Nice is the perfect base for discovering the French Rivier, and you don’t need a car to do it. Many of the region’s most beautiful destinations are easily accessible by public transport. Whether you’re hopping on a train along the stunning coastline or taking a bus into the hills, the network is affordable, reliable, and full of scenic views.
How about a stroll through glamorous Monaco, a coffee with a sea view in Villefranche-sur-Mer, or exploring the art-filled streets of Saint-Paul-de-Vence? In Antibes, you’ll find a lively Provençal market and a Picasso museum, while Menton charms with its Italian flair and citrus-themed delights. The medieval hilltop village of Èze is also just a bus ride away — a real treat for romantics and nature lovers, and one of the best day trips from Nice as well as one of my personal favorites.
Whether you’re after art and culture, beachside relaxation, or foodie adventures, these destinations offer a taste of the Côte d’Azur without the stress of driving. So grab your ticket, put on your sunglasses, and off you go!
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Èze
Wandering through the narrow, winding streets of Èze feels like stepping into a fairytale. Perched high above the turquoise Mediterranean between Nice and Monaco, this medieval village blends history, art, and jaw-dropping views.
The cobblestone path leads past artisan shops, perfumeries, and hidden courtyards. Don’t miss the Exotic Garden of Èze, set among the ruins of an old castle. Surrounded by cacti and sculptures, you’ll enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the coastline, on clear days, you can even spot Corsica.
For a more adventurous route, hike the Nietzsche Path (Chemin de Nietzsche) from Èze-sur-Mer station. The trail zigzags up the hillside and is said to have inspired the philosopher himself. It’s a challenging climb, but the dramatic scenery makes it unforgettable.
Don’t miss a visit to Fragonard, one of France’s oldest perfumeries. You can get a behind-the-scenes look at perfume-making, or simply breathe in the intoxicating scent of Provence.
Èze is small but magical. If you take your time, you’ll find peace, beauty, and endless photo ops. Best of all, a bus from Nice drops you right at the village gate. Just be aware, it’s no longer a hidden gem, so visit early in the day to beat the crowds.
Distance
8 kilometers
Bus
35 minutes
Train
15 minutes plus hike (approx. 1 hour)
Duration
3 hours
Easy to combine with: Monaco, Menton, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Cap Ferrat
Antibes
Antibes is a true gem on the Côte d’Azur, charming, lively, and wonderfully diverse. Just a short train ride from Nice, this town blends historic charm, beach vibes, and that unmistakable southern French lifestyle.
Strolling through the old town, you’ll quickly fall under its spell: narrow lanes, colorful facades, tiny boutiques, and lovely cafés invite you to explore. The Provençal market at Cours Masséna is a sensory delight, fresh fruit, aromatic cheeses, olives, spices, and the best the region has to offer all in one place (or in your picnic basket!).
Art lovers won’t want to miss the Picasso Museum, set in a seaside château. Picasso lived in Antibes in 1946, and today his works are on display in one of the coast’s most beautiful museums.
The town’s beaches are just steps from the old town, ideal for a refreshing dip. You can also walk along the historic city walls and take in views of the sparkling sea, with the snowy Alps as a backdrop.
Antibes strikes the perfect balance between relaxed and vibrant. You’ll feel at home the moment you arrive, a sunny, soulful place to explore at your own pace.
Distance
18 kilometers
Bus
50 minutes
Train
25 minutes
Duration
3-5 hours
Easy to combine with: Cannes, Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Monaco
Monaco often feels like a movie set, glamorous and opulent, yet more peaceful than you might expect. This tiny principality, just 30 minutes by train from Nice, offers a unique blend of tradition and luxury in a spectacular setting.
First stop? The iconic Monte Carlo Casino, a true architectural gem, even if you’re just there to admire it from the outside. Nearby, you’ll find high-end boutiques, vintage cars, and grand hotels, ideal for a stroll with a touch of cinematic glamour. For a more relaxed pace, hop on a hop-on/hop-off bus tour.
