13 Best Day Trips From Nice France You Can’t Miss
The South of France is one of the most popular regions in Europe—and for good reason.
I lived in Nice for six months as a student and have returned several times as a visitor, so I’ve come to know the area well from both a local and tourist perspective.
I have taken many day trips from Nice, France using trains, buses, and the occasional Uber. I am also an expert travel planner from my years working as a luxury travel planner.
In this guide, I’ll share my favourite destinations, along with practical tips on how to get there, what to do, and where to eat—based on my own experience.
You can trust my food recommendations because I am a foodie and always on the hunt for the best dining experience. My partner and I take a lot of time to research the places we eat at as it is so important to us.
I had to dig into my archives to find photos from when I lived there, so it was a lovely trip down memory lane.
How To Get Around Nice?
If you’re staying near the Old Town or the Promenade des Anglais, most of Nice’s main sights are within walking distance. But to explore beyond the city, you’ll need to use public transport.
We stayed at Hotel La Perouse on our most recent trip to Nice and it was in a great location. It was a short walk from the old town and the port.
Local Public Transport
Nice has a reliable public transport system. The tram is useful for getting around the city, and you can buy tickets from machines at tram stops.
The first time you buy a ticket, you’ll pay extra for a rechargeable card, which can also be used on the Lignes d’Azur bus network. You can pay by card at the machines, and top up the same card throughout your stay.
The bus will be the cheapest method of getting from one town to another, but not necessarily the quickest.
Train
The train is the easiest way to reach towns along the coast, such as Antibes, Cannes, and Monaco. Nice Ville is the main station, but you may find Nice Riquier more convenient depending on where you’re staying.
Ticket machines can get busy, so I recommend using the Trainline app to book tickets. You can book them upon arrival at the train station or a few days in advance if you already know your schedule. Trainline will give you a ticket with a QR code to scan at the gate.
Taxi
Sometimes public transport can be slow or infrequent—especially buses—so we often used Uber instead. It was usually quick, easy, and not too expensive.
Car Rental
You can rent a car if you prefer more flexibility, but it’s not essential for most day trips. I usually find the best price on Discover Cars.
Parking can be a hassle, and nearly all the destinations mentioned in this article are accessible by public transport.
1. Eze
Eze is a medieval hilltop village with stunning views and charming cobbled streets. It’s a popular day trip, so plan to arrive early—by 11:00 AM it was already uncomfortably busy during our visit.
Wear trainers or shoes with good grip, as the village is full of uneven cobblestone paths.
How To Get There?
The best way to reach Eze is by taking bus #82 or #602 from the Bavastro stop behind Port Lympia in Nice. Note that buses are limited on Sundays.
Avoid taking the train to Eze-sur-Mer unless you’re up for a steep uphill hike along the Chemin de Nietzsche to reach the village.
We ended up taking an Uber to Eze due to the unreliable bus schedule, which proved to be much easier.
What To Do?
Don’t miss the Exotic Garden (Jardin Exotique d’Eze), which has panoramic views over the coast. You can book a timed ticket online, or buy one when you arrive.
If there’s a queue at the first ticket booth near the village entrance, walk further in—there’s one deeper into the village that is often quieter.
Once you’ve got your ticket, you can skip the line to enter the garden.
Spend time wandering Eze’s narrow streets, which are lined with shops selling jewellery, art, and clothing.
Where To Eat?
There are several restaurants in Eze, including fine-dining options like Les Remparts at La Chèvre d’Or, where a jacket is required. Chateau Eza also offers an upscale experience but has a more relaxed dress code.
We had planned to eat at Le Cactus, a popular option, but it felt overcrowded, and the terrace was located on a busy path.
Instead, we continued to nearby Villefranche-sur-Mer for a more relaxed lunch by the water.
2. Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is one of the most scenic spots near Nice, prized for its peaceful atmosphere, elegant villas, and stunning coastal views.
It’s the perfect spot for leisurely walks along the peninsula and enjoying the Mediterranean’s natural beauty.
How To Get There?
You can either:
- Take bus #81 from Promenade des Arts and get off near the Cap, or
- Take the train to Beaulieu-sur-Mer and walk from there (about 20–30 minutes to the start of the trail).
