15+ Epic Day Trips From Nice: The Best of the French Riviera

Headed to the French Riviera and looking for some epic day trips from Nice? You’re in the right place! From sampling local wine to discovering quaint mountain top villages, I’m sharing all my favorite getaways in this beautiful corner of France.

Nice may be best known for its stunning coastline and glamorous beach scene, but there’s so much more to this city than meets the eye. Hint hint — all these day trips from Nice! If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Nice for a day (or two), there are plenty of options within easy reach.

The nearby villages offer a glimpse into traditional French life, with narrow streets, picturesque squares and lovely old churches. The coastline is stunning, with rocky cliffs, sandy beaches and glistening seas. And the mountain ranges in the distance provide a stunning backdrop.

So if you’re planning a trip to the French Riviera, promise me you’ll include a few of these day trips from Nice! The hardest part? Picking which ones to skip (because, well, they’re all kind of amazing).

When to Visit Nice and the French Riviera

Given how majestic the French Riviera is, is there really a bad time to visit? In short, no! But the seasons do offer different attractions.

Summer

Summer is when Nice really comes to life, with the city’s famous Promenade des Anglais packed with sunbathers and the beach clubs in full swing. This is also peak tourist season, so be prepared for crowds. For reference, we visited in late June/early July, and had the best weather — sunny blue skies every day!

Spring/Fall

Spring is a great time to visit if you want to enjoy the region’s world-famous flowers – the cliffs of Nice are covered in blooming oleanders, jasmine and bougainvillea. This is also a good time to catch the last of the winter ski season in the nearby Alps.

Fall sees the weather still warm but the crowds are beginning to thin out. This is also when the vineyards in the region are harvested, so it’s a great time to go wine tasting (is there ever a bad time, I hear you ask).

Winter

Winter brings its own attractions, with the city decorated for Christmas and the nearby ski resorts in full swing. It’s a great time to visit Nice if you’re looking for a more low-key trip. The city is quieter than usual and there are fewer tourists around. Don’t forget to bundle up though, it can get chilly! And you definitely won’t be needing your bathing suit as the ocean is way too cold!

How to get to these day trips from Nice

By car

If you’re renting a car while in the French Riviera, you’ll have no trouble getting to any of these day trips from Nice. Just be aware that parking can be difficult (and expensive) in some of the more popular areas, so it’s worth checking in advance.

You’ll also want to check the route as some of the roads are narrow, winding and really steep (there’s a reason the F1 Grand Prix is held in Monaco!). Make sure you’ve got the Dramamine in hand if you’re prone to car sickness!

With some of these day trips from Nice, the only way to get there is unfortunately by car. So if you’re not planning on renting, you might want to consider taking a guided tour (I’ll share tons of options below!)

By train

Not renting a car? Don’t fret — you can get to plenty of these day trips from Nice by public transport! The train is a great option if you’re looking to visit one of the larger cities on this list (like Cannes or Marseille). Nice’s main train station, Gare de Nice-Ville, is located just a few minutes’ walk from the Promenade des Anglais so it’s super easy to get to.

There are also several regional trains that run along the coast, making it easy to visit the smaller villages and towns. Just be aware that some of the more remote places can only be reached by bus or car, like the hilltop town of Eze and the castle of Grimaud

Guided Day Tours

For when you just want to take a step back and let everyone else do the organizing for you, there’s always a guided day tour! You’ll be picked up at your accommodation (or right nearby) and dropped off again at the end of the day, so you don’t need to worry about driving, parking, train schedules or even where to eat lunch.

I recommend taking a guided day tour to these places in particular, as they’re the most difficult to reach without a car and/or public transportation:

I’ll also give some recommendations below to give you more options if you’re not renting a car and don’t wanna rely on public transit.

Finally, what you came here for — the best day trips from Nice. There’s quite a few of them (almost 20!), so you’ll need to pick and choose if you don’t have tons and tons of time in the area. A plus to many of the guided day trips is that they visit multiple places, so you can bang out a few in just one day!

Best Day Trips from Nice

1. Menton

Distance from Nice: 29.5km / 18.3 miles

How to get to Menton from Nice:

Train: Just a 40 minute train ride from Nice-Ville to Menton, with trains leaving every 30 minutes.
Drive: You can also drive if you prefer to have more flexibility. Parking is easy to find and there’s a lot of it!
Guided Day Trip: This tour looks awesome – you’ll spend time in Menton plus stop for some beautiful panoramic views over Monaco.

