AT29 by train

From Rome to Florence, from Madrid to Barcelona, from London to Paris to Nice; one of the things I love the most about traveling by train in Europe, besides the price compared sometimes to flights, it is the beautiful and different views you get to enjoy!

Obviously, there are times when you will pass through ugly scenarios such as the back side of abandoned houses or even train stations all painted with colorful graffitis. However, the large green 'combine' with antique houses, farms, the sea and beaches, old towns and even castles, it is definitely a great experience during your Europe trip. 

I have been on trips that last an hour and others that last up to 7 hours and each of them were as great to appreciate the gorgeous view.  

Naturally, any trip, by car, by plane or by train, you will need your favorites gadgets or pastime to make enjoyable your trip. But, on a train, you have a cafeteria where you can sit on the other side of your actual seat (as I'm doing right now while writing these lines) while enjoying a coffee or maybe a glass of wine (as I'm doing right now on my way to Nice, France, because my seat is at the wrong view, I don't have an ocean view side). And if traveling, as I'm traveling now, with iDTGV, where you get the option of traveling relax and noise free on the ground level, or with various entertainment alternative as renting a movie or listening to great music accompanying you with the wine on the top floor. Plus, most of the trains, have plugs for your electronics devices. 

Mountains, hills, ocean, windmills, sunflowers fields, rivers, antique and modern bridges. Doesn't matter which side you are facing, the view will be breathtaking. Well, it matters to me in this trip because ocean side is always better for this beach lover :)

Just remember, if possible, travel light since you have to carry your luggages by yourself, in and out the train, and perhaps, you might need to run from one train to the other if changing at some point.

Èze, France

While in France, I took a train from Paris (Gare Lyon) to Nice (Nice Ville) to get to know part of the Côte d'Azur or French Riviera. The trip duration: 5:40hrs. 

As I was getting closer to Nice, even when my seat was at the wrong side of the train, the view to the ocean was amazing. When I started to see the water, I just walked to the cafeteria, got a glass of wine and sat on the right side to enjoy the view. 

In Nice, I had to take a regional train to Villefranche-sur-Mer, which it is in the same station. You can also take the bus for only 1€ 

I stayed for a weekend at Villefranche-sur-Mer, located between Monaco (to the east) and Nice (to the west). From there, only few minutes away, I visited Èze village. 

Èze is a small medieval town on top of a mountain where you can enjoy a gorgeous view of the Mediterranean sea and cities nearby. 

Since I didn't have enough time to visit everything I could, I had to decide to either go to Monaco or Èze. The first one, I've heard so many things I was curious to see it by myself. The second one, I've never heard of it but the little I read before deciding, it made it easier for me. No regrets about not visiting Monaco. Although, I will some other time. 

If like me, you only count on few hours to do a tour around a city, choose Èze. Unless you prefer casinos. My 1st day I spent it strolling around Villefrance-sur-Mer and Nice. My train back to Paris was leaving at 6pm from Nice, so I gotta be quick. 

I arrived at the small town by bus (another 1€) and all I could see from the bottom was a high heel to climb. It was going to be fun.

Started to walk by the cobblestone narrow streets, passing first by 'La Poterne' which it's the main entrance of the town. 

Squares as 'La Place du Planet' will make you stop to take pictures. That was the fountain where the residents of the village used to take fresh water. Nowadays, during summer time, you can simply refresh yourself. 

'La Chapelle Saint Croix' followed. This chapel was built by 1306, making it the oldest building in the village. Although this one was closed while I was in town, I visited 'Eglise Notre Dame de l'Assomption' which it was built between 1764 and 1778. 

I kept walking until I reach the top of the village, where the exotic garden is located. The view from there is AMAZING! And being surrender by plants from around the globe makes it even better.

Don't forget to visit Acceso Total 29 for our video (soon!)