The French Riviera, or Cรดte dโAzur, stretches along the southeastern coast of France, from the glitzy playground of Monaco down to the sun-soaked shores of Cannes and St. Tropez. Itโs famous for its azure waters, glamorous cities, charming medieval towns, and a perfect blend of French culture with a Mediterranean flair. Whether you’re into hiking rugged cliffs, browsing world-class art, or sipping cocktails by the beach, the Riviera has something for everyone โ and its highlights are all easily explored on day trips from Nice!
Nice is perfectly situated for a variety of memorable day trips, whether you’re interested in art, history, scenic views, or just soaking up the charm of neighboring towns. From here, you can easily hop between art-filled villages like St. Paul de Vence, coastal gems like Villefranche-sur-Mer, and even venture into Italy for a day.
For LGBTQ+ travelers, Nice not only offers a fantastic mix of culture, food, and nightlife, but itโs also one of the most queer-friendly destinations in France – so inclusive, we wrote an entire post to help you make the most of gay-friendly Nice!
Bookmark my epic Nice guide and explore these 11 day trips from Nice to make the most of your time in the French Riviera, whether you only have a weekend or you’re there for a week!
I had a rental car, so I explored these destinations on myself.
But I’ve linked guided tours throughout, so you can still plan adventures without going through the hassle and extra cost of renting a car.
Best Day Trips from Nice
The most popular day trips from Nice focus on the French Riviera and Monaco. However, Nice is also close to Marseille and Provence, which means these are just the starting point of your south of France adventures!
St. Paul de Vence
One of the most picturesque villages in Provence, St. Paul de Vence is perched on a rocky outcrop and surrounded by ancient ramparts. It has long inspired artists due to its breathtaking light and tranquil ambiance. As you stroll through the narrow, cobbled streets, you’ll find 16th and 18th-century stone facades, charming squares with fountains, and lush, blooming gardens. The town is also dotted with artisan shops and artists’ studios, making it the perfect place to find a unique souvenir.
For art lovers, Fondation Maeght is a must-visit. This world-class museum features works by Kandinsky, Mirรณ, and Giacometti, along with other modern masters. Plan to go early to avoid crowds, as it’s a popular stop. Afterward, consider a day trip to nearby St. Paul de Vence to visit the Matisse Chapel, designed by Henri Matisse himself.
- Distance: 12 km west of Nice
- How to Get There: By car (22-minute drive) or bus 400 from Niceโs Vauban bus station to St. Paul de Vence (50 min)
- Who Should Go: Art lovers, history buffs, and those looking for a serene, picturesque escape
- Find a tour
Eze
Eze is a stunning medieval town clinging to the cliffs above the Mediterranean. Although it’s popular with tourists, itโs a must-see for its breathtaking views and historic charm.
You can explore the Jardin Exotique, filled with exotic plants and offering panoramic views over the Cรดte d’Azur. It’s a great alternative to Monacoโs Jardin Exotique, which is currently closed. After wandering through the walled city, be sure to sample local specialties like Eze mandarin liqueur.
If you enjoy perfume, Fragonard and Galimard both offer workshops in Eze, which are great if you donโt have time to visit the perfume capital of Grasse. Create your own fragrance and bring home a personalized souvenir!
- Distance: 12 km east of Nice
- How to Get There: Take the LR112 bus from Gare Routiรจre Vauban in Nice to Eze Village (about a 25-minute ride) or the TER train to Eze-sur-Mer and walk up a steep hill to reach the village
- Who Should Go: Garden lovers, photographers, and those interested in medieval history
- Book an Eze, Monaco and Monte Carlo full-day tour
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild / Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is a dreamy peninsula known for its luxurious properties, lush greenery, and pristine beaches.
One of the highlights is the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, a lavish mansion once owned by Baroness Bรฉatrice de Rothschild. The villa features an audio tour that dives into the life of this eccentric aristocrat, but the real star is the expansive garden.
With seven themed gardensโincluding Spanish, Florentine, and Japaneseโthe villa is a haven for garden enthusiasts.
Visit later in the day to avoid crowds.
Cap-Ferrat also boasts some of the Rivieraโs best beaches, including the famous Paloma Beach, which you might recognize from “Emily in Paris.” Itโs the perfect place to relax, swim, or rent a sunbed for the afternoon.
- Distance: 10 km east of Nice
- How to Get There: By car (15-minute drive) or bus 15 from Niceโs Port Lympia to Villa Ephrussi ( 25 minutes ride) or bus 100 to Pont Saint-Jean.