Are we in France?! Are we in Italy?! We were seriously asking that question when we first walked around the sunny streets of Menton on one of our many day trips from Nice.

This charming little town, located on the French Riviera just before the Italian border, is like a breath of fresh air compared to some of the more touristy spots further west. And it’s no wonder why. With its Mediterranean climate and picturesque old town, Menton is a feast for the senses.

The architecture is a mix of French and Italian influences, the food is to die for (you have to try the lemon tart – Menton is famous for its lemons!), and the vibe is just so effortlessly chic. Menton was one of our favorite day trips from Nice, so don’t miss it!

Top things to do in Menton:

Amble through the Old Town and get lost in the winding streets lined with pastel-colored houses
Be wowed by the Basilica de Michael Archangel, a magical baroque church with a 53-meter high bell tower
Try alllll the lemon things! Lemon tarts (we had a great one from Mitron Bakery), homemade lemonade, iced granitas… the list goes on! You can even buy lemon raviolis — yum!
Visit Jean Cocteau Museum and learn about the famed, multi-talented French artist who made Menton his home
Pay your respects at Old Chateau Cemetery – one of the most beautifully located cemeteries I’ve ever seen! It’s worth every single step to the top
Find some shelter in Jardin Serre de la Madone, a serene oasis of exotic plants, succulents and reflecting pools
Take a dip in the sparkling waters of one of Menton’s sandy beaches – my top picks are Plage Rondelli and Plage des Sablettes

2. Monaco

Distance from Nice: 20.6km / 12.8 miles

How to get to Monaco from Nice:

Train: Hop on the train from Nice-Ville to Monaco and it’ll take you just under 30 minutes.
Drive: You can also drive if that’s your preference, but the journey is a little longer (between 40 and 50 minutes), through winding roads. And well, expect to pay a lot for parking.
Guided Day Trip: This tour includes so much of Monaco! Plus some time in Eze as well.
Ferry: Yes, you can take a ferry from Nice to Monaco! Buy your tickets in advance here, and you’ll even get a mini tour of the coastline on the way back!

Welcome to the land of luxury! Monaco is one of the richest countries in the world, and it definitely shows. From casinos and designer boutiques to yachts and supercars, there’s no shortage of wealth on display in this tiny country.

Not your scene? No problem – there’s plenty of other, not so fancy, things to do in Monaco.

Monaco is more than just a playground for the rich and famous. It’s also home to some stunning architecture, beautiful beaches, and incredible views. The whole country (yes, it’s another country!) is basically one big cliff, so be prepared to do a lot of walking, but it’s totally worth it once you catch a glimpse of the Mediterranean Sea from up high.

FYI: Note that Monaco is a different country, and we didn’t need to show our passport, but it can’t hurt to have it handy just in case.

Top things to do in Monaco:

Try your hand at gambling in the world-famous Monte Carlo Casino. Have you even been to Monaco without visiting the casino? I think not! There’s also always luxury sports cars out front to admire.
Explore the Observatory Cave in the Jardin Exotique – it’s like something out of a fairytale with tall and beautiful stalactites and stalagmites and over 7000 species of plants on show
Admire the architecture of Prince’s Palace, the official residence of Monaco’s royal family
Catch a performance at one of the most picture perfect outdoor theaters in the world, Fort Antonie
If you visit in May, you can’t miss the Monaco Grand Prix – one of the most exciting Formula One races in the world. You can check out the hairpin curve anytime of year though — it’s wild!
Marvel at more than 100 vintage cars at the Collection of Voitures Anciennes
Tap into a feeling of Zen at the Jardin Japonais, with its pretty bridges, sparkling water features and weeping willows

3. Eze and Eze-Sur-Mer

Distance from Nice: 12.4km / 7.7 miles

How to get to Eze from Nice:

Drive: 25 minutes; you’ll want to make sure you get there super early as the main parking lots fill up quickly with tourists
Train: If taking the train, hop on at Nice-Ville station and get off at Eze-Sur-Mer. The journey takes about 1hr 07 minutes (a little longer than the 25 minute car ride) but you get to sit back and enjoy the views along the way. Note that there is no train to the hilltop village of Eze, only Eze-Sur-Mer, which are, yes, two different towns! Confusing, I know!
Guided Day Trip: This one goes to both Eze and Monaco, plus a perfumery (perfect if you don’t have a car and still wanna see those hilltop Mediterranean views!)

