17 Fantastic Day Trips from Nice

The 5th largest city in France, Nice is considered the capital of the Côte d’Azur. And while there is so much to do in Nice, the French Riviera boasts some of the most beautiful places to visit in southern France – all within easy reach of Nice.

From charming hilltop medieval villages to some of Europe’s swankiest beach destinations and cities. You can even nip across the border to Italy for a change of scenery and culture – Visit the best places in the French Riviera on these day trips from Nice. See our guide to the annual weather patterns in Nice to choose the best time to visit.

How to Get Around the French Riviera

The entire French Riviera is very well connected with train and bus services. We give you the public transport information for each destination where available.

The train (TER Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur) is often the most convenient and fastest. Some destinations are better explored by car or on a day tour if you don’t wish to drive yourself. We give tour recommendations where we believe they are good value and make sense.

17 Fantastic Day Trips from Nice – See the Best Places in the French Riviera

The incredibly wealthy Principality of Monaco is a sovereign city-state and microstate on the French Riviera. It is known for its luxurious lifestyle, glamorous atmosphere, casinos, and the famous Monte Carlo Grand Prix. One of the most popular day trips from Nice, Monaco, is a short train ride away. 

A must-see destination for those visiting Nice, there is a lot to see and do in the glitzy city of Monte Carlo and the tiny Principality of Monaco.

Visitors can explore the palace of the ruling Grimaldi family, rub shoulders with the mega-rich at the beautiful Monte Carlo Casino, or go for a spin on the famous Formula One circuit. (We especially enjoyed driving the famous Formula One circuit in our tiny Fiat Panda rental car)

Explore the old town, visit the oceanographic museum, or take a stroll along the famous Monte-Carlo beaches and the renowned harbour full of impressive mega yachts. Monaco, one of the smallest countries in the world, dishes up an impressive sneak peek at the lives of the rich and famous. 

Located just a short train ride from Nice (25 minutes), Antibes charms visitors with its beautiful old town, lively markets and glorious powder sand beaches.

Those not fussed with the pebbly shores of Nice find their ultimate French Riveria setting on the laid-back Cap d’Antibes peninsula and along the Juan-les-Pins coastline. 

Antibes offers a great mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. Explore the picturesque old town and historic fortresses, visit the Picasso Museum in the Château Grimaldi, where Picasso spent three months painting, or take a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais. See the largest marina in Europe, Port Vauban, which boasts an impressive array of mega yachts. 

Southwest of Nice, past Antibes, Cannes is known for its famous film festival, luxurious soft sandy beaches, high-end shopping, and celebrity lifestyle. It’s not surprising Cannes is one of the most famous and popular destinations on the French Riviera. 

Cannes offers a great mix of culture and glamour. Visitors can explore the old town and the Old Port and visit the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès for a photo on the famous red carpet, which is out all year long. Take a stroll along the famous Croisette beach and see the stylish boutiques and restaurants or go shopping at the Forville Market.

The charming medieval village of Vence is just a short bus ride from Nice and offers a great mix of art, culture, and natural beauty.

The quaint hilltop town in the hills of the Alpes Maritimes department is known for its art galleries, museums, and the Chapelle du Rosaire, a famous chapel designed by Henri Matisse. 

Take a stroll through the old town where you can collect the famous Vence spring water from various fountains. There are plenty of typical cafes to discover, along with Vence’s long connection with art. Explore the markets held daily in the main square, Place Maréchal Juin.

Outside the historic walls, you can enjoy beautiful views and stroll around the Place du Frêne and the Place du Grand Jardin, next to the Porte du Peyra. 

A short distance from Vence is Saint-Paul-de-Vence, the medieval hilltop village known for its stunning views of the Mediterranean, charming cobblestone streets, art galleries, charming cafes and charismatic atmosphere. 

Visit the Renoir Museum and the Foundation Maeght to view a stunning collection of modern art showcasing artists such as Marc Chagall and Joan Miró – note that the Maeght Foundation is a short walk out of town. 

Visit the grave site of Chagall, stroll through the village’s historical centre, and enjoy the beautiful views from the ramparts.

Stop for lunch on the patio at the famous Colombe d’Or Restaurant. Once frequented by legendary artists such as Matisse and Picasso, the family-run auberge boasts a priceless collection of art and a gorgeous setting for a long lazy lunch. 

The world’s perfume capital, the charming hilltop town of Grasse, is known for its perfume industry and offers a great mix of history and culture. 

There are around 30 perfume factories (perfumeries) in the town where you can learn about perfumery and create your own signature scent.

The Fragonard Perfume factory (by far the most famous), Molinard, and Gallimard perfumeries are the best to visit, offering guided tours and workshops. 

The lovely village with tree-shaded courtyards, charming outdoor cafés, and quaint cobblestone streets is in the foothills of the Maritime Alps, surrounded by beautiful and aromatic fields of Provincial flowers – so a stroll through the old town offers gorgeous views.