The Oceanographic Museum is a hit with all ages. Dramatically perched on a cliff above the sea, it’s impressive inside and out, with a stunning view of the coastline to match.
For a taste of authentic Monaco, head to the historic old town on the rock, the “Rocher.” Visit the Prince’s Palace, where the changing of the guard draws daily crowds, and wander the narrow streets lined with souvenir shops and cozy cafés. The views over the harbor are spectacular.
Best of all? It’s easy to reach, by train, by bus or even by boat, and the coastal journey is nothing short of beautiful. Monaco is the perfect mix of fairy-tale charm and high-end elegance.
Distance
12 kilometers
Bus
1 hour
Train
25 minutes
Duration
3 hours to all day
Easy to combine with: Èze, Menton, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Cap Ferrat
Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Visiting Saint-Paul-de-Vence feels like stepping back in time, to a place where artists like Chagall once found inspiration, and where art and history still breathe through every corner. Less than an hour from Nice by train and bus, this hilltop gem is one of the most beautiful villages in Provence, surrounded by stunning countryside.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence earned its fame as a haven for artists, including Marc Chagall, who spent his final years here. That creative spirit is still alive today: galleries, sculptures, and studios line the narrow cobbled lanes, perfect for a slow, meandering stroll.
A walk along the old town walls offers unique perspectives of the village and its surroundings, and leads to a small hilltop cemetery where Marc Chagall is buried. It’s a peaceful, moving spot that invites quiet reflection. Do you share my fascination with old cemeteries?
A must-see is the Fondation Maeght (official website), a renowned museum of modern art featuring works by Miró, Giacometti, and other masters. Set within a peaceful Mediterranean garden, it’s a place where art and nature blend beautifully. But the village itself is just as captivating: stone houses draped in vibrant flowers, charming fountains, quiet squares, and sweeping views over the rolling hills and, in the distance, the sea.
Whether you’re browsing local boutiques, enjoying a glass of rosé on a sun-drenched terrace, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, Saint-Paul-de-Vence enchants with its timeless beauty and artistic soul. It’s the perfect place to escape for a few hours, and let yourself be inspired.
Distance
12 kilometers
Getting There
By train to Cagnes-sur-Mer, from there take bus 655: 1 hour
Duration
2-4 hours
Easy to combine with: Antibes, Cannes
Cannes
Cannes shines year-round, not just during the film festival. The city blends French elegance, coastal charm, and the allure of the silver screen. About half an hour by train from Nice, it offers a touch of Hollywood right on the Riviera.
The famous Croisette promenade is more than a runway for celebrities, it’s one of Europe’s most stunning seafront walks, where palm trees sway, shop windows sparkle, and the sea glistens in the sun. You’ll feel like a star, camera or not.
Of course, you’ll want to stop by the Festival Palace, where the world’s film elite gather each year. Out front, try spotting your favorite actor’s handprint in the pavement.
But Cannes has a quieter side, too. In the old quarter of Le Suquet, perched on a small hill, you’ll find a charming, village-like atmosphere. Climb to the top for a spectacular view of the city and the harbor.
If you have time, take a boat to the nearby Îles de Lérins (tickets), lush islands with crystal-clear water, an ancient monastery (Saint-Honorat), and a wonderfully peaceful vibe.
Cannes is all about sparkle and soul, a stylish seaside day trip with plenty of depth.
Distance
26 kilometers
Bus
1 hour
Train
35 minutes
Duration
2 hours
Easy to combine with: Antibes, Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Menton
Just a lemon’s throw from the Italian border, Menton is a sunny, colorful treasure on the Côte d’Azur. Less than an hour from Nice by train, it’s often overlooked in favor of flashier neighbors, but don’t let that fool you. Menton is a delight for the senses.
The old town is a pastel-hued dream: steep lanes, fragrant gardens, and breathtaking sea views around every turn. The square in front of the baroque Saint-Michel Basilica is particularly photogenic.
