10 Best day trips from Nice and how to get there

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 gives you some insight into each destination, points out the must-sees, details how to get there by train, bus, ferry, or car, and specifies which destinations are combinable in a single day trip from Nice.

Are you ready to discover the best day tours from Nice to complete your French Riviera itinerary? Then let’s dive in.

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Best transportation options for day trips from Nice

Where you stay in Nice matters when you add day trips to your itinerary, you don’t want to waste too much time getting to the highway, train station, or port. Here are some recommendations on the best areas to stay in Nice as well as more information on the various transportation options.

Day trips from Nice by train

The Regional Express Trains (TER) network is part of the ZOU regional transport network and the trains are operated by the French National Railways (SNCF). There are frequent connections and the prices are very reasonable. Individual French Riviera train tickets can be booked through this link.

If you plan on relying on public transportation more than once, then the 3-day, 7-day, or 14-day all-in-one SudAzure Explore Pass might be worth looking into. It gives you unlimited access to trains, trams and buses.

The train is a very convenient option to visit most nearby towns. Exceptions are Èze-Village, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, and Saint-Tropez.

Also, since the train stations aren’t usually located near the top landmarks, it’s not the best option if you’re looking to combine multiple destinations in one day.

The northernmost part of the Jean-Médecin area and the Musicians Quarter are ideally located for day trips from Nice by train. I recommend Maison Durante, Boutique Hotel Côte d’Azur, and the DoubleTree by Hilton Nice Centre Iconic.

Try to avoid rush hour when returning by train. The trains get pretty packed with commuters heading home from work, and you might end up waiting for a few trains before you can squeeze in. Planning your return trip either earlier or later makes for a much more pleasant experience.

The SudAzur Explore Pass is a very economical way to travel around the French Riviera by public transport. The 7-day option for €50 per person (€40 for kids) is the perfect match for this 7-day itinerary of the French Riviera. It’s not available online but the points of sale are mentioned on the website.

Day trips from Nice by bus

Lignes d’Azur operates the majority of buses and trams in Nice and its vicinity. The itinerary planner allows you to research the destinations of your choice beforehand. You can buy a single-use ticket, a day pass, or a week pass at one of the kiosks near the bus stations.

The bus makes for a great option to combine multiple destinations on the same route in a single day trip.

The north side of Old Town Nice and the Port are perfectly situated for day trips from Nice by bus or ferry. My top suggestions for places to stay are Palais Ségurane Boutique Hotel, Nice Pam Hotel, and Mama Shelter Nice.

Again, here, try to avoid traveling during rush hour.

Day trips from Nice by ferry

The most popular ferry transfers are the ones to Saint-Tropez and Monaco. Especially the ferry to Saint-Tropez is very popular since it’s difficult to get to by train. Plus, the roads to Saint-Tropez are often congested, even more so in summer.

The Trans Côte d’Azur ferry stop is located at the Quai Amiral Infernet, on the side of the port that fringes Castle Hill.

The areas of Nice situated closest to Port Lympia are the northern side of Old Town Nice and the Port. Palais Ségurane Boutique Hotel and La Pérouse offer easy access to Port Lympia.

Day trips from Nice by bike

Oh, how I love exploring the vicinity of Nice by bike. Villefranche-sur-Mer, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, and Antibes are all easily accessible on two wheels. Cycling is by far the most scenic way to get there.

It’s super easy to rent an electric bike with Lime, the electric bike platform promoted by the city of Nice (and many other French Riviera destinations).

Just download the app, link your payment method, locate a lime-green bike at one of the designated stations, scan its QR code, and enjoy the ride. At the end of your tour, just park the bike in a designated area and end your rental in the app.

Day trips from Nice by car

If you plan on taking scenic road trips on the French Riviera, then any area along the Promenade des Anglais makes for an excellent travel base.