Visit the Musée International de la Parfumerie (International Perfume Museum) and the Grasse Cathedral, which contains many important works of art, including paintings by Rubens.

The charming medieval village of Eze has an enviable location high on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean.

Only a short bus ride from Nice, Eze offers a great mix of history and natural beauty. It’s not surprising it is one of the most popular day trips from Nice. 

 Eze is the quintessential French Medieval postcard town known for its narrow cobbled streets with stone houses draped in greenery, exotic gardens and charming local restaurants. 

Visit Le Jardin exotique d’Eze to see an impressive collection of exotic cacti and other botanical species. The 5-star Château de La Chèvre d’Or is also famous for its gardens and exotic animal statues and is a great place for lunch with magnificent views at the Ramparts Restaurant. 

If you’re feeling active, you can hike the Nietzsche path for incredible views.

The glamorous seaside town of St Tropez is known for its luxury yachts, designer boutiques, stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife. 

Soak up the lavish lifestyle of St Tropez, where luxury yachts now outnumber fishing boats in the Port. Head to Plage de Pampelonne and Plage des Graniers for crystal-clear waters and fine sand.

Menton is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities we’ve visited on the French Riviera. Menton is the last city on the French coast before you hit the Italian border, and Italy’s stunning Liguria region five miles away. 

The colourful coastal city oozes charm with a good dash of Italian influence. We are not the only ones who consider Menton one of the most beautiful places on the French Riviera, as the city dazzles visitors with clusters of villas in pastel hues of pink and orange.

Menton is known for its agreeable microclimate, high end designer shops, upscale restaurants, and palm-fringed beaches. The hilly old town also boasts beautiful historical buildings and magnificent views over the coast.

Visit the 18th-century Basilique Saint-Michel and the Cimetière du Vieux Château for stellar views over the city and sea. See the ornate facade of La Chapelle des Pénitents-Blancs and visit the Musée Jean Cocteau collection to see works by poet Jean Cocteau. Stroll along the Promenade du Soleil to soak up the sunshine and views. Menton will undoubtedly steal your heart as it did with Queen Victoria when she visited in 1882.

Pop over the border to Italy for a change of culture for the day. Only 20 minutes from Menton, you can make a great combined day trip from Nice.

One of the most charming towns in Liguria, Ventimiglia, a short train ride from Nice, offers a glimpse into the culture and history of Italy. Upper Ventimiglia is one of Liguria’s most important historical centres, preserving almost ten centuries of the city’s history. Visitors can explore the ancient Roman ruins, including the Roman Theatre, or wander through the charming streets lined with shops and restaurants.

Visit the caves of Balzi Rossi and prehistoric museum, and the stunning Hanbury Gardens, the most famous acclimatisation garden on the Riviera and one of the most important in Europe. The Cathedral of Ventimiglia is considered one of the best examples of the Romanesque architecture of Liguria.

The covered market of Ventimiglia dates back to 1922. It was the first construction in Europe for the marketing of cut flowers.

The market is still very famous in Italy and neighbouring France for the variety and quality of its fruit and vegetables, typical gastronomic products, and of course, flowers. While staying in Liguria, the Ventimiglia market was our go-to for incredible Italian produce and local pesto sauces.

On a Friday morning, Ventimiglia is famous for its vast outdoor market selling everything from knock-off designer clothes, shoes, plants, cheese and typical Italian produce. 

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is an exclusive coastal town a short bus ride from Nice, offering a great mix of luxury and natural beauty. 

Along with fantastic beaches and plenty of stylish villas and gardens to admire, the highlight is the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild.

The residence of Baroness Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild, daughter of the wealthy banker Baron Alphonse de Rothschild, offers visitors a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the incredibly affluent during the early 20th century. 

Visitors can explore the various rooms and gardens of Villa Ephrussi, filled with art and antiques in the style of an Italian palazzo.

Surrounding the villa are expansive, immaculately landscaped grounds overlooking serene deep-blue Mediterranean waters. Explore a stunning array of French, Japanese, and Provençal gardens, an Exotic Garden, a fragrant Rose Garden, and one that includes Roman archaeological relics.

Visit the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild site for tickets, opening hours and events information. 

Beaulieu-sur-Mer is a picturesque coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, luxurious yachts, vibrant nightlife and upscale shops and restaurants.

There is plenty to enjoy in Beaulieu-sur-Mer: Explore the charming narrow streets in the old town with its picturesque squares and old buildings, such as Saint-Michel’s church.

Stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, a popular spot for people-watching and beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Relax on one of Beaulieu-sur-Mer’s beautiful beaches, including Plage de Passable and Plage des Fourmis. Visit the Exotic Garden, which has a collection of plants from around the world, including cacti, palm trees, and other tropical plants.

A highlight of Beaulieu-sur-Mer is Villa Kérylos. The beautiful villa is a replica of an ancient Greek home and offers a glimpse into ancient Greek culture and lifestyle.