It would be an absolute crime not to visit the medieval hilltop village of Eze during your time on the French Riviera. The views alone are worth the trip! Not to mention, it’s one of the most picturesque villages in all of France.

The sparkling blue ocean and soft, white sand beaches make it the perfect place to relax and enjoy the good life. And when you’re done lounging on the beach in nearby Eze-Sur-Mer, there’s plenty of sightseeing to do.

Top things to do in Eze:

Take a couple of hours to hike down the Nietzsche Path where you’ll be rewarded with fairytale looking trails and stunning panoramic views of the coastline
Meander through the maze of cobblestoned streets in the enchanting village, lined with colorful flowers, art galleries, and cute little shops
Discover over 2000 species of cacti and succulents at the Jardin Exotique (Botanic Gardens)
Feast your eyes on the spectacular architecture of the oldest building in Eze, the Chapelle de la Sainte Croix
Soak up some rays at Eze-Sur-Mer Beach and take a refreshing dip in the Mediterranean Sea

4. Villefranche-Sur-Mer

Distance from Nice: 8.2km / 5.1 miles

How to get to Villefranche-Sur-Mer from Nice: It’s just a stone’s throw away – making it one of the easiest to get to day trips from Nice either by car or train. And I know it might sound crazy when you’re meant to be on vacation, but if you fancy getting active, you can actually walk to Villefranche-Sur-Mer in around 90 minutes!

Read Next: The Complete Guide to Villefranche Sur Mer (the French Riviera’s most colorful town!)

This endearing French fishing town is like something out of a dream. The colorful houses and cobbled streets make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time, while the gleaming sea and breathtaking mountain views make you feel like you’re in a postcard.

Villefranche-Sur-Mer is the perfect place to relax and unwind. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a leisurely meal or coffee, as well as a beautiful old harbor where you can sit for hours and watch the boats come in.

We LOVED our few hours in Villefranche-Sur-Mer, and kinda wished we stayed there for a few nights instead of Nice (it’s just so much chiller with a much more local feel). Next time!

Top things to do in Villefranche-Sur-Mer:

Get lost wandering through the old town’s charming streets and stairways, and admiring the architecture of the vibrantly painted old buildings (I could have spent hours just photographing the cute town!).
Do yourself a favor and do not miss the old 13th century passageway on Rue Obscure (it really is obscure and super dark – you may need to use your phone flashlight!).
Stop for lunch at one of the ambient restaurants on the waterfront promenade – you can’t visit Villefranche-Sur-Mer without trying the fresh seafood!
Watch the sunset from the Citadel of Villefranche-sur-Mer, a 16th century fortress with views for days of the town and bay below
Dip your toes in the crystal clear water at one of Villefranche’s sandy beaches. Plage des Marinieres, Plage de l’Ange Gardien or Plage Villefranche-sur-Mer – the choice is yours!

5. Cannes

Distance from Nice: 39.9km / 24.7 miles

How to get to Cannes from Nice:

Train: The journey takes just 30 minutes by train from Nice.
Drive: 45 minutes by car, although parking is pretty wild and crazy (and super expensive), so I’d opt for the train!
Guided Day Trip: This super jam-packed tour includes time in Cannes, Antibes, Saint-Paul de Vence, Eze, and Monaco! Perfect if you only have one day in your itinerary for day trips from Nice!

If you’re looking for a day trip full of glitz, glamor and gorgeous views, a day trip to Cannes is definitely in order. Nestled on the French Riviera, south of Nice, Cannes is a city that’s synonymous with luxury and high society.

Famous for its annual film festival (which I was lucky to experience about 10 years ago), Cannes is one of the most popular day trips from Nice. This chic town has a lot to offer, from designer shopping (there’s a whole street full of shops) to attending glamorous events or, if you’re anything like me, from chilling out on the beach to exploring the Old Town.

