History, culture, nature, nightlife, Nice has it all! But it’s also perfectly placed along the shores of the French Riviera for travellers that want to explore a little further afield.

While there is plenty to do in Nice, from the idyllic beaches and lively Old Town to trendy cocktail bars and intimate jazz clubs, one of its main draws is its proximity to other must-visit destinations in the Cote d’Azur region. This central position makes the town an ideal base from which to venture out on one of the many day trips from Nice. Whether you’re craving the glamour of Saint-Tropez, the fast pace of Monaco, the views of Menton, or the history of Saint Paul De Vence, we’ve compiled a list of the very best Nice day trips for you to try.

Read More: The Best Cities to Visit in France

1. Villefranche-Sur-Mer

By far one of the best day trips from Nice, Villefranche-Sur-Mer is a postcard-perfect village just a half-an-hour drive from the town. It lies just the other side of the Parc du Mont Boron, which makes it one of the quickest and easiest Nice day trips to try. Alternatively, you can take a long walk along the coast to get to Villefranche-Sur-Mer, which will take around 1.5 hours.

One of France’s most colourful towns, Villefranche-Sur-Mer boasts a vibrant yellow, peach, and pink facade with mint green window shutters and purple bougainvillea-bordered doorways and balconies. During the summer months, it is bustling with beachgoers desperate to take a dip in the cooling azure waters that surround the town. Meander through the medieval streets, perusing independent shops and admiring the colourful backdrop, then make your way to the promenade and take your pick from a handful of bars and restaurants for a bite to eat as you appreciate the swanky super yachts bobbing in the cove.

2. Antibes

Antibes is another must-visit destination near Nice. Nestled along the glistening Mediterranean, just a 50-minute drive or a 20-minute train ride from Nice, Antibes offers a harmonious blend of old-world charm and modern splendour. Think sun-drenched cobbled streets, pristine white-sand beaches, a charming historic Old Town, and plenty more treasures to uncover.

Whether you’re seeking beachside relaxation or cultural immersion, Antibes has something to please everyone. Start by wandering through the Old Town’s maze-like streets adorned with bunting or flowers. Home to many of the town’s best-known attractions, too, you can find the Picasso Museum and the 19th-century Marché Provençal in the Old Town of Antibes. As the sun starts to drop, take an evening stroll along the Promenade Amiral-de-Grasse, which dates back to 1603 and traces the city walls. Along this route, you will pass key historic landmarks such as the cathedral, all set against the backdrop of Nice across the bay.

Antibes is also ideally situated between Nice and Cannes. So, if you have time, you might consider making this a stop-off before heading to Cannes for the rest of your Nice day trip.

3. Saint Paul De Vence

Next up on our list of the best day trips from Nice is Saint Paul De Vence, a charming medieval village in the South of France that looks like something out of a fairytale. This hilltop destination, just a 40-minute drive from Nice, feels like it has been frozen in time, being typical of the French countryside and home to plenty of medieval landmarks to admire.

Often dubbed the ‘second most beautiful village in France‘, a day trip from Nice to Saint Paul De Vence offers a welcome respite from the glittering azure sea and bustle of the city. The compact nature of the village means that you can easily explore the entire place in just half a day. While here, though, it is well worth walking along the main street (rue Grande), which leads from the entrance at the north gate (Porte de Vence) to the other end of the village. Along the way, you will pass lots of little local-owned galleries, shops, restaurants, and art studios.

4. Monaco

No list of Nice day trips would be complete without mention of the one and only Monaco. Renowned for its luxurious feel, casinos, and Formula 1 racing, Monaco is located an easy 40-minute drive or a 30-minute train from Nice. While there isn’t loads to do here (unless you’re a luxury traveller with plenty of ££ to blow) and is quite overpriced, we think Monaco is still definitely worth a visit for the day. Many tourists opt to stay overnight, but I think one day is plenty.

Busting with world-class hotels, Michelin-star restaurants, and luxury shopping, Monaco is a haven for the wealthy. Don’t worry if your budget won’t stretch to these delights, though, just wandering around this sovereign state to soak up the glamour and stunning scenery is enough. In particular, we’d recommend visiting Monaco-Ville – the old town of Monaco, located atop Le Rocher (The Rock). Here, you’ll find a maze of narrow cobblestone streets that overlook the Mediterranean Sea, lined with local-owned shops, galleries, restaurants, and ice cream shops. In this area, you can also find the Prince’s Palace of Monaco, the Oceanographic Museum, and the Cathedral of Monaco.

5. Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

If you’re looking for a slightly quieter day trip from Nice, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is another must-see destination. Best known for its insane beauty, magnificent villas, and swanky yachts, this port town is perched on the northeastern edge of the peninsula, just a 25-minute drive, a 35-minute train ride, or a 50-minute walk from Nice. We’d highly recommend the walking option to take full advantage of the incredible coastal views along the way.

