5 Brilliant day trips from Nice, France

Among the dazzling hues of the Mediterranean, Nice is France’s southern coastal city that benefits from year-round sunshine and a sense of old-world charm. Spend your days in Nice soaking up rays on the pebbled beachfront, sipping on glasses of crisp rosé, or exploring some of the incredible nearby towns and villages.

A trip to France’s fifth-largest city is full of luxury mixed with just enough grit, making the city a drawcard for tourists since the 18th century. A fusion of French and Italian cultures, it’s easy to see that Nice only became part of France in 1860, with the essence of Italy seeping through at every corner.

With an abundance of colour and culture, Nice is the perfect base to explore France’s Côte d’Azur with brilliant connections to neighbouring towns and villages. Easily explored by car or public transport, these are the best day trips to take from Nice, France.

Antibes

Cobbled streets and pastel facades festooned with blooms make Antibes Old Town one of the most sensational places to visit on the Southern coast of France. The ancient walled city is lively, combining beach vibes with yachting prestige to make it one of the hottest destinations on the French Riviera.

Set between Nice and the luxurious hotspot Cannes, Antibes has had its fair share of glitz and glamour over the years. Known as once being the home of Spanish painter Pablo Picasso, the Avantgarde influence can still be seen today through the paved patterns in the narrow streets.

Things to do in Antibes

Boasting a collection of boutiques, cafes, and restaurants throughout the old town, there’s more than enough to keep you entertained during a day trip. If you find yourself in Antibes on a weekend, head to the Marché Provencal to pick up some local produce for snacking. The fresh strawberries and peach jam we bought here were both the best I’ve ever eaten!

For those looking for a more relaxed day, head to Plage De Salis, one of the most picturesque beaches in Antibes to soak in the Med. If you prefer to spend your time more actively, journey to Cap d’Antibes and explore the area on foot or by bike to make the most of it.

The artist folk among us will enjoy Antibes most famous museum, Musee Picasso, which is located at the Chateau Grimaldi where Picasso spent six months in 1946. Around town, you’ll also find stores showing the work of sculptors and ceramicists, so you can pick up a locally crafted momento to take home.

How to get to Antibes from Nice

Nice is an excellent base due to its well-connected train system to other towns along France’s Mediterranean coast. It’s also the easiest way, as parking can be limited in many of the smaller towns along the Côte d’Azur.

By train: From Nice Ville station, take the train to Antibes which takes around 20 minutes and will cost as little as €4.60 for a ticket. Book your tickets here.

By car: If you’re driving from Nice to Antibes, take the motorway A8 westbound until you reach exit 44 near the Carrefour service centre. Continue until you reach Rte de Saint-Jean, take a left and continue until Av. du Châtaignier to Rue Paul Bourgarel for around 10 minutes. The journey is 27km and will average around 35 minutes.

View from Botanical garden in Eze, France

Èze

A favourite among visitors to the French Riviera, Èze is the perfect day trip destination from Nice, France. Set atop an impossibly steep peak, this stone village exudes medieval charm characterised by the wonky houses, stone arches, and winding laneways of the town centre.

You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to another century as you make your way to the hilltop village that takes in sweeping views over the waters that give the Côte d’Azur its name. While getting lost among the twisting stone lanes is one of my favourite ways to explore, there are plenty of other things to do on a day trip to Èze.

Things to do in Èze, France

The best thing to do in Èze is to explore the grounds of the Jardin Exotique d’Eze. The botanical garden offers the best view from the town overlooking the sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean below with a collection of sculptures, cacti, and regional plant species filling the stepped gardens. Just be sure to bring a hat and sunscreen as there’s no shade.

Make time to find the vibrant Chapelle de la Sainte Croix, a yellow church tucked at the back of the village - it’s the oldest building in Èze dating back to 1300. After some exploring, slow down with a drink on the terrace of Chateau Eza which offers an alternative panoramic view of the Riviera coastline.