What To Do?
Walk the Coastal Trail
One of the best things to do here is the coastal walk—a 4.5 km trail around the peninsula. Without stops, it takes about an hour, but you’ll likely want to pause for photos or a swim.
Start from Beaulieu-sur-Mer train station, walk along the water to the peninsula, and complete the full Cap Ferrat loop, it adds up to around 8.5 km (which is what I tracked on Strava). The walk is mostly flat and easy to follow, with a well-maintained path that runs right along the coast for long stretches.
You’ll get beautiful views of the Mediterranean and pass small coves where you can stop for a swim.
The official trail is 4.5 km and takes about an hour without breaks, but you’ll want to allow extra time if you’re starting from Beaulieu or planning to stop along the way.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring water and sunscreen, and avoid doing the full loop during the hottest part of the day in summer.
Paloma Beach
If you’re visiting Cap Ferrat in the summer, plan to spend time at Paloma Beach. It’s a scenic spot with clear water and a peaceful feel. You can bring your own towel and use the public side of the beach.
The beach club is closed throughout 2025 due to cliff reinforcement works, so there are no sunbed rentals, toilets, or food service—just a natural beach.
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
While you’re in the area, it’s worth visiting Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild.
You can walk there in about 15 minutes from the Cap Ferrat bus stop, or 30 minutes from Beaulieu-sur-Mer train station. An Uber from Nice is the fastest option.
You don’t need to book in advance—buy your ticket at the entrance. The villa itself is impressive, but the real highlight is the garden, with themed sections and great sea views.
Check for opening times before visiting, because sometimes the villa is closed for private events, such as weddings.
Where To Eat?
There are several restaurants in the port area. I’ve eaten at many over the years and always enjoyed the views across the water.
On my most recent visit, we grabbed wraps and salads from La Pointe du Cap Ferrat, a food kiosk near Paloma Beach. It was convenient but nothing special – the reviews online are not great either!
For a proper sit-down meal, I recommend Le Quai 28, which has good reviews and a great location in the port. It’s only open during lunch and dinner hours, so don’t count on it for a late-afternoon bite.
3. Villefranche-sur-Mer
Villefranche sur Mer is a picturesque seaside village known for its colourful waterfront, deep natural harbour, and charming narrow streets.
It has a relaxed atmosphere with stunning views of the Mediterranean sea.
How To Get There?
Villefranche-sur-Mer is one of the easiest day trips from Nice. You can take the train from Nice Ville station—it’s only a 7-minute ride.
Alternatively, there’s a bus from Port Lympia in Nice to the Octroi stop, which takes around 15 minutes. Keep in mind that walking to Port Lympia can take extra time depending on where you’re staying in Nice.
In the end, we just took an Uber to Villefranche because it was quicker and we didn’t fancy waiting for the bus.
What To Do?
Villefranche has a sandier beach than Nice, making it more comfortable for sunbathing. The view across the bay is beautiful and it’s generally peaceful, especially compared to the main beaches in Nice.
The town itself is lovely to walk around, with colourful streets and a relaxed atmosphere. Don’t miss Rue Obscure—an unusual and slightly eerie covered street that’s worth a quick visit.
Look out for the beautiful church known as: Chapelle Saint-Pierre “Cocteau”.
Where to Eat?
There are plenty of restaurants along the harbourfront.
We had lunch at La Mère Germaine, which was recommended by a colleague who regularly visits the French Riviera. It’s listed on the Michelin Guide website, though it doesn’t hold a star or official rating.
The restaurant has a smart, white tablecloth setting and serves fresh seafood with a beautiful view of the harbour.
If you’re looking for something more relaxed, there are other restaurants nearby with more casual menus—just take a look at what appeals to you along the front.
After lunch, we grabbed a lemon meringue tart at La Mère Germaine, which was excellent. If you still have room, get an ice cream from Glacier Feracci—there are two locations in the town.
4. Antibes
Antibes is a historic coastal town famed for its old port filled with luxury yachts, medieval ramparts, and vibrant Provençal markets. It has a charming old-world character and a lively arts scene.
How to Get There?
