Day Trips from Nice: 8 Best France Riviera Escapes You’ll Love
For two weeks, we called Nice home, a cozy Airbnb near the Old Town, just a short stroll from the Promenade des Anglais. Mornings meant buttery croissants and sea breeze, afternoons were for working from cafés, and by evening, we’d find ourselves watching the sunset from the pebbled beach with gelato in hand. But what we loved most about our time in Nice was how easy it was to explore the French Riviera. With scenic coastal drives at your doorstep, you can discover charming seaside villages, hilltop towns, and glamorous cityscapes, all in a day.
We used our mornings and weekends to explore as much as we could. And while every destination had something special, Menton completely stole our hearts. It was peaceful, pastel and full of character. If you’re planning a trip to Nice, here are our favorite day trips from Nice, all within 1–2 hours and tried by us (plus a couple that are still on our wish list!).
Why Nice Makes the Perfect Base
Nice is the ultimate home base for exploring the Riviera. It’s central, well-connected, and packed with local charm. You can spend mornings at the market, work with a sea view in the afternoon and hop on a train to another town before dinner. The transport system makes it ridiculously easy:
- TER coastal trains connect all major towns from Cannes to Menton.
- Local buses reach inland gems like Èze and Grasse.
- Car rentals give you flexibility for more remote spots like Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
We stayed near the Old Town, which made everything accessible, a short walk to both the station and the beach. If you’re visiting for more than a few days, it’s worth choosing accommodation in that area for convenience.
Quick Overview: Best Day Trips from Nice
| Destination | Travel Time | Best For | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Menton | 40 min train | Peaceful coastal charm | Pastel Old Town, lemon gardens, seaside walks |
| Monaco | 25 min train | Glamour & views | Casino, Prince’s Palace, Oceanographic Museum |
| Èze | 25 min bus | Medieval village & perfume | Exotic garden, Fragonard factory |
| Villefranche-sur-Mer | 10 min train | Laid-back beauty | Colorful harbor, easy beach access |
| Antibes | 20 min train | Art & history | Picasso Museum, old ramparts |
| Cannes | 35 min train | Film, beaches, islands | La Croisette, Le Suquet, Île Sainte-Marguerite |
| Grasse | 1 hr train/bus | Perfume & Provence vibes | Fragonard perfumery, old town |
| Saint-Paul-de-Vence | 1 hr (car) | Art & romance | Cobblestone alleys, galleries, views |
Menton (Our Favorite!)
If there’s one town that captured our hearts, it’s Menton, the last stop before Italy and one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever seen on the Riviera. Stepping into Menton feels like entering a watercolor painting, pastel houses, cobbled alleys and the sea shimmering below. The Old Town is full of charm with hidden staircases, colorful shutters, and viewpoints around every corner.
We walked up to the Basilica of St. Michael, stopped for espresso near the beach, and wandered through Jardin Serre de la Madone, a peaceful botanical escape. If you’re visiting in February, the Fête du Citron (Lemon Festival) transforms the town into a citrus-themed wonderland. Menton’s slower pace made it perfect for a relaxed day. We grabbed a seaside lunch, watched locals play pétanque, and felt completely unhurried.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence
We went to Saint-Paul-de-Vence and it instantly became one of our favorite stops on the Riviera. Perched high on a hill surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, it’s often called one of the prettiest and most famous hilltop towns in Provence. The village has long been a haven for artists and dreamers. Legends like Marc Chagall and Picasso once walked these same cobbled streets, inspired by the golden light and timeless beauty of the stone houses.
We spent hours just wandering through its narrow lanes, admiring the sculptures, art galleries tucked into corners and lingering over coffee at a café overlooking the valley. If you love art, history, and that postcard-perfect Provençal charm, Saint-Paul-de-Vence will absolutely win you over.
