Are you looking to see more of the French Riviera during your stay in Nice? Then this detailed overview of day trips from Nice is the perfect place to start!
Its strategic position on the French Riviera and proximity to so many picturesque villages, coastal towns, the microstate of Monaco, and even the Italian Riviera make Nice a convenient base for a variety of day trips.
What’s great about Nice is that getting to all those amazing nearby spots doesn’t just mean hitting the road. The public transportation network and ferry connections make it an absolute breeze to hop around from one cool destination to the next.
My curated list of Nice day trips mentions the best places to visit on the French Riviera and beyond. Plus, it provides insight into each destination, highlights the must-sees, details how to get there by train, bus, ferry, or car, and specifies which destinations can be combined into a single day trip from Nice.
I’ve been living this list for over 30 years. Nice has been my home base on every visit to the French Riviera, which means I’ve done every one of these day trips myself, some of them dozens of times, solo, with my husband, and with my kids in tow. I’ve caught the train at rush hour, missed the last bus back from Èze, and figured out exactly which ones are worth combining and which ones you shouldn’t rush. This guide reflects what’s actually held up over three decades of doing this, not a checklist assembled from research.
Are you ready to discover the best day tours from Nice to complete your French Riviera itinerary? Then let’s dive in.
This article features the best day trips from Nice, France, and zooms in on the must-sees. It also explains the best way to get to every destination and highlights the top accommodations near the main transportation hubs.
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Best day trips from Nice (quick overview)
Best day trips from Nice by train?
Monaco, Antibes, Menton, Cannes & Grasse
Best day trips from Nice by ferry (in-season)?
Monaco, Saint-Tropez, & Sainte-Marguerite Island
Best day trips from Nice by bus?
Èze Village, Villefranche-sur-Mer & Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Best day trips from Nice by car?
Saint-Paul de Vence, Mercantour National Park & Gorges du Verdon
Any day trips from Nice by bike?
Villefranche-sur-Mer, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Any day trips from Nice on foot?
Villefranche-sur-Mer
Transportation timetable for day trips from Nice
|
Destination |
🚆 |
🚌 |
🚘 |
⛴ 🚲 🥾 |
Combine with |
🎫 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7 min |
15 min |
20 min |
eBike, walk, or hop on/off bus |
|||
|
11 min + walk |
30 min |
25 min |
eBike |
eBike tour | ||
|
22 min |
1 h 20 min |
40 min |
eBike |
– |
||
|
20 min |
54 min |
30 min |
– |
|||
|
14 min + hike up |
15 min |
25 min |
– |
|||
|
35 min |
– |
30 min |
– |
Antibes OR Saint-Paul de Vence OR Grasse |
– |
|
|
38 min |
1 h 18 min |
35 min |
– |
Èze |
– |
|
|
1 h train + bus |
1 h train + bus |
40 min |
– |
Bus tour | ||
|
Sainte-Marguerite |
– |
– |
– |
– |
– |
|
|
Saint-Tropez |
– |
– |
1 h 50 min |
– |
Bus tour | |
|
Grasse |
1h 7 min |
– |
50 min |
– |
Bus tour | |
|
Gorges du Verdon |
– |
– |
2 h 20 min |
– |
– |
Bus tour |
|
Mercantour NP |
1 h 8 min |
1 h 30 min |
– |
– |
Hiking trip |
For every item in this curated list of Nice day trips, I’ll lay out the best ways to get there from Nice and link to in-depth overviews with more travel tips for each of these day trips from Nice.
I strongly recommend checking beforehand whether your places of interest are in fact open, and to take seasonal events into account when planning your day trips.
Many of these day trips are part of a wider coastal route rather than isolated stops. If you’re planning to explore more than one town, this French Riviera travel guide shows how destinations connect and how to move around efficiently.
Easy day trips from Nice (under 1 hour of travel time)
The easiest day trips from Nice are all under one hour away and accessible without a car. These are perfect for half-day or relaxed full-day trips along the coast.
1. Villefranche-sur-Mer – Easiest day trip from Nice by train
Villefranche-sur-Mer is one of the easiest day trips from Nice, thanks to its proximity and direct train connection. With its colorful waterfront, golden beach, and relaxed vibe, it feels worlds away while still being on Nice’s doorstep. Close enough for a half-day visit, but charming enough to linger all day.
Why go: Colorful lanes, a sheltered bay, and a relaxed small-town feel just minutes from Nice.
How long you need: Half a day, or a full day if you plan on relaxing on Marinières Beach and taking a dip in the crystal-clear water of the bay.