Top things to do in Cannes:

Lose yourself in Le Suquet, the old town of Cannes, with its quaint streets and scenic views
Visit one of Cannes’ many museums, including Center d’Art La Malmaison (a must for art lovers!) or Musée de la Castre
Check out the famous red carpet from the annual Cannes Film Festival at the Palais des Festivals
Blend in with the locals strutting down La Croisette and admire the million-dollar yachts in the harbor
Taste an array of local produce at the Marché Forville, Cannes’ covered market – a dream for foodies and foodie wannabes!
Spend a day under an umbrella at one of Cannes’ many chic beach clubs! We loved the Carlton Beach Club and Croisette Beach Club, but you can’t go wrong with any!

6. Verdon Gorge

Distance from Nice: 154km / 95.6 miles

How to get to Verdon Gorge from Nice: Driving is the only way to get to Verdon Gorge, so you’ll either have to drive yourself or take a group tour if you want to head there for the day. It’s a lengthy (but scenic) drive but there are a few free parking lots once you get to the gorge, so that’s handy.

Guided tours also make a stop in the lavender fields in season (June through August), so you get two day trips from Nice in one!

Turquoise waters, towering cliffs and picturesque villages This stunning natural wonder was one of our favorite day trips from Nice – it’s truly captivating! I could have stayed out on that glistening water all day long!

The 250 million year old deep, dark chasm carved out of the limestone cliffs is a sight to behold, and the sparkling waters of the Verdon River make for a beautiful contrast. It’s getting more and more popular (I can see why… it’s simply stunning), so go now before the word gets out!

Read Next — Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Verdon Gorge

Top things to do in Verdon Gorge:

Get out on the water! Whether it’s kayaking, paddle boarding or a faster paced motor boat ride, the water is your best friend on the gorge.
Get climbing – either rock climbing or hiking one of the 1500 routes in the gorge
Can’t decide whether to go hiking or get in the water? You’ll have to give aqua trekking a try. Swimming, jumping and trekking down the river, let the rapids take you on an adventure of a lifetime!
Cycle La Route des Crêtes and stop at one of the nearby medieval villages along the way, such as Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, with its charming streets and artisans’ workshops.

7. Lavender Fields of Valensole

Distance from Nice: 207.8km / 129 miles

How to get to Lavender fields from Nice:

Drive: The most famous lavender fields are located in the area of Valensole. The best way to get there is by car, which will take you almost 3 hours (so plan for a full day of adventure).

Train: You technically could get a train as far as Valensole but you’d need to catch a ride or rent a car from there in order to explore the area, so I don’t recommend doing this.

Guided Day Trips: Thankfully, there are plenty of day trips from Nice that go straight to the lavender fields. I recommend this tour and this tour, as they both stop at the Verdon Gorge as well for even more stunning views!

The aromatic purple fields of lavender are in bloom from late June to early August, making it the perfect summer day trip from Nice. The best place to see the fields is in the area of Valensole, where you’ll find picturesque villages, rolling hills and, of course, plenty of lavender!

I couldn’t believe just how much lavender there was – very different from the lavender fields in California I’ve visited before!

You’ll wanna visit in the early morning for sunrise or right around sunset for the best photos, but any time of day is truly stunning! I went at both sunrise and sunset and both were magical!

Top things to do in and nearby the lavender fields:

Road trip through the Valensole Plateau, lined with pretty villages and lavender fields. You might also spot some vibrant sunflower fields — well worth a quick stop!
Stop at Les Grandes Marges, a family owned lavender farm. Ramble through the rows of lavender and taste and purchase some of the organic products to take home (the almonds are yum!).
Visit one of the many charming villages in the area, such as Moustiers-Sainte-Marie with its traditional pottery or Riez, known for its weekly market. And you can’t miss the pastel colored houses of the quaint Valensole village itself.
Learn about the oil extraction process and how lavender oils, soaps and perfumes are made at one of the many distilleries in the area.

8. Antibes

Distance from Nice: 34.8km / 21.6 miles

How to get to Antibes from Nice:

Train: If you don’t fancy driving, the best way to get to Antibes from Nice is by train. The journey only takes about 15-20 minutes and trains run every 20 minutes or so from 6am to 11pm so you can spend the entire day there.
Drive:Driving there is pretty simple, though, and parking is easily accessible.
Guided Tour: Don’t feel like taking the train? This tour makes stops in Antibes and other surrounding areas.