Cannes
Cannes is synonymous with luxury but visit outside film festival season and you’ll discover a surprisingly relaxed coastal town. We spent the day walking La Croisette, people-watching from cafés and wandering Le Suquet, the old town hilltop that offers panoramic views of the bay. It’s an easy, breezy place to spend the day, chic yet casual. Cannes proves you can enjoy Riviera glam without the crowds or pretension. We did not get a chance but if you have time, hop on a 15-minute ferry to Île Sainte-Marguerite, one of the Îles de Lérins. The island is full of pine trees, rocky beaches and peaceful trails, a total contrast to the mainland’s buzz.
Monaco
A short ride from Nice takes you straight into Monaco, world’s second-smallest country and possibly the most glamorous square mile on earth. Monaco was all about glitz and glamour, fancy cars cruising past designer boutiques, impeccably dressed people everywhere and a sense of luxury that hits you the moment you step out of the station.
We started with a scenic walk up to Le Rocher (the Rock), Monaco’s historic old town. The Prince’s Palace, Oceanographic Museum and Saint Nicholas Cathedral make it a great cultural stop, even beyond the luxury reputation. Lunch was a picnic overlooking the yachts at Port Hercules, easily one of the best people-watching spots in Europe. Later, we wandered around Monte Carlo Casino and the exterior alone is iconic. Definitely it was the highlight of the evening!
Grasse
When you need a break from the coast, head inland to Grasse which is a fragrant hilltop town, known as the world’s perfume capital. We visited on a sunny weekend and were instantly drawn to the Fragonard Perfume Factory. The free guided tour was unexpectedly fascinating. We learnt how flowers become perfume, smelling raw essences and even watching distillers at work. It was one of our best experience in the French Riviera. Perfume is a way of life for the French and it’s a unique cultural experience, you’ll never think about perfume the same way again. Afterward, we wandered through the old town’s narrow streets, full of little shops selling soaps, lavender sachets and handmade scents.
Èze
Èze is a Fairytale Village Above the Sea. A medieval hilltop village perched between Nice and Monaco, it’s full of stone alleys, flower-draped terraces, and sea views so stunning you’ll forget to check your phone. The walk up through the village’s narrow lanes is pure charm, leading to the Jardin Exotique, a cactus garden perched 400 meters above the sea. The view from the top is one of the best on the Riviera, the kind you mentally bookmark forever. It’s small, scenic and full of character, the perfect half-day escape. You can also visit the Fragonard Perfume Factory here for a free factory tour and mini perfume making workshop if you aren’t able to make it to Grasse!
Antibes
Antibes might be the most balanced town on the Riviera: it’s got beaches, culture, food, and just the right amount of buzz. We started with the Picasso Museum, set in the seaside Château Grimaldi. Picasso lived here in 1946, leaving behind a series of works that now fill its sunlit rooms. Afterward, we strolled the Old Town ramparts, watching waves crash against ancient walls. You should visit early and walk the harbor, it’s home to some of the world’s biggest yachts.
Then came the highlight during lunch at Nithi Thai restaurant. Our favourite was their pad thai and we loved it so much we went back twice during our stay. It simple, so flavorful and a great change from endless baguettes.
Villefranche-sur-Mer
Just 10 minutes from Nice by train, Villefranche-sur-Mer became our go-to mini escape. Its curved bay, colorful waterfront and laid-back atmosphere make it ideal for a slow morning or evening visit. We loved wandering the Old Town, exploring Rue Obscure and grabbing drinks by the port as the sun set. You should go for those days when you want a change of scenery without any effort. In summer, the beach here (Plage des Marinières) is one of the best for swimming and far less crowded than Nice.
Day Trips by Train vs. Car – Which is Better?
We tried both and here’s the honest verdict.
The train is fantastic for most Riviera towns. The TER line connects all the main destinations – Monaco, Menton, Antibes and Cannes, every 20–30 minutes. It’s scenic, affordable and hassle-free. The views alone (especially between Villefranche and Monaco) are worth the ticket.
However, once you start venturing inland to Eze, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, or smaller villages, trains and buses can become slow or infrequent. That’s where driving shines.