For easy access to the highway, Cimiez and the west side of the Promenade des Anglais (towards the airport) are a bit more convenient. In that case, the NH Nice makes for a convenient launchpad.

In case you’re renting a car to get around the French Riviera, you’ll most likely pick it up at the airport.

Other car rental offices are near the Nice-Ville train station, in which case the Musicians Quarter is closer by. I love the Maison Durante in this area of Nice. And, it comes with parking which is a huge bonus.

I live near the French border so most of my family’s trips to Nice are by car. And I can tell you from experience that accommodations with secure parking are hard to come by. So, if you plan to rent a car for multiple days while you’re staying in Nice, then it’s crucial to book your parking in advance.

Top day tours from Nice

For every item in this curated list of Nice day trips, I’ll lay out the best ways to get there from Nice. l also plan on linking to in-depth overviews with more travel tips for each of these day trips from Nice over time.

Be sure to check whether the top places to visit near Nice France are in fact open on the day you plan your visit. Oh, and also take seasonal events into account when planning your day trips.

Visiting the Monte Carlo casino during the Formula One Grand Prix is not ideal because it’s very difficult to reach during that time and the Cannes Film Festival is not the best time to cruise down the Croisette.

1. Villefranche-sur-Mer

This charming seaside town features a picturesque harbor lined with colorful houses and a laid-back, romantic vibe. The old town’s cobblestone streets and seafood restaurants add to its Riviera ambiance.

Explore the 16th-century citadel, stroll along the waterfront, visit St. Peter’s Chapel, and relax at one of the scenic beaches or cafes.

Here’s how to get to Villefranche-sur-Mer from Nice:

• The train ride on the Regional Express Train (TER) from Nice-Ville to Villefranche-sur-Mer takes just 10 minutes.

• Take bus 15 at stop Lycée-Masséna or stop Port Lympia or bus 600 from stop Port Lympia in Nice to stop Octroi in Villefranche-sur-Mer. The bus ride only takes 15 minutes.

• In low and shoulder season, when it’s not too hot outside, I’d recommend visiting Villefranche-sur-Mer by bike. It’s a scenic coastal road that wraps around Mont Boron. It’s about half an hour one-way from Castel Beach just in front of Castle Hill in Nice. The only thing to note is that there’s a bit of a climb as soon as you pass Coco Beach. So, if you’re a recreational cyclist, opt for an electric bike.

• Villefranche-sur-Mer is a 25-minute drive from Nice. However, I’d recommend against visiting Villefranche-sur-Mer by car in high season because parking is extremely limited. Ride-sharing solutions such as Bolt offer a convenient alternative.

• Another option to visit Villefranche-sur-Mer from Nice is by taking the hop-on hop-off bus from Nice which has three planned stops in Villefranche-sur-Mer.

Villefranche-sur-Mer is pretty compact and, unless you plan on relaxing on Marinières Beach and taking a dip in the crystal-clear water of the bay, you can easily see the sights in half a day. Therefore, a visit to Villefranche-sur-Mer is perfectly combinable with an exploration of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, which brings us to the next day trip from Nice.

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

The Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula exudes exclusivity and tranquility. This posh peninsula offers a serene Mediterranean ambiance, with opulent villas, manicured gardens, and fragrant pines.

Explore the scenic coastal trail with its amazing viewing points, relax on iconic Paloma Beach, visit the exceptional Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild with its exquisite gardens overlooking the sea, wander the picturesque old village and harbor, and savor the freshest seafood.

For a more detailed overview, be sure to read my in-depth article about taking day trip from Nice to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.

Here’s how to get to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat from Nice:

• The train ride on the Regional Express Train (TER) from Nice-Ville to Beaulieu-sur-Mer takes just 15 minutes. From there, it’s a half-hour walk to the heart of the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula.

• Take bus 15 at stop Lycée-Masséna or stop Port Lympia in Nice to stop Port de Saint-Jean in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. The bus ride takes about 30 minutes.

