Nice is the perfect home-base for exploring the Côte d‘Azur and other gems along the French Riviera. With an abundance of medieval walled cities, beachside resorts, big cities, and small towns nearby, you will not be stuck for choice! In this guide to the best day trips from Nice, you will find a detailed list of the best places to visit near Nice, how to get there and what to do in the area.
For more detailed guides to each different town near, make sure to check out all my other France travel guides or our 7 Day French Riviera itinerary.
You might like: Get the France Travel Map for all the best spots marked in the French Riviera and beyond.
Please note that this post contains affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase through the link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I make sure to only promote products and brands I have used and like and that all links are to trusted websites. By buying through these links, you help support me so that I can continue to make detailed guides like this.
Public Transport for day trips from Nice
One of the best things about taking day trips from Nice is that this area of the South of France is very easily explored using public transport. There are lines connecting Nice to most towns and cities along the French Riviera and the surrounding area of Provence.
The Lignes d’Azur Card
If you are travelling around Nice to areas such as Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferratt, you can use the Lignes d’Azur card. These can be bought at different outlets in the Nice area (such as in Port Lympia or the airport). With this card, you can pay for all tram and bus trips in and around Nice for a set cost of €1.70.
You can either purchase a day card, a multiple-day card, a multiple trip card, or individual trips. These cards can then be refuelled at either the outlets or using the Lignes d’Azur app on your phone. During our 7 Day trip to Nice, we purchased a 10 trip card at the airport and found it to be the perfect amount for our time there. From memory, this didn’t save us much money, but it made it much easier not having to worry about purchasing a ticket or recharging our card every time we took a bus or tram.
You can find all the information you need on this page.
The TER Train
When travelling between towns on the French Riviera, taking the TER train is without a doubt the fastest and easiest method of transport. There are several stations in Nice that the train passes – Nice St-Augustin, Nice Ville and Nice Riquier. Nice Ville is the central station and the likely the one you will want to catch the train from. Trains run quite regularly so unless you need to be somewhere at a certain time there is no need to look up a timetable in advance. Tickets for the TER train from Nice can be bought at the station or online here for the same price.
Note: The train can be very busy, especially in the late morning when most people are beginning their day trips from Nice. So, expect there not to be much space or possibility to sit down.
The 15 Best Day Trips from Nice
Monaco
Visiting the sovereign city-state of Monaco is a great day trip from Nice, located just over 20 minutes away by train. While Monaco might not be on the top of everyone’s’ bucket list, known for its Monte-Carlo casino and as the playground of the rich, you may be surprised by what else it has to offer. To discover a different side of Monaco, make sure to wander up to the old town where pastel-coloured alleyways lead from the Oceanography Museum to the Prince’s Palace. Here you can immerse yourself in the history of Monaco, a strategic natural rock fortress which has been inhabited for over 2,000 years. I recommend reading up on the history of Monaco before you visit.
In the old town, you will find Fisherman’s Garden, the remains of an artillery battalion created by Napoleon. Below, in the Théatre du Fort Antione, is one of the best viewpoints over the city and nearby in Jardins Saint-Martin is a beautiful cactus garden. In the afternoon, head over to the Jardin Exotique de Monaco, the exotic gardens with beautiful views over Monaco and the Mediterranean.
How to get Monaco from Nice
The best way to get to Monaco from Nice is by taking the TER train from Nice Ville to Monaco Monte-Carlo station. This trip takes around 22 minutes, and tickets can either be bought in person at the station or online. A one-way trip costs €4.40.
Grasse
Grasse is a beautiful hillside town just over 1 hour from Nice. Historically, Grasse was known for its perfume production, earning it the name “the home of perfume”. Today, there are around 30 different factories in Grasse, which several that offer guided tours where you see everything from collecting flowers to distilling the perfumes. This perfume workshop is one of the best. You will also want to visit the Musée International de la Parfumerie (MIP) where you can dive into the history behind the perfume city of Grasse. While in Grasse, don’t miss a wander around the old town, making sure to stop by Grasse Cathedral.
If you want to see some of the beautiful countryside surrounding the town of grasse, you can take a guided tour of the region. This tour picks you up in Nice and takes you to Grasse, Gordon, St Paul, and the beautiful Tourette Sur Loup.
How to get to Grasse from Nice
There is a direct train from Nice to Grasse which takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes and costs €11.40 per person one way. The best place to catch this train is from Nice Ville, the central station. You can buy tickets on the station or book them online. Trains leave around once an hour however you will likely want to leave earlier rather than later to ensure you have time to explore everything there is to do in Grasse.
