Up-to-Date 2025
1-DAY TRIPS
Overview Table
| Name | DIY Without Car (outbound time) | DIY By Car (outbound time) | Tour (duration) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ➡️ | 1 | Monaco | T 24m | 30m | 4h at Night |
| ➡️ | 1b | Èze + Monaco | B* 25m + T¹* 9m | 25m + 20m | 5h to 8h |
| ↪ | 1c | 🛺 Èze + Monaco | ✕ | ✕ | 7h |
| ➡️ | 2 | Villefranche + Cap-Ferrat | T* 7m + B* 20m | 20m + 15m | ✕ |
| ↪ | 2b | 🚲 Villefranche + Cap-Ferrat | ✕ | ✕ | 5h |
| ↪ | 2c | 🛺 Villefranche + Cap-Ferrat | ✕ | ✕ | 2h |
| ↪ | 2d | 🛺 Villefranche + Cap-Ferrat + Èze | ✕ | ✕ | 4h |
| ➡️ | 3 | St Tropez | ✕ | 1h45 | ✕ |
| ↪ | 3b | St Tropez + Port Grimaud | ✕ | 1h45 + 20m | 8h to 10h |
| ➡️ | 4 | Cannes | T 35m | 45m | ✕ |
| ➡️ | 5 | Antibes | T 22m | 40m | ✕ |
| ➡️ | 6 | Menton | T 38m | 40m | ✕ |
| ↪ | 6b | Èze + Menton | B* 30m + T¹ 23m | 25m + 35m | ✕ |
| ↪ | 6c | Menton + Roquebrune | T 38m + T²* 6m | 40m + 15m | ✕ |
| ➡️ | 7 | Grasse | T 1h06 | 50m | ✕ |
| ↪ | 7b | Grasse + St. Paul-de-Vence | ✕ | 50m + 45m | ✕ |
➡️ = Has a dedicated page
↪ = Has a section on a dedicated page
🛺 = Electric Car Tour
🚲 = E-Bike Tour
T = Train
B = Bus
* Can also be switched to an Uber ride.
¹ Requires hiking down for 40min to reach the train station.
² Requires walking up for 30min or down for 20min via a staircase (with long, shallow steps) to get between the village and the train station.
Train Map
If you’re taking your day trips by train, our France Train Map for Travelers can help you.
1. Monaco Principality
From Nice, a day trip to Monaco packs in a striking mix of luxury, dramatic cityscapes, and sweeping Mediterranean views.
Once you arrive, Monaco hits you right away with its almost theatrical setting. The old town, known as Le Rocher, has a quieter vibe. You reach it by walking up to the Prince’s Palace, which sits on a rocky outcrop. At exactly noon, the changing of the guard draws a curious crowd, all there to catch a glimpse of the precise and time-honored ceremony. From the palace square, there’s a dramatic view down over Fontvieille harbor, and a more open panorama across to Monte-Carlo. The narrow old town lanes, lined with ochre-colored houses make for a relaxed stroll.
In Monte-Carlo, the mood shifts completely. The iconic casino sits at the heart of a neighborhood that’s all about showing off. Supercars crawl past neatly trimmed palm trees, while inside, the Belle Époque salons alone are worth a look. Nearby, designer shops and grand hotels line busy streets, and the casino gardens offer a rare green space, with fountains and modern sculptures.
Even with all its glitz, Monaco is surprisingly doable in a day. In each district, everything is within walking distance and the contrast between the old town, Monte-Carlo, and the modern Fontvieille district keeps things interesting. By evening, heading back to Nice is a laid-back way to end a day spent brushing up against royal-level luxury.
Without Car
Nice > Monaco 24min by Train
Monaco > Nice Same
Also possible by Ferry.
By Car
Nice > Monaco 30min
Monaco > Nice Same
Tour
Duration 4h by Night
How to Go + Things to Do + Itinerary Idea
or
1 Tour Provider Recommendation
1b. Èze Village + Monaco Principality
Photo 1/2 Èze
Photo 2/2 Monaco
This combined day trip from Nice lets you experience two classic sides of the French Riviera in one go: a perched medieval village with jaw-dropping sea views, followed by a tiny state where luxury and skyscrapers steal the show.