Antibes is an easy day trip from Nice by train. Take the tram or walk to Nice Ville station and catch one of the frequent trains to Antibes. Journey times vary depending on the train, so check Trainline for the fastest option.
Be mindful of your belongings when travelling through the train station—we saw a tourist nearly get pickpocketed. She spotted it in time and scared the thief off, but it was a reminder to stay alert and keep bags zipped.
Once you arrive in Antibes, it’s about a 10-minute walk from the station to the Old Town. On our most recent visit, it was raining heavily, which made the walk feel much longer.
What To Do?
Spend time wandering through Antibes’ charming Old Town. The streets are full of character—don’t miss Rue du Haut Castelet and Rue du Bas Castelet, two of the most picturesque in the area.
There’s a covered Provençal market in the town centre where you can browse stalls selling herbs, spices, flowers, fish, and cheese. It’s open every morning except Mondays.
If you enjoy art, visit the Picasso Museum, located in the Château Grimaldi where the artist once worked.
For something more active, consider walking the Sentier du Littoral (also known as Sentier de Tire-Poil), a coastal trail that offers beautiful views of the sea and rocky shoreline.
The walk starts from the Billionaires’ Bay side at the “START Sentier du littoral” point and ends at Plage de la Garoupe. There are swimming spots along the way, so bring your swimwear.
To get to the start of the walk, you can take bus #02 from the Guillabert stop just outside Antibes Old Town to Fontaine. Buses are infrequent, so check the schedule or take an Uber—there are usually plenty around.
Be aware that public toilets are scarce in Antibes, so take advantage of facilities when you see them.
Where To Eat?
There are several great options in Antibes. Le Bistrot de Bacchus, Le Zinc, and Le P’tit Cageot were all recommended by a friend who lived in Antibes and has excellent taste in restaurants.
On our most recent visit, we ate at Le Zinc, where we had a great burger in a cosy setting.
If you’re planning to explore the coastal path or visit Juan-Les-Pins afterwards, it’s a good idea to eat in Antibes Old Town before heading out.
5. Juan-Les-Pins
Not far from Antibes is the beautiful and convenient beach of Juan-Les-Pains. It is one of the best areas to go for some lounging on the beach.
When I was a student, I would come here to sunbathe on the sand because it was more comfortable than the rocky beach in Nice.
How To Get There?
If you are travelling to Juan-Les-Pins from Nice, it is an easy train ride. The beach is about a 30-minute walk from Antibes old town or 30 minutes from the Millionaires Bay Walk in Antibes.
What To Do?
The beach is on the edge of town, so it does not have a secluded feeling, but it is a great place to enjoy the warm weather.
However, there are many beach clubs in Juan-Les-Pins with sun loungers.
Most of the beach bars are similar, but my friend recommended Belle Rives as her preferred spot because it serves good food. It is the beach spot for guests of the 5-star hotel, so it is a pricier option on the beach.
6. Monaco
Monaco is a glamorous city-state on the French Riviera, known for its luxury lifestyle, Formula 1 Grand Prix, and iconic Monte Carlo Casino.
How to Get There?
Take the train from Nice Ville or Nice Riquier to Monaco. The journey takes around 20-30 minutes with frequent departures, making it a convenient day trip option.
There is a great viewpoint of Monaco from the train station.
What To Do?
Formula 1 Circuit Walk
If you are a Formula 1 fan, you can walk most of the track that the cars take. The race is held every year in late May, so either plan ahead and purchase tickets, or avoid Monaco during that weekend.
In the weeks before the Grand Prix, preparations are underway, so expect some road closures but a good impression of the course.
Explore Monaco on Foot
Walk around Monaco’s harbour, known as Port de Fontvieille, and admire the luxury yachts. It’s a scenic spot for a stroll and people-watching.
Visit the Prince’s Palace of Monaco. Be sure to walk along Ruelle Sainte-Barbe near the Palais Princier, a beautiful street in Monaco-Ville. There are also great viewpoints nearby, such as this Panoramic view of Monaco and Vue Panoramique sur Fontvieille.
Visit the Condamine Market where many locals buy fresh produce each morning.
Exotic Garden and Observatory Cave
Check out the Exotic Garden of Monaco and Observatory Cave. The Observatory Cave offers guided tours included with entry.
