We plan on flying to Nice from Tuscany for 6 or 7 days in Provence in June or Sept 2013. First time in Europe! We would like to see some of the French coast and are considering a train trip but not sure if the train route is scenic or if a road trip would be better. Also considering time and budget . Could someone give some advice on train travel along this particular route please.

I've done both. I prefer the train.

try sncf.com in English, Rail Europe of Eurail for point to point specifics.

Same here, I love both ways. But a car will always give you more freedom to do exactly what you want.

Thanks. We would prefer the train, but is the train route scenic? We do not plan on stopping along the coastal towns, so the train would only work for us if we can get to see the coastal towns along the train route. Train travel also much more cost effective than car hire.

Train, definitely, just check the routes against a map first so that you don't accidentally take an inland shortcut!

Consider the routes west of Marseille as well:

http://www.marseille-provence.info/t...rain-line.html

Thank you all so much , the train seems the best solution for us. Loco, the west route is also now on my list. Thx for the link, very useful.

Hub and I took a bus to Marseille from Aix and back and it was easy and cheap.

We have also taken a bus from Nice airport to Menton that was also easy and cheap.

I believe I found the Menton info from a Rick Steves guide. Here's an online site to start you off: http://www.beyond.fr/travel/nice-airport-bus.html

If you wish to take a bus from Nice airport to train station: http://www.raileurope.com/europe-tra...ice-ville.html

Looking forward to hearing about your trip!