Top 3 must-sees in Villefranche-sur-Mer: If you’re planning a quick escape, these things to do in Villefranche-sur-Mer capture the town’s relaxed Riviera charm.
How to get from Nice to Villefranche-sur-Mer
Travel tips
Combine with: Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat (Villa Ephrussi gardens + coastal paths) and, if you like a faster-paced day trip, also Èze Village.
Watch-outs: Trains can be packed in rush hour; parking is scarce in summer.
I absolutely love to cycle from Nice to Villefranche-sur-Mer. The scenic shoreline at Coco beach and the panorama over Villefranche bay never cease to enchant me.
2. Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat – Scenic coastal day trip from Nice
A day trip from Nice to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is a serene escape to one of the French Riviera’s most exclusive peninsulas, where pine-shaded coastal paths, elegant villas, and secluded beaches create a wonderfully peaceful Mediterranean atmosphere.
Why go: Amazing viewpoints, an iconic beach, a lovely town center around the port, and one of the top attractions of the French Riviera, all very close to Nice.
How long you need: Half a day, or a full day if you also plan to walk the coastal path that wraps around the peninsula, or spend some time at one of the most sought-after French Riviera beaches.
Top 3 must-sees in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat: From villas to beaches, these things to do in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat highlight the peninsula’s beauty.
How to get from Nice to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Travel tips
Combine with: Villefranche-sur-Mer and/or Èze Village, depending on your travel pace.
Watch-outs: The train station is located in the neighboring town of Beaulieu-sur-Mer; parking is very scarce in summer.
3. Antibes – Classic market town day trip from Nice
Just 20 minutes by train, a Nice to Antibes day trip blends Provençal markets, medieval ramparts, and a glamorous yacht harbor into one of the Côte d’Azur’s easiest and most rewarding excursions.
Why go: Antibes offers a quintessential Riviera mix of history, culture, and modern luxury, from cobbled lanes and local markets to Picasso’s art and the world’s largest yacht marina.
How long you need: Half a day to visit the Old Town and the marina, but another half day if you also plan to walk the Cap d’Antibes coastal trail, spend some time at La Garoupe Beach, or visit the seaside district of Juan-les-Pins.
Top 3 must-sees in Antibes: Art, markets, and yachts; these things to do in Antibes show why it’s a French Riviera classic.
How to get from Nice to Antibes
Travel tips
Combine with: Spending most of your day in Antibes and a few hours in Saint-Paul de Vence is perfect. This delightful guided tour combines Antibes and Saint-Paul de Vence with a visit to the vineyards and a wine-tasting session at a winery, ideal if you want everything arranged. Cannes is often combined with Antibes, too, but I’d only recommend it if you’re on a tight schedule.
Watch-outs: You’ll have to hop on public transportation or use a bike-sharing service to go from the city center to Plage de la Garoupe and the Cap d’Antibes coastal trail.
4. Monaco – Iconic Riviera day trip from Nice
A day trip from Nice to Monaco lets you experience the tiny Principality’s famous mix of luxury casinos, superyachts, and Formula 1 glamour in less than half an hour of travel.
Why go: Monaco offers a unique blend of royal heritage and extravagant luxury in one of the world’s smallest countries, from the historic charm of Monaco-Ville, where the Prince’s Palace crowns The Rock, to the glamorous Monte Carlo district with its legendary casino, Formula One circuit, and harbor filled with superyachts.
How long you need: A full day is perfect to experience the unique flair of Monaco and visit the highlights.
Top 3 must-sees in Monaco: Palaces and panoramas, these things to do in Monaco deliver a taste of Riviera glamour in a day.
How to get from Nice to Monaco
Travel tips
Combine with: Many combine Monaco with a short jaunt to Èze Village or Menton. The first option is only doable if you plan to visit by bus or by car. Overall, I believe that there’s plenty to see in Monaco and would take a day to explore all the sights and avoid rushing through it. However, if your French Riviera itinerary doesn’t allow a separate visit, then this tour is a great option.
Watch-outs: Visiting the Monte Carlo casino during the Formula One Grand Prix is not ideal because it’s very difficult to reach during that time.
Ride-shares are allowed to drop you off in Monaco, but they can’t pick you up there. For a pick-up, you need to walk over to the neighboring town of Beausoleil.
5. Èze Village – Spectacular hilltop day trip from Nice
Perched high on a cliff between Nice and Monaco, Èze is one of the French Riviera’s most spectacular medieval villages, with narrow stone alleys climbing toward panoramic gardens overlooking the Mediterranean.
