After reveling in the vibrant ambiance and engaging in the various things to do in Nice, from strolling along the Promenade des Anglais to exploring the colorful markets of the Old Town (Vieux Nice), day trips from Nice offer a splendid chance to explore the broader allure of the French Riviera and beyond. These excursions can lead you to the luxurious principality of Monaco, the artistic haven of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, and the serene beauty of the Esterel Massif, each destination providing a distinct flavor of the Côte d’Azur’s rich culture and stunning landscapes.
Venturing out from Nice, you’ll discover an even wider array of things to do in France, where the Provencal countryside offers lavender fields, vineyards, and historic hilltop villages. Each journey from Nice enriches your experience with new insights into the region’s art, history, and culinary traditions, showcasing the diverse character of the French Riviera and its hinterlands.
Choosing where to stay in Nice is crucial for those looking to immerse themselves in the city’s lively atmosphere while having a convenient base for exploring the Riviera’s famed attractions and hidden gems. The right accommodation ensures you are perfectly positioned to enjoy the best of Nice’s cultural and natural offerings, as well as the ease of setting off on memorable day trips to experience the broader charms of the region.
Discover Best Day Trips from Nice, France
1. Monaco, France
Monaco, the glamorous principality known for its luxury casinos, yacht-lined harbor, and prestigious Grand Prix, offers a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the rich and famous. Explore the iconic Monte Carlo Casino and the Prince’s Palace.
Distance: Approximately 20 km
Travel Time: About 30 minutes by train or car
Transportation: Train, Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Monte Carlo Casino, Prince’s Palace, Oceanographic Museum
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Monte Carlo Casino: €17
- Oceanographic Museum: €14
Budget: Approximately €50-€100 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Monaco Harbor, The Rock of Monaco
Travel Tip: Visit the Oceanographic Museum for an impressive marine science experience.
2. Cannes, France
Cannes, world-famous for its international film festival, boasts beautiful beaches, luxury shops, and a charming old town, Le Suquet. Walk along La Croisette to experience the glitz and glamour of this renowned city.
Distance: Approximately 33 km
Travel Time: About 30 minutes by train
Transportation: Train
Main Attractions: La Croisette, Le Suquet, Cannes Film Festival venues
Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn
Entrance Fees:
- Free (for most public areas)
Budget: Approximately €30-€70 (including transportation and food)
Scenic Spots: Cannes Beaches, Old Harbor (Vieux Port)
Travel Tip: Take a leisurely stroll through the old town, Le Suquet, for a more authentic feel of Cannes beyond the glitz.
3. Saint-Paul de Vence, France
Saint-Paul de Vence is a picturesque medieval hilltop village known for its art galleries, narrow streets, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. It has long been a haven for artists and art lovers.
Distance: Approximately 20 km
Travel Time: About 30 minutes by car or bus
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com), Bus (Busbud)
Main Attractions: Art galleries, Fondation Maeght, medieval streets
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Fondation Maeght: €15
Budget: Approximately €25-€50 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Village Views, Art Galleries
Travel Tip: Visit the Fondation Maeght, a renowned modern art museum just outside the village.
4. Eze, France
Eze is a beautiful medieval village perched high on a cliff with panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. Explore its exotic garden, charming cobblestone streets, and the famous Fragonard perfume factory.
Distance: Approximately 12 km
Travel Time: About 25 minutes by car or 30 minutes by bus
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com), Bus (Busbud)
Main Attractions: Exotic Garden, Fragonard Perfume Factory, panoramic views
Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn
Entrance Fees:
- Exotic Garden: €6
Budget: Approximately €20-€40 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Eze Village, Mediterranean Sea Views
Travel Tip: The Nietzsche Path offers a scenic hike from Eze village to Eze beach, providing breathtaking views.
5. Antibes, France
Antibes, known for its old town enclosed by 16th-century ramparts, has the Picasso Museum, a vibrant market, and beautiful beaches. Don’t miss the luxury yachts moored at the Port Vauban, Europe’s largest marina.
Distance: Approximately 20 km
Travel Time: About 20 minutes by train
Transportation: Train
Main Attractions: Picasso Museum, Port Vauban, Sentier du Littoral
Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn
Entrance Fees:
- Picasso Museum: €8
Budget: Approximately €30-€60 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Antibes Old Town, Coastal Path (Sentier du Littoral)
Travel Tip: Enjoy a walk along the scenic coastal path for stunning sea views.
6. Grasse, France
Grasse, the perfume capital of the world, is nestled in the hills north of Cannes. Visit its famous perfumeries like Fragonard, Molinard, and Galimard, and explore the International Museum of Perfumery.
Distance: Approximately 40 km
Travel Time: About 45 minutes by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Perfumeries (Fragonard, Molinard, Galimard), International Museum of Perfumery
Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn
Entrance Fees:
- Perfume Workshop: €50-€70
Budget: Approximately €50-€100 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Grasse Old Town, Perfume Factories
Travel Tip: Take a perfume workshop to create your own signature scent.
7. Menton, France
Menton, known as the “Pearl of France,” is famous for its beautiful gardens, lemon festival, and lovely beaches. The town has a unique microclimate and a distinctly more Italian feel.
Distance: Approximately 30 km
Travel Time: About 40 minutes by train
Transportation: Train
Main Attractions: Jean Cocteau Museum, Serre de la Madone garden, Lemon Festival
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Jean Cocteau Museum: €8
- Serre de la Madone: €7
Budget: Approximately €30-€60 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Menton Old Town, Beaches
Travel Tip: Visit during the Lemon Festival (February) for a unique local experience.
8. Ventimiglia, Italy
Ventimiglia, just across the Italian border, offers a blend of Italian and French cultures. Known for its Friday outdoor market, stunning beaches, and the ancient ruins of the Roman theater, it’s a great spot for a cross-border adventure.
Distance: Approximately 40 km
Travel Time: About 50 minutes by train
Transportation: Train
Main Attractions: Friday Market, Roman Theater ruins, Ventimiglia Beach
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Free (for most public areas)
Budget: Approximately €25-€50 (including transportation and food)
Scenic Spots: Ventimiglia Old Town, Coastal Views
Travel Tip: Try to visit on a Friday to experience the vibrant market, famous for Italian leather goods, clothes, and fresh produce.
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Sources:
https://www.getyourguide.com/nice-l314?activity_type=dayTrip
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