If you’re in the mood for a little seaside town adventure that’s only a hop, skip, and jump away from Nice, then Antibes is a great option.

We found this town to be much more low-key and relaxed than some of the other larger towns on the French Riviera. And yet, it’s still brimming with that classic Mediterranean charm. It’s home to some of the most impressive ancient ruins in the country, as well as a lovely Old Town district that’s lined with winding streets and pretty plazas. Plus lots of delicious bakeries – I had more than my fair share, whoops!

Top things to do in Antibes:

Indulge, indulge, indulge! Antibes is home to some of the best markets, bakeries and gelato shops on the French Riviera
Go exploring through the maze of streets in the Old Town and admire the medieval architecture, charming plazas and lush gardens
Get artsy at the Picasso Museum, which is housed in a beautiful 16th-century castle, or grab a map at the Tourist Office of all the art dotted around the streets of Antibes
Hit the beach. The white sandy beaches in Antibes stand out from some of the rocky coastline in other parts of the Riviera so we took full advantage of this!
Hike the ‘old smuggler’s path’ of Chemin des Douaniers, an incredible coastal path that takes you past secluded coves, sheltered bays and dramatic cliffs

9. Provence Countryside

Distance from Nice: Approx. 200km / 124 miles (depending on the area)

How to get to Provence from Nice:

Drive: The best way to get there is by car so you can explore the area at your own pace. You should plan for 2.5 hours to your first stop.
Guided Tour: Alternatively, leave the planning up to a tour guide. You’ll visit a whole bunch of stops and it’ll be far more relaxing. This tour visits a whole bunch of villages, and also makes a stop in Grasse (another one of the most popular day trips from Nice).

Imagine rolling hills, colorful fields, hilltop villages, ancient ruins… What you’re dreaming of right now is the Provence countryside! And it’s as lovely as it sounds – we explored for almost a week and couldn’t get enough!

This rural region of southeastern France is famous for its lavender fields (of course), but there’s so much more to see and do here. From hiking in the stunning countryside to exploring medieval villages, a day trip to Provence is the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of Nice.

Top things to do in Provence countryside:

Join the monks at Senanque Abbey in Gordes and see where they make lavender honey from the lavender field and honey bees kept at the Abbey
Marvel at the remarkable audiovisual experience of Carrières de Lumières in an old limestone quarry – seriously one of the most unique experiences ever!
Go hiking in the Calanques National Park, a protected area of jaw-dropping limestone cliffs, inlets and islands just outside of Marseille
Visit the beautiful hilltop village of Roussillon with its ochre colored houses (one of my favorite towns we visited!)
Wander through the ancient ruins of the Pont du Gard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved Roman aqueducts in the world
Hang on tight (if heights aren’t your thing) in a cable car ride up Mount Faron in Toulon for incredible panoramic views of the Toulon port
Meander through the streets of Gordes, a medieval village that’s been named one of the most beautiful villages in France

10. Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild

Distance from Nice: 9.7km / 6 miles

How to get to Villa Ephrussi from Nice:

Drive: The easiest way to get there is either by car (there’s a free parking lot at the entrance)
Public Transit: Bus number 15 from Nice’s Promenade des Arts to Passable/Rothschild. There’s a train, but you’ll need to connect and then walk pretty far, so that was a no for us!

Wanna feel like a queen for a day?! Check out Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild! It’s an eclectic mix of architectural styles, set against a backdrop of breathtaking Mediterranean views. Swoon!

This former summer home of Baroness Beatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild, is now a museum, and it’s one of the most beautiful villas I’ve ever been to. From the moment you step into the gardens, with their fountains, sculptures and perfectly manicured lawns, you feel like you’re in a different world.

Inside the villa (where everything is pink and white!), the rooms are filled with an incredible collection of art and furniture, and the views from the terraces are simply stunning (you can even see Villefranche-Sur-Mer from up here). If you’re looking for day trips from Nice that are a little bit out of the ordinary, this one takes the top spot!