Why go: Perched atop a narrow rocky peak, Èze Village is a medieval gem with stunning panoramic views of the Mediterranean. Quaint boutiques, art galleries, and the famous Fragonard perfumery add to its enchanting atmosphere.
How long you need: An hour or three is plenty to explore the cobbled streets of Èze, take in the views, and and its top attractions. Unless you plan on combining your half-day in Èze with a hike along the Nietzsche trail and a relaxing afternoon in Èze-sur-Mer, it’s perfectly combinable with another half-day trip from Nice.
Top 3 must-sees in Èze Village: For medieval charm and coastal views, these things to do in Èze are unmissable.
How to get from Nice to Èze
Travel tips
Combine with: Many combine Èze with a short jaunt to Monaco, but that’s only recommended if you visit Èze by bus or car and make it a short visit. An alternative is to opt for this tour, which combines both destinations in one carefree day trip from Nice. But, personally, I believe that Monaco deserves an entire day and would rather combine Èze Village with either Menton or with both Villefranche-sur-Mer and Villa Ephrussi on Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
Watch-outs: The train station is in Èze-sur-Mer, the coastal counterpart of Èze Village. You can climb your way up to the village along the Chemin de Nietzsche, take a bus, or opt for a taxi or ride-share.
6. Cannes
A Nice to Cannes day trip combines red-carpet glamour, a palm-lined seafront, and a charming old quarter, all just 35 minutes away along the Riviera coastline.
Why go: Exuding elegance and exclusivity, Cannes is synonymous with glamour. The seaside town comes alive during the world-famous annual Cannes Film Festival in May.
How long you need: Half a day is perfect to visit Cannes’ highlights and soak in the atmosphere. However, if you also plan to enjoy the beach (clubs), shop in the chic boutiques, or take a hop over to the Lérins Islands, then you need a full day.
Top 3 must-sees in Cannes: From beaches to old-town lanes, these things to do in Cannes mix glitz with Riviera tradition.
How to get from Nice to Cannes
Many tours combine Cannes with other destinations en route, often Antibes and Saint-Paul de Vence, but I’m not a fan of cramming your day. To me, the Côte d’Azur is a destination that invites to slow down. There may not be that much to see and do in Cannes, but you can still make it a full day, especially if you also want to include a boat tour to the Lérins Islands.
If you’re on a short schedule and prefer to combine your visit, then I’d choose either Grasse or Saint-Paul de Vence as a second destination over Antibes.
Travel tips
Combine with: Many tours combine Cannes with other destinations en route, such as Antibes or Saint-Paul de Vence, but personally, I’m not a fan. Spending just an hour or two in Cannes won’t do it any justice. So, if you have the luxury of time, I’d pair Cannes with a smaller town like Saint-Paul de Vence or Grasse.
Watch-outs: Note that the Cannes Film Festival is not the best time to cruise down the Croisette.
7. Menton
Just past Monaco near the Italian border, Menton charms with pastel facades, baroque churches, and lush gardens, making it one of the French Riviera’s most colorful and relaxed coastal escapes.
Why go: Experience a different kind of French Riviera in Menton, the city of lemon, where the coastline is just as pretty and the Old Town just as colorful, but the atmosphere is much more relaxed. With a scenic seaside promenade, gorgeous beaches, and a sun-drenched microclimate, Menton is a perfect place to slow down, enjoy the gardens, and soak up its mellow charm.
How long you need: A couple of hours is perfect for a jaunt to Menton. Although the inviting beaches in Menton might tempt you to linger.
Top 3 must-sees in Menton: With gardens and art, these things to do in Menton highlight the city’s Franco-Italian soul.
How to get from Nice to Menton
Travel tips
Combine with: Many combine Menton with Monaco. However, I believe that Monaco deserves an entire day and would rather combine Menton with either Èze Village or Roquebrune-Cap-Martin to visit the medieval castle and explore the scenic Cap Martin coastal walk. Another popular option is to combine Menton with a jaunt to the Friday market in Ventimiglia just past the Italian border (although I found it to be underwhelming).
Watch-outs: Menton has the most wonderful microclimate, but is a bit sleepy in the off-season compared to other French Riviera destinations; it does get very crowded during the annual Lemon Festival in February.
Ridesharing is a bit hard to find in this outer corner of the Côte d’Azur. I’ve been unable to get a ride more than once.
8. Saint-Paul de Vence
A day trip from Nice to Saint-Paul-de-Vence leads to one of the Côte d’Azur’s most beautiful hilltop villages, where art galleries, stone streets, and sweeping countryside views create a timeless Provençal atmosphere.