As you wander and weave through the lanes that fill this medieval village, pop into the many galleries and artist’s workshops that are in abundance for a village of this size. From paintings to handicrafts, I doubt you’ll be able to leave town without purchasing a souvenir - I picked up a watercolour print as a reminder of our time in Èze.

If you’d prefer to make the most of your day and see Èze and Monaco in a single trip, this tour can make both comfortable and easy to visit.

How to get to Èze from Nice

By bus: This is one destination that’s best reached by bus rather than train from Nice. Located 12km from Nice, there are a few options for which bus you take depending on where you are departing from in Nice. You can choose between the bus LR112 to Monte Carlo from Nice and get off at Èze Village, another option is the #82 Plateau de la Justice service which is the bus we took from the port side of Vieux Nice.

Make sure you don’t take the LR100 that stops at Èze Sur Mer, which is the beach - this is also the same stop that the train takes you to. If you do head to Èze Sur Mer, you’ll have to hike uphill to reach the town at the top of the cliff. You can find the local bus timetables here.

If you do want to visit the beach on your day trip to Èze, there is the #83 bus service from Èze Village to Eze Sur Mer, or walk down the hill - though there’s not a clearly defined path and you will require study shoes if you opt for this route.

harbour with boats and colour town on hillside

Villefranche-sur-Mer

A contrast to the stone village of Èze, Villefranche-sur-Mer is a postcard-perfect hamlet that kisses the coastline with its deep harbour and turquoise waters. Overlooking the Cap Ferrat peninsula, its 14th-century old town reminds me of the famed Cinque Terre in Italy.

One of the most beautiful towns on the French Riviera, Villefranche-sur-Mer feels a world away from France’s fifth-largest city. Embracing the small-town atmosphere, you can escape to the waterfront bars and plant-lined streets for the perfect antithesis to the bustling streets of Nice.

Things to do in Villefranche-sur-Mer

My favourite thing to do in Villefranche-sur-Mer is to simply exist. To enjoy the stillness and quiet that the town has to offer. Tiptoeing along the brightly decorated streets, climbing staircases that lead to hidden corners, and discovering the beauty of this Italian-influenced town.

Along the waterfront, grab a sundowner or stop in for a meal and watch as the boats pass by in the gentle waters of the protected bay. The prices here are higher than in Nice, but the view is worth a splurge. Les Garcons and La Mere Germaine are both great options for dinner.

The beach in Villefranche-sur-Mer benefits from the shelter of the Cap Ferrat and Cap de Nice, making it the ideal space to while away the hours with a packed picnic lunch and a good book. Head to Plage Les Bains De la Plage, which can be seen when you look down from the train station, where there is more than enough space to spread out.

If you have time, continue further around Cap Ferrat to Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild to visit the picturesque villa with stunning gardens and views across the bay.

How to get to Villefranche-sur-Mer from Nice

By train: Taking just 7 minutes to complete the journey, taking the train from Nice Ville station to Villefranche-sur-Mer is the fastest and easiest way. Prices start as low as €1.90 one way with services running as frequently as every 15 minutes. In peak times, trains can easily be booked out, pre-book your tickets here.

By bus: Depending on where you are staying in Nice, the bus is also a convenient way to reach Villefranche-sur-Mer. The #82 passes through the opposite side of town near the port and takes around 20 minutes to reach Villefranche-sur-Mer, just alight at La Corne d’Or and walk down towards the sea.

Menton

With a colour palette inspired by citrus fruits, Menton is one of the most sensational towns on the French Riviera. Located in the far east of the region near the Italian border, the influence of its Ligurian neighbours is easy to see.

With a skyline of staggered buildings in bright hues of tangerine, peach, and lemon, the iconic vista of Menton is best enjoyed from the seafront pier where you can take in the full scene. From a day spent frolicking in the sea to exploring the colourful Old Town, Menton is a must-visit day trip from Nice, France.