Top things to do in Villa Ephrussi:

Take a botanical journey through the nine different gardens, each with their own unique style (Japanese, Spanish, French and Exotic, just to name a few).
View priceless works of art in the salons and bedrooms of the villa
Learn about the history of the Baroness and the pink villa itself
Catch a musical show or opera in the on-site theater (check the schedule in advance to see what’s playing during your visit)
Take in the breathtaking views from one of the many terraces surrounding the villa
Watch the spectacular dancing fountains come to life to the sound of classical music in the gardens

11. Grasse

Distance from Nice: 46.2km / 28.7 miles

How to get to Grasse from Nice:

Drive: It’s an easy drive from Nice to Grasse (about 45 minutes)
Train:here’s also a direct train that takes a little over an hour
Guided Tour: Wanna check more spots out? Consider joining a guided tour of the countryside! You’ll see so much and not have to worry a minute about transportation (and parking!).

Ah Grasse! This interesting town is often referred to as the “perfume capital of the world”, and it’s easy to see why. From the flowers that fill the air with their intoxicating scent, to the many perfume factories and museums, Grasse is a total dream for anyone who loves all things fragrance. You can even make your own perfume!

But don’t worry, it’s not all about the perfume. Grasse is also a beautiful town to explore, with plenty of charming streets to wander and lovely views to take in.

Top things to do in Grasse:

Visit Parfumerie Fragonard, the perfume factory in Grasse, and learn all about the origin of the region’s perfume
Take a perfume workshop and learn how to make your own perfume that you can take home with you!
Admire the views at Notre Dame De Puy, a beautiful cathedral in the town’s historic center, with some of the prettiest views of the town
Wander through the picturesque old town and explore the many charming streets and alleyways
Stop by one of the many local markets to stock up on fresh produce, flowers and other goodies

12. Marseille

Distance from Nice: 199km / 123.6 miles

How to get to Marseille from Nice:

Train: There’s a direct train which leaves Nice-Ville station and takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes.
Drive: Alternatively, you can drive (it’s a little over 2 hours), which offers an incredibly scenic route along the coast.

There’s history, culture, natural beauty, and plenty of things to do in the vibrant city of Marseille. With its picturesque architecture, charismatic boutiques, and delicious seafood restaurants, Marseille makes for one of the best day trips from Nice.

Marseille is France’s second largest city and busiest port, and it offers visitors a wealth of cultural attractions, from ancient churches to trendy restaurants and lively nightlife, so if you’re anything like me, you’ll definitely be entertained!

Top things to do in Marseille:

Explore the Vieux Port (old port), the heart of Marseille and a great place to watch the boats come in and out
Climb (or take the funicular) up to Notre-Dame de la Garde, a hilltop basilica with spine-tingling views of the city and surrounding area
Stop for a hearty Marseille lunch of bouillabaisse and panisse, and of course you’ll need to wash them down with some vino
Take a boat to Château d’If, a 16th-century fortress built on a small island just off the coast of Marseille – you might recognize it as the setting of Alexandre Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo
Wander through Le Panier, the oldest district in Marseille and home to some of the city’s most charming boutiques and cafes
Check out the avant-garde MuCEM Museum, which is dedicated to the history and culture of the Mediterranean
Discover pop up galleries, meet some locals, watch the sunset and, if you’re lucky, catch an impromptu show at Friche la Belle de Mai, a cultural center in an old tobacco factory

13. Saint-Paul-de-Vence

Distance from Nice: 26.5km / 16.4 miles

How to get to Saint-Paul-de-Vence from Nice:

Drive: The only direct way to get to Saint-Paul-de-Vence from Nice is by road, and it’s just over a 30 minute drive. Bear in mind, parking can be a bit tricky around here so you may need to park a little bit outside of the town.
Guided Tour: Don’t wanna drive and worry about parking? Check out this tour that goes to the countryside of Nice, including Saint-Paul-de-Vence.

This little perched village is nestled in the hills and is full of authentic charm with winding streets and beautiful old buildings. Picture medieval streets, cobble-stoned alleyways, hidden courtyards, and a whole lot of character. This is Saint-Paul-de-Vence in a nutshell.

The best part is, it’s not overrun with tourists like some of the bigger towns, so you can really soak up the atmosphere. Until word gets out that is – so, go now before it gets super popular!

