8 Best Day Trips from Nice

If there's one must-visit destination for an excursion from Nice, it's Monaco. Just 30 minutes away by car or train, this small but opulent principality welcomes you with its mix of glamour, history and excitement. The tour usually includes stops in Monte Carlo, with its famous Casino and luxurious Hôtel de Paris, the Prince's Palace and St. Nicholas Cathedral, where the remains of Princess Grace Kelly lie.

One of the great attractions of the visit is to walk the Formula 1 Grand Prix track, which runs through the streets of the city. And if you want a picture-postcard view, the Monaco Exotic Garden offers a spectacular panorama of the coastline. The tour usually lasts half a day and costs around €60, including transport and guide.

Saint-Tropez has grown from a small fishing village to the epicentre of luxury on the Côte d'Azur. Getting there from Nice by car takes about two hours, but the most scenic option is by boat, taking in the Mediterranean scenery.

The trip usually includes a visit to the port of Saint-Tropez, where spectacular yachts compete for size and opulence, and a tour of the old town, with its cobbled streets and Provençal markets. A stop is also usually made at the famous beaches of Pampelonne, where beach clubs such as Club 55 attract celebrities from all over the world.

If you are looking for dreamy landscapes, a trip to Provence from Nice is a perfect choice. Depending on the time of year, the tour takes you to the famous lavender fields, which bloom between June and August, or to charming villages such as Gordes, Roussillon and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.

In addition to its natural beauty, Provence is synonymous with good gastronomy. A lunch on a terrace overlooking the vineyards or a stroll through the local markets is the best way to immerse yourself in the culture of the region. These excursions usually last a full day and cost an average of €90.

If you're struggling to choose just one destination, this tour allows you to discover three gems of the Côte d'Azur in just one day. Cannes, with its famous Boulevard de la Croisette and its Palais des Festivals, is the starting point. From there, the route continues to Antibes, where the port and the old town have retained their seaside atmosphere.

The last stop is Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a medieval village that has been a refuge for artists such as Picasso and Chagall. Its galleries, cobbled streets and panoramic views make it one of the most magical places in the region.

If you want to soak up the essence of the Côte d'Azur without stopping too much in one place, this panoramic tour is ideal. Along the way, you'll visit some of the region's most beautiful towns, such as Eze, Villefranche-sur-Mer and La Turbie, all of which offer spectacular views of the Mediterranean.

This type of tour is usually done by minibus, with short stops at each destination to capture the best photos and stroll through the historic centres. It's a great option if you're short on time and want to get an overview of the French Riviera.

If you've ever wondered where the world's most exclusive perfumes come from, the answer lies in Grasse, the perfume capital. On this tour from Nice, you will visit the city's historic perfumeries, such as Fragonard or Galimard, where you can learn about the manufacture of fragrances.

After Grasse, the tour continues to Gourdon, a charming medieval village perched atop a cliff, and Valbonne, known for its peaceful atmosphere and sunny squares. This is a relaxed excursion, ideal for lovers of history and local crafts.

One of the advantages of being in Nice is its proximity to Italy, and this tour takes you across the border in just over an hour. San Remo, famous for its song festival and traditional market, is the first stop. Here you can enjoy Italian architecture, historic cafés and the seafront promenade.

Then the tour continues to Dolceacqua, a small medieval village with a ruined castle and a stone bridge that inspired Monet. It's a perfect excursion for those who want an Italian touch on their trip along the Côte d'Azur.

If you love nature, a trip to the Gorges du Verdon is a spectacular option. This gorge, considered the "Grand Canyon of Europe", offers breathtaking cliffs and turquoise waters.

Activities in the area include hiking, kayaking and viewpoints with unbeatable views. It is about two hours drive from Nice, making it ideal for a full day trip.