• In low and shoulder season, when it’s not too hot outside, I’d recommend visiting Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat by bike. It’s a scenic coastal road that wraps around Mont Boron and the bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer. It’s about 45 minutes one-way if you leave from Castel Beach just in front of Castle Hill in Nice. The only thing to note is that there’s a bit of a climb as soon as you pass Coco Beach. So, if you’re a recreational cyclist, opt for an electric bike.

• Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is a 30-minute drive from Nice. However, I’d strongly recommend against visiting Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat by car in high season because parking is extremely limited on the peninsula. But there’s a workaround! Read more in my dedicated article about this luxurious French Riviera destination. Alternatively, ride-sharing solutions such as Bolt offer a convenient alternative. 

As mentioned under the previous item in this list, both Villefranche-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat are definitely worth seeing but pretty compact. No matter your mode of transportation, you can easily combine both these French Riviera gems in one amazing day trip from Nice.

3. Monaco

Monaco exudes an air of glamour and opulence. This tiny principality is renowned for its lavish casinos, luxury hotels, superyachts, and the annual Formula 1 race.

Visit the iconic Monte Carlo Casino, climb le Rocher to see the Prince’s Palace, watch the changing of the guard, explore the Exotic Garden and Oceanographic Museum, check out the impressive car collection at the Prince’s Vintage Car Museum, and see the circuit of the famous Monaco Grand Prix race.

Here’s how to get to Monaco from Nice:

• The train ride on the Regional Express Train (TER) from Nice-Ville to Monaco-Monte Carlo takes just over 20 minutes.

• Take bus 602 from stop Bavastro or bus 600 from stop Port Lympia in Nice to stop Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco. The bus ride takes just under an hour.

• The ferry is by far the most fun mode of transportation from Nice to Monaco during the spring and summer months. Be sure to book it in advance through this link.

• Monaco is a 30-minute drive from Nice along the coastal roads. Once in Monaco, you’ll find many underground parking facilities.

• This guided tour from Nice combines both Èze and Monaco. It includes hotel pick-up and some free time in Monaco.

Monaco may be pretty compact but it’s packed with must-sees. Still, it’s perfectly doable to combine your day trip from Nice to Monaco with a jaunt to Èze-Village, especially if you plan to visit by bus or by car. That brings us to the item in this list of Nice day trips.

4. Èze

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.

Wander the labyrinth of narrow streets, see the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, visit the lush Jardin Exotique botanical garden which offers the most stunning views over the French Riviera, tour the perfume factory, and enjoy the beautiful vistas from the Nietzsche trail.

For a more detailed overview, be sure to read my in-depth article about taking a day trip from Nice to Èze-Village.

Here’s how to get to Èze from Nice:

• The train ride on the Regional Express Train (TER) from Nice-Ville to Èze takes under 20 minutes.
  
  Note that the train will take you to Èze-sur-Mer, which is the coastal counterpart of Èze-Village. To reach the perched town, you’ll need to hike up the steep Chemin de Nietzsche. Therefore, the train may not be the best option for non-hikers or on hot summer days.

• Take bus 82 from stop Max Barel or bus 602 from stop Bavastro in Nice to stop Èze Village in Èze. The bus ride takes 20 minutes.

• Èze-Village is a 25-minute drive from Nice. However, parking in Èze is extremely limited, so it’s strongly recommended to arrive either in the early morning or in the late afternoon. Ride-sharing solutions such as Bolt offer a convenient alternative.

• This guided tour from Nice combines both Èze and Monaco. It includes hotel pick-up and some free time in Monaco.

Èze is stunning and a must-see on your French Riviera itinerary but it’s very compact. Unless you plan on combining it with a hike along the Nietzsche trail and a relaxing afternoon in Èze-sur-Mer, you won’t spend more than a couple of hours here.

Since it’s conveniently positioned on the road to Monaco, both these destinations are often combined into one stellar Nice trip.