Top things to do in Saint-Paul-de-Vence:

Let your feet take you on a wander through the maze of streets, taking in the sights and sounds of this pretty village
Visit the Fondation Maeght, an art museum set in stunning gardens with views of the Mediterranean Sea
Admire the views from the ramparts of the medieval walls that surround the village
Have lunch at Cafe de la Place and watch the locals play pétanque (a type of boules) in the square
Explore La Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs, a quirky chapel with an impressive interior of sculptures, mosaics, and stained glass windows

14. Aix-en-Provence

Distance from Nice: 178.7km / 111 miles

How to get to Aix-en-Provence from Nice:

Drive: With no direct train, the best way to get to Aix-en-Provence from Nice is by road (it’s just under 2 hours).

Aix-en-Provence is a beautiful city in the south of France that’s often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors, Marseille and Avignon. But this lively university town has plenty to offer visitors, from its stunning architecture and historical landmarks to its vibrant nightlife and – one of my top priorities – delicious food (try the mussels and frites – my husband loved them)!

Out of all the towns we visited in the countryside, Aix-en-Provence was easily our favorite. So much charm and so many fountains to check out. If you’ve got the time, I highly recommend making a day trip here from Nice!

Top things to do in Aix-en-Provence:

Wander down the tree lined avenue of Le Cours Mirabeau, the city’s main street, and enjoy the many fountains along the way
Follow the path that leads up to Sainte Victoire Mountain, just a short drive from Aix, for impressive views of the countryside
Saunter amongst the stalls of Le Grand Marché and pick up some fresh produce for a picnic lunch
Visit the Cathedral of Saint Sauveur, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, with its Romanesque exterior and Gothic interior
If you’ve had enough walking, take a ride on the Aix Trolley, a cute tourist train that takes you on a tour of the city’s main sights

15. Île de Sainte Marguerite

Distance from Nice: 27km / 16.7 miles

How to get to Île de Sainte Marguerite from Nice:

Guided Tour: Located off the coast of Cannes, the easiest way to explore this island is by joining a group tour as there are no direct routes.
Ferry: Otherwise, you can always drive to Cannes and take the ferry from Cannes, if you prefer.

If you’re looking for peace, lush greenery, and a little bit of history, then Île de Sainte-Marguerite makes for the perfect day trip from Nice. This small island, part of the Lérin Islands archipelago, is a nature lover’s paradise with its sandy beaches, hiking trails, secluded coves, and crystal clear waters.

But the island is also home to the Fort de Sainte Marguerite, which has an eerie past. It was here that the so-called ‘Man in the Iron Mask’ was imprisoned in the 17th century (you know that Leo DiCaprio movie?), and the fort now houses a museum dedicated to his story.

We saw the island from afar (on our boat day in Cannes), but I’d love to actually explore Sainte Marguerite next time!

Top things to do in Île de Sainte Marguerite:

Hike the 7.2km trail around the island, and discover some interesting historical sites along the way, such as Fort Royal, the Cannonball Furnace and the Convention Battery
Explore the Musée de la Mer, located inside Fort Royal, to learn more about the island’s history and the iconic ‘Man in the Iron Mask’
Take a stroll down the Allée des Eucalyptus, a shady path lined with eucalyptus trees, and spot some of the island’s resident wildlife (they’ve got hedgehogs!)
Spend a lazy day lounging on one of the island’s many beaches – not as sandy as those found in Cannes but just as beautiful
Take a dip in the glistening clear blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea

16. Cassis

Distance from Nice: 201.2km / 125 miles

How to get to Cassis from Nice:

Drive: You can get to this beautiful destination by car (just over 2 hours from Nice)
Train: Note getting to Cassis from Nice via train takes quite a while (3.5 hours), and you’ll need to change in Toulon.

After being in Cassis for just a few minutes, we were in love! This small fishing village, located in the Calanques National Park was so beautiful, we almost didn’t want to leave (true story – after being in the countryside for a week we were soooo ready to be near the coast!).

The old port of Cassis is surrounded by pastel-colored houses, with fishing boats bobbing in the harbor. The turquoise waters, towering cliffs and lush greenery makes it feel like you’re in a postcard (cliche, but true!).

Add to that the abundance of fresh seafood (try the famous squid ink risotto!), the lovely people and the great weather, and you’ve got a perfect recipe for an incredible day out.