Why go: Saint-Paul de Vence is a beautifully preserved medieval village perched on a hilltop, complete with ancient ramparts and an artistic heritage that has drawn luminaries like Picasso and Chagall over the years.
How long you need: A couple of hours is plenty to discover the historic center and browse the art galleries. Add an hour or two if you plan on visiting the art museum as well.
Top 3 must-sees in Saint-Paul de Vence: Art and history lovers will find these things to do in Saint-Paul de Vence especially rewarding.
How to get from Nice to Saint-Paul de Vence
Travel tips
Combine with: Saint-Paul de Vence is pretty compact and can be perfectly combined with a visit to Antibes. This delightful guided tour combines Antibes and Saint-Paul de Vence with a visit to the vineyards and a wine-tasting session at a winery, ideal if you want everything arranged.
Watch-outs: My favorite time of day to visit Saint-Paul de Vence is, depending on the season, the late afternoon or early evening to watch the sunset from the ramparts of this mountain-perched town.
9. Sainte-Marguerite Island
A trip to Sainte-Marguerite Island from Nice offers a peaceful Mediterranean escape of pine forests, turquoise coves, and historic fortresses just off the coast of Cannes.
Why go: Sainte-Marguerite is the largest of both Lérins Islands and is packed with natural wonders, from beautiful walking paths to a unique snorkeling site in a crystal-clear lagoon. It’s also home to the Royal Fort, where the Man in the Iron Mask was imprisoned.
How long you need: When you visit Sainte-Marguerite Island from Nice, you rely on the ferry service, and the only option is to stay there for the day.
Top 3 must-sees on Île Sainte-Marguerite: Crystal-clear waters, shaded pine trails, and a fortress prison; these things to do on Sainte-Marguerite Island make it one of the Riviera’s most unique escapes.
How to get from Nice to Sainte-Marguerite
Travel tips
Watch-outs: Restaurant options are limited on the island. I strongly recommend bringing a picnic and plenty of water. You’ll also need your bathing suit and snorkel gear if you plan to explore the underwater world or a stylish outfit if you made lunch reservations at the coveted La Guérite restaurant.
day trips from Nice Further Afield (Over 1 hour of travel time)
If you’re willing to travel a little farther from Nice, these destinations reward you with wilder landscapes, alpine scenery, and some of southern France’s most spectacular natural settings.
Most destinations along the coast are reachable in under an hour, but a few longer day trips – like Mercantour National Park or the Gorges du Verdon – reward travelers willing to venture farther inland.
10. Saint-Tropez
A Nice to Saint-Tropez day trip takes you to the South of France’s most famous jet-set town, where pastel harbor houses, luxury yachts, and lively beach clubs define the classic Côte d’Azur atmosphere.
Why go: Saint-Tropez epitomizes the glamorous resort lifestyle of the French Riviera. This chic seaside town oozes luxury with its trendy shops, upscale restaurants, and celebrity-filled beach clubs.
How long you need:
Top 3 must-sees in Saint-Tropez: Beyond the beaches, these things to do in Saint-Tropez reveal its old-world charm.
How to get from Nice to Saint-Tropez
Travel tips
Combine with: If you decide to visit Saint-Tropez by car, then you’ll pass by some wonderful little towns that make for great short (photo) stops, such as Sainte-Maxime and Port Grimaud. Other than that, you won’t have the time to fit in another destination because of the longer travel time.
This guided small-group tour combines a visit to Saint-Tropez with some time in Sainte-Maxime, Grimaud, and Port Grimaud. Again, because of the traffic, I’d recommend a tour only if you travel in late autumn or winter.
Watch-outs: Saint-Tropez doesn’t have a railway station; therefore, the train is not an option.
Also, note that the beaches of Saint-Tropez are situated outside of the city center. So, you’ll need to take an extra bus or taxi if you want to spend time lounging on Pampelonne beach or hike the stunning stretch of the Sentier du Littoral in the southeastern corner of the peninsula.
11. Grasse
A day trip from Nice to Grasse reveals the historic heart of the world’s perfume industry, where fragrance houses, flower fields, and winding old streets celebrate centuries of Provençal tradition.
Why go: Known as the “perfume capital of the world”, Grasse is a picturesque Provençal town and the best place to learn about the art of perfume-making.
How long you need: A couple of hours is all you need to see the best of Grasse.
Top 3 must-sees in Grasse: Perfume, history, and culture come together in these things to do in Grasse.