Menton
Menton, the town of lemons, is well known for its beautiful beachfront and precured gardens. A day trip to Menton from Nice here likely means a wander around the historic quarter, a swim in the sea, and a visit to one of the botanical gardens. Don’t miss the vibrant orange stairs at Rampe Saint-Michel/ Escaliers or the intertwining alleyways that connect the old town to Basilique Saint-Michel Archange de Menton. For the best views over the Menton, you will want to wander up to Cemetery of the Old Château (map), the graveyard that sits above the old town. For that classic beachfront panorama, head down to the beach and out to Vue Panoramique de Menton (map).
How to get to Menton from Nice
The town of Menton has two train stations and the TER train from Nice stops at both. The first, Menton (map), is located a 20-minute walk from the beach, a walk that passes through the new town and historic quarter. The second, Menton Garavan (map), is located opposite the harbour and is a 14-minute walk from the beach. I recommend getting off at Menton Station and walking through the city – this way you get to see more than just the historic town.
Biot
Biot is a hilltop town closer to Antibes, known for its tradition of glassblowing and ceramics that dates back thousands of years. This is the best day trip from Nice for authentic village life, being a very much lived in village. Strolling around the old town which was established in the 16th century, you will notice that the street names reflect the activities that once took place there. While in Biot you will want to visit the Fernand Léger Art Museum, dedicated to the work of this French painter, and one of the glassblowing factories where you can take part in a workshop or guided tour.
How to get to Biot from Nice
To get to Biot, you will need to first get from Nice to Biot Station (Gare SNCF de Biot). This is quite far from the old town, but very easy to reach. You can either catch the TER train which takes 20 minutes and costs €4.50 per person or you can take the Lignes d’Azur bus 200 to Biot Station. From the station, you will want to catch bus 10 to the village. This costs €1,50 and the journey takes around 10 minutes. Find more information about how to get to Biot on this page.
Saint Paul de Vence
Saint Paul de Vence is one of the best day trips from Nice. This medieval hilltop town has so much to offer – A strategic centre of defence turned creative hub for some of France’s most well-known artists. In Saint Paul de Vence you will want to spend at least a few hours wandering around the narrow stone streets, marvelling at the different artists open studios and discovering every little alleyway. Stop for lunch in one of the restaurants with views of the Provincial countryside or play a game of boules down by the city walls.
Make sure to read my Saint Paul de Vence day trip itinerary for more detailed tips!
How to get to Saint Paul de Vence from Nice
To get to Saint Paul de Vence from Nice you will need to catch the TER train to Cagnes-sur-Mer. here, you can take the 655 bus to Vence Village. The bus is not part of the Lignes d’Azur region so you will need to buy a ticket on board. The ticket is €5 one way. These buses only take cash to make sure to bring some spare change.
Eze
The medieval hilltop city of Eze is one of the most popular day trips from Nice, and a day trip that you should definitely add to your French Riviera itinerary. Eze today feels much more like a tourist attraction than the similar St Paul de Vence, however, it still has its charm. You will not need more than half a day here, so it is a great day trip done in combination with nearby cities like Menton.
Arriving in Eze, you will want to walk through the old town towards the Exotic Garden which now populates the ruins of the medieval castle that the village once housed. From here, there are amazing views over the village, the surrounding coastline and the Mediterranean Sea. After exploring the village, you can head down the Nietzsche Path which leads from the mountain village to Eze-sur-Mer coastal town. The walk is quite difficult and takes around 45 minutes but is beautiful From Eze-sur-Mer you can take the train onwards to your next day trip stop.
Find the full guide to spending one day in Eze.
How to get to Eze from Nice
To get to Eze Village from Nice, the best way is to take the bus 82 from Nice. The bus passes a few different stops in Nice so it’s best to look up the best connecting route on the Lignes d’Azur website or app. We caught it from Boyer. The trip costs €1.70 and takes around 30 minutes.
Note: This bus gets incredibly crowded so try and take the earlier bus if you can otherwise there’s a chance that you won’t fit on board.
Another option is to take the TER train to Eze-sur-Mer, the seaside village at the foot of the Mountain. From here, you can either take the Nietzsche path up to the village (1 – 1.5 hours of steep climbing) or catch the 83 bus which takes around 15 minutes. Again, this bus can get crowded as there are many people who miss the 82 from Nice.
Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-Provence is one of the bigger cities that you can visit from Nice. A charming city destination home to a beautiful historic centre and multiple art galleries, you won’t be stuck looking for ways to spend the day here. You won’t want to miss strolling down Cours Mirabeau, the lively main street of Aix-en-Provence, or exploring the narrow alleyways of the old town. Aix-en-Provence is famous as the birthplace of Paul Cezanne, renowned French artists. Today, you can visit Atelier de Paul Cezanne, his studio turned museum.
How to get to Aix-en-Provence from Nice
Unfortunately, a day trip from Nice to Aix-en-Provence means a lot of travel time. The best way to get between the two cities is to take the train from Nice to Marseille, and then transfer to Aix-en-Provence. This trip takes around 3 and a half hours one way – so it is possibly worth making this day trip from Nice into a short weekend getaway. Tickets too are more expensive, averaging around €50 per person one way. You can find train times and tickets on this page.
Gorges du Verdon
Gorges du Verdon is a river canyon located to the North of Nice. Known for its turquoise-coloured waters contrasted against the steep cliffs and purple/grey mountains. This is a bucket list place for many visiting France, and it can be great to use your time in Nice for a day trip here. When you arrive at the canyon, make sure to stop at Pont du Galetas for the best view over the water. For a swim, head to the beautiful Plage de Chabassole, or hire a pedal-boat or kayak to explore the gorge from the water. If you enjoy hiking, there are a few great trails to explore.
How to get to Gorges du Verdon from Nice
While Gorges du Verdon is slightly further away from Nice than the other day trips on this list, it is certainly possible! One of the best ways to get to Gorges du Verdon from Nice is by taking an organised tour – this way you don’t have to worry about transport and can be sure that you will have enough time to Explore the area. This tour takes you to both Verdon Gorge and the nearby lavender fields.
If you do choose to visit Gorges du Verdon alone then the best way is to rent a car from Nice and drive. The journey from Nice to Verdon Gorge takes around 2.5 hours one way so it does make this quite a long day trip. The positive, however, is that you can choose how to spend more of your time.
Villefranche-sur-Mer
Villefranche-sur-Mer is a beautiful, small seaside town just 10km from the centre of Nice in the direction of Monaco. Down by the water, you will find a quiet old town with narrow, colourful streets and a picturesque harbour. Head down to one of the harbour-side restaurants for a drink or a bit to eat, looking out over the sky-blue water and small boat harbour. Behind the harbour, in the old town, you will find an intricate network of narrow alleyways with ocean views.
For the best views, either head to the Princess Grace Memorial (map) or Point de Vue (map). No day trip here is complete without a dip in the sea. You can either head to Plage Villefranche-sur-Mer, Plage des Marinieres, or to the smaller La Darse Beach.
This is my personal favourite place on the Côte d’Azur and the one I would recommend most on anyone’s South of France itinerary. If you don’t want to spend the whole day here, it’s perfectly combined with a day trip from Nice to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferratt or Eze.
How to get to Villefranche-sur-Mer from Nice
While you can also drive there, the best and fasted method to get to Villefranche-sur-Mer is by taking public transport. The first option is the TER train from Nice Ville which takes around 7 minutes and costs €2.10. You can buy tickets at the station or online on this page. Alternatively, you can take the L2 train to Port Lympia and bus number 15 from here. This costs €3.40 in total. The journey is included in the Lignes d’Azur region so you can use your day pass or bus card for the trip.
Saint Tropez
Saint Tropez is one of the most iconic destinations on the French Riviera and there is no doubt about it. Once just a humble fishing village, Saint Tropez today is known for its luxury yachts and glamour. You won’t want to miss wandering around the historic centre, taking a dip at Plages de Saint-Tropez, or taking in the views from Citadelle de Saint-Tropez. While you are here, head down to the nearby village of Port Grimaud, the “Venice” of France, with canals weaving through the village modelled after the style of medieval towns.
How to get to Saint Tropez from Nice
The best way to get to Saint Tropez from Nice is to take the ferry. This runs from May to October and takes you directly from one city to the other in 2 and a half hours. Find more information here. The ferry leaves Nice at 9 am and arrives in Saint Tropez at 11.30 am, giving you 5 hours to explore the city before departing back to Nice where it arrives at 7pm. While it is possible to take the train and bus to Saint Tropez, the ferry is by far the most convenient method of transport.
Antibes
Antibes is one of the best day trips you can take from Nice. Located just down the coast, you will find a beautiful old town located in the middle of a walled city Antibes. With a fortress in the distance and some of the most picturesque beaches in the Côte d’Azur there is a great mix of things to see and do. A day trip here and you won’t be struggling to fill time.
