Getting around the French Riviera without relying solely on a car
Choosing where to live on the French Riviera is not only about the town, the view or the distance from the sea. For professionals, families and international buyers, everyday transport connections can directly influence the choice of a neighbourhood or property.
The coastline benefits from a strong rail backbone. The reinforced Train ZOU! service between Cannes and Menton now offers a train every 15 minutes, connecting key destinations including Cannes, Antibes, Nice, Monaco and Menton. For homes located close to a station, regional rail can therefore provide a credible alternative to driving for commuting and access to the main coastal centres.
In Nice, the tram network extends this approach. Tram line 2 serves both terminals at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, connects with the city centre at Jean Médecin and continues to Port Lympia. On weekdays, airport-bound trams run approximately every eight minutes. This direct connection is particularly useful for residents who travel frequently or regularly welcome family, clients or international partners.
Around Sophia Antipolis, the final part of the journey is supported by the Envibus network. Lines A and B connect Antibes transport hub with Biot and Valbonne Sophia Antipolis. Since January 2026, line B has operated an enhanced route towards Sophia, with buses announced every 12 to 15 minutes and free travel with the Pass Navette. The wider bus-tram programme is designed to improve links between Antibes railway station and the Sophia Antipolis business park.
Intermodal travel is also becoming easier. Depending on the chosen product, the SudAzur pass integrates ZOU! regional trains with urban networks including Envibus, Palm Bus and Lignes d’Azur, as well as transport in Monaco. When considering a move, it therefore makes sense to assess not only the property address but also proximity to a railway station, transport hub and connecting bus routes.
A car remains useful for many journeys on the French Riviera, particularly in more dispersed residential areas. However, between Cannes, Antibes, Sophia Antipolis, Nice and Monaco, public transport alternatives are now structured enough for mobility to become part of a property strategy: commuting time, airport access, schools, teenagers’ independence and access to town centres.
At Côte d’Azur Agency, this practical perspective forms part of the residential assessment: a property is not only defined by its features, but also by how well it fits the daily life of the people who will live there.