Note: they are currently closed, with reopening expected at the end of 2025. It reminds me of Eze’s Exotic Garden, so if you can’t visit Monaco’s, consider visiting Eze’s instead.
Monte Carlo and the Casino
Walk around Monte Carlo and enter the Casino. When I visited over a decade ago, you needed a passport to enter. I didn’t gamble but enjoyed watching others. There are special rooms for serious gambles.
Before visiting Monte Carlo Casino, check the conditions for entry, including dress code and ID requirements.
You’ll notice many expensive cars arriving and leaving Casino Square, often hotel guests. Sitting at a nearby café with a drink is worth it for the people-watching, though drinks can be pricey.
7. Cannes
Cannes is a glamorous French Riviera city known worldwide for its prestigious film festival, luxury hotels, and vibrant beachfront promenade. Beyond the glitz, it offers charming old-town streets, beautiful beaches, and a lively cultural scene year-round.
How to Get There?
Cannes is easy enough to get to by train from Nice. The train journey takes around 30-40 minutes, with frequent departures.
What To Do?
Cannes International Film Festival
Cannes is home to the historic Cannes International Film Festival, which typically takes place in mid to late May, just before the Formula 1 race in Monaco. The town becomes a favourite among movie stars during this time.
I visited Cannes during the film festival, but there is not much to see if you do not have an invite to a premiere. However, you can still see the famous red carpet and stairs.
La Croisette
No matter the time of year, you should walk along La Croisette, the promenade running along the beachfront. Here you’ll spot luxury hotels and designer shops.
If the weather is pleasant, you can stop for a beachfront drink or bite to eat, or even go for a dip in the water at La Croisette.
Le Suquet (Old Town)
To see the heart of Cannes, leave the promenade and enter Le Suquet, the old town.
It has more of the Provencal feel found in many other French Riviera towns, with its colourful buildings, cobblestone streets, and shop fronts selling local produce.
Nightlife
If you plan to visit bars or clubs in Cannes or Monaco, make sure you dress to impress, as some clubs can be selective. I saw many people being refused entry when I went to a fancy club in Cannes.
8. Île Sainte-Marguerite
Ile Sainte-Marguerite is a wild, scenic island just off the coast of Cannes, famous for its crystal-clear waters, natural beauty, and historic sites. It is a peaceful escape with walking trails, swimming spots, and a glimpse into local history.
How to Get There?
From Cannes, walk about 10 minutes from the train station to Quai Saint-Pierre, where boats depart to Île Sainte-Marguerite. If you have a car, there are nearby parking options.
Two boat companies operate between Cannes and Île Sainte-Marguerite, with departures every hour. The trip takes about 15 minutes.
Some companies offer discounts for booking tickets online.
What To Do?
Explore the Island
Île Sainte-Marguerite is a wild island with striking flora and stunningly bright water. Wear good walking shoes as the terrain includes some steep sections.
One of the best walks is the Chemin de Ceinture, a loop around the island that takes about 1.5 hours without stops. You can also swim in the clear water.
There are a few food outlets on the island, but bringing a picnic is also a good option.
Museum of the Man in the Iron Mask and Fort Royal
Visit the Museum of the Man in the Iron Mask (Musée du Masque de fer) and explore Fort Royal to learn more about the island’s history.
9. Cap d’Ail
Cap d’Ail is a picturesque coastal town just west of Monaco, known for its stunning cliffside views, secluded beaches, and elegant Mediterranean charm. It’s a great spot to enjoy peaceful walks and scenic coastal trails away from the busier Riviera hubs.
How To Get There?
To get to Plage Mala, you can take the train to Cap d’Ail Station and walk 15 minutes to reach Plage Mala. Otherwise, you can take the bus 600 from Square Normandie in Nice.
What To Do?
There are several beaches at Cap D’Ail, but the one I visited the most was Plage Mala, a beautiful, secluded beach.
There is a public side to the beach and a private, which is owned by Eden Plage Mala, where you can rent a sunbed and umbrella and dine in their restaurant. Since the public beach area is small, you should aim to arrive early to find a spot for your towel.