- Who Should Go: Garden lovers, history buffs, and beachgoers
Villefranche-sur-Mer
Between Nice and Cap-Ferrat you’ll find Villefranche-sur-Mer, which is worth a visit in its own right! Villefranche-sur-Mer is quietly glamโฆas much money (if not more) than ritzy Riviera towns like St. Tropez, half the crowds. Start your visit at the Old Port, where colorful boats dot the harbor. Known for being one of the most beautiful ports in the Mediterranean, itโs the base for many summer cruises. Get lunch in the Old Town, with its narrow streets, stairways, and vibrant houses. Or head to the beach for a relaxing swim in stunning surroundings.
- Distance: 5 km east of Nice
- How to Get There: Take the TER train to Villefranche-sur-Mer (7-minute ride) or drive
- Who Should Go: Families, history lovers, and those seeking a relaxing beach day
Monaco
For a taste of glitz and glamour, Monaco is an excellent day trip from Nice. While some find it overpriced, I personally loved it!
The city is full of highlights, from the Prince’s Palaceโwhere you can catch the changing of the guardโto the amazing Oceanographic Museum, which offers discounted tickets if you visit at certain times of day.
I admit I’m an aquarium snob, growing up in New England. I really LOVED the Monaco aquarium, because it offered so many unusual fish, corals, and sea life โ backed by conservation messaging and a store that didn’t try to hawk you plastic garbage.
The combo ticket for both attractions gave a nice discount, plus I enjoyed a delicious plant-based lunch that didnโt break the bank. For more advice on visiting Monaco on a budget, check out the complete post on my Monaco day trip from Nice.
- Distance: 22 km east of Nice
- How to Get There: Take the TER train to Monaco Monte Carlo (22-minute ride) * parking is so expensive in Monaco, that I don’t recommend driving there!
- Who Should Go: Fans of luxury, history buffs, and families
Book an Eze, Monaco and Monte Carlo full-day tour
Ventimiglia (Italy)
For a quick escape to Italy, Ventimiglia is a charming Italian Riviera town less than an hour from Nice by train. Itโs a laid-back destination where you can explore the old town or relax on the beach. I loved taking a dip in the cool waters after a busy day in Monaco. While Ventimiglia isnโt flashy, thatโs what makes it appealingโit has a different, more relaxed feel compared to the French Riviera, offering a unique cross-border experience for those like me who can’t resist crossing an international border if given the chance.
- Distance: 40 km east of Nice
- How to Get There: Take the TER train to Ventimiglia (45-minute ride) or drive
- Who Should Go: Beachgoers, foodies, and those looking to explore a quieter side of the Italian Riviera
- Book a budget-friendly Italian Riviera day trip
Grasse and Gorges du Loup
Known as the “world capital of perfume,” Grasse is a fragrant haven for scent enthusiasts. The town is famous for its flower fields, and its Musรฉe International de la Parfumerie showcases the history of perfume-making.
Famous perfume houses like Fragonard, Galimard, and Molinard offer guided tours where you can learn about the art of creating fragrances and even try your hand at mixing your own scent.
After reading about flower fields you could tour, I was so excited to visit Grasse. I imagined myself in a field of jasmine flowers, then going behind the scenes to learn how perfume is made. We emailed the flower farmer and they never emailed back, so there went that dream. We decided to visit Grasse anyway and looking back, I wish I hadn’t pushed myself to go there our of FOMO.
Grasse was crowded and lacked the charm of other Riviera towns.
If you’re not a major fragrance fan, you might find that Grasse is not as captivating as you hoped.
If you do decide to check out Grasse and you have a car, consider adding in a visit to the nearby Gorges du Loup. This scenic area is home to waterfalls, dramatic cliffs, and charming medieval villages like Gourdon, Le Bar-sur-Loup, and Tourrettes-sur-Loup.
- Distance: 28 km west of Nice
- How to Get There: By car (40-minute drive), or take the TER train from Nice-Ville to Grasse (about 1 hour). From Grasse, take bus 511 or 500 to visit the Gorges du Loup.
- Who Should Go: Perfume enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those who enjoy exploring medieval villages
- Design your own perfume in Grasse
Verdon Gorge
If youโre craving some outdoor adventure, head to the Gorges du Verdon, one of Europeโs largest and most impressive canyons. With its striking turquoise waters, the gorge is ideal for boating, kayaking, or simply soaking up breathtaking views from the many viewpoints along the road. The gorge is also popular for hiking and climbing, offering trails of varying difficulty, including some with jaw-dropping cliffside routes.
