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Day Trips from Nice, France: Ultimate Guide to Exploring the French Riviera
Planning your trip to Nice, France and wondering what to see beyond the city? Nice is the perfect base for exploring the French Riviera, including glamorous towns, scenic villages, and even a touch of Monaco’s luxury. From historic hilltop villages to sandy beaches and cultural hotspots, this guide will help you plan the perfect day trips from Nice.
Whether you’re visiting from the US or Europe, these destinations are ideal for families, couples, solo travelers, and luxury seekers alike.
Pair your day trips with our Complete Guide to Visiting Nice, France and Nice Beaches Guide for a complete French Riviera experience.
Quick Overview of Top Day Trips from Nice
| Destination | Type | Travel Time | Highlights | Best For |
| Monaco | City & Luxury | 30 min train/car | Casino, Prince’s Palace, Oceanographic Museum | Luxury travelers, couples |
| Eze | Hilltop Village | 20–25 min car/bus | Exotic gardens, medieval streets, perfume factory | Couples, photographers |
| Antibes | Coastal Town | 30–35 min train/car | Picasso Museum, sandy beaches, marina | Families, culture lovers |
| Cannes | City & Beaches | 40–50 min train/car | Film Festival sites, La Croisette | Luxury travelers, beach lovers |
| Saint-Paul-de-Vence | Village & Art | 30–40 min car | Art galleries, cobblestone streets | Art lovers, couples |
| Villefranche-sur-Mer | Coastal Village | 15–20 min train | Sandy beaches, old harbor | Families, beach lovers |
| Menton | Coastal Town | 40–50 min train | Gardens, Lemon Festival | Garden lovers, cultural travelers |
Nice is perfectly located for day trips to Monaco, Cannes, Antibes, and charming hilltop villages like Eze or Saint-Paul-de-Vence, all under an hour away.
Table of Contents
In Nice, the best views come when you follow the curve of the sea.
1. Monaco: Luxury & Glamour in 30 Minutes
Monaco is one of the most glamorous day trips from Nice, famous for luxury, casinos, yachts, and Michelin-star dining.
Highlights
- Prince’s Palace: Historic palace with changing of the guard
- Monte Carlo Casino: Iconic casino and gardens
- Oceanographic Museum: Ideal for families and culture lovers
- Larvotto Beach: Swim or relax by the Mediterranean
Travel Tips
- Transport: 30-minute train or drive along the coast
- Best time to visit: Morning to early afternoon for less crowds
- Pro tip: Parking is expensive, so train or bus is recommended
Monaco is a glamorous day trip from Nice, perfect for luxury sightseeing, beaches, and museums in just 30 minutes.
2. Eze: Medieval Hilltop Charm
Eze is a picturesque village perched on a hilltop with stunning views of the Riviera. It’s famous for medieval streets, exotic gardens, and perfumeries.
Highlights
- Exotic Garden (Jardin Exotique): Panoramic sea views and cacti gardens
- Fragonard Perfume Factory: Free tours and perfume shopping
- Cobblestone streets: Quaint streets filled with artisan shops
Travel Tips
- Transport: 20–25 min car or bus from Nice
- Best for: Photography, romantic strolls, and cultural exploration
- Pro tip: Wear comfortable shoes for steep climbs
Eze is a medieval hilltop village near Nice, perfect for views, perfume tours, and romantic walks.
3. Antibes: Beaches & Culture
Antibes is a charming coastal town known for sandy beaches, Picasso Museum, and a lively marina.
Highlights
- Picasso Museum: Housed in Château Grimaldi
- Beaches: Family-friendly with calm waters
- Old Town: Cobblestone streets and local markets
- Port Vauban: One of Europe’s largest marinas
Travel Tips
- Transport: 30–35 min train or car
- Best for: Families and art lovers
- Pro tip: Visit in the morning to explore the old town before hitting the beaches
Antibes is an ideal day trip from Nice for art, beaches, and historic old town exploration.
4. Cannes: Film, Beaches & Luxury
Cannes is synonymous with the glamorous Film Festival, but it’s also a beautiful seaside city with beaches and shopping.
Highlights
- La Croisette: Luxury promenade lined with palm trees and hotels
- Beaches: Private and public options along the coast
- Film Festival Palaces: Explore famous festival venues
Travel Tips
- Transport: 40–50 min train or drive
- Best for: Luxury travelers, beach lovers, and culture enthusiasts
- Pro tip: Avoid festival dates unless you want crowds
Cannes is a glamorous day trip from Nice for beaches, shopping, and iconic Film Festival sights.
5. Saint-Paul-de-Vence: Art & Cobblestone Streets
Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a quintessential hilltop art village, famous for galleries, museums, and medieval streets.
