Discover 6 of the best day trips you can take along the Côte d’Azur from Nice, France!
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[SEE RELATED: HOW TO SPEND 1 DAY IN MONACO]
Experience the French Riviera to its fullest by taking a day trip (or two, or three…) from Nice. The French Riviera, or Côte d’Azur, is full of stunning picturesque villages, towns, and vistas that are all relatively close and easily accessible. I promise you will discover adventure and landscapes that will leave you absolutely captivated.
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6 DAY TRIPS FROM NICE, FRANCE
DAY TRIP ESSENTIALS
THE BEST WALKING SHOES
MONTBLANC PASSPORT HOLDER
SLEEK PORTABLE CHARGER
TRAVEL WATER BOTTLE
FAVORITE SUNGLASSES
ADAPTER & CONVERTERTRANSPORTATION OPTIONS
For any day trip(s) you choose to embark on, you can easily arrange private transfers for yourself or your group.
Book a trusted private driver through Viator or GetYourGuide.
Or, book a car through Expedia.
Like many travelers, if you choose to utilize public transportation, one of the best apps to download for your trip is Omio. Omio will allow you to purchase tickets straight from the app, along with detailed instructions, so you can head to the station with ease. Click here & get €10 Omio credit, and use the search tool below!
BOOK A TOUR
A fabulous, easy, and fun way to get a day trip in is to take a guided tour. There are plenty of customizable options available that allow you tailor your experience based on your interests, group size, time frame, and budget. I’ve only had wonderful experiences with Viator and GetYourGuide, and my amazing tour guides have always made me feel safe and welcome. Top rated selections are listed below:
1 – MONACO (~ 12km/7.5 miles from Nice)
If you’re interested in crossing off another country on your bucket list, you have to take a day trip to Monaco! This beautiful country captivates luxury, stunning scenery, and fun attractions – many of which you can get to in a day.
[SEE RELATED: HOW TO SPEND 1 DAY IN MONACO]
Not only can you do some incredible luxury shopping, but there are also great lookout points, the famous Grand Prix Formula 1 track, beaches, plenty of yachts to browse, and much more! Monaco is easily accessible from Nice via train, bus, (both of which are very inexpensive at around €10 round trip) or helicopter. The most popular method is via train, and in less than an hour, you can arrive in a brand new country! Check out this TikTok/Reel on what to expect on a train ride from Nice to Monaco!
2 – ÈZE (~ 12.3km/7.6 miles from Nice)
Straight from a fairytale storybook, Èze is calling your name! Èze is essentially two villages on three-tiers: Èze Village and Èze-sur-Mer. This charming French town is full of beauty and rich history. When in Èze, you will feel like you are in a fairytale castle. From Nice, you can travel via train but traveling by bus is the most popular way to get to Èze, and direct lines will get you there in about 30 minutes.
With narrow streets covered in flowers, Èze has plenty of scenery to offer. Popular attractions are the Eze Exotic Garden (Jardin Exotique d’Èze) – a botanical garden with panoramic views; Èze Village – a charming medieval village full of artisan shops and boutiques; and Fragonard Perfume Factory – offering guided tours of art of perfume-making; and much more!
3 – CANNES (~26km/16 miles from Nice)
We all know Cannes for its Film Festival – the internationally acclaimed and prestigious showcase of films from around the world, held in May. However, Cannes has a lovely spectrum of museums, water activities, luxury shopping, and incredible dining to offer. Similar to other nearby day trips, Cannes is accessible from Nice via train and bus. The most popular way to get here is via train which takes just about 30 minutes.
When you get to Cannes, make sure to stop at the Cannes Film Festival venue (Palais des Festivals et des Congrès) where you can stop and snap a picture on the red carpet! Also make sure to check out their beautiful beaches, Le Suquet (Old Town), Musée de la Castre for panoramic views, and the historic Villa Rothschild mansion.
4 – ANTIBES (~20km/12.5 miles from Nice
Sun, ships, and scenery! Antibes is a mesmerizing town that is guaranteed to captivate you with its charm. Antibes is home to the famous Picasso Museum, gorgeous beaches, Port Vauban full of luxury yachts, Antibes Jazz Festival, the cutest markets, Fort Carré, and much more! The most popular way to get to Antibes from Nice is via train, but you can also get there via bus as well, both which will get you there in about 30 minutes.
This is the exact tour I did! (From Nice: Cannes and Antibes Half-day Tour)
5 – MENTON (~30km/18.5 miles from Nice)
Just a short public transport away from Nice, Menton is another charming coastal town along the French Riviera. The most popular way to arrive is via train or bus, both of which will get you there in about a half hour.
Menton is known for its colors – from bright gardens and buildings, to exceptional beach fronts, this town has plenty of Mediterranean character to offer. This town also carries Italian influence because of its proximity to the France-Italy border. Spend your day basking in the sun at the beach, venturing to the exotic gardens, strolling through the Vieux Menton (Old Town), or visiting the Jean Cocteau Museum. While you’re there check out the lemon-lined souvenir shops and streets, and pick up a fresh glass of lemonade!
6 – ST. TROPEZ (~100km/62 miles from Nice)
A bit further from Nice than some other towns, St. Tropez is a coveted excursion known for its glamour and sparkling night life. It is a common place for high profile and wealthy visitors to summer.
While there are many ways to get to St. Tropez (car, train, bus, helicopter), the most common way to get there is via ferry. From Nice’s Old Port, you can arrive in St. Tropez in just around 2 hours, and the journey itself will offer you immaculate coastal views you won’t want to miss.
Once you arrive in St. Tropez, you can spend your day relaxing at one of the beach clubs on a sunbed rental, or exploring the Old Town, the historic Citadel, museums, or shopping. If you plan to extend your day trip to 2-3 days, make sure to experience the vibrant night life by visiting St. Tropez’s famous night clubs, beach bars, and parties.
FINAL VERDICT
Taking a day trip from Nice, France will open up a world of beautiful oppportunities. I promise you won’t regret exploring the charming coastal towns along the French Riviera. With convenient transportation options, there are so many possibilities within arms reach! You can embark upon a memorable adventure and return to the comfort of your Nice accommodation by the end of the day!
I hope you have the most wonderful time exploring the South of France. Make sure to follow me for more travel content! 🖤
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