The road first winds its way up to Èze, perched over 400 meters high on a rocky peak. This postcard-perfect village, all stone and steep paths, stuns with its cobbled alleys, honey-colored houses, and vaulted passages. As you make your way up through the narrow lanes, you eventually reach the Exotic Garden, a one-of-a-kind lookout hanging above the Mediterranean. Along with neatly arranged cacti, agaves, and aloes, the garden offers a sweeping view that stretches from Cap Ferrat all the way to the Italian coast.
After visiting Èze, the trip continues down toward Monaco. Once there, Monaco shows off its contrasts. Le Rocher is home to the old town and the Prince’s Palace while Monte-Carlo is the land of luxury hotels and the famous casino, where supercars, stylish cafés, and designer boutiques set the tone.
Without Car
Nice > Èze 30min by Bus
Èze > Monaco 9min by Train¹
Monaco > Nice 24min by Train
¹ Requires hiking down for 40min to reach the train station.
Some parts can also be switched to an Uber ride.
By Car
Nice > Èze 25min
Èze > Monaco 20min
Monaco > Nice 30min
Tours
Duration 5h to 8h
➡️ Day Trip Nice to Èze & Monaco
How to Go + Things to Do + Itinerary Idea
or
5 Tour Provider Recommendations
1c. N°1b by Electric Car Tour
With an electric car tour, this ride is smoother and more original: cruise along the scenic twists of the Moyenne Corniche, stop in the beautiful village of Èze, then glide quietly through Monaco, full of panoramic views.
Tour
Duration 7h
➡️ Day Trip Nice to Èze & Monaco
↪ Section “ELECTRIC CAR TOUR”
1 Tour Provider Recommendation
2. Villefranche-sur-Mer Town + St. Jean-Cap-Ferrat Headland
Photo 1/2 Villefranche-sur-Mer
Photo 2/2 St. Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Just a few minutes from Nice, this getaway combines the charm of a picture-perfect port with the raw beauty of a peninsula lined with hidden coves. Villefranche-sur-Mer opens onto one of the most stunning bays in the Mediterranean, with deep, intensely blue waters. The town still feels authentic, with its colorful alleyways, weathered shutters, and lively seafront. Just below the old town, a beachside walkway curves gently along the shore. Higher up, don’t miss the Rue Obscure, a covered, fortified lane, and the Saint-Pierre chapel, decorated by Jean Cocteau, a touching reminder of the artist’s love for the place.
Following the coastal road or a short bus ride brings you to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, a quiet, upscale peninsula known for its peaceful vibe and lush greenery. The must-see here is the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, perched at the top of a narrow strip of land and surrounded by nine beautifully designed themed gardens. Inside, elegant rooms and a fine art collection bring the Belle Époque spirit to life.
But the best way to discover Cap-Ferrat is on foot. The coastal path hugs the shoreline, winding past little coves, sea pines, and tucked-away villas. Walking the full loop around the peninsula is an easy but spectacular hike, with white cliffs, open sea views, and wave-battered rocks along the way. On the southern tip, the lighthouse marks the farthest point, while to the west, the trail to Passable Beach offers stunning views back over Villefranche Bay.
This outing, blending heritage, nature, and Mediterranean blues, is best enjoyed at an easy pace. Thanks to how close it is to Nice, and the sheer variety of scenery, it’s one of the most rewarding coastal strolls on the Riviera.
Without Car
Nice > Villefranche 7min by Train
Villefranche > Cap-Ferrat 20min by Bus
Cap-Ferrat > Nice 10min by Train
These routes can also be switched to an Uber ride or done by hiking.
By Car
Nice > Villefranche 20min
Villefranche > Cap-Ferrat 15min
Cap-Ferrat > Nice 25min
➡️ Day Trip Nice to Villefranche & Cap-Ferrat
How to Go + Things to Do + Itinerary Idea
2b. N°2 by E-Bike Tour
With an electric bike, the pace is more relaxed. You’ll cruise along the corniche roads, weave between Cap Ferrat’s coves, and stop at all the best photo spots in Villefranche. Ideal for fresh air, culture and scenery.
Tour
Duration 5h
➡️ Day Trip Nice to Villefranche & Cap-Ferrat
↪ Section “E-BIKE TOUR”
1 Tour Provider Recommendation
2c. N°2 by Electric Car Tour
This electric car version lets you easily reach the best viewpoints from Villefranche’s harbor to the stylish retreats of Cap Ferrat. A scenic ride without the effort.