5. Antibes

With its trendy vibe, old-town charm, and luxury yachts lining the marina, Antibes offers a quintessential French Riviera experience.

Explore the Picasso Museum in the Château Grimaldi, browse the Provençal market in the Old Town, navigate the narrow streets of the Safranier Quarter, relax on the sandy beaches, tour the imposing Fort Carré, visit Villa hike the Sentier du Littoral around the Cap d’Antibes, and dip in the crystal-clear waters of Billionaires’ Bay.

Here’s how to get to Antibes from Nice:

• The train ride on the Regional Express Train (TER) from Nice-Ville to Antibes takes just over 20 minutes. If you happen to be staying in any of the airport hotels you could also catch the train from the Nice Saint-Augustin station near Nice Côte d’Azur Airport.
  
  The Antibes train station is located within walking distance of the city center. However, if you plan on hiking around the Cap d’Antibes, then the trailhead is an hour away on foot. It’s better to hop on the local bus as you can check in the next paragraph.

• Take bus 12 from the Place Masséna or the Promenade des Anglais in Nice to stop Aéroport Promenade near the airport. From here, take bus 620 to stop Pôle d’Échanges. This will bring you within walking distance from the Antibes city center.
  
  To continue towards La Garoupe Beach and the trail of the Cap d’Antibes, you can take the local Envibus line 2 from stop Pôle d’Échanges to stop Fontaine.

• In low and shoulder season, when it’s not too hot outside, cycling is by far my favorite way to get from Nice to Antibes. There’s a scenic all-flat coastal cycling path that hugs the Baie des Anges and passes by Cagnes-sur-Mer and Villeneuve-Loubet-Plage. It’s about 1 hour one-way to Antibes city center if you leave from the iconic hotel Le Négresco on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice.

• Antibes is a 40-minute drive from Nice and you’ll find plenty of parking outside of the city walls of Antibes. Yet, during the peak season, it can still be tough to find a parking spot, especially near the popular beaches. Ride-sharing solutions such as Bolt offer a convenient alternative.

• This delightful guided tour combines Antibes and St-Paul-de-Vence with a visit to the vineyards and a wine-tasting session at a winery.

If you plan on visiting Antibes by car and arriving in the morning, you might have seen the sights around the late afternoon. In that case, why not end the day with a visit to Saint-Paul-de-Vence?

While this mountain-perched beauty is definitely worth visiting, it’s also pretty compact making it the perfect destination to combine with Antibes.

6. Saint-Paul-de-Vence

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.

Lose yourself in the winding cobblestone streets, browse the art galleries and boutiques, visit the Fondation Maeght modern art museum, and take in the panoramic views from the ramparts.

Here’s how to get to Saint-Paul-de-Vence from Nice:

• The train ride on the Regional Express Train (TER) from Nice-Ville to Cagnes-sur-Mer takes about 15 minutes. Get off the train and head to bus stop Square 8 Mai to take bus 655 to stop Village in Saint-Paul-de-Vence (and not stop Village in La Colle-sur-Loup). The bus drive takes half an hour.

• Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a 40-minute drive from Nice. This is by far the most convenient way to get there.

• This delightful guided tour combines Antibes and St-Paul-de-Vence with a visit to the vineyards and a wine-tasting session at the legendary Château de Crémat.

Saint-Paul-de-Vence is pretty compact and can be perfectly combined with a visit to Antibes. Head to Saint-Paul-de-Vence in the late afternoon to watch the sunset from the ramparts of this mountain-perched town.

7. Cannes

Exuding elegance and exclusivity, Cannes is synonymous with glamour. The seaside town comes alive during the world-famous annual Cannes Film Festival in May.

Stroll along the scenic Croisette, tour the grand hotels and palaces, visit the old town of Le Suquet and the Forville market, shop at the luxury boutiques on the Rue d’Antibes, relax on one of the pristine beaches, gaze at the luxurious yachts in the marina, or take a boat tour to the Lérins Islands.