On my visit, we opted for a rafting trip from the nearby village of Castellane, which is home to several rafting companies. The experience of running rapids while surrounded by towering cliffs and lush landscapes was exhilarating. This day trip is one of the longest from Nice, but the stunning natural beauty makes it well worth the effort.
- Distance: 142 km north-west of Nice
- How to Get There: Best reached by car (2-hour drive), but you can take the TER train from Nice to Cagnes-sur-Mer, then the 51 bus to Castellane (3.5 hours)
- Who Should Go: Adventure seekers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts
- Experience the Verdon Gorge on a daytrip from Nice
Cassis
The coastal town of Cassis, located near Marseille, is known for its picturesque port and charming neighborhoods. Take a leisurely stroll along the sunny quays lined with cafรฉs and restaurants, or enjoy a coffee break while watching the boats come and go.
Cassis is also a great jumping-off point for exploring the stunning Calanques National Park, narrow inlets with crystal-clear waters that are perfect for a boat trip or a swim.
If you’re up for some breathtaking views, drive along the Route des Crรชtes, which links Cassis to La Ciotat. The road winds along towering cliffs, offering spectacular panoramas of the Mediterranean. Itโs a scenic route thatโs perfect for photographers or anyone who loves a good coastal drive.
- Distance: 150 km west of Nice
- How to Get There: Take the TER train from Nice-Ville to Marseille St. Charles (2.5 hours), then transfer to a regional train to Cassis (another 35 minutes) or drive (1 hr 50 min)
- Who Should Go: Beach lovers, photographers, and those seeking natural beauty
- Kayak the Calanques from Cassis
Menton
If youโre looking for a sunny escape, Menton might just be the perfect destination. Known as France’s sunniest city, Menton is famous for its citrus production and annual Lemon Festival. While there, explore the charming Old Town with its colorful houses, beach stone mosaics, and beautiful ceramic murals. You can also visit some of Menton’s lovely gardens and enjoy the peaceful seaport.
Since Menton is close to both Monaco and Ventimiglia (Italy), you can easily combine all three in a single day trip, which is exactly what we did. It was fascinating to see the difference in atmosphere between the French and Italian Riviera towns. Ventimiglia was laid back and locals’ only, while Menton was hopping at 9 pm with shops open on the Main Street long after we finished our Indian food dinner.
- Distance: 22 km east of Nice
- How to Get There: Take the TER train to Menton (38-minute ride) or drive
- Who Should Go: Garden lovers, festival-goers, and those seeking a sunny coastal retreat
Cannes
If you’re looking for a taste of luxury, Cannes is the ideal day trip from Nice. Famous for its film festival and glamorous lifestyle, Cannes offers stunning beaches, upscale restaurants, and high-end shops along La Croisette. Donโt miss a stroll through the Old Port, where yachts line the harbor, or explore Le Suquet, the cityโs oldest neighborhood, with its winding streets and excellent views.
For those interested in a bit of nature, La Croix des Gardes offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding area. Whether you’re relaxing on the beach or exploring the old town, Cannes exudes elegance and style, making it the perfect place to indulge in a little luxury.
- Distance: 31 km west of Nice
- How to Get There: Take the TER train to Cannes (22-minute ride) or drive
- Who Should Go: Luxury seekers, film buffs, and beachgoers
Each town along the French Riviera brings its own unique flavor, making it a true patchwork of experiences. Some spots, like Eze and the Verdon Gorge, are a dream for nature lovers, with their stunning vistas and outdoor adventures. Others, like St. Paul de Vence, are super artsy, drawing in creatives with galleries and museums. Then, you have the glitzy, see-and-be-seen vibes of Monaco and Cannes, where luxury and glamour are the name of the game. And while places like Villefranche-sur-Mer are bustling cruise ports, towns like Menton and Ventimiglia feel like hidden gems, offering a more local, laid-back atmosphere.
The beauty of a French Riviera vacation is that you can soak in all these different vibes at your own pace, leaving plenty of time to linger over a delicious meal or relax at the beach. Half the fun is exploring each townโs personality and savoring what makes them special.
Iโll be sharing my full French Riviera itinerary soon, packed with insider tips to help you plan an unforgettable trip. Want in? Sign up for my email list and youโll get an early bird discount when the itinerary drops! ๐โ๏ธ
