The Best Day Trips From Nice | What To Do & How To Get There

If you plan on visiting the French Riviera, Nice should be at the top of your list for a few different reasons:

• The city is rich in history. Between the museums housing famous works of Henri Matisse and the Art Deco architecture throughout Nice, it’s impossible not to get wrapped up in the past and develop a deep appreciation and love for this city. 
• The beaches are beautiful! They may be crowded in the summer, but nothing beats the cold blue water and white pebble beaches along the Promenade des Anglais.
• Nice’s central location along the French Riviera makes it the perfect home base from which to explore nearby towns. Easy public transportation and well-kept roads also make visiting these locations feasible.

After exploring the beautiful town of Nice, I highly encourage you to embark on day trips to other cities along the French Riviera. Once you do, you’ll understand why, for many centuries, it has been a popular vacation spot for locals and foreigners alike. 

To make your life easier, I’ve joined a few of my favorite travel writers to share some of our favorite day trips from Nice! 

A tiny principality on the French Riviera, Monaco is an easy day trip from Nice. And, with it being so small, you can easily spend a few hours soaking up the glitz and glamour of this high-rolling place without forking out for an exorbitant hotel in Monte Carlo.

Getting from Nice to Monaco: Direct trains leave every 30 minutes from Nice Riquier station and get you to Monaco Monte Carlo in 20 minutes. One-way tickets are €3.50 at the station or on the SNCF website. You can also take the #100 Lignes d’Azur bus, which leaves every 15 minutes from the Port of Nice and takes 45 minutes to make the trip into Monte Carlo. It’s one of the most scenic trips you’ll ever make, and it’ll only set you back €3 for a return ticket!

Things to do:

• Monaco is a great place to delve into some naval history, so begin your education at the Musée Oceanographique, which features items from Jacques-Yves Cousteau’s explorations. Later, move on to the Monaco Naval Museum, which has items from Prince Rainier III’s collection and everything from Viking longboats to Spanish galleons.

• Are you feeling outdoorsy? Stroll through the Jardin Exotique, established in 1933, boasting over 7,000 species of plants and an Observatory Cave. If you’re a sunseeker, head to Larvotto Beach – Monaco’s only public beach – where you can swim in the warm, azure Mediterranean waters or jet-skiing.

• Dress up to visit the sumptuous Casino de Monte Carlo, a stunning Beaux Arts building from 1893 featuring a marble atrium and onyx columns. Even if you’re not a gambler, seeing the majestic chandeliers and precious artwork is worth seeing. Nearby, the Opera de Monte Carlo boasts equally regal architecture and décor and hosts a calendar of opera and ballet performances.

• Monaco is known for its abundant restaurants that serve decadent interiors and dishes equally. Iconic Café de Paris is great for people watching while feasting on regional cuisine, while Le Grill de L’Hotel de Paris is ideal for candlelit dinners and melt-in-your-mouth soufflés. The world’s best chefs have restaurants here, and it’s worth shelling out for a meal you won’t soon forget. Alain Ducasse’s Le Louix XV features indulgent Mediterranean haute cuisine in a Versailles-style setting. In contrast, Joël’s Robuchon’s first foray into Japanese cuisine, Yoshi, has modern menus and a Japanese-style garden; for something more low-key but just as fabulous, head to Restaurant La Montgolfier, where you’ll find well-executed seasonal blackboard specials at affordable prices.

• Located on the water, Quay Jean Charles Ray is the place to be for a relaxing sundowner. Grab an outdoor table at Les Perles de Monte-Carlo, where you can sip organic wine while enjoying oysters and caviar – make a reservation beforehand! It’s the perfect way to end your day in Monaco.

Tip: Walking is the best way to get around Monaco, but be prepared for steep hills and many stairs.

– Gayatri Bhaumik | Travel Writer | Follow on Instagram at @gontheroad 

Cap d’Ail is a hidden gem in the French Riviera, not too far from Nice, which makes it perfect for a day trip! The small seaside town is the ideal place to escape the crowd, enjoy the beach, and eat delicious food. The town also offers a beautiful coastline, dreamy beaches, and a posh scene without the price tag of Nice or Monaco. 

Getting from Nice to Cap d’Ail: The fastest way to get from Cap d’Ail to Nice is by train. It takes 15 – 20 minutes, and tickets cost $4 – $5.50. An alternative way is by bus line 112 for $2, which takes about 30 minutes. The bust departs from Nice Col de Villefranche and arrives in Cap d’Ail Bautugan. 

Things to do:

• Take a stroll on the Sentier du Littoral de Cap d’Ail. This pathway takes you along the beautiful coast of Cap d’Ail to Monaco. Between the turquoise water and the dramatic cliff, you won’t be able to get enough of the view. You will be tempted to spend hours snapping away with your camera – so bring it!

• Soak up the sun at one of their two beautiful beaches. Cote D’Azur is renowned for its turquoise water, so it’s no different at Cap D’Ail. Enjoy the quiet beaches and soak up all the vitamin D at one of the favorite beaches in town, Plage Mala and Plage Marquet.

• Enjoy fresh seafood dishes. Ah, there’s nothing like eating fresh-caught seafood in Cap d’Ail, and when it comes to town, it’s a must! For a fancy lunch or dinner overlooking the water, check out Restaurant A’TREGO, La Réserve de la Mala, or Restaurant La Cambuse. 

Tip: Cap D’ail is a small town bordering Monaco. It only takes 40 minutes to walk from the heart of Cap D’ail to Monte Carlo, so you could easily visit both places in one day. 

– Diana Fung | Founder of In Between Pictures | Follow on Instagram at @inbetweenpics 

– Ellie Green | Founder of The Ginger Wanderlust | Follow on Instagram at @thegingerwanderlust 

If you like cute, medieval French villages, look no further than Saint-Paul-de-Vence. It’s perfectly positioned for a day trip from the bigger cities along the Côte d’Azur and one of the oldest in the French Riviera. Its narrow stone alleyways filled with ancient shops and hilltop vistas offer a lovely way to spend the day, all while feeling as if you’ve stepped back to the 1500s. 

Getting from Nice to Saint-Paul-de-Vence: You’ll need a set of wheels to reach the village. Renting a car to explore the area is always a good idea; your phone or navigation will guide you straight away with no issues. It’s about 15 minutes up into the hills away from the main highway A8. There are several parking garages right outside the village where you’ll pay for an estimated time you’ll be there.

Another set of wheels is the bus. There’s a bus from the Cagnes sur Mer train station (#400)

Things to do:

• Stroll, stroll, stroll! If getting lost in timeworn passages of little European villages is a source of great excitement for you, this is a place you are guaranteed to love. The tiny winding avenues carry you past cafes and art galleries (this used to be a haven for artists in the early parts of the 20th century), all surrounded by medieval ramparts. Make your way to the edge of the city walls, and you have views for days. You can even see the Mediterranean Sea. We spoke to so many locals popping in and out of their doorways who wanted to wish us a good day.

• Splurge on a meal and views at the Alain Llorca restaurant. If an al fresco, luxurious meal with panoramas to match sounds like your speed, this is your place. Keep in mind the mashed potatoes start at 25 euros. 

• Visit Chapelle du Rosaire. In the 1940s, Henri Matisse designed and decorated the inside; if you’re an art person, you can see his style.

• Pop in the shops. We were there in September, and since the lavender was recently harvested nearby, I found a lot of shops that carried local lavender products. You’ll find the sweetest drawer sachets! The art influence still rings strong, and you’ll also find many galleries filled with at least some kind of art you would fancy. Renoir and Picasso, to name a few, fell under Saint-Paul-de-Vence’s charm and stayed here for some time.

Note: The town sits upon a hill. Therefore, walking around the town involves a lot of stairs and inclines. Come prepared with proper shoes and plenty of water. 

– Samantha Cormier | Founder of Samantha’s Suitcase | Follow on Instagram at @samanthas_suitcase 

Eze village is one of the most unique villages in the South of France. There are a lot of villages to see, but Eze is perched on top of a hill with the most amazing views of the surrounding mountains and the Meditteranean Sea. It is becoming a trendy destination, so to avoid crowds, head there early when it’s still cool out or in the late afternoon when the sun perfectly hits the gardens.

