Best Day Trips from Nice

This gem of a city isn’t called Nice La Belle (Nice The Beautiful) for no reason. Its luxurious riviera vibe, fashionable boutiques and restaurants, glorious architecture… what’s not to love? But if you still happen to get itchy feet while you’re there, here are our top 5 suggestions for day trips that are only a short ride (or drive) away!

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1) Eze

It takes just 15 minutes from Nice to be transferred to a different dimension. The medieval village of Eze will get you feeling like you’re on top of the world while walking its uphill streets and seeing glimpses of the sea far below. Beautiful alleys, staircases and bougainvillea filled courtyards make it every photographer’s dream. One of Eze’s highlights is definitely the Exotic Garden at the top of the hill. Rocks and stones were actually hauled up there by hand to create the terraces, together with the cacti, aloes and agaves you’ll have the pleasure of seeing. You can also visit the two famous perfume factories, Fragonard and Galimard, that offer great insight into perfume making process and history. They let you buy their products on the spot, which is great if you want to get authentic gifts to take home!

How to get there:

• Bus: lines nr. 82 and nr. 112 (30-minute ride, 1.50 per ticket)
• Train: regional TER Rail (15-minute ride, 1.40€ per ticket)

2) Menton

This little town might be the most popular for its Festival du Citron (Lemon Festival). It’s held in February and each year there is a new theme. But even if you’re not so lucky to be visiting at that time of year, there’s still plenty to see and experience in Menton. For example, Jean Cocteau Museum – just the building itself is a true work of art. Next, there’s the Bastion, little fortress built in the 1600s that overlooks the Mediterranean. Its stone mosaics were restored and decorated by Jean Cocteau, too. After a walk through the town’s colorful streets, treat yourself to a lunch or dinner in a 2 star Michelin restaurant, Mirazur. And there you have it: a perfect one-day getaway!

How to get there:

• Bus: bus line nr. 100 (40-minute ride, 1.30€ per ticket)
• Train: regional TER Rail (30-minute ride, 1.40€ per ticket)

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3) Antibes

The charming city of Antibes is a picturesque seaside resort, along the shores of the Mediterranean between Nice and Cannes. One of the Mediterranean’s most luxurious harbors grew from the ancient Greek trading port of Antipolis and made its way over the centuries, especially in the 20th century when it became Picasso’s favorite town. The 16th-century ramparts and narrow cobblestone streets full of flowers steal the heart of everyone who spends their time there. This lovely place is also home to many interesting cultural sites, such as the Naval and Napoleonic Museum where you can see a vast collection of once Europe’s most powerful emperor’s hats.

How to get there:

• Bus: bus line nr. 200 (20-minute ride, 1.50€ ticket)
• Train: regional TER Rail (12-minute ride, 3€ per ticket)

4) Monaco Ville

Known as Le Rocher among the locals, together with Monte Carlo, Fintvielle and La Condamine, Monaco Ville is one of the traditional quarters of the country, which has still kept its medieval village and is made up mostly of pedestrian zones.  The place has been a fortified town ever since the 13th century, and only shortly after Francois Grimaldi seized the rock and turned the fortress into his family’s residence. It’s also the place where you’ll find the Palais du Prince, the official residence of the Prince of Monaco (try to visit it at 11:55 a.m. to see the daily changing of the guard). Also, check out St Martin Gardens, Oceanographic Museum and Monaco Cathedral.

How to get there:

• Bus: bus line nr. 100 (45-minute ride, 1.50€) or Monaco Express 100X (30-minute ride, 1.50€)
• Train: regional TER Rail (22-minute ride, 5€ per ticket)

5) Cannes

This known-across-the-globe seaside resort has all the best of the Côte d’Azur, from private beaches and luxury yachts to elegant hotels and fashionable restaurants. Blessed with a mild climate, the city of Cannes hosts the prestigious Film Festival of Cannes, the huge filmmaking event which has been attracting both movie stars and fans from around the world ever since its first edition 1946. While you’re there, take a stroll along the splendid bay known as La Croisette promenade, the center of tourist activity in the city, after which you should head to Le Suquet district (Old town), the original fishing village offering exceptional views as well as some of the city’s top attractions, such as Eglise du Suquet and Tour du Mont Chevalier.

How to get there:

• Bus: bus line nr. 200 (50-minute ride, 1.50€)
• Train: regional TER Rail (24-minute ride, 3€ per ticket)

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