10 Best Day Trips from Nice, France

Nice is the perfect base for exploring the French Riviera and beyond. With its stunning coastline, charming old town, and easy access to trains, buses, and ferries, getting out to explore nearby destinations couldn’t be easier.

From glamorous Monaco to the colorful streets of Menton and the medieval villages of Provence, there’s no shortage of incredible places to visit.

After spending one day in Nice, you might find yourself wanting to venture further. I’ve put together this list of the best day trips from Nice, covering everything from coastal towns and historic sites to breathtaking natural landscapes.

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Best Day Trips from Nice, France

1. Menton

How to get there: 40 min by train / 40 min by car
Best organized tour: Italian Riviera, Monaco & Monte Carlo Tour

Menton is one of the most charming towns on the French Riviera, known for its pastel-colored buildings, lush gardens, and relaxed atmosphere. Sitting right on the Italian border, it has a unique blend of French and Italian influences, making it a great escape from the busier cities along the coast.

One of the best things to do in Menton is simply wandering through the Old Town, where you’ll find narrow streets leading up to the stunning Basilica of Saint-Michel. From there, continue to the cemetery on the hill for panoramic views over the town and the Mediterranean.

Menton is also famous for its gardens, with Val Rahmeh and the Jardin Serre de la Madone being two of the most beautiful. If you’re visiting in February, you might even catch the annual Lemon Festival, when the entire town is decorated with citrus sculptures.

With its gorgeous beaches, charming streets, and laid-back vibe, Menton is an easy and rewarding day trip from Nice. The train ride takes only about 40 minutes, making it a convenient option for a relaxed day by the sea.

2. Monaco

How to get there: 25 min by train / 30 min by car
Best organized tour: Full-Day Monaco, Monte-Carlo & Eze Tour

Monaco is one of the most popular day trips from Nice, offering a mix of luxury, history, and stunning coastal views. This tiny principality is packed with things to see, from the famous Monte Carlo Casino to the grand Prince’s Palace.

Walking around Monaco feels like stepping into a different world, where superyachts fill the marina and high-end boutiques line the streets.

Spending one day in Monaco is enough to see its highlights. Start your visit in Monaco-Ville, also known as Le Rocher, where you can explore the Old Town and visit the Prince’s Palace. The Oceanographic Museum is another must-see, especially for marine life enthusiasts.

From there, head to Monte Carlo to see the iconic casino and take a stroll through the glamorous Casino Square. If you’re a Formula 1 fan, you’ll recognize parts of the Monaco Grand Prix circuit as you explore.

3. Eze

How to get there: 45 min by bus / 25 min by car
Best organized tour: Eze, Monaco, & Monte-Carlo Half-Day Trip

Eze is a picture-perfect hilltop village overlooking the Mediterranean, known for its medieval charm, stone streets, and breathtaking views. It’s one of the best places to visit on a day trip from Nice if you love scenic landscapes and historic towns.

The easiest way to get there is by taking bus 82 from Nice, which drops you off right in the village in about 45 minutes. Once you arrive, the best thing to do is simply wander through the narrow streets, where every turn reveals charming stone houses, art galleries, and hidden courtyards.

At the highest point of the village, the Exotic Garden offers a stunning panoramic view over the coastline, making it a must-visit.

Another popular stop in Eze is the Fragonard Perfume Factory, where you can take a free guided tour to learn about the perfume-making process. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s an interesting place to explore.

If you want to extend your visit, you can make your way down to the coast. The Nietzsche Path is a steep 2 km (1.2 mile) hiking trail that leads from the village down to Eze-sur-Mer, offering beautiful views along the way. If hiking isn’t for you, bus 83 connects the village and the seaside in about 20 minutes.

4. Villefranche-sur-Mer

How to get there: 7 min by train / 20 min by car

Villefranche-sur-Mer is a beautiful coastal town just a short ride from Nice, making it one of the easiest and most relaxing day trips. It has one of the prettiest harbors on the French Riviera, with colorful buildings lining the waterfront and a laid-back vibe that feels a world away from the busier cities.

The biggest draw of Villefranche-sur-Mer is its sandy beach, which is far nicer than the pebble beaches in Nice. It’s a great spot to relax, swim in the clear water, or enjoy a meal at one of the seafront restaurants.

The Old Town is also worth exploring, with its charming streets, local boutiques, and historic spots like Rue Obscure, a covered passage dating back to the 13th century.

Thanks to its close proximity to Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer is a great option if you’re looking for an easy, no-stress day trip where you can enjoy the Riviera’s beauty at a slower pace.

5. Saint-Paul-de-Vence

How to get there: 1 hr by bus / 40 min by car
Best organized tour: Half-Day Saint Paul de Vence and Wine Tasting Tour

Saint-Paul-de-Vence is one of the most picturesque hilltop villages in the South of France, known for its medieval charm, cobblestone streets, and strong artistic heritage. Walking through the village feels like stepping back in time, with stone archways, ivy-covered facades, and stunning views over the countryside.

Art lovers will especially enjoy Saint-Paul-de-Vence, as the village has long been a favorite retreat for artists like Marc Chagall, who lived here for years. Today, it’s filled with art galleries, studios, and the famous Fondation Maeght, a museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art.

Even if you’re not into art, it’s worth visiting just to wander through the village, enjoy the views, and soak in the relaxed atmosphere. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can sit down and take in the scenery with a glass of wine or a leisurely meal.