Things to do in Menton

The Old Town of Menton is one of the biggest drawcards, with its winding 13th-century streets brightly painted in yellow and orange, it is also a favourite among photographers and influencers looking to add a pop of colour to their feed. Spend a few hours exploring the Old Town, with special mention to ‘Yellow street’ and the nearby staircase, and the cathedral.

Climb the zigzagging staircase opposite the pier to the top of Menton and explore Basilique Saint-Michel-Archange. The 35-metre clock tower rises high above the grounds of the 17th-century Baroque church which is dressed in olive and ochre, featuring black and white pebble mosaics in the square below.

The Jean Cocteau Museum is a highlight, showcasing works from the film director and artist that was smitten with Menton. Located within the bastion, a 17th-century fort, the building has been beautifully decorated with mosaics by Cocteau himself.

Cool off at Plage des Sablettes where the white pebbled beach is adorned with vibrant parasols. Skirting the Old Town, the atmosphere is energetic, providing the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of beach time after you’ve wandered the sights of Menton’s colourful streets.

How to get to Menton from Nice

By train: The last town before you cross the border into Italy’s Liguria region, Menton is easily reached from Nice. Just 35-40 minutes by train, the 20km journey doesn’t require any changes and tickets start from around €5 depending on class and service. Take the train from Nice Ville station toward Ventimiglia and disembark the train at Menton. Book your train tickets here.

By car: If you would prefer to drive, Menton is one of the larger towns and has more parking available, though like much of Europe it can still be quite limited. An easy route, follow the A8 motorway Eastward from Nice until you reach exit 59 near Viraron, you’ll see a McDonald’s roadside and will know you’ve taken the right exit. Continue on the D22A towards the coast and in around 10 minutes you will have reached your destination.

Monaco

The independent state of Monaco is easily visited on a day trip from Nice, France, and can be a far more affordable way to explore this glitzy destination. Known as the playground of the rich and famous, host of the Monaco F1 Grand Prix, and the world’s most notorious tax haven, there are plenty of affordable things to see and do in Monaco.

Unlike other towns and villages along the French Riviera, Monte Carlo is a collection of high-rise concrete buildings. Though many feature charming Juliet balconies and pastel paintwork, it feels a world away from the quaint old towns elsewhere in the region.

Things to do in Monaco

Sitting high above the Monaco principality, Palais du Prince dates back to the 13th century when it was once a Genoese Fortress. You can visit when the Prince isn’t in residence, just check to see if the flag is in the tower as an easy way to tell.

Whether you choose to go inside and have your hand at the roulette table or would prefer to simply admire it from the outside, Monte Carlo Casino is a must-do when in Monaco. Built in the 1890s, it was styled in flamboyant Beaux Arts architecture and has been said to influence the setting of the Casino in the James Bond novel, Casino Royale.

If you’re not visiting for the Formula One but still want some automotive entertainment, Collection de Voitures Anciennes houses a collection of F1 cars and vintage models that are part of the Prince of Monaco’s private collection. Of course, this isn’t the only museum, other great mentions are owed to Nouveau Musee National de Monaco, Musée Oceanographique, and the Monaco Naval Museum.

For something free, wander around the old town, stopping to admire the Monaco Cathedral. Small but lovely, it’s filled with cafes and souvenir shops where you can pick up something to remind you of your time in this small but mighty 200-hectare country.

How to get to Monaco from Nice

By train: You’ve probably guessed it by now, and yes, a train is the best way to reach Monaco. Personally, I’d avoid driving from Nice to Monaco at all. Trains run from Nice Ville to Gare de Monaco-Monte Carlo every 30 minutes, with the journey taking on 25 minutes and tickets starting from €4. Book your ticket here.

By ferry: Alternatively, if you’re looking for a more scenic route, this full-day ferry excursion from Nice to Monaco will showcase the best of the Riviera coastline.