i need to get from NICE to PARIS on the 7th of may as late as
possible, or first thing on the 8th.  Not sure the cheapest way to do
this as i have never been to France before.  I looked at some of the
train sites and easyjet and the price is high and the departure times
are not late enough... where is the magic that i am missing..  thanks
for any help

HI,
here is website of the  French railway:

http://www.voyages-sncf.com  

Eventually you can discover the Nice-Paris schedule, you have to enter
the date and time after which you want to depart.  there are only
high-speed trains : TGV.
I found one departing at 10.20 arriving in Paris at 16.55.
The price was Euro 113.60, definitely cheaper than flying.
There are other trains, of course, and a night train.

Sorry, I am a sloppy reader.  Latest trains on 7. may:

	
Gares de départ et d'arrivée 	Horaires 	Train(s) 		Durée : 05h40
  NICE VILLE 	17h31 	TGV 6184 	
	 Choisir cet aller
  PARIS GARE DE LYON 	23h11 	Service Handicapé Voiture bar Transport de vélo payant
 
Gares de départ et d'arrivée 	Horaires 	Train(s) 		Durée : 11h14
  NICE VILLE 	19h07 	Service Auto Express 24506 	
  PARIS BERCY 	06h21 	AutoTrain 	Non vendu sur Internet
 
Gares de départ et d'arrivée 	Horaires 	Train(s) 		Durée : 10h56
  NICE VILLE 	20h49 	CORAIL 5770 	
	 Choisir cet aller
  PARIS AUSTERLITZ 	07h45 	Transport de vélo payant Compartiment Famille

You probably figured it out:  17.31, arr: 32.11 at Gare de Lyon   
                              19.07, arr: 6.21 at Paris Bercy  (an
auto transport station)
                              20.49, arr: 7.45 at Paris Austerlitz station.
I couldn't find the price or add-on for a sleeping car.