Top things to do in Cassis:

Relax on a boat tour through the Calanques National Park and admire its unique geology and sparkling waters (by far our favorite thing we did in Cassis!)
Discover the Old Town, with it’s tiny streets, pastel-colored houses and cute shops
Enjoy some of the freshest seafood at one of the many restaurants in Cassis, such as Angelina or Le Grand Bleu
Watch a spectacular sunset over the marina
Hike the Calanques de Cassis and take a dip in the crystal clear waters at one of the many secluded coves along the way. If you’re after a challenge, hike to the top of Cap Canaille, the highest sea cliff in France. The views from the top are out of this world!

17. Saint-Tropez

Distance from Nice: 135.5km / 84.2 miles

How to get to Saint-Tropez from Nice:

Drive: Again, there’s no direct train so the easiest way to get to Saint-Tropez from Nice is by road. It’s a 1.5 hour scenic drive, mostly along coastal roads.
Guided Tour: Not renting a car? Don’t fret – there’s guided tours that visit both Saint Tropez and Grimaud.

If there’s one place that epitomizes the glamorous French Riviera lifestyle, it’s Saint-Tropez. This chic resort town, located on the Bay of Saint-Tropez, is famous for its pristine beaches, luxury megayachts, and celebrity visitors (think Leonardo DiCaprio and NFL’s Tom Brady).

But Saint-Tropez is more than just a pretty face. There’s also plenty of culture to be found here, with art galleries, museums, and medieval architecture, plus cobblestoned streets and even olive groves. Not to mention the delicious food – from fresh seafood to lavender-infused desserts, there’s something for everyone’s taste buds.

Top things to do in Saint-Tropez:

Stroll along the Promenade des Planches, a wooden boardwalk that runs along the waterfront, and soak up the phenomenal views
Get out on the water (or in it)! St. Tropez has so many water activities, from sailing to flyboarding (where you’re strapped to a jetpack!) to snorkeling and diving through shipwrecks
Head up to the Citadelle de Saint-Tropez, a fortress built in the 17th century, and check out the dungeons – don’t worry they now house the Maritime History Museum
Roam about the narrow streets of the Old Town and admire the beautiful architecture, art galleries and dainty boutiques
Treat yourself to a flower shaped ice cream from Amorino, one of the best gelato shops in town
Chill out on Plage de Pampelonne, Saint-Tropez’s most famous beach. It’s the perfect place to have a cocktail and people watch to your heart’s content
Try a tarte tropezienne – the town’s famous custard-filled sweet (there’s multiple locations throughout the French Riviera but it originated here!)

18. Grimaud

Distance from Nice: 124km / 77 miles

How to get to Grimaud from Nice:

Drive: Another scenic drive along the coastline (1.5 hours from Nice), with no direct train route.
Guided Day Tour: Book your day trip to Grimaud from Nice here (it also goes to nearby Saint-Tropez!)

The views are stunning, the village is charming, and the castle is simply incredible. Grimaud, located just a stone throw from St Tropez, is definitely worthy of a visit and one of the best day trips from Nice.

This medieval village, perched atop a hill in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, offers sweeping views of the sea, mountains and surrounding countryside. It’s a great place to wander around, with its narrow streets, colorful houses and flower-filled courtyards.

Top things to do in Grimaud:

Wander through the picturesque streets of the village, taking in the charming, colorful architecture and stopping to marvel at the flowers in the pretty courtyards
Head down to Port Grimaud, often referred to as ‘Venice of Provence’, and take a scenic boat ride through the canals, bridges and alleyways
Get a free guided tour of St. Roch’s Windmill, set in a beautiful location overlooking the valley, and learn about the history of this working mill
Take the Fairies Bridge Trail along La Garde river and the valley of the Fairy Bridge. The trail is well signed with information about the plants, animals and history of the area
Visit Château de Grimaud, an old tower and walls with sweeping views of the village and surrounding countryside. You might even be lucky enough to catch one of the concerts often held there
Taste some of the local wines at Chateau Saint-Maur, a vineyard located just outside the village. Get lost in the vineyard, take a wine tasting workshop or chill on The Terrace with your newly found favorite wine

So, which of these epic day trips from Nice is going on your list? I hope this has inspired you to explore some of the beautiful villages and towns in this part of France. Bon voyage!