Here’s how to get to Cannes from Nice:

• The train ride on the Regional Express Train (TER) from Nice-Ville to Cannes takes about 40 minutes. 

• Cannes is a 45-minute drive from Nice and there’s plenty of parking.

Many tours combine Cannes with other destinations en route, such as Antibes or Saint-Paul-de-Vence, but I’m not a fan. There’s plenty to see and do in Cannes in one day, especially if you also want to include a boat tour to the Lérins Islands. But hey, that’s just my personal opinion.

If you’re on a short schedule and prefer to combine your visit, then I’d choose Grasse as a second destination over Antibes.

8. Grasse

Known as the “perfume capital of the world”, Grasse exudes an alluring fragrance in the air. This picturesque Provençal town is draped in history as the birthplace of modern perfumery.

Tour iconic perfumeries like Fragonard, Galimard, and Molinard to learn about the art of perfume-making. Explore the old town’s winding streets, visit the Cathedral, or hike in the surrounding hills.

Here’s how to get to Grasse from Nice:

• The train ride on the Regional Express Train (TER) from Nice-Ville to Grasse takes a little over an hour. 

• Grasse is a 50-minute drive from Nice and there’s plenty of parking.

• This guided small-group tour combines a visit to Grasse with other towns in the Provençal hinterland.

Grasse is pretty compact and can be perfectly combined with a short visit to Cannes.

9. Saint-Tropez

Saint-Tropez epitomizes the glamorous resort lifestyle of the French Riviera. This chic seaside town oozes luxury with its trendy boutiques, upscale restaurants, and celebrity-filled beach clubs.

Admire the impressive yachts in the Port, wander the winding streets of La Ponche, take in the views from the Citadel, indulge in delectable seafood, watch a game of pétanque at the Place des Lines, splurge at the high-end boutiques, and sink your teeth in a Tarte Tropézienne.

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 hiking the Sentier du Littoral.

Here’s how to get to St-Tropez from Nice:

• The ferry is by far the best way to visit Saint-Tropez during spring and summer. It’s also very pleasant to arrive in Saint-Tropez by boat even though the ferry pales in comparison with the luxurious yachts moored there. Be sure to book it well in advance through this link.

• This is not an option since Saint-Tropez doesn’t have a train station.

• I’d advise against visiting Saint-Tropez by car during the peak season. The road in and out of Saint-Tropez is always congested. Traffic can get crazy with all the roundabouts and traffic lights and you could waste hours being stuck in traffic.

• This guided small-group tour combines a visit to Saint-Tropez with some time in Port Grimaud. Again, because of the traffic, I’d recommend a tour only if you travel in late autumn or winter.

If you decide to visit Saint-Tropez by car, then you’ll pass by some wonderful little towns that make for great (photo) stops, such as Sainte-Maxime and Port Grimaud. 

10. Menton

Menton basks in a sun-drenched microclimate. This charming city exudes an air of Mediterranean tranquility with its pastel-hued buildings, lemon groves, and scenic seaside promenade.

Stroll through the vibrant open-air markets, explore the historic old town, visit the Basilique de Saint-Michel Archange, explore the Val Rahmeh botanical garden, visit the Jean Cocteau Museum, and relax on Les Sablettes Beach.

Here’s how to get to Menton from Nice:

• The train ride on the Regional Express Train (TER) from Nice-Ville to Menton takes 35 minutes.

• By car: Menton is a 45-minute drive from Nice and there’s plenty of parking.

Menton is a charming city to explore but there’s not very much to see and do. Even in summer, it’s rather sleepy compared to the other day trips from Nice in this list.

Therefore, you could easily combine it with a trip to the Italian Riviera. Ventimiglia is the first town across the border and it’s known for its Friday market.

Another option is to visit the medieval castle of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin and explore the Sentier du Littoral between Menton and Monaco.

Nice day tours: FAQ

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.

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