Getting from Nice to Eze: Eze is just over 20 minutes away from Nice by car. There is a small car park at the entrance to the village that costs € 2  per hour. It is usually full except if you arrive early (9 am) or late (after 5 or 6 pm).  Other parking options are available, but you will have to walk a bit further to get to the base of Eze village. One in particular is parking at Col d’Eze.

Tip: I love French crepes! Just as you leave the parking lot, there is a small restaurant where you can pick up a fresh crepe before heading off to explore Eze!

If you want to avoid parking problems, I recommend taking the bus from Nice. The cost is around € 1.50. Lines 82, 112, 116, 100, and 83 go to the village. If you need more bus stops and schedule information, check out the official website Linges d’Azur! Ask your hotel if you want more information on bus stops.

Things to do:

• Visit the Exotic Gardens of Eze. For a few euros, you can stroll through these hillside gardens and discover a variety of cacti and unusual plants. 

• Get lost in the little streets! Even though Eze is quite a small town, there are many streets to wander and so much to see! Once you have entered through the large gate, walk straight and loop through Eze village until you reach the church. 

• Visit the Chapelle Sainte Croix on the main square. This beautiful church is located near the entrance of the botanical garden. 

– Hanna Thomas | Founder of Solar Powered Blonde | Follow on Instagram at @solarpoweredblonde

Known for its coves, rocky beaches, and colorful port overlooked by a medieval chateau, Cassis is an enchanting addition to any trip to Southern France. If you’re looking for a destination just as beautiful as Saint Tropez or Monaco but without the steep prices, Cassis is the perfect place to visit!

As with any European destination, Cassis can get pretty crowded in the peak summer months from June to August. However, I visited in mid-July and didn’t find this town to be too overwhelming compared to other cities in southern France. If you want to avoid tourists and crowds in general, I’d recommend visiting during the shoulder season.

Getting from Nice Cassis to this small, picturesque fishing village is located about 45 minutes east of Marseille by car and about 45 minutes south of Aix-en-Provence. From Nice, the trip to Cassis will take about 2 hours by car or 2.5 hours by train.

Cassis is an excellent place for a day trip because you’ll be able to experience almost everything in just a short time frame. Here are some of the best things to do during your trip to Cassis:

• Port de Cassis & Waterfront: One of the most photogenic areas of Cassis, you will find pastel-colored buildings lining the harbor full of boats. It’s a great place to sit at a nearby restaurant and people-watch, or bring your picnic and snap some photos! 

• Visit the two best beaches in town:
  • Plage de la Grande Mer: This is the most popular beach near the port in the town center. During the summer months, it can get crowded, but not to the point where you won’t be able to find a space. 
  • Plage de Bestouan: This beach is just a short walk from town, where you will find a smaller and more pebbled beach – but a less crowded option.

• Explore ‘Les Calanques’—Dotting the coast between Cassis and Marseille are Les Calanques, a series of coves between towering cliffs. Plenty of boat tours, ranging from 45 minutes to 2 hours, can help you see these beautiful nooks!

• Place Baragnon: This is the weekly market in the town square, held every Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. You’ll find everything from food to clothing to jewelry at this market, and it’s a great way to walk around, people-watch, and experience the local side of Cassis!

– Raimee Iacofano | Founder of Do It All Aborad | Follow on Instagram at @remoteraimee

Several beautiful and historic villages are situated above the famous and stunning coastline of the French Riviera. This part of the Cote d’Azur is soaked in old worldliness, and you can enjoy your warm, sunny days exploring the winding roads and cobbled streets snaking through the towns. One of the most prominent examples in the area is the village of Mougins.

Although it is located less than half an hour from the Cote d’Azur airport, most visitors will drive straight on past and head to the beaches that the region is best known for around St Tropez. But suppose you take a turn off the coastal road and up into hills. In that case, you will be wowed by the striking medieval architecture, magnificent views across the region, and down to the Mediterranean Sea alongside some great restaurants and cute art galleries.

Getting from Nice to Mougins: The easiest way to get to Mougins is by car. Enjoy a short half-an-hour journey from Nice, along pretty picturesque roads and pass over the narrow bridge up towards Mougins. Free parking is available at the top of the hill, where the old town is a short walk away.