Tours
Duration 2h
➡️ Day Trip Nice to Villefranche & Cap-Ferrat
↪ Section “ELECTRIC CAR TOUR”
2 Tour Provider Recommendations
2d. N°2 + Èze Village by Electric Car Tour
On top of Villefranche’s seaside charm and Cap Ferrat’s leafy beauty, this option adds a stop in Èze, one of France’s most stunning hilltop villages. A scenic loop packed with contrast and wow-factor.
Tour
Duration 4h
➡️ Day Trip Nice to Villefranche & Cap-Ferrat
↪ Section “ELECTRIC CAR TOUR With ÈZE VILLAGE”
1 Tour Provider Recommendations
3. St. Tropez Town
Famous but often reduced to clichés, Saint-Tropez is best discovered at a slower pace, away from the image of yachts and celebrities. To really enjoy its charm, it’s best to visit in the off-season, when the summer crowds are gone and the village feels Provençal again. Far from the bling, you’ll find a maze of medieval alleys, narrow passages, flower-filled squares with old fountains, and the tiny fishing port of La Ponche, which has barely changed over time.
The old citadel offers amazing views over the gulf and houses a maritime museum. Not far away, the Annonciade Museum is a cultural gem. Set inside a former chapel, it features Fauvist and Pointillist works, paintings full of Tropézienne light captured by artists like Signac, Matisse, Bonnard, and Derain. Then there’s the Gendarmerie and Cinema Museum, located in the old police station made famous by the Louis de Funès films. It’s a fun and quirky stop that explores the town’s connection to cinema.
Saint-Tropez also has beaches and coastal paths you can walk to right from the village, like those heading to Canoubiers Bay or the peninsula. But more than anything, what people come for is the unique vibe, somewhere between Mediterranean authenticity and quiet elegance, in the shade of pastel shutters and plane trees of the old town.
Without Car
There is no train station in St. Tropez.
There is a ferry connection, but it takes too long for just a day trip.
By Car
Nice > St. Tropez 1h45min
St. Tropez > Nice Same
➡️ Day Trip Nice to St. Tropez
How to Go + Things to Do + Itinerary Idea
3b. St. Tropez Town + Port Grimaud Village
Photo 1/2 St. Tropez
Photo 2/2 Port Grimaud
Exploring Saint-Tropez and Port Grimaud in the same day means going from a Provençal town with a Mediterranean, artsy soul to a one-of-a-kind waterfront village that feels like a little slice of Venice on the French Riviera.
Away from the summer crowds, Saint-Tropez shows its true charm, medieval lanes, a fishing port, and shaded little squares. The citadel offers stunning views over the gulf and a surprisingly interesting maritime museum.
Just across the bay, Port Grimaud offers a completely different vibe. Built in the 1960s on reclaimed marshland, this lakeside town was designed by architect François Spoerry and blends Provençal charm with a touch of Venice. Canals, little bridges, colorful facades, and private boats create a setting that’s both unexpected and harmonious. It was designed to feel like a real village, not just a marina, and its peaceful atmosphere and easy access make it especially appealing.
Without Car
There is no train station in St. Tropez nor in Port Grimaud.
By Car
Nice > St. Tropez 1h45min
St. Tropez > Port Grimaud 20min
Port Grimaud > Nice 1h30min
Tours
Duration 8h to 10h
➡️ Day Trip Nice to St. Tropez
↪ Section “ST. TROPEZ + PORT GRIMAUD”
How to Go + Things to Do + Itinerary Idea
or
4 Tour Provider Recommendations
4. Cannes City
From Nice, Cannes is an easy day trip that blends glamour, history, and seaside vibes. Most people start with a stroll along La Croisette, the famous beachfront promenade lined with Belle Époque hotels, perfectly spaced palm trees, and high-end boutiques. In the background, you’ll spot the Palais des Festivals, with its iconic red carpet steps, one of the most photographed spots in the film world.
But Cannes isn’t just about the festival. Just behind the Croisette, the old town of Le Suquet sits on a hill and feels like a different world: cobbled streets, steep staircases, and views over the bay. From the château esplanade at the top, you get sweeping views of the harbor, the Lérins Islands, and the modern city below. Down the hill, Forville Market is a great place to get a taste of local life and local flavors.
