The French Riviera is a piece of paradise, and the azure waters and beautiful coastline are just the tip of the iceberg. With so much to see and do, it can be difficult to decide which destinations to visit on your trip.
Do not be afraid! We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you discover the best day trips from Nice in 2023.
Get ready for an epic adventure as you explore some of the region’s most beautiful towns, villages, beaches, and landmarks.
Are you ready? Let’s start!
Presentation of Nice, France
Nice, located on the French Riviera, is a beautiful city with many tourist attractions.
From its beautiful coastline and beaches to its bustling, car-free old town, Nice has a lot to offer. And it’s connected to the rest of the French Riviera, making it an ideal base for exploring the region.
In this guide, we share some of the best day trips from Nice. Whether you want to spend the day at the beach or explore a beautiful mountain town, we have something for everyone.
A glimpse of the Côte d’Azur
The Côte d’Azur is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It is located on the Mediterranean coast, from Saint-Tropez in the west to Menton in the east.
With its mild climate, beautiful scenery, and relaxed lifestyle, it’s no wonder so many people flock here every year.
There’s plenty to see and do on the French Riviera, but if you’re short on time or just want to explore further afield, there are some great day trips to take.
Here are our top picks:
- Saint-Tropez – This quaint town is known for its chic vibe and famous locals. Stroll around the harbor, people watch on the café terrace or simply soak up the Mediterranean sun on one of the many beaches.
- Cannes – A short train ride from Nice, Cannes is famous for its annual film festival, but there’s plenty more to see and do here. Whether it’s exploring the old town and Le Suquet district, relaxing on La Croisette beach, or visiting one of the many art galleries, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy in Cannes.
- Antibes – Another pretty seaside town between Nice and Cannes, Antibes is home to a 16th-century fort (Fort Carré), a charming old town, and Juan-les-Pins – bustling
Best day trips from Nice 2023
There are many day trips to do from Nice in 2023! Here are some of our favorites:
Antibes
For a more relaxed day trip, head to Antibes. This charming town has a lovely old town to explore and a lovely marina where you can watch the yachts come and go. Don’t miss the Picasso Museum!
Monaco
Monaco is only a few minutes by train from Nice, making it the perfect destination for a day trip.
From exploring the old town to visiting world-famous casinos, this small country is full of things to see and do.
For those interested in history, the old town of Monaco is definitely worth a visit. Walk the streets and admire the architecture from the Middle Ages to the Baroque. Be sure to visit the Prince’s Palace, which overlooks the city from the hill.
If you’re looking for something a little more chic, Monaco is home to the famous Casino de Monte Carlo.
Even if gambling isn’t your thing, it’s worth visiting this iconic location. Dress up and enjoy the glamorous vibe, even if you insist on sightseeing.
Whatever your interests, Monaco makes a great day trip from Nice. With so much to see and do, you are sure to have a great time exploring this small country.
Cannes
Cannes is a beautiful city on the Côte d’Azur.
It is known for its luxurious lifestyle, beautiful beaches, and annual film festival. Cannes is the ideal day trip destination for those wishing to experience the best of the French Riviera.
There’s plenty to see and do in Cannes, whether you want to sit on the beach, explore the town’s chic shops and restaurants, or visit some of the cultural attractions.
The Palais des Festivals et des Congrès is a must for film buffs – it hosts the annual Cannes Film Festival.
For something a little different, visit the Musée de la Castre, home to an impressive collection of arts and crafts from around the world.
When it comes to food, Cannes has it all, from Michelin-starred restaurants to laid-back beach cafes.
Be sure to try some local specialties such as socca (a chickpea pancake) and ratatouille (a vegetable stew). Of course, no trip to France is complete without delicious wine and cheese!
St. Tropez
St. Tropez is a small town on the Côte d’Azur. It is a popular tourist destination for its Mediterranean climate, beaches, and luxury hotels and restaurants. The city is also known for its nightlife, with many discos and bars.
St. Tropez is accessible from Nice by car, bus, or train.
The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. There is also a direct bus service which takes 2 hours. The Tropez train journey from Nice to St. Petersburg takes about 3 hours.
Eze Village
Eze Village is one of the most popular day trips from Nice.
This medieval town is located on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The views from here are simply breathtaking.
There are so many things to see and do in Eze Village. Do not miss to visit the Fragonard perfumery, the Exotic Garden, and the Château de la Chèvre d’Or.
Menton
Menton is a beautiful town on the Côte d’Azur to the east of Nice. The city is known for its pleasant Mediterranean climate and picturesque surroundings.
Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the sea, mountains, and colorful houses while strolling through the streets.
Menton also has many historical and cultural attractions, making it an ideal destination for a day trip from Nice.
Among the must-see sites in Menton are the Basilica of Saint-Michel, the Palais de Canoles, and the Botanical Garden of Menton.
The cathedral is a beautiful Romanesque church with an impressive interior, intricate mosaics, and stained glass windows.
The Palais Carnoles is a magnificent 18th-century palace that now houses a museum dedicated to the history of Menton.
Menton’s Exotic Botanical Garden is one of the city’s most popular attractions, offering visitors the chance to see exotic plants from around the world.
In addition to its many attractions, Menton is also known for its delicious cuisine. The town has several excellent restaurants specializing in local cuisine.
Be sure to try dishes like socca (a chickpea pancake), ratatouille (a vegetable stew), and pissaladière (a pizza topped with anchovies). For dessert, don’t miss Taste of the Town.
Vallauris
Vallauris is a charming town a short drive from Nice. This charming city has many art galleries and shops, as well as the famous Picasso Museum.
Visitors can wander the streets, admire the beautiful architecture, or enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the cafes.
How to get to the French Riviera
The French Riviera is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Nice is the largest city on the Riviera and a great place to start exploring this beautiful region.
There are many ways to explore the French Riviera, each with its own benefits. The most popular way to see the French Riviera is by car.
This allows you to explore at your own pace and see all the area has to offer. However, parking can be difficult and expensive in some areas.
Another option for discovering the Côte d’Azur is by public transport. This includes buses, trains, and trams. Public transport is generally cheaper than renting a car, but getting around can be more difficult if you don’t speak French.
If you’re looking for a more adventurous way to explore the French Riviera, consider renting a bike or scooter. It’s a good choice if you want to avoid traffic and enjoy the fresh air. Just wear a helmet!
No matter how you choose to visit, there’s no shortage of things to see and do on the French Riviera. From beautiful beaches to historic towns, there is something for everyone.
