With trains, buses and roads running everywhere, Nice makes a great base from which to explore the French Riviera. Nearly every place on the Cote d'Azur can be a day trip from Nice, even distant Saint-Tropez. To narrow it down, I'll concentrate on places that are easily doable via public transport. In order of importance, here are the best day trips from Nice:
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Glamorous Monaco is a world unto itself. Monaco Ville is the site of the Prince's Palace and the Cathedral where Princess Grace is buried. With pastel 19th-century buildings on tidy streets it's like a fairy tale town. Celebrities and the super-rich still gravitate to the ornate Monte Carlo casino where you half expect to see James Bond with a martini. It's an easy day trip that can be done by bus or train.
See details on how to do a day trip from Nice to Monaco.
This coastal resort town sports a wonderful stretch of sandy beach, a harbour lined with restaurants and a delightful medieval town center. Highlights include a 16th-century citadel, a chapel decorated by Jean Cocteau, a local market, reminders of the 6th Fleet, and a 13th-century covered street (rue Obscure).
See details on how to do a day trip from Nice to Villefranche-sur-Mer.
This historic town on the border with Italy has it all: beaches, a medieval old town and historic churches. Its famously mild climate attracts retirees from France and Italy making the town a fascinating blend of the two cultures. Highlights include Belle Epoque architecture, a covered market, the Basilique Saint Michel Archange and the Exotic Gardens Val Rahmeh.
See details on how to do a day trip from Nice to Menton
The yearly Film Festival is legendary but Cannes' elegant La Croisette beachside stroll makes it worth a visit any time of year. And, Cannes is one of the few Riviera towns with (artificial) sandy beaches.The train only takes 1/2 hour; the bus is much longer.
See details on how to do a day trip from Nice to Cannes.
Even without the Picasso Museum, this historic town would be worth a visit for the central Provencal Market and leafy Cap d'Antibes. There are plenty of trains from Nice and regular buses.
For a complete change, why not head over to Italy? It's only 40 minutes by train and the shopping is great.
Of all the walled hilltop villages on the Cote d'Azur, Saint Paul de Vence is the most beautiful. It was a favorite hangout for artists in the early 20th century and even now the village attracts artists and artisans. Meander through the village admiring the galleries and don't miss the sweeping views from the walls. Just outside is the first-rate art museum, Fondation Maeght. There's no direct bus; a change is necessary. It takes one to 1 1/2 hours to get there.
See details on how to do a day trip from Nice to St Paul de Vence.
Eze
This hilltop village makes a striking exclamation point on the Moyenne Corniche. This unique village is perched on a high hill with great views over the coast. The medieval streets are lined with shops and cafes and at the top is the Jardin Exotique with the best views on the coast. It's only a half-hour by bus from Nice.
See details on how to do a day trip from Nice to Eze and how to do a day trip from Nice to Eze and Monaco
One of the Riviera's most legendary spots offers a spectacular coast and a town with fisherman cottages transformed into elegant boutiques. It's possible to take a boat from Nice to Saint Tropez. There's no train station in Saint Tropez but it's possible to visit independently via train and bus.
See details on how to do a day trip from Nice to Saint Tropez.
It's not just the perfume business that makes Grasse worth a day trip from Nice. The Provencal ambience is a refreshing contrast to the coast. Wandering the streets is a delight for the senses, amplified by a visit to a perfume factory. To visit Grasse, it's best to go by bus and return by train.
Find out how to do a day trip from Nice to Grasse.
Hi! I'm Jeanne and I've been living on the Riviera for years. With my local insights your trip will be easy and fun. And, do check out my book Nice Uncovered: Walks Through the Secret Heart of a Historic City. More about me here.