Highlights
- Art galleries: Explore works from Chagall and local artists
- La Colombe d’Or: Historic café with original artworks
- Cobblestone streets: Perfect for romantic walks
Travel Tips
- Transport: 30–40 min drive from Nice
- Best for: Art lovers, couples, and photographers
- Pro tip: Arrive early to enjoy peaceful streets
Saint-Paul-de-Vence is perfect for a day trip from Nice to explore art galleries and medieval streets.
6. Villefranche-sur-Mer: Sandy Shores & Old Harbor
Villefranche-sur-Mer is a picturesque coastal village just 15–20 minutes from Nice by train.
Highlights
- Sandy beach: One of the few sandy beaches near Nice
- Old harbor: Colorful buildings and seafood restaurants
- Citadel & walking paths: Historical and scenic walks
Travel Tips
- Transport: Train or 20-minute drive
- Best for: Families and beach lovers
- Pro tip: Combine with snorkeling or water sports
Villefranche-sur-Mer is ideal for a beach-focused day trip from Nice, with colorful harbors and calm waters.
7. Menton: Gardens & Culture
Menton, near the Italian border, is famous for gardens, citrus fruits, and the Lemon Festival.
Highlights
- Jardin Serre de la Madone: Exotic plants and gardens
- Old Town: Cobblestone streets with pastel buildings
- Lemon Festival (Feb/March): Famous cultural event
Travel Tips
- Transport: 40–50 min train from Nice
- Best for: Garden lovers, families, and cultural travelers
- Pro tip: Visit gardens in spring for colorful blooms
Menton is a cultural day trip from Nice for gardens, Italian flair, and seasonal festivals.
8. Day Trip Comparison Table
| Destination | Travel Time | Best For | Highlights | Family-Friendly |
| Monaco | 30 min | Luxury, couples | Casino, Palace, Oceanographic Museum | Medium |
| Eze | 20–25 min | Photography, couples | Hilltop views, gardens, perfume factory | Low |
| Antibes | 30–35 min | Families, art lovers | Picasso Museum, beaches | High |
| Cannes | 40–50 min | Luxury, culture | Beaches, Film Festival | Medium |
| Saint-Paul-de-Vence | 30–40 min | Art lovers, couples | Galleries, cobblestone streets | Low |
| Villefranche-sur-Mer | 15–20 min | Families, beach lovers | Sandy beach, old harbor | High |
| Menton | 40–50 min | Garden & culture lovers | Gardens, Lemon Festival | Medium |
9. Travel Tips for Day Trips from Nice
- Use trains for efficiency: Most coastal towns are accessible via SNCF or TER trains.
- Early starts: Popular destinations like Monaco and Eze can get crowded.
- Combine trips: Visit Villefranche-sur-Mer on the way to Monaco or Eze for scenic stops.
- Packing tips: Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, water, and light snacks.
- Check opening hours: Museums, gardens, and galleries often close midday or Monday.
Combine day trips with our Nice Beaches Guide and Where to Stay in Nice, France for seamless planning.
Visiting the French Riviera Day Trips from Nice
Nice is the perfect base for exploring the French Riviera, offering easy access to luxury destinations, historic hilltop villages, sandy beaches, and cultural gems. Whether you’re seeking romance, family fun, or adventure, these day trips from Nice allow you to experience the region without changing hotels.
Combine your day trips with our Where to Stay in Nice, France, Nice Beaches Guide, and Best Things to Do in Nice guides to create the ultimate Riviera itinerary.
FAQs – Day Trips from Nice
1. Can I visit Monaco, Eze, and Antibes in one day?
While possible, it’s best to choose 1–2 destinations per day to fully enjoy each location.
2. Are these day trips suitable for families?
Yes, especially Antibes, Villefranche-sur-Mer, and Menton, which offer beaches and easy walking.
3. How do I get to these destinations from Nice?
Most destinations are accessible by public transportation (train, bus) or car. Trains are efficient for Monaco, Antibes, Cannes, and Villefranche-sur-Mer.
4. Is Monaco expensive for a day trip?
Monaco can be pricey, especially restaurants and attractions. Consider bringing snacks or dining just outside Monaco for savings.
5. Can I combine beaches with cultural day trips?
You surely can! Combine a morning in Eze or Saint-Paul-de-Vence with an afternoon at Villefranche-sur-Mer beach.
6. Are these destinations in Nice accessible in winter?
Yes, but some private attractions or gardens may be closed in winter months.
7. Which day trip is best for a romantic outing?
Eze and Saint-Paul-de-Vence are perfect for romantic views, charming streets, and fine dining.
Pages That Support This Guide
To help with deeper planning, this page connects to detailed guides such as:
