Nice, France sits right in the heart of the French Riviera and is often chosen as the base for gateway to other destinations mainly because of the airport located here. There are a lot of places to venture out from Nice and as such here are a list of 8 day trips from Nice, some well known and others are more of a hidden gem!
Day Trips from Nice by Public Transport
Being the fantastic hub that is is, there are plenty of day trips from Nice that can easily be accessible by public transport. Here are 8 destinations which are all unique in their nature. Make sure to read number 5 it is a hidden gem!
1. Monaco
For all the travel enthusiasts, a visit to Nice entails a mandatory trip to Monaco to tick off another country! This luxurious country or if you prefer sovereign state is on of the best day trips from Nice. It ticks all the boxes, easy to get to via public transport, train or bus. Trains are frequent and you can check them out on Omio. Alternatively if you want to travel by bus, bus 100 leaves from Port Lympia and costs just €1.50.
Pro tip: Sit on the right hand side both on bus and train to enjoy the Mediterranean cliff side views
In Monaco you can appreciate the sheer luxury while roaming around the streets as you can see loads of expensive cars and of course the famous Monte Carlo Casino! Other things to do in Monaco include a visit to St.Nicholas Cathedral and the palace grounds.
For F1 enthusiasts one can of course walk the entire length of the transformed race track. It is a surreal experience walking and noting every twist and turn of the famous street circuit of Monaco. Finish off your day by getting an ice cream at the Hagen Dazs shop right by the sea.
Check out our complete guide on how to get to Monaco and spend a day here for less than €20
2. Eze
Eze is a charming hilltop village and another easy day trip to do from Nice. Similarly, it is easily accessible by trains or buses, a mere 20 minute ride away with tickets costing less than €5. Be aware though that there is Eze Village and Eze Sur Mer. Trains only go to Eze Sur Mer while local buses go to Eze Village. For detailed and a complete guide on how to reach Eze check out our other post – How to get to Eze using Bus, Train or Nietzsche’s Trail!
Both Eze and Eze sur mer are worth visiting especially in the summer with Eze sur Mer having a long stretched beach. On the other hand Eze village is also a must visit with its medieval like cobblestone paved streets. The main attraction in Eze is the Jardin Botanique d’Eze, which offers stunning panoramic views of the French Riviera. It is definitely the highlight on this day trip from Nice.
3. Marseille
The city of Marseille is definitely on the more ambitious day trips from Nice that could be done. It is a bit further out than the other suggestions but definitely doable via train or Flixbus. Both take around 2.5 hours to reach Marseille. Alternatively if you want to visit both you could fly into Marseille and then fly out from Nice or vice versa.
There are plenty of things to do in Marseille including the famous Notre Dame de la Garde (not as famous as the newly restored Paris Notre Dame) Palais Longchamp and walking along Marseille’s ports. For a detailed guide on how to spend one day in Marseille check out this post – One Day in Marseille – Your Ultimate Guide to the City
Additionally if you spend more time here there is also the beautiful Calanque National Park in which I have written an in depth blog post on the easiest calanque to visit here Getting to Calanque De Sugiton – Everything You Need to Know
4. Villefranche Sur Mer
The seaside village of Villefranche sur Mer is the easiest to get to from Nice. Just 4 kilometers from Nice, Villefranche-Sur-Mer enchants visitors with its colorful buildings. This charming fishing village features narrow cobblestone streets lined with authentic restaurants and local artisan shops.
Some of the things to see here is the Église Saint-Michel de Villefranche-sur-Mer which is a testament to the village’s rich history. Built in the 1750s, this baroque church is visible from everywhere thanks to its bell tower dominating the village skyline. Other things to do is to take a stroll down the old town more specifically Rue Obscure which dates back to the 13th century.
There is also an old fortress housing art exhibitions – the Citadelle Saint-Elme. Finally the Port de la Darse is a picturesque harbor where one can admire traditional fishing boats. Apart from the harbor Villefranche beach stretches for over a kilometer where one can snorkel and sunbath. You can also enjoy waterfront dining by feasting at local seafood restaurants.
5. Peille and Peillon
Our hidden gem! The secluded villages of Peille and Peillon are not well known at all by tourists and are rarely recommended in other blogs as day trips from Nice. I actually got recommended to go by a friend and it definitely did not disappoint.
These villages are secluded and perched in the French hilltops. There is a feeling of tranquility while roaming the streets of these villages taking you back in time to a medieval like era. Just look at the photos and it is enough to convince you that a day trip here is well worth your time!
It is definitely a bit trickier to reach by public transport but it is still manageable especially if you are only visiting one of the two. If you have a rental car you can easily visit both as they are next to each other.
For those who rely on public transport (like myself), I have written an in depth guide on how to get to these villages, what to see there and how to make the best out of your day trip to both Peille and Peillon!
Check it out here! Peille & Peillon – 2 Hidden Villages in the French Riviera
6. Grasse
Known as the perfume capital of the world, Grasse is the perfect day trip from Nice if you are into your perfumes. Here you can explore iconic perfume houses like Fragonard, Molinard, and Galimard, where expert guides reveal the secrets behind perfume making.
These factories offer free guided tours where they explain and show ancient techniques of extracting perfume oils and the complicated process of creating unique scents. If you want to create your own signature scent then this is also available at one of these houses but at a price.
7. Menton
Menton is home to the famous lemon festival but apart from this it offers great beaches and beautiful gardens. Some of the gardens to explore are the Jardin Serre de la Madone and Jardin Maria Serena which both feature rare botanical specimens and exotic species.
After admiring the plants head to the gorgeous beaches to unwind. Plage des Sablettes offer clear waters but can be quite crowded in peak season. The alternative Plage du Fossan is equally beautiful but is a quieter spot.
If you are visiting in February Menton comes alive with the Fête du Citron (Lemon Festival). During this time, the Biovès Gardens are transformed into a citrus wonderland, featuring giant sculptures made from oranges and lemons attracting visitors from all over Europe.
8. Cannes
Finally on our list of day trips from Nice is the village of Cannes, which is a short 30-40 minute train ride from Nice brings you to the glamorous city of Cannes. Trains run frequently from Nice’s central station, with tickets available for purchase at the station or through OMIO
One of the main attractions in Cannes is the Boulevard de la Croisette. This promenade is filled with luxury shops, five star hotels and palm trees along this iconic stretch. On the other hand, have a wander in Le Suquet (Cannes old town), which offers a stark contrast with its winding cobblestone streets.
You may have heard of Cannes before because of its world famous film festival which takes place in May. The red-carpeted steps of the Palais des Festivals become the most photographed spot in the world during this time. If you are visiting outside of festival season, you can still take photos on the famous red steps and visit the walk of fame filled with movie stars’ handprints.
Other Day Trips from Nice
There are other places of interest to visit if you are based in Nice but these are not easily accessible by public transport. If you are comfortable in renting out a car you can also check these places out!
Gorges Du Verdon
The Gorges du Verdon is a breathtaking natural wonder located in southeast of France. There are tonnes of activities to do here including hiking, kayaking, and rock climbing within this picturesque landscape. There are plenty of scenic viewpoints along the cliffside roads, and having a car makes it easy to stop wherever you like. Gorges du Verdon has been dubbed as the Grand Canyon of Europe mainly because of its cliffs which reach up to 2300 feet.
Drive time: 2.5 hours one way
Entrevaux
While you can reach Entrevaux by train it is quite slow and not frequent. A car makes your planning much easier and more flexible. Entrevaux is a medieval village which you can hike up to the citadel for views overlooking the Var river. This village is complete with stone gates, alleys and drawbridge for a total step back in time.
Drive time: 1.5 hours one way
Mercantour National Park
Mercantour National park is a hidden gem for nature lovers and is one of the best day trips from Nice overall. You can get lost here as there is so much to see from alpine lakes, rugged mountains and charming little villages. The highlight of this national park is Vallée des Merveilles (Valley of Wonders)
Drive time: 2+ hours one way
That wraps up all our recommendations for your visit to the French Riviera. There should be plenty to choose from and let us know if we have missed any day trips from Nice worth mentioning. Make sure to read all our guides on the South of France here
- One Day in Marseille – Your Ultimate Guide to the City
- Getting to Calanque De Sugiton – Everything You Need to Know
- How to get to Eze using Bus, Train or Nietzsche’s Trail!
- Peille & Peillon – 2 Hidden Villages in the French Riviera
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most beautiful village in the French Riviera?
It is a matter of personal preference as there are a lot of similarities and subtle differences between each village but I would say Nice is the major hub and then I would say that Eze because it is a medieval village and also has fantastic beach
How many days should I spend in the French Riviera?
There are many places to go but I would spend around 5-7 days exploring, relaxing and immersing yourself in the different villages in and around Nice.
Is Monaco close to Nice?
Yes, Monaco is next to Nice with just a 20 minute train ride away or a bit more if traveling by bus.
Where can I rent a car in Nice?
You can rent a car either from the airport or next the train station in the city center.