We rented a car for a few days and it gave us total flexibility. The coastal roads are well-marked, parking is manageable in smaller towns and we found ourselves more confident exploring lesser-known spots. Plus, driving along the Corniche roads between Nice and Menton is an experience in itself, panoramic views at every turn.
Our advice:
- Use trains for coastal day trips.
- Rent a car for a day or two to explore inland and offbeat areas.
- Parking apps like EasyPark or PayByPhone make life easier in towns like Antibes and Grasse.
Sample Day Trips Itineraries from Nice
If you only have a few days in Nice, here’s how we’d plan your perfect mix of coast, culture and charm: all tried and tested.
1st Trip – Clifftop Views & Royal Glamour
- Morning: Take the bus 82 or drive to Èze Village. Wander the medieval lanes and enjoy coffee with a view. Visit the Fragonard Perfume Factory for a unique perfume making experience (you’ll thank us later).
- Afternoon: Continue to Monaco (by car or train). Explore the Prince’s Palace, the Oceanographic Museum, and the old town.
- Evening: Return to Nice for dinner by the sea.
2nd Trip – Slow Travel & Coastal Charm
- Full Day: Head to Menton. Spend the day exploring the pastel Old Town, strolling the promenade and trying lemon sorbet by the sea.
- Optional: Stop at Villefranche-sur-Mer on your way back for sunset drinks by the harbor.
3rd Trip – Culture & Island Escape
- Morning: Drive to the prettiest hilltop village: Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
- Afternoon: Continue to Cannes, stroll La Croisette, and take the ferry to Île Sainte-Marguerite for a swim or nature walk.
Have more time? Add a fourth day for Antibes, especially if you’re driving and enjoy art and great thai food at Nithi Thai restaurant.
Tips for Planning Day Trips from Nice
- Best time to visit: April–June and September–October for warm weather and fewer crowds.
- Getting tickets: Buy TER train tickets at the station or online; validate them before boarding.
- Start early: Most towns are quieter before 10 AM.
- Pack light: Bring water, sunscreen and a hat. The Mediterranean sun is strong even in spring.
- Lunch hours: Many restaurants close between 2–6 PM, so plan accordingly.
- Stay flexible: Trains run often, you can easily change plans on the fly.
- Safety: The Riviera is very safe; just keep your belongings close in crowded areas.
FAQs – Planning Your Day Trips from Nice
What are the best day trips from Nice by train?
Menton, Monaco, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Antibes, and Cannes are all quick, scenic train rides from Nice.
Can you visit Monaco and Èze in one day?
Absolutely! They’re close together and easily combined – morning in Èze, afternoon in Monaco, back in Nice for dinner.
Do I need a car to explore the French Riviera?
Not necessarily. You can do 80% of day trips by train or bus. But if you want flexibility (especially for Grasse or Saint-Paul-de-Vence), renting a car for a day or two is worth it.
How many days should I spend in Nice?
At least 3 full days for the city and 3–4 extra for day trips. Two weeks like we did gives you the best mix of work, rest, and exploration.
What’s the most beautiful village near Nice?
We’d say Menton for coastal charm and Èze for views, both are easy to reach and full of character.
Is it safe to travel around by train at night?
Yes, we often returned from day trips after dark and felt completely safe. Just stick to main routes and avoid empty carriages late at night.
Our Final Thoughts
After two unforgettable weeks in Nice, exploring everywhere from glitzy Monaco to artistic Antibes, Menton still feels like the place that best captured our hearts. Maybe it was the sunset glow over pastel rooftops. Maybe it was the quiet cafés and friendly locals. Or maybe it’s because it perfectly embodies why we travel slowly, to find those peaceful pockets of authenticity that make you stop, breathe, and smile.
If Nice is the heart of the Riviera, Menton is its soul. Whether you’re here for a weekend or working remotely like we were, take the time to wander beyond Nice. Every short journey brings a whole new story!
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