Things to do:

• Take lunch at L’Amandier de Mougins, where fabulous European cuisine is served. Dishes include Osso Bucco with orange peel and their version of the classic Bouillabaisse. I also recommend dining on the terrace, which offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and villages.

• Stroll through the streets after lunch and a nice bottle of Provence Rose. There are many cute local shops to check out. You may even spot a celebrity or two taking a break from their yacht on the Riviera!

• If you are in town in September, visit the International Gastronomy Festival of Mougins! Many chefs from across the country travel to Mougins to set up their demonstration tent and showcase the best French gastronomy!

– Laura & Charlie | Founders of The Travelling Stomach | Follow on Instagram at @thetravellingstomach

If you’re looking for the perfect mix of beaches and history on the Riviera, look no further than Antibes. This former Roman settlement is known for its medieval-era old town, luxurious resorts and hotels, and gorgeous beaches stretching out next to the Mediterranean.

Getting from Nice to Antibes: Both TGV (high speed) and TER (regional) trains run from the station Nice Ville to the Gare d’Antibes. The former takes about 15 minutes, the latter around 30, and costs around €3.70.

Things to do:

• Plage de la Gravette: This gorgeous beach is far from the port and old town. It is the perfect place to spend the afternoon after wandering the city all morning.

• Parc Exflora: This stunning public park spans 5 hectares and has different sections inspired by English, Provençal, and Italian garden styles, among others. After a few minutes of strolling the park, you’ll wonder if you’re in the garden of an ancient Roman villa or the Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech.

• Picasso Museum: Located in the Château Grimaldi, this is the world’s first museum dedicated to Pablo Picasso, who had a studio at the chateau. When he left, he gifted 67 works of art to the city of Antibes, who used that to begin the collection that would eventually allow them to open the museum. 

Tip: Stop at the daily morning Provençal market on the Cours Masséna and pick up fresh local produce and other goodies for a beach or park picnic.

– Emily Jackson | Founders of The Glittering Unknown | Follow on Instagram at @theglitteringunknown 

One of the most charming towns along the French Riviera is Villefranche-sur-Mer. Situated along the beautiful Mediterranean coast, the village is surrounded by rolling hills planted with olive groves and a picturesque harbor dotted with yachts and sailboats. It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon drinking Aperol Spritz along the waterfront or relaxing at the beach. 

Getting from Nice to Villafranch-sur-Mer: You can reach Villafranch-sur-Mer by bus, train, Uber, car, or bike. TGV (high-speed) and TER (regional) trains run from the station Nice Ville to the Villafranch-sur-Mer station. The former takes about 7 minutes, the latter around 30 minutes, and costs around €3.00. You can also take the 100 or 81 bus from Nice to Villefranche. The cost is just 1.50€ per person or 1€ if you have the ten pass. When I visited, I took an Uber from Promenade des Anglais to the harbor of Villefranche-sur-Mer it was a 15-minute ride and cost about €16.00

Things to do:

• Get lost in Old Town Villefranche-sur-Mer. The town is the perfect backdrop for photos, and there’s so much history! Many buildings date back to the 13th century, so it feels like going back in time, walking through the pink, red, orange, and yellow streets. If you want to check out something unique, visit the Rue Obscure or “Dark Street” – a passageway under the harbor front houses dating back to 1260! It gives off Medieval vibes and is kind of creepy, so be sure to wander with a friend

• Enjoy a meal along the waterfront. Many restaurants throughout the city, but none compare to those with gorgeous harbor views. So grab a table, order an Aperol Spritz, and enjoy! 

• Check out the Saint Elme Citadel. This 16th-century fort was built by the Duke of Savoy to protect Nice from invaders. It houses the Town Hall, the Volti, Goetz-Boumeester Museums, the Roux Collection, and open-air theater and gardens – all free to enter.

• Cool off at Plage des Marinières. This beautiful beach is only a short distance from the port and curves around the bay for about one kilometer. The calm and shallow water makes it the perfect place for swimming and other aquatic activities. While the beach is made, of course, sand, it’s much more comfortable than the rocky beaches at Nice. 

– Angelina Cox | Founders of The Lovely Escapist | Follow on Instagram at @thelovelyescapist

 As always, my thoughts and opinions are my own.

Angie xoxo