6. Cannes

How to get there: 35 min by train / 40 min by car
Best organized tour: French Riviera in One Day

Cannes is famous for its glitz and glamour, thanks to the world-renowned Cannes Film Festival, but there’s more to this city than just red carpets and celebrities. It’s a great place to visit for a mix of luxury shopping, beautiful beaches, and historic charm.

A walk along La Croisette, the city’s famous waterfront promenade, is a must. Lined with palm trees, luxury hotels, and high-end boutiques, it’s the perfect spot for people-watching and soaking in the Riviera atmosphere.

If you’re looking for a more relaxed side of Cannes, head to Le Suquet, the city’s Old Town, where you’ll find narrow streets, colorful houses, and a hilltop viewpoint with stunning views over the harbor.

No visit to Cannes is complete without stopping by the Palais des Festivals, where the Cannes Film Festival takes place. Nearby, you’ll find a small park with handprints of famous actors, often called the “Cannes Walk of Fame.”

For an easy escape from the city, take a short boat ride to Île Sainte-Marguerite, a peaceful island less than a kilometer from the mainland. The island is covered in lush greenery and is home to the Fort Royal, an old fortress offering fantastic views of Cannes’ coastline.

7. Antibes

How to get there: 25 min by train / 40 min by car
Best organized tour: Best of the French Riviera Full Day Tour

Antibes is a mix of old-world charm and Riviera luxury, making it one of the most interesting day trips from Nice. It has a beautifully preserved Old Town, a lively marina, and some of the best beaches on the Côte d’Azur.

Start your visit by wandering through the Old Town, where narrow streets are filled with colorful houses, local markets, and cozy cafes. The Marché Provençal is a great spot to sample fresh produce, cheese, and other regional specialties.

Art lovers should also check out the Picasso Museum, located in the Château Grimaldi, where the artist once lived and worked.

Antibes is also home to Port Vauban, one of the largest marinas in Europe, packed with luxury yachts. For a more relaxing experience, you can head to Plage de la Gravette, a sandy beach just a short walk from the Old Town.

8. Saint-Tropez

How to get there: 2 hrs by car / 2.5 hrs by ferry (seasonal)
Best organized tour: Saint-Tropez and Port Grimaud Full-Day Tour

Saint-Tropez may be known for its luxury yachts and celebrity appeal, but it still has plenty of charm beyond its glitzy reputation. This small coastal town is a great mix of history, beaches, and stylish boutiques, making it a fun day trip from Nice.

Start by exploring the Old Port, where colorful fishing boats sit alongside luxury yachts. From there, wander through La Ponche, the historic Old Town, with its narrow streets, quaint squares, and lively cafés.

If you’re interested in history, visit the Citadel of Saint-Tropez, a 17th-century fortress with panoramic views and a museum about the town’s maritime past.

For beach lovers, Pampelonne Beach is the most famous stretch of sand in Saint-Tropez. It’s lined with trendy beach clubs, but there are also public areas if you just want to relax by the sea.

Saint-Tropez can be tricky to reach, as there’s no direct train, and driving can take over two hours, especially in peak season. A better option is to book a day tour or take the ferry, which offers a scenic ride along the coast (it takes around 2.5 hours one way).

9. Gorges du Verdon

How to get there: 2.5 hrs by car
Best organized tour: Gorges of Verdon and Fields of Lavender Tour

Gorges du Verdon is often called the “Grand Canyon of Europe,” and it’s easy to see why. With dramatic limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and winding roads that offer breathtaking views, this natural wonder is a paradise for outdoor lovers.

The best way to experience the gorge is by renting a kayak or paddleboat and exploring the stunning Verdon River at your own pace.

The most popular spot for water activities is the area around Lac de Sainte-Croix, a beautiful lake at the entrance to the gorge. If you prefer to stay on land, there are plenty of scenic hiking trails and viewpoints along the winding roads.

Since Gorges du Verdon is quite far from Nice, the best way to visit is by car or an organized tour, as public transportation is limited. It’s a long drive, but the incredible landscapes make it well worth the effort.

10. Provence

How to get there: 2+ hrs by car (depending on the destination)
Best organized tour: Full-Day Provence and Lavender Tour

Provence is one of the most beautiful regions in France, filled with charming hilltop villages, rolling vineyards, and famous lavender fields. While it’s too big to see everything in one day, there are plenty of stunning towns you can visit on a day trip from Nice.

Valensole is one of the best places to see the iconic lavender fields in Provence (the blooming period is typically mid-June to late July). If you’re visiting during this time, it’s well worth the trip to experience the endless purple fields and incredible fragrance in the air.

Gordes is another must-visit, known for its stone houses built into the cliffs and breathtaking views over the Luberon Valley. Nearby, Roussillon is famous for its striking red and orange cliffs, which look completely different from the rest of Provence. The Ochre Trail is an easy walk through these unique rock formations.

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is another gem, often considered one of the most beautiful villages in France. Nestled at the foot of dramatic limestone cliffs, this village is famous for its charming streets, ceramic workshops, and the star that hangs high above the town, suspended between two cliffs.

It’s also a great stop if you’re visiting Gorges du Verdon, as it’s located nearby.

Provence is best explored by car, as public transportation to the smaller villages is limited. If you don’t want to drive, an organized tour is the best way to see multiple places in one day.