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Day Trips From Nice

The most Popular Day Trips

Most Popular Day Trips from Nice

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Everything you need to know about Day Trips from Nice

Nice, the jewel of the French Riviera, is not only a destination in itself but also a perfect base for exploring the stunning surrounding areas. With its central location and excellent transportation links, Nice offers easy access to a variety of charming towns, picturesque villages, and natural wonders. Here are some of the best day trips from Nice that will add unforgettable experiences to your Côte d’Azur adventure.

Monaco: Glamour and Luxury

A day trip to Monaco is a journey into a world of opulence and excitement. Just a 20-minute train ride from Nice, this tiny principality packs a punch with its legendary casino, luxurious yachts, and Formula 1 racetrack. Start your day trip to Monaco at the Prince’s Palace, where you can witness the changing of the guard ceremony. Then, wander through the narrow streets of Monaco-Ville, the old town perched on a rocky promontory.

No visit to Monaco is complete without exploring the Monte Carlo district. Here, you can try your luck at the famous Casino de Monte-Carlo or simply admire its Belle Époque architecture. For car enthusiasts, the Monaco Top Cars Collection showcases Prince Rainier III’s impressive automobile collection. End your day with a stroll through the beautiful Jardin Exotique, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and the principality.

Cannes: Cinematic Charm

Famous for its international film festival, Cannes is a glittering seaside town that’s easily accessible for a day trip from Nice. Begin your day trip to Cannes with a walk along La Croisette, the palm-lined promenade that hugs the shoreline. Stop to admire the luxury hotels and designer boutiques that line this famous boulevard.

Climb the steps to Le Suquet, the old town, for panoramic views of the bay and the Lérins Islands. Visit the Marché Forville to sample local produce and Provençal specialties. Film buffs shouldn’t miss the opportunity to pose on the red-carpeted steps of the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, where the Cannes Film Festival takes place each May. Before heading back to Nice, take a leisurely stroll along the Vieux Port, admiring the mix of fishing boats and luxury yachts.

Saint-Paul-de-Vence: Artistic Haven

For art lovers and history enthusiasts, a day trip to Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a must. This medieval hilltop village, just a 30-minute drive from Nice, has long been a magnet for artists and celebrities. As you wander through its narrow, cobblestone streets, you’ll discover why painters like Marc Chagall and actors like Yves Montand fell in love with this charming locale.

Visit the Fondation Maeght, a world-renowned modern art museum featuring works by Miró, Calder, and Giacometti. Explore the village’s numerous art galleries and studios, where you might catch artists at work. Don’t miss La Colombe d’Or, a historic hotel-restaurant adorned with original works by famous artists who once dined there in exchange for their art. Before leaving, take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside from the village ramparts.

Èze: Perched Village with a View

Èze, a picturesque village perched on a narrow rocky peak overlooking the Mediterranean, offers a perfect escape from the bustling Riviera. Your day trip to Èze begins with a scenic bus or train ride from Nice, followed by a short hike up to the village. As you explore the medieval streets, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time.

Visit the exotic Jardin d’Èze, a cactus garden with stunning panoramic views of the coast. Explore the village’s artisan shops, selling everything from handmade soaps to local wines. For a truly memorable experience, book a tour at the nearby Fragonard perfume factory to learn about the art of perfume-making. End your day with a meal at one of Èze’s romantic restaurants, enjoying the spectacular sunset over the Mediterranean.

Antibes: Ancient Charm and Modern Art

Antibes, with its old town enclosed by 16th-century ramparts, offers a perfect blend of history and culture for a day trip from Nice. Start your day trip to Antibes by exploring the narrow streets of the old town, filled with charming cafes, boutiques, and colorful buildings. Visit the Picasso Museum, housed in the Château Grimaldi, where the artist once lived and worked.

Take a stroll along the Cap d’Antibes coastal path for stunning views of the Mediterranean and the snow-capped Alps in the distance. The Marché Provençal is a feast for the senses, offering local produce, flowers, and artisanal products. Don’t miss the Port Vauban, Europe’s largest yachting harbor, where you can admire some of the world’s most luxurious yachts. Before heading back to Nice, relax on one of Antibes’ beautiful beaches, such as the Plage de la Gravette.

Grasse: Fragrant Paradise

Known as the world’s perfume capital, Grasse offers a unique sensory experience just an hour’s drive from Nice. Your day trip to Grasse will be filled with aromatic adventures. Start by visiting one of the town’s famous perfumeries, such as Fragonard, Molinard, or Galimard, where you can learn about the perfume-making process and even create your own signature scent.

Explore the charming old town, with its winding streets and beautiful architecture. The International Perfume Museum offers a fascinating journey through the history of fragrances. For a change of pace, visit the nearby Gorges du Loup, a stunning canyon where you can enjoy a picnic by the river or take a refreshing dip in the natural pools. Before leaving Grasse, pick up some locally made fragrances or aromatic Provençal herbs as souvenirs.

Menton: Lemon Festival and Botanical Gardens

Menton, the last stop on the French Riviera before Italy, is known for its mild microclimate and beautiful gardens. A day trip to Menton is perfect for those seeking a more relaxed pace. Start your visit at the Jardin Botanique Val Rahmeh, a lush tropical garden home to rare and exotic plants. Then, explore the old town with its pastel-colored buildings and baroque churches.

Visit the Jean Cocteau Museum, dedicated to the multi-talented artist who fell in love with Menton. If you’re visiting in February, don’t miss the famous Fête du Citron (Lemon Festival), where giant sculptures made of citrus fruits take over the town. End your day with a stroll along the promenade and a swim at one of Menton’s pebbly beaches. Before heading back to Nice, indulge in some local specialties, such as lemon-flavored treats or traditional Mentonnaise cuisine.

Villefranche-sur-Mer: Colorful Seaside Charm

Just a short train ride from Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer is a picturesque fishing village that feels worlds away from the glitz of the Riviera. Your day trip to Villefranche-sur-Mer can start with a walk along the colorful waterfront, admiring the pastel-hued houses reflected in the bay’s clear waters. Explore the old town’s narrow, steep streets and discover hidden squares and charming cafes.

Visit the 16th-century Citadelle Saint-Elme, which houses several museums and offers panoramic views of the bay. The Chapelle Saint-Pierre, decorated with murals by Jean Cocteau, is another must-see. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the Plage des Marinières, one of the longest and most beautiful beaches on the Côte d’Azur. Before returning to Nice, enjoy a seafood dinner at one of the restaurants along the waterfront, savoring the catch of the day as you watch the sun set over the Mediterranean.

Day Trips From Nice