Cannes brings together glitz and authenticity, luxury and heritage, all set in a sunny landscape of hills, beaches, and the bright blue Riviera coast.
Without Car
Nice > Cannes 35min by Train
Cannes > Nice Same
Also possible by Ferry.
By Car
Nice > Cannes 45min
Cannes > Nice Same
How to Go + Things to Do + Itinerary Idea
5. Antibes City
From Nice, a trip to Antibes gives you the chance to explore a town full of history, open to the sea, and buzzing with artistic energy. Protected by old sea-facing ramparts, the old town charms visitors with its narrow streets, Provençal market, and little squares lined with ochre-colored houses. It’s quieter than Nice or Cannes, and the open views of the sea make it perfect for a relaxed stroll.
A walk along the ramparts offers stunning sea views, and on clear days you can even see the Alps in the distance. The Vauban Port, wide and often filled with massive yachts, adds to the maritime vibe, as does Fort Carré, just north of the harbor.
Antibes’ cultural highlight is the Picasso Museum, housed in the Grimaldi Castle. Picasso stayed here in 1946, and the works on display are full of joy, playfulness, and life.
For a walk along the coast, the seaside path called the Sentier de Tire-Poil begins at Cap d’Antibes and winds past wild coves and cliffside gardens, all the way to the Garoupe lighthouse. Along the route, you’ll enjoy stunning views of turquoise waters with the Alps rising in the distance.
Antibes is all about balance, with its mix of history, relaxed Provençal lifestyle, and vibrant cultural scene. It’s a perfect, human-sized stop between sea and sunshine.
Without Car
Nice > Antibes 22min by Train
Antibes > Nice Same
By Car
Nice > Antibes 40min
Antibes > Nice Same
How to Go + Things to Do + Itinerary Idea
6. Menton Town
The last town before the Italian border, Menton wins people over with its gentle pace of life, colorful architecture, and unique Mediterranean vibe. Even the ride from Nice along the coastal road is a treat, with spectacular sea views along the way.
Once you arrive, Menton’s old town is perfect for wandering. A maze of warm-toned alleys climbs up to the square in front of the Saint-Michel Basilica, whose grand staircase and baroque facade overlook the bay. From Quai Napoléon III, the view of this pastel-colored setting is one of the most photogenic along the Riviera.
Menton is also known for its lush greenery. As early as the 19th century, wealthy winter visitors planted gardens filled with tropical species. Today, you can still visit several ones where palm trees, citrus trees, and exotic plants thrive in a carefully maintained setting.
Without Car
Nice > Menton 38min by Train
Menton > Nice Same
By Car
Nice > Menton 40min
Menton > Nice Same
How to Go + Things to Do + Itinerary Idea
6b. Èze Village + Menton Town
Photo 1/2 Èze
Photo 2/2 Menton
Pairing Èze and Menton in a single day from Nice is like experiencing the heart of the French Riviera, with one stop in a dramatic hilltop village and another in a seaside town full of Mediterranean charm with a touch of Italy.
First up is Èze, a spectacular village clinging to the cliffs over 400 meters above the sea. Its medieval feel, cobbled lanes, narrow stairways, and stone houses, makes the slow climb to the top part of the experience. At the summit is the exotic garden, a stunning viewpoint perched above the Mediterranean.
Farther east, Menton offers a completely different atmosphere. This colorful border town is best explored by strolling through its old streets, up to the square in front of the Saint-Michel Basilica, a baroque masterpiece overlooking the sea. Menton is also known for its lush gardens, a legacy from the wealthy winter visitors of the 19th century.
This Èze–Menton combo, with dramatic views in the morning and coastal ease in the afternoon, makes for a rich and varied day, perfect for getting a real feel for two very different sides of the Riviera, not very far from Nice.
Without Car
Nice > Èze 30min by Bus
Èze > Menton 23min by Train¹
Menton > Nice 38min by Train
¹ Requires hiking down for 40min to reach the train station.
Some parts can also be switched to an Uber ride.
By Car
Nice > Èze 25min
Èze > Menton 35min
Menton > Nice 40min
➡️ Day Trip Nice to Menton
↪ Section “MENTON + ÈZE”
How to Go + Things to Do + Itinerary Idea
6c. Menton Town + Roquebrune Village
Photo 1/2 Menton
Photo 2/2 Roquebrune
This day trip from Nice lets you explore two gems in the far southeast corner of the French Riviera, Menton, a colorful and peaceful seaside town, and Roquebrune, a perched village with a strong medieval character.
