Nice is one of those places that really offers the best bang for your buck. Not only does it offer pristine beaches and incredible weather, but stunning medieval villages sitting on hilltops, mesmerizing views, and much more.
As the 5th