How to get there
Travel tips
Combine with: Grasse is pretty compact and can be perfectly combined with a brief visit to Cannes, Saint-Paul de Vence, or other picturesque towns in the French Riviera countryside. Here are two tour suggestions, both of which include pick-up from and drop-off at your accommodation:
This guided small-group tour combines Grasse with Cannes, Gourdon with the Gorges du Loup, and Saint-Paul de Vence. Because Cannes is included, it will be a bit faster-paced.
This amazing guided tour pairs Grasse with Gourdon, Tourettes-sur-Loup, and Saint-Paul de Vence. I personally prefer this one because it’s a bit slower-paced.
12. Gorges du Verdon
Known as Europe’s deepest canyon, the Gorges du Verdon is a breathtaking natural wonder of turquoise waters and dramatic limestone cliffs. It’s a longer trip from Nice, but one that rewards you with jaw-dropping scenery and outdoor adventures.
Why go: The Gorges du Verdon offers a mix of awe-inspiring landscapes and activities, from kayaking and swimming in Lac de Sainte-Croix to scenic drives along dizzying cliffside roads. It’s the Riviera’s most dramatic natural escape.
How long you need: A full day is essential to make the trip worthwhile, with an early start from Nice.
Top 3 must-sees at the Gorges du Verdon: If you’re looking for the best things to do in the Gorges du Verdon, start with these highlights.
How to get from Nice to the Gorges du Verdon
Travel tips
Combine with: In June and July, the lavender fields of the Valensole Plateau turn into a purple sea. Combine them with the Gorges for one of the Riviera’s most unforgettable day trips. The car gives you the most flexibility to visit all must-sees, but this top-rated guided tour with accommodation pick-up is a wonderful alternative.
Watch-outs: The Gorges are about a 3-hour drive from Nice each way, so it’s a long day out. Roads are winding and can be nerve-wracking for drivers unused to mountain routes. In summer, go early to avoid traffic and peak heat.
13. Mercantour National Park
If you’re craving fresh mountain air after the Riviera’s busy coastline, a day trip from Nice to Mercantour National Park offers a dramatic change of scenery with alpine peaks, glacier-fed rivers, and quiet mountain villages.
Why go: Mercantour is one of southern France’s most spectacular natural playgrounds. Think sparkling mountain water, lush valleys, and endless outdoor activities: from hiking and mountain biking to canyoning, rafting, rock climbing, and via ferrata. On a hot summer day, plunging into a canyon stream surrounded by towering cliffs is an unforgettable experience.
How long you need: A full day is recommended, especially if you plan to hike or join an outdoor activity. With the right planning, you can still reach several scenic villages or trailheads on a day trip from Nice.
Top 3 must-sees at the Gorges du Verdon: If you’re planning to explore the park, these experiences capture its wild alpine beauty.
How to get from Nice to the Gorges du Verdon
Travel tips
Combine with: The villages along the Train des Merveilles route – especially Sospel or Breil-sur-Roya – make excellent scenic stops before continuing deeper into Mercantour. Or, opt for this guided hiking experience amidst this spectacular landscape.
Watch-outs: Train schedules are limited, so plan carefully if you intend to hop off in smaller villages. In summer, mountain weather can change quickly, and temperatures in the valleys can still be very warm. Bring water and sun protection.
Final Tips for Day Trips from Nice
Where to Stay in Nice for Easy Day Trips
If you want stress-free day trips, location matters. Staying near transport hubs saves you time and makes connections easier.
Here’s an overview of the most conveniently located hotels in Nice that offer quick access to either the train station (for day trips by train) or the Port (for day trips by bus, ferry, bike, or on foot).
Check out my cheat sheet on the best areas to stay in Nice for a quick overview of popular neighborhoods, or my full expert guide on where to stay in Nice for a more detailed breakdown of every area.
A final accommodation tip: If you plan on doing most of your sightseeing by car, it’s crucial to either book a hotel with secure parking or reserve your parking spot at one of the underground lots. I live close to the French border and usually drive to Nice, so I know from experience how much of a difference it makes to arrange parking beforehand.
FAQ about Day Trips from Nice
Which of these day trips from Nice is your favorite?
That’s it for this overview of amazing day trips from Nice. Adding two or three of them to your Nice itinerary will truly complement your French Riviera experience. I also recommend varying the transportation modes to keep things interesting and fun.
Planning to split your time between Nice and these day trips? My one-day and 2-to-3-day Nice itineraries show you exactly where these excursions fit.”
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