In the old town, don’t miss Marché Provençal food market where you will a vast range of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and cheeses. For the best view of the city, head to Point de vue pointe de l’Îlette. Spend the afternoon in the Archaeology Museum or Le Fort Carré where you can dive into the town’s past.
There is a myriad of different beaches to visit in Antibes. Just outside the city walls you will Plage de la Gravette or Plage du Ponteil, two simple beaches perfect for a mix of swimming/ exploring. Alternatively, you can head down the coast to Baie des Milliardaires d’Antibes and Petite Plage for something a little special.
How to get to Antibes from Nice
The best way to get from Nice to Antibes is to take the TER train from Nice Ville to Antibes Station. The trip takes 17 – 30 minutes depending on which train you take. You can buy tickets online or at the station. From the station in Antibes, the old town is only a 5-minute walk.
Cannes
Cannes, known for its iconic film festival, Cannes makes for a great day trip from Nice. Start the day with a walk down Promenade de la Croisette where you will find a 3km boardwalk with beautiful ocean views. This is the location of the Cannes Film Festival, covered with designer boutiques and restaurants. Make sure to visit the historic centre – Le Suquet, a network of narrow streets leading up the hill towards Château de la Castre. Today you will find this medieval castle has been transformed into the Museum of World Explorations.
How to get to Cannes from Nice
The best way to get to Cannes from Nice is to take the TER train from Nice Ville. This journey takes 35 to 40 minutes and costs around €7.90 per person. You can find the timetable on this page. The train station in Cannes is perfectly situated to visit the city and old town.
Iles des Lerins
Iles des Lerins (Lérins Islands) are located just off the shore from Cannes. Just 15 minutes away you will find the island of Sainte Marguerite, home to beautiful natural walking paths and an old military fortress. The other island, Saint Honorat, is home to an old monastery and vineyards, making it the perfect place for a wine tour.
How to get to Iles des Lerins from Nice
To get to the Lérins Islands from Nice, you will first want to take the TER train to Cannes. From here, you can catch one of the ferries that run from the Port of Cannes out to the islands. These take 15 to 20 minutes and run regularly. You can find more information about the ferries on this page.
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
The peninsula of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferratt is the perfect day trip from Nice, with picturesque beaches, coastal views, harbour side villages, and a manor house to explore. Starting at Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferratt harbour, home to many nice waterfront bars and restaurants, you can wander towards Paloma Beach. This is by far one of the best places to swim near Nice, with crystal blue waters, rocky cliffs and a beautiful villa behind you. Make sure to walk the Promenade du cap coastal walk. Here you will find a mix of rugged nature and modern mansions towering down over the cliffs. The walk ends at Passable Beach where you can take a swim, or wander up to Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, a chic manor house with perfectly manicured themed gardens.
How to get to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferratt from Nice
To get to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferratt you can either take the T2 tram to Port Lympia and then catch bus 15 or take the TER train to Beaulieu-sur-Mer and catch the 15 from here. Either option is quite easy, however the tram and bus option is cheaper and can both be paid for using the Lignes d’Azur regional card.
Cagnes-sur-Mer
Cagnes-sur-Mer is a smaller hilltop village located just the other side of Nice Airport. Sometimes overlooked due to the popularity of the other villages on the Côte d’Azur, Cagnes-sur-Mer boasts a unique environment that is worth a visit. A day trip here can be great in combination with somewhere like Saint Paul de Vence, as you will pass through the town on the way.
In Cagnes-sur-Mer you will want to wander up to the historic centre. Here, perched on top of the hill you will find Château-musée Grimaldi, an Italian style residence from the 17th century which now houses the municipality museum. If you are looking for somewhere nice for dinner, look no further than Restaurant Château Le Cagnard. This beautiful restaurant has a terrace that overlooks the countryside and a retracting roof designed for open-air dining. The food too, is spectacular.
How to get to Cagnes-sur-Mer from Nice
The best way to get to Cagnes-sur-Mer from Nice is to take the TER train from Nice Ville. This is a short trip, only taking around 14 minutes. Find the timetable on this page.
Full Day Tours from Nice
Here are a few great organised day trips from Nice that allow you to see more in one day than you would ever be able to do on your own!
The 15 Best Day trips from Nice
Nice is one of the best locations to take day trips around the French Riviera. From the beaches of Menton and Antibes and the medieval town of Saint Paul to the riches of Monaco, there is something for everyone.
Spending more time on the French Riviera? Make sure to check out these guides:
