

Take the 20-minute train to Antibes, a historic town with lovely beaches and a famous Picasso Museum.
EUR7, 0h20m

9:15am

Visit Picasso Museum in Antibes

Admire the collection of Picasso's work in the medieval Château Grimaldi. Open 10am-6pm, closed Tuesdays.
EUR8, 1h30m

11:00am

Walk Antibes Old Town & Port Vauban

Explore the quaint old streets and the bustling marina filled with luxury yachts.
Free, 1h0m

12:15pm

Lunch at Le Figuier de Saint Esprit

Dine in this Michelin-starred restaurant offering refined Mediterranean cuisine. Reservations recommended. Open 12pm-1:30pm.
EUR60, 1h15m

2:00pm

Return to Nice and Train to Eze

Take an afternoon train back to Nice and then onward to the hilltop village of Eze, famous for medieval charm.
EUR10, 1h0m

3:00pm

Hike the Nietzsche Path in Eze

Walk the scenic trail from Eze-sur-Mer station up to Eze village, about 1.5 miles with stunning sea views.
Free, 1h30m

4:30pm

Explore Eze Village & Exotic Garden

Wander the medieval village streets and visit the Exotic Garden overlooking the coast. Garden open 9am-7pm.
EUR6, 1h0m

6:00pm

Train back to Nice

Return to Nice by train to complete your day of picturesque towns.
EUR7, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Olive & Artichaut

Enjoy contemporary Mediterranean dishes from local ingredients in a stylish setting near Old Town, open until 10pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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