Up-to-Date 2025
1-DAY TRIPS
Overview Table
| Name | DIY Without Car (outbound time) | DIY By Car (outbound time) | Tour (duration) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ➡️ | 1 | Nice | T 35m | 45m | ✕ |
| ➡️ | 2 | Monaco | T 1h04m | 1h20m | ✕ |
| ↪ | 2b | Èze + Monaco | ✕ | ✕ | 0h to 0h |
| ➡️ | 3 | Antibes | T 12m | 30m | ✕ |
| ➡️ | 4 | St Tropez | F 1h15m | 1h30m | ✕ |
| ↪ | 4b | St Tropez + Port Grimaud | F 1h15m + F 30m | 1h30m + 20m | ✕ |
| ➡️ | 5 | Grasse | T 17m | 30m | ✕ |
| - | 6 | Lérins Islands | F 15m / 20m | ✕ | ✕ |
➡️ = Has a dedicated page
↪ = Has a section on a dedicated page
T = Train
F = Ferry
1. Nice City
From Cannes, taking a trip to Nice is a great way to explore a vibrant city that’s elegant, Mediterranean, and full of life. With its famous palm-lined Promenade des Anglais, beaches, and iconic hotels, Nice charms visitors with its mix of seaside vibes and city energy.
The Old Town, or Vieux-Nice, is the historic heart of the city, a maze of colorful alleyways, baroque churches, and lively little squares. It’s the kind of place where you’ll enjoy getting lost, strolling through the flower market on Cours Saleya, grabbing a slice of socca, or relaxing at a café terrace. Don’t miss the climb up to Castle Hill for an incredible view over the Bay of Angels.
Nice is also packed with museums, like the MAMAC for modern and contemporary art, the Matisse Museum set among the olive trees of Cimiez, and the more intimate Marc Chagall Museum. The city’s architecture reflects its diverse history, with Belle Époque facades, traditional buildings with green shutters, and more modern structures all side by side.
Nice is a must if you want to get a real feel for the spirit of the French Riviera.
Without Car
Cannes > Nice 35min by Train
Nice > Cannes Same
By Car
Cannes > Nice 45min
Nice > Cannes Same
How to Go + Things to Do + Itinerary Idea
2. Monaco Principality
A quick getaway to Monaco from Cannes takes you into a whole different world, with royal glamour, stunning views, and a cosmopolitan vibe. This tiny independent state, tucked between the sea and the cliffs, stands out for its extravagance and unique character.
The Rock, the historic heart of the principality, is home to the Prince’s Palace, where the daily changing of the guard draws plenty of onlookers, as well as the old town with its narrow streets and the cathedral where Monaco’s princes, including Grace Kelly, are buried.
Monte-Carlo is where you’ll find the glitzy, showy side of Monaco. The famous casino, with its gold decor and Belle Époque rooms, is surrounded by perfectly manicured gardens, luxury hotels, and high-end boutiques. At night, the whole place lights up and turns into a hotspot for upscale nightlife.
But Monaco isn’t just about luxury. The exotic gardens, hanging on the edge of the cliffs, offer a stunning walk high above the Mediterranean, and the harbor is perfect for a stroll among yachts and lively café terraces.
Without Car
Cannes > Monaco 1h04min by Train
Monaco > Cannes Same
Also possible by Ferry.
By Car
Cannes > Nice 1h20min
Nice > Cannes Same
How to Go + Things to Do + Itinerary Idea
2b. Èze Village + Monaco Principality
Photo 1/2 Èze
Photo 2/2 Monaco
Combining Èze village and Monaco in the same day from Cannes gives you the best of both worlds, the authentic charm of a hilltop village and the striking, high-rise luxury of the principality. Though close to each other, the two places offer a stunning contrast between wild nature, medieval heritage, and bold modern style.
Perched over 400 meters above the sea on a rocky outcrop, Èze is like an eagle’s nest hanging above the Mediterranean. The beautifully restored medieval village is a maze of cobbled lanes, stone archways, and artisan workshops. At the very top, the exotic garden, built on the ruins of an old castle, offers dizzying views along the coast all the way to the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. With cactus plants and modern sculptures scattered throughout, the setting feels almost surreal. On the corniche road or just outside the village, the Fragonard perfume factory also offers tours of its workshops.