Start your day trip to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat at the marina, in the heart of the town. Here, you can soak up the ambiance, grab a drink from one of the waterfront restaurants, and admire the sleek yachts bobbing in the water. Above the port, streets are lined with colourful houses, shops, and cafes, with tables spilling out onto the walkways. Fancy a laze in the sun? Head back down to the La Plage Cros Dei Pin beach, lined with trees and offering sweeping views of the coast and cliffs in the distance.

This Nice day trip can even be combined with a visit to the neighbouring Villefranche-Sur-Mer.

6. Cannes

Our next pick of the best day trips from Nice needs no introduction. While Cannes is best known for its glitzy, star-studded film Festival de Cannes, which has been running since 1946, there is plenty more to discover here. Situated just a 40-minute drive or a 30-minute train journey from Nice, Cannes is the perfect size for a day trip. It’s small enough that you can see everything in a single day on foot, but big enough that you won’t get bored.

Like Monaco, Cannes tends to be favoured by the rich and famous thanks to its abundance of luxury hotels, gourmet dining options, and high-end shops. But you don’t have to be the owner of a swanky yacht to visit this city on a Nice day trip. Aside from its A-lister reputation, Cannes is home to a vibrant beach culture, boasting a number of magnificent private and public beaches. While the private beaches tend to be the most central and offer handy amenities, they usually come with a hefty price tag. If you’ve got a budget to stick to, head to the Plage du Midi, which can be found on the opposite side of the port.

7. Saint-Tropez

Another glamorous destination for a French Riviera day trip, Saint-Tropez certainly offers a delicious taste of the high life. Renowned for its designer boutiques, picture-perfect beaches, and bougie yachts, this resort has become known as one of the most chic destinations in the south of France. But, like Cannes, Saint-Tropez is so much more than just a playground for the rich and famous. The town is a must-visit for those looking for rich cultural experiences as well as a good party.

Slightly further than some of the other Nice day trips on this list, you can expect to be driving for around 1.5 hours to get from Nice to Saint-Tropez. Alternatively, you can take the ferry – but this takes 2.5 hours. It’s well worth the journey in our opinion, though. Once you arrive, head straight to the Place des Lices, a pretty square bordered by cafes and restaurants, perfect for grabbing a bite to eat or a refreshing drink. Be sure to also visit the Annonciade Museum to see an impressive collection of modern art from the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as the citadel of Saint-Tropez, a “pre-Vauban” fortified complex dating back to the beginning of the 17th century.

8. Grasse

Perhaps lesser known than some of its French Riviera counterparts, Grasse is just as deserving of a place on our list of the best day trips from Nice. You can get to this lively town, located just north of Cannes, via an easy 45-minute drive, making it one of the most popular Nice day trips.

Having been (unofficially) named the perfume capital of the world, Grasse is the birthplace of many a fragrance. Spend the day exploring the town’s picturesque medieval streets, sniffing the scents of its famous perfumeries, and even making your own perfume if you have time. One of Europe’s oldest perfumeries is located here – Gallimard – which was founded way back in 1747 and provided fragrances to the court of Louis XV. If you’re lucky enough to have your own car, we’d definitely recommend doing the tour of this historic perfumery. Unfortunately, if you don’t, its location can be fairly tricky to get to.

9. Menton

Famed for its sunshine-coloured buildings and warm microclimate, Menton is by far one of our favourite places to visit in the south of France. The last stop before France turns into Italy, Menton boasts an authentic blend of both destinations. Less than a 40-minute drive from Nice and a 35-minute train ride, it is also one of the quickest and easiest day trips to do from Nice.

Often referred to as the ‘Pearl of France’, this perfect little town became popular in the 19th and 20th centuries due to the many English aristocrats and artists drawn in by the rumoured restorative properties of its nearly all-year-round sun and fresh air. As with some of the other Nice day trips on this list, one of the main draws of Menton is the charming colour palette of its old neighbourhoods. Set atop a hill with views across the ocean, Menton’s historic centre is relatively compact, allowing you to stumble upon some its best landmarks by chance – whether it’s the Basilique Saint-Michel Archange de Menton, Les Rampes Saint-Michel, or the Rue de Vieux Chateau. After a day of exploring, Menton also boasts an array of beautiful beaches where you can relax and soak up the sun – Plage des Sablettes is one of our favourites and is located just a short stroll from the centre.

That concludes my guide to the best 9 day trips from Nice. Whether you’re seeking medieval architecture and trendy art galleries or luxury shops and stunning beaches, the French Riviera has it all.