Day Trips from Nice, France: 8 Great Villages and Cities
The southern coast of France is one of my dream retirement destinations! For one thing, I love Nice. The beach along the Mediterranean Sea, and the walkable streets are all stunning and colorful. Plus, the Nice-Ville Gare (train station) connects you to a number of other villages and coastal cities that are within an hour or two.
In this post, I’ll go through just a few of the great day trip destinations to consider if you’re going to Nice. In just one trip to Nice, you can enjoy time in three different countries (France, Italy, and Monaco) which are all very close together.
Key Info on Nice
- Nice is a quick 1-hour flight south of Paris.
- Day trip options include coastal towns and hilltop villages inland.
- Italy is only 20 miles away.
- Uber & G7 are among the rideshare options.
Top Tours from Nice
While you can easily take the train yourself (or drive yourself) a lot of people prefer to have a guide or driver take care of all the logistics. These are 3 top tours from Nice, each with excellent reviews:
➡️ Click to Book: Several Riviera Towns in One Day
➡️ Click to Book: Nice to Medieval Towns
➡️ Click to Book: Nice to Provence Vineyards
Renting a Car & Driving in France
It’s very easy to drive around southern France. Aside from some traffic congestion in the cities, you won’t have any problem getting from town-to-town, and even into Italy.
In Europe, I use Discover Cars to rent, since they include prices for the big internationally-known rental companies and also local options.
Where to Stay in Nice
First, Nice is a very walkable city. If you’re looking to take the train to other day trip destinations, choose a hotel or rental within a reasonable distance from the Nice-Ville Gare (train station).
You can plug your dates into this interactive map for the best prices from Expedia, Hotels.com, VRBO, and other options:
Day Trip 1: Cannes
Cannes is another seaside city on the French Riviera, best known for hosting the annual Cannes Film Festival.
Its picturesque coastline features sandy beaches, luxury boutiques, and the iconic Boulevard de la Croisette, lined with upscale hotels and restaurants.
I’m not much for the Hollywood glitz, so I’d rather walk the cobblestone streets in the Le Suquet District.
Travel Time: 35 minutes by train or car.
Keep in Mind: The Cannes Film Festival is 10 days each May.
Highlights of Cannes:
- Walk the La Croisette Promenade, lined with luxury shops and stunning sea views.
- Explore the charming old town, Le Suquet, for narrow streets and local restaurants.
- Visit the Palais des Festivals, home to the Cannes Film Festival.
- Relax on the sandy beaches.
Day Trip 2: Saint Paul de Vence
I first went to Saint Paul de Vence in high school, and vowed one day to bring my mother back to explore the shops along the winding stone streets. We finally made the trip together in 2024!
Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a charming medieval hilltop village, dating back to the 9th century. It’s renowned for its art galleries, cobblestone streets, and stunning views.
Travel Time from Nice: 45 minutes by car or bus.
My Favorite: La Terrasse, which is the perfect place to have a glass of wine, eat lunch, and enjoy the views.
Highlights of Saint Paul de Vence:
- Stroll through the village, check out the art, and enjoy lunch with a view.
- Visit the Fondation Maeght, a modern art museum showcasing works by Miró and Chagall.
- Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from the town’s ramparts.
Day Trip 3: Menton
I’m not sure why it took me so long to visit Menton. It’s definitely one of the best day trips from Nice.
Menton is a beautiful coastal town near the Italian border, known for its colorful buildings, lush gardens, and Mediterranean charm. It’s famous for its citrus groves and hosts the annual Lemon Festival (Fête du Citron) in February.
On a day trip, you can stroll through the old town, relax on the sandy beaches, or visit the Jean Cocteau Museum.
Travel Time from Nice: 40 minutes by train.
My Favorite: The view from the port, looking up at the iconic zigzag staircase and cathedral.
Highlights of Menton:
- Known as the “Pearl of France,” this colorful seaside town is famous for its citrus orchards.
- Visit the Jean Cocteau Museum and climb up to the Old Town.
- Don’t miss the Basilica of Saint-Michel and its stunning views.
- If visiting in February, Menton hosts a famous Lemon Festival.
Day Trip 4: Monaco
Parts of Monaco almost look like a Disney World-type fairytale creation.
Monaco is a tiny, luxurious principality on the French Riviera, famous for its upscale lifestyle, glamorous casinos, and stunning Mediterranean views.
The Monte Carlo Casino and the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix draw visitors from around the world. Beyond its glitz, Monaco offers attractions like the Prince’s Palace, the Oceanographic Museum, and the beautiful Jardin Exotique.
The ports are lined with yachts, and surrounded by high-rises for the extremely affluent.
Travel Time from Nice: 25 minutes by train.
Keep in Mind: The Grand Prix is usually in May.
Highlights of Monaco:
- Marvel at the Prince’s Palace and watch the Changing of the Guard (below).
- Visit the Oceanographic Museum perched above the Mediterranean.
- Explore the glamorous Monte Carlo Casino and its surrounding gardens.
- Stroll through the harbor for a look at luxury yachts.
Day Trip 5: Antibes
Antibes is another coastal town on the French Riviera, just west of Nice. It’s known for its Old Town, sandy beaches, and artistic heritage.