Archaeologist Théodore Reinach, in collaboration with architect Emmanuel Pontremoli, created the villa in the style of a noblemen’s house on the Island of Delos in Greece, accurately following 2nd-century BC Greek building methods.

The villa’s furnishings, mosaics, and decorations accurately replicate those found in archaeological collections. 

Visitors can take a guided tour to step back a few millennia to a lavish scene of ancient Greece and learn more about the villa’s history and architecture. See the Villa Kérylos website to plan your visit. 

A few kilometres from Beaulieu-sur-Mer, the charming coastal town of Villefranche-sur-Mer is known for its picturesque old town and stunning beaches. 

A picturesque harbour lined with colourful Italianate buildings set against rolling hills of olive groves and a very agreeable microclimate is one reason stars like Tina Turna keep a villa in Villefranche-sur-Mer. The town has also been featured in films such as Never Say Never Again and To Catch a Thief.  

Beyond the quaint harbour and gorgeous sandy beaches, visitors can explore the narrow streets of the historic centre and enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants serving fresh seafood. Visit the Citadelle Saint-Elme, an ancient fortress with stunning views of the town and the Mediterranean Sea. See the Eglise Saint-Michel church built in the town’s characteristic Italian Baroque style.

By the harbour is the 16th-century Chapelle de Saint Pierre des Pecheurs. The fisherman’s chapel was decorated in 1956 by Jean Cocteau, who often stayed at Villefranche-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. A scene from his film, Le Testament d’Orphée, was set on the atmospheric medieval Rue Obscure, which is below the old town in Villefranche-sur-Mer.

A laidback alternative to Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer makes a great day trip or even a nice place to spend a few days. 

The small French Riviera town of Cagnes-sur-Mer, with its pretty beaches, and picturesque old town lined with colourful houses, is where Impressionist artist Renoir spent the last 12 years of his life. 

At the Musée Renoir, dedicated to the works of the French painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir, visitors can see the famous painter’s tranquil gardens, home and studio. 

Take the complimentary shuttle, bus 44, from Square Bourdet to the smaller medieval village of Haut-de-Cagnes. It is located on a hilltop and offers stunning views of the town and the Mediterranean Sea. Explore the narrow lanes of the small town and visit the Château-Musée Grimaldi, a museum and art gallery in the castle of Cagnes-sur-Mer. 

Gorges des Alpes-Maritimes Driving Tour

For those who enjoy a scenic drive, the Gorges des Alpes-Maritimes Driving Tour is a scenic self-driving tour through the Alpes-Maritimes region of the French Riviera. The route takes visitors through the beautiful landscape of rocky cliffs, lush vegetation, and clear mountain streams with stunning views of the Mediterranean sea.

One route takes you through the Gorges de Daluis and the Gorges de la Vésubie, where you can admire the stunning scenery and stop at various viewpoints. The tour also takes you through the charming villages of Saint-Martin-Vésubie, Utelle, and Colmars-Les-Alpes, where you can stop for a meal or a drink.

One of the tour’s highlights is the Col de la Bonette, the highest road pass in Europe at an altitude of 2,715 meters. The drive offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Finish in the town of Barcelonnette, where you can explore the charming old town and visit the Musée de la Vallée.

It’s important to note that the tour is winding and steep at some points, so be mindful to drive slowly and carefully and check the road conditions and traffic before starting, especially in winter.

Take the steep drive to the old town of Peillon, known for its charming narrow streets, tight clusters of colourful houses, and beautiful fountains. Visit the Eglise Saint-Sauveur church at the highest point in the village for magnificent views. The Chapel of the White Penitents (Chapel of Penitents-Blancs) has exquisite 15th-century fresco paintings by Jean Canavesio, and the Chapelle Saint-Roch boasts beautiful views.

If you don’t want to drive the 30 minutes between towns, you can hike to the hilltop village of Peille along the scenic seven-kilometre, two-hour Route Napoléon. 

The tiny 12th-century village of Peille is more remote than Peillon but a pleasure to explore. Wander the steep and narrow streets and vaulted passages in the town that further add to the charm. See the 15th century gothic fountain, the thirteenth-century castle ruins, and the beautiful ancient frescos inside the church.

This picturesque medieval village of Biot is known for its glass-blowing workshops and art galleries. Visitors can watch artisans at work and purchase unique Biot glass pieces to take home. 

Biot is famous for the Bubble Glass technique created by Éloi Monod in the late 1950s. Monod used the method to transform flaws into assets, intentionally trapping bubbles in the glass to create an aesthetic element. Today, these bubbles are skilfully designed and have made the village of Biot famous worldwide for its hand-blown glass.

People also come to the small fortified medieval village of Biot to explore the winding cobbled lanes of the elevated fort and to visit its renowned museum dedicated to cubist artist Fernand Léger. The town also has several charming restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy a leisurely meal.