Right on the Italian border, Menton charms with its steep and colorful old town. From Quai Napoléon III, you get a perfect view of ochre facades climbing up to the baroque Saint-Michel Basilica. The old streets, subtropical gardens, and laid-back Mediterranean vibe make for a peaceful, vibrant setting.
Just a few kilometers away, Roquebrune Village, not to be confused with Cap-Martin down below, shows a completely different side. Ranked among the most beautiful hilltop villages in the region, Roquebrune wraps around a 10th-century feudal castle, one of the oldest in France. From up there, the view stretches across the Riviera, from Monaco to Menton. Its narrow lanes, vaulted passages, tightly packed houses, and steep stairways feel like stepping into another time, with a quiet and authentic atmosphere.
This day between sea and hills, baroque churches and medieval fortresses, is a perfect way to experience the cultural and geographic variety of the eastern Riviera.
Without Car
Nice > Menton 38min by Train
Menton > Roquebrune 6min by Train*
Roquebrune > Nice 30min by Train*
Requires walking up for 30min or down for 20min via a staircase (with long, shallow steps) to get between the village and the train station.
Some parts can also be switched to an Uber ride.
By Car
Nice > Menton 40min
Menton > Roquebrune 15min
Roquebrune > Nice 35min
➡️ Day Trip Nice to Menton
↪ Section “MENTON + ROQUEBRUNE”
How to Go + Things to Do + Itinerary Idea
7. Grasse Town
Known as the world capital of perfume, Grasse is well worth a day trip from Nice, thanks to its unique mix of heritage, centuries-old know-how, and intoxicating scents. The old town, perched and full of character, reveals a maze of colorful medieval facades, steep staircases, hidden squares, and covered alleyways.
Grasse was transformed in the 18th century, when glove makers turned perfumers and shifted from leather to scent. Today, several historic perfume houses offer tours of their workshops, and some even let you take part in a perfume-making class where you can create your own signature scent.
One of the highlight is the International Perfume Museum, the only one of its kind in Europe. It tells the story of fragrance, from raw ingredients to finished bottles, including distillation techniques and local traditions. It’s a fascinating deep dive into the world of scent.
Without Car
Nice > Grasse 1h06 by Train
Grasse > Nice Same
By Car
Nice > Grasse 50min
Grasse > Nice Same
How to Go + Things to Do + Itinerary Idea
7b. Grasse Town + St. Paul-de-Vence Village
Photo 1/2 Grasse
Photo 2/2 St. Paul-de-Vence
This day trip from Nice blends fragrance, art, and heritage. It takes you from Grasse, the world capital of perfume tucked away in the hills, to Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a legendary artists’ village that has kept all its charm.
In Grasse, the old town reveals a network of colorful streets and historic facades. As the world capital of perfume, it’s home to several iconic perfume houses and the International Perfume Museum.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence feels like another world. This hilltop village, surrounded by old ramparts, is all about beauty and creativity. Made famous by 20th-century artists and thinkers like Montand, Prévert, and Chagall, it still has its cobbled streets, bougainvillea-covered houses, and the iconic pétanque court at the village entrance. One of the highlight is the Maeght Foundation, a true temple of modern and contemporary art set in the pines above the village.
Between flowers, color, and poetry, this day in Grasse and Saint-Paul-de-Vence is an invitation to discover two cultural and elegant gems of the French Riviera, not far from the coast.
Without Car
There is no train station in St. Paul-de-Vence.
And the bus connections between Grasse and St. Paul-de-Vence are too complicated.
By Car
Nice > Grasse 50min
St. Paul-de-Vence > Grasse 45min
Grasse > Nice 30min
➡️ Day Trip Nice to Grasse
↪ Section “ST. PAUL DE VENCE“
How to Go + Things to Do + Itinerary Idea
TOO FAR FOR A 1-DAY TRIP
We recommend not doing a 1-day trip, as the journey is too long or too complicated (whether by public transport or driving) for the following well-known destinations:
- Marseille City
- Aix-en-Provence City
- Avignon Town
- Arles Town