The Old Town is surrounded by 16th-century ramparts, and features narrow cobblestone streets lined with restaurants and local markets.
Antibes is also home to Château Grimaldi, home to the Picasso Museum.
Travel Time: 30 minutes by train or car.
My Favorite: After walking through the market, I like getting up close to the yachts docked at the harbor.
Highlights of Antibes:
- Explore the charming Old Town, filled with markets, boutiques, and cafés.
- Visit the Picasso Museum, located in a historic castle.
- Walk along the Cap d’Antibes coastal trail for breathtaking views.
- Don’t miss the lively Marché Provençal, a traditional market
- The vibrant harbor, Port Vauban, is known for its luxury yachts
- Cap d’Antibes offers coastal walks and secluded beaches.
Day Trip 6: Èze
Èze is a favorite day trip from Nice! It’s a stunning medieval hilltop village, perched high above the Mediterranean with breathtaking views.
Known for its narrow, winding streets and stone buildings, Èze is also home to the Jardin Exotique, a beautiful cactus garden. Èze has inspired countless artists and writers and is also famous for its perfumeries, like Fragonard, where visitors can learn about traditional fragrance-making.
Travel Time from Nice: 25 minutes by car or bus.
Keep in Mind: The Eze stop on the train brings you to Eze sur Mer on the coast, not the village of Eze up on the hilltop.
My Favorite: The hike up the Nietzsche Path
Highlights of Eze
- Wander through this picturesque medieval village perched high above the sea.
- Visit the Exotic Garden for incredible views of the Mediterranean.
- Tour the Fragonard perfume factory, located nearby.
The Nietzsche Path is a scenic hiking trail, named after the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, who is said to have walked it while living in the region. The path connects the medieval village of Èze with the coastline below at Èze-sur-Mer.
- Difficulty: It’s a steep and moderately challenging hike, with uneven terrain, so good shoes and water are essential.
- Length: About 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers).
- Trailhead: Across from the train station.
Day Trip 7: Grasse
Grasse, which is farther inland, is known as the world’s perfume capital. Renowned for its centuries-old fragrance industry, the town is home to famous perfumeries like Fragonard, Galimard, and Molinard. You can tour factories and even create your own scents.
Beyond perfume, Grasse boasts a charming old town with narrow streets, shops and restaurants.
Travel Time from Nice: 50 minutes by car or train.
Highlights of Grasse:
- Known as the perfume capital of the world, Grasse is home to legendary perfume houses like Fragonard and Galimard.
- Visit the International Perfume Museum to learn about the history of fragrance.
- Explore the Old Town’s narrow streets and stunning cathedral.
Day Trip 8: Ventimiglia, Italy
Ventimiglia is an Italian town, just across the border from France. Personally, I think it lacks the charm of the other cities on the list, but I still think a day trip is worth it … for the food alone!
Travel Time from Nice: 50 minutes by train.
My Favorite: The local market: Mercato Coperto (vacuum-sealed cheese can go in your carry-on luggage)
Highlights of Ventimiglia:
- Just across the border, Ventimiglia offers a taste of Italy on a trip to France!
- Enjoy fresh Italian cuisine at one of the many trattorias, but remember: many close in the afternoons after lunch and before reopening for 7pm dinners.
The Weather & Best Time to Visit Nice
The French Riviera enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild winters, warm/hot summers, and sunshine throughout the year.
Here’s a breakdown of the weather by season:
Spring (March to May)
- Temperatures: Highs range from 60°F in March to around 72°F in May.
- Weather: Spring is one of the best times to visit, with blooming flowers and comfortable weather. Occasional rain showers are possible, especially in March.
- Remember: The Cannes Film Fest and Grand Prix in Monaco are both usually in May, so prices could spike.
Summer (June to August)
- Temperatures: Highs average between 80°F and 90°F, with occasional peaks in the mid-90s during heatwaves.
- Weather: Summers are hot, sunny, and dry, perfect for beachgoers.
- The Mediterranean Sea: Warms into the mid-70s to low 80s by August.
Fall (September to November)
- Temperatures: Highs start around 79°F in September, dropping to the low 60s by November.
- Weather: Early fall feels like an extension of summer, with warm days and cooler evenings.
Winter (December to February)
- Temperatures: Highs range from 54°F to 60°F, with lows in the mid-40s.
- Weather: Winters are mild and mostly sunny, with occasional rainy days.
- Christmas Markets: Each village and city has one!
Wrap: The Best Day Trip from Nice, France
There’s no clear answer to this. Part of it depends on the season, and the answer entirely depends on each person’s preferences.
Someone interested in art galleries in a medieval town would rank Saint Paul de Vence much higher than someone looking to shop high-end name brands in Monaco.
While I’ve included my favorite day trip destinations from Nice, there are so many more to explore, so use this advice as a jumping-off point, and enjoy your trip!
Paris isn’t a day trip from Nice, but it’s a quick one-hour flight or five-hour train ride. If you’re heading to France, it’s worth spending time in different parts of the country, even when it’s cold and rainy in the winter months!