Known as the “Citrus Capital,” Menton thrives thanks to its gentle microclimate. Every February, the town celebrates the Fête du Citron, a joyful festival with citrus sculptures, parades, and music. Even outside festival season, you can visit lemon gardens like the Palais Carnolès or the Jardin du Val Rahmeh for a fragrant, colorful escape.
If you love the French art of living, you’ll feel right at home in Menton. It blends the best of the Riviera with a splash of Italian joy, perfect for a relaxing day full of flavor and charm.
Distance
20 kilometers
Bus
2 hours
Train
40 minutes
Duration
3 hours
Easy to combine with: Èze, Monaco, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Cap Ferrat
Villefranche-sur-Mer
Just a quick bus or train ride from Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer feels like a postcard come to life. With its sheltered bay, colorful old town, and crystal-clear waters, it’s one of the most charming spots on the Riviera, and it’s easy to see why artists and travelers keep coming back.
The old town is a maze of pastel houses, shuttered windows, narrow alleys, and arches that cling to the hillside. You’ll find hidden cafés, boutique shops, and sudden glimpses of the sea. A standout is the Rue Obscure, a covered medieval lane full of mystery and history.
Down by the harbor, fishing boats and yachts bob gently in the water. Grab a coffee or ice cream and soak in the view. Right next to the port is Plage des Marinières, a sandy beach with calm, inviting water, perfect for a swim. Villefranche-sur-Mer offers everything you’d want from a Riviera escape: Mediterranean charm, authenticity, and a stunning setting. If you’re after sun, sea, and a little southern French magic, you’ll fall in love with this place.
Villefranche-sur-Mer offers everything you’d want from a Riviera escape: Mediterranean charm, authenticity, and a stunning setting. If you’re after sun, sea, and a little southern French magic, you’ll fall in love with this place.
Distance
3 kilometers
Bus
35 minutes
Train
10 minutes
Duration
2 hours
Kombinationsmöglichkeiten: Èze, Monaco, Menton, Cap Ferrat
Cap Ferrat
Cap Ferrat feels like a scene from a classic French film, turquoise coves, hidden beaches, grand villas, and Mediterranean serenity. Just 30 minutes from Nice by bus, this green peninsula offers a luxurious yet laid-back escape.
A must-see is the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild (official website), a rosy-pink palace with opulent salons and nine themed gardens, from Spanish to Japanese to exotic. Wandering the grounds is like stepping into a Belle Époque dream, with sea views on both sides, since Cap Ferrat is almost entirely surrounded by water.
But Cap Ferrat isn’t just for culture buffs. Nature lovers will adore the coastal path that circles the peninsula. Sometimes hugging the cliffs, other times weaving through pine groves, it’s always accompanied by the scent of the sea and unforgettable views.
If you’re in the mood for a swim, you’ll find several idyllic coves, like Plage de Passable or Paloma Beach, perfect for unwinding in the sun.
Cap Ferrat is the Riviera at its most serene and stylish. A day trip here feels like a mini vacation within your vacation, full of sunshine, charm, and beauty.
Distance
5 kilometers
Bus
45 minutes
Train
About 10 minutes to Beaulieu-sur-Mer, then 40 minutes walk
Duration
1-4 hours
Easy to combine with: Èze, Menton, Monaco, Villefranche-sur-Mer
Nice isn’t just a highlight of the Côte d’Azur, it’s the perfect launchpad for exploring all the region has to offer. From picturesque coastal villages to hilltop retreats and glittering cities, there’s something for every mood. So don’t miss the chance to see what lies beyond the city limits: the best day trips from Nice promise unforgettable memories and authentic Riviera charm.
Happy exploring!
Francesca
Ready to travel?
Feel inspired? Dive deeper on my website, where you’ll find even more local tips, favorite hidden corners, and inspiration for your stay in Nice and along the Côte d’Azur.
Have questions or need help planning your trip? I’d love to hear from you, just reach out!
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