After soaking in this fairytale-like atmosphere, it’s time to head to Monaco. Built into the steep cliffs along the coast, the principality rolls out its splendor in several acts: the Rock, with its royal palace, old town, and oceanographic museum, Monte-Carlo, with its famous casino, manicured gardens, and luxury shops, and the harbor, lined with mega-yachts and always buzzing with activity.
The shift from the peaceful charm of Èze to the energy of Monaco makes for a day full of contrasts, and they complement each other perfectly.
Do It Yourself
We don’t recommend doing this day trip on your own, as it is too long, whether with or without a car. Instead, choose a guided tour.
Tour
Duration 0h to 0h
➡️ Day Trip Cannes to Monaco
↪ Section “TOUR TO ÈZE + MONACO”
4 Tour Provider Recommendations
3. Antibes City
Not far from Cannes, Antibes draws you in with its authenticity, Mediterranean charm, and laid-back vibe. Sitting by the sea, this former Greek town turned fortified stronghold strikes the perfect balance between history, nature, and art.
Old Antibes, surrounded by ancient ramparts, is made for wandering. Its narrow streets are lined with colorful facades, and you’ll come across a baroque cathedral, a lively Provençal market, and shaded little squares that feel straight out of the South of France. Down by the water, the vast Port Vauban welcomes everything from traditional fishing boats to some of the world’s biggest yachts.
Overlooking the ramparts, the Grimaldi Castle now houses the Picasso Museum, with an impressive collection of works the artist created during his time in Antibes.
For a walk along the coast, the seaside trail known as the Sentier de Tire-Poil starts at Cap d’Antibes and takes you past wild little coves and hanging gardens, all the way to the Garoupe lighthouse. Along the way, you’ll get breathtaking views of turquoise waters with the Alps in the distance.
Without Car
Cannes > Antibes 12min by Train
Antibes > Cannes Same
Can also be switched to an Uber ride.
By Car
Cannes > Antibes 30min
Antibes > Cannes Same
How to Go + Things to Do + Itinerary Idea
4. St. Tropez Town
A legendary symbol of the French Riviera, Saint-Tropez instantly brings to mind glamour, yachts, and movie stars. But beyond the glitzy image, the village still holds onto its authentic charm, with pastel-colored facades and quiet little streets that reflect its past as a fishing port.
The Old Port is lively all year round, lined with fishing boats and luxury yachts, while the café terraces give you front-row seats to the constant movement on the water. Just behind, the heart of the village feels more low-key, with narrow lanes filled with art galleries, chic boutiques, and the Place des Lices, where locals play pétanque under the shade of the plane trees.
Overlooking the town, the citadel offers incredible views over the gulf and is home to a museum dedicated to Saint-Tropez’s maritime history. If you’re in the mood for a bit of culture, the Annonciade Museum showcases an impressive collection of Impressionist and Pointillist works, all housed in a former chapel by the port.
And if you’re into nature, the peninsula has plenty of beaches to choose from, or you can follow the coastal trail that winds past wild coves all the way to Cap Camarat.
Without Car
There is no train station in St. Tropez.
Cannes > St. Tropez 1h15min by Ferry
St. Tropez > Cannes Same
By Car
Cannes > St. Tropez 1h30min
St. Tropez > Cannes Same
➡️ Day Trip Cannes to St. Tropez
How to Go + Things to Do + Itinerary Idea
4b. St. Tropez Town + Port Grimaud
Photo 1/2 St. Tropez
Photo 2/2 Port Grimaud
Pairing Saint-Tropez with Port Grimaud in a single day trip from Cannes lets you experience both the legendary charm of a fishing town turned glamour icon and the unique architecture of a surprising waterfront village.
In Saint-Tropez, the contrast between the lively harbor and the peaceful backstreets of the old village is instantly appealing. While massive yachts line the quay, fishermen still sell their catch in the quiet alleyways. It’s a stop that manages to be both chic and full of character.
Just a few miles away, Port Grimaud feels like a whole different world. Dreamed up in the 1960s by architect François Spoerry, this “Provençal Venice” is a colorful patchwork of houses with boat moorings right at the doorstep. You get around on foot via small bridges or by boat along the canals. The whole place blends surprisingly well into the landscape of the gulf and feels both unexpected and perfectly in tune with its surroundings.
Without Car
There is no train station in St. Tropez nor in Port Grimaud.