Other beaches include Plage Marquet – a sandy pebbly beach and Les Pissarelles – which is a bit harder to get to via a winding path.
10. Menton
Menton is a charming seaside town known for its colourful old town, mild climate, and rich citrus-growing heritage. It offers a quieter alternative to nearby Monaco, with a beautiful waterfront and a vibrant cultural scene.
How To Get There?
Take the train to Menton from Nice and it is the stop after Monaco, any further and you’ll end up in Italy. The walk from Menton train station is around 10 minutes to the old town and waterfront.
What To Do?
Menton Fête du Citron
The lemon festival in Menton is an interesting experience. I visited the Menton Fête du Citron as a student and it was a unique day trip that I highly recommend.
It takes place over 2 weeks from mid-February to early March.
Like the Nice Carnival, they have parades with floats, but the main concept is that everything is related to citrus fruits. You will find castles constructed from lemons and dragons made up of oranges.
You can book your tickets to the Fete du Citron online.
Exploring Menton
However, it is still worth visiting Menton outside of the lemon festival as it is a beautiful, colourful town. Walk along the Promenade du Soleil and get lost in the winding old town streets.
You can follow the walking guide route as recommended by the Menton tourism office.
Make sure you also seek out some local citrus goods, such as limoncello, soaps, and olive oil. I was able to try a sample of some local limoncello at a market stall.
11. Train des Merveilles
Make sure to get a window seat for the Wonder Train (Train des Merveilles), a scenic train journey along the coastline from Nice to Mercantour National Park, with impressive views of the Mediterranean Sea.
The recommended train departs Nice at 9:15 AM and arrives at Tende by 11:30 AM. This service includes interesting commentary along the route, adding to the experience.
There are other trains on a different schedule that do not offer commentary and stop earlier at Breil-sur-Roya.
You don’t have to complete the journey in one go. You can disembark at earlier stops to stay overnight in unique towns such as Sospel or Saorge, the latter being one of France’s official “Plus Beaux Villages” (Most Beautiful Villages).
If you travel to the further spot, Tende, make sure to visit the Collegiale Notre-Dame-Assomption, a notable historic church in the town.
Important: The Train des Merveilles is currently closed for maintenance and upgrades until late 2025.
12. Gorges du Verdon
With its water in an incredible shade of turquoise, the Verdon Gorge is not to be missed. However, it does require some planning.
This destination requires renting a car. It is about a 2 to 3-hour drive from Nice, so start early to make the most of your day in the Gorges du Verdon. There is plenty to do in the area—you could easily spend a whole week exploring.
Activities include swimming in the gorge, renting pedal boats, white-water rafting, relaxing by the lake, and cycling the winding roads. The region also offers hiking trails with spectacular views, making it a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
13. Auron
If you’re visiting Nice in winter or are a local looking for new activities, consider heading to Auron, a nearby ski resort.
If you don’t have ski gear, you can rent skis, boots, poles, a helmet, a coat, and ski trousers from rental shops in Auron. We rented equipment from Ziggy’s at Ziggy Shop Zen Altitude.
How To Get There?
It’s just a two-hour bus ride from Nice. Take the 100% Neige bus number 740 to Auron, departing from Gare SNCF Thiers, located to the left of the train station.
You must book your ticket online in advance through the Lignes d’Azur website to avoid disappointment. Availability is limited—I had to reschedule several times due to sold-out tickets. A return ticket costs €14, with the bus leaving at 7:30 AM and returning at 5 PM.
With this schedule, you can ski from around 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM, which is the perfect amount of time to enjoy the slopes and make the most of your day trip.
Conclusion
There are plenty of easy and interesting day trips you can take from Nice, whether you’re after beaches, scenic walks, or historic towns. You can reach most places by public transport, though there are a couple that are better with a car.
My favourite day trips are to Saint Jean Cap Ferrat and Antibes, but it’s worth exploring a few different options depending on how much time you have.
If you’re still planning your itinerary, keep an eye out for my other articles on Nice and the surrounding regions in France.
In the meantime, consider booking any transport or tickets in advance, especially if you’re travelling during peak season.
If you haven’t already booked your hotel in Nice, I recommend La Perouse, which is where we stayed during our most recent trip.
