Mike,
Sounds a great trip, can't help with your destination we stayed north west.
I can recommend the motorrail from holland too. The advantage is being able to drive your own car on and off the train, and travel with it. A great restaurant car is an added bonus. Book the late sitting and you can remain at your table til late rather than give it up at 8.30.

@Minikeefy - it also goes to Alessandria in northern Italy, and that's not too far from Nice.

Kevin
Black/tan 4/4 sport