Cannes > St. Tropez 1h15min by Ferry
St. Tropez > Port Grimaud 30min by Ferry
Port Grimaud > St. Tropez 30min by Ferry
St. Tropez > Cannes 1h15min by Ferry
By Car
Cannes > St. Tropez 1h30min
St. Tropez > Port Grimaud 20min
Port Grimaud > Cannes 1h20min
➡️ Day Trip Cannes to St. Tropez
↪ Section “ST. TROPEZ + PORT GRIMAUD”
How to Go + Things to Do + Itinerary Idea
5. Grasse Town
Perched on the lower slopes of the Prealps, Grasse overlooks the Bay of Cannes and hills scented with mimosa, jasmine, and roses. This proud, character-filled town is world-famous as the perfume capital.
Grasse has a real, authentic charm, with a medieval old town made up of narrow alleys, stairways, vaulted passages, and shaded little squares. Unlike some of the more polished spots along the Riviera, the old town still feels down-to-earth and full of local flavor.
One of the highlights of any visit is diving into the world of perfume. Several historic perfume houses, like Fragonard, Galimard, and Molinard, offer free tours of their workshops and museums, where you can see how perfume is made and even create your own scent. The International Perfume Museum, which is modern and well put together, tells the story of perfume through different eras and cultures.
But Grasse isn’t just about fragrance. The town also has amazing views over the hills, a Romanesque cathedral with some impressive artworks (including three paintings by Rubens), and peaceful gardens.
Without Car
Cannes > Grasse 17min by Train
Grasse > Cannes Same
By Car
Cannes > Grasse 30min
Grasse > Cannes Same
➡️ Day Trip Cannes to Grasse
How to Go + Things to Do + Itinerary Idea
6. Lérins Islands
Just off the coast from Cannes, the Lérins Islands form a peaceful little archipelago, perfect for a nature break away from the buzz of the Croisette. With pine forests, quiet coves, old ruins, and lots of calm, the two main islands, Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat, are all about relaxing walks, nature, and peaceful views. Both are easy to reach by boat from the port of Cannes, and each has its own distinct vibe.
St. Marguerite Island
The largest of the Lérins Islands, Sainte-Marguerite is known for its wild, unspoiled nature. Covered in Aleppo pines and eucalyptus trees, it’s crisscrossed by marked walking trails that take you around the island, past hidden coves and rocky beaches with clear, blue water that’s perfect for swimming.
It’s also a place with a lot of history. The Royal Fort, a massive building overlooking the coast, houses the Sea Museum, which focuses on underwater archaeology and the island’s past. You can even see the prison cell of the mysterious Man in the Iron Mask, who was held here in the late 1600s.
Sainte-Marguerite is ideal for a day out. You can walk the trails, enjoy a picnic in the shade of the pines, and soak up the quiet beauty of the Mediterranean landscape.
Cannes > St. Marguerite 15min
St. Marguerite > Cannes Same
Company 1
Trans Côte d’Azur (also named Riviera Lines)
⚙️ Schedules & Prices (Official Website)
Company 2
Horizons
St. Marguerite Island + Corniche d’Or Cruise
Combining a visit to Sainte-Marguerite Island with a cruise along the Corniche d’Or lets you enjoy both island nature and the dramatic coastline of the Var region. After exploring the shaded trails and quiet coves of the island, get back on the boat for a scenic ride along the Estérel mountains.
The bright red porphyry cliffs, turquoise inlets, and rugged shapes of the coastline contrast beautifully with the deep blue sea. These cruises are often narrated, so you’ll get some background on the geology and history of this unique stretch of coast. It’s a refreshing and original way to wrap up a day between land and sea.
Cannes > St. Marguerite 15min
Corniche d’Or Cruise Duration 1h45min
Company
Trans Côte d’Azur (also named Riviera Lines)
St. Honorat Island
Just a short hop from its bigger sister, Saint-Honorat Island is even more peaceful and spiritual. Silence really sets the tone here, as the island has been home to monks since the 5th century, and they still live in the Lérins Abbey today. The atmosphere is calm and reflective, perfect for a quiet walk or a bit of mindful wandering.
Besides the abbey, the island has several tiny chapels, a fortified 11th-century monastery right by the sea, and vineyards still worked by the monks, who produce well-regarded wines. You can walk all the way around the island, enjoying incredible views over the Bay of Cannes and the deep blue sea.
Saint-Honorat is perfect if you’re looking for calm, beauty, and a bit of spiritual atmosphere.
Cannes > St. Honorat 20min
St. Honorat > Cannes Same
Company
Planariat
