The Riviera Journal · Journeys and access
Best day trips from Nice
Èze, Monaco, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Antibes, Cannes or Menton: compare six realistic day trips from Nice by pace and interests.
All Riviera Guide adviceAt a glance
- Suggested time
- 4 to 10 hours depending on destination
- Best for
- First visits, couples, families and small groups
- Access and getting around
- Choose one area: Monaco and Èze east, Antibes and Cannes west, or Saint-Paul-de-Vence inland. Mixing all three cuts useful visiting time.
Local selection
Stops worth keeping
Iconic view
Èze, the village in the sky
Èze Village · Half day
A spectacular medieval village, stone lanes and a panorama that plunges towards the Mediterranean.
Grand spectacle
The Rock & Monte-Carlo
Monaco · Half day to 1 day
The Palace, Port Hercule, Casino and gardens: a spectacular day blending heritage, yachts and exceptional addresses.
Art & slow travel
Galleries & ramparts
Saint-Paul-de-Vence · Half day
One of the region’s loveliest art villages, filled with studios, shaded squares and ancient ramparts.
Mediterranean mood
Provençal market & ramparts
Old Antibes · Half day
A lively old town, a tempting market and a walk along the ramparts facing the blue Mediterranean.
Two sides of Cannes
Le Suquet & the Croisette
Cannes · Half day
Start in Le Suquet and Forville market, then walk down towards the palaces and the sea.
Free access
The colourful one
Colours, gardens & lemon trees
Menton · Half day
A warm-coloured old town, subtropical gardens and a distinctly Italian atmosphere beside the water.
Itinerary advice
How to organise your visit
Choose first between views, villages, beaches, art or city life; keep two or three major stops and free time rather than an impossible checklist.
Choose your journey
Public transport, taxi or private driver?
Public transport
Often economical and efficient from centre to centre. Check the last service, connections and the final distance to your address.
Taxi or car
Door-to-door travel helps with luggage and unusual hours. Journey time still depends on traffic.
Private driver
A pickup planned for the exact address, with timing, passengers, luggage and stops checked before confirmation.
Times are indicative: check the day’s official timetables and traffic conditions before travelling.
Practical questions
Plan this outing well
How much time should you allow?
4 to 10 hours depending on destination
What is the best way to get there?
Choose one area: Monaco and Èze east, Antibes and Cannes west, or Saint-Paul-de-Vence inland. Mixing all three cuts useful visiting time.
What order works best once there?
Choose first between views, villages, beaches, art or city life; keep two or three major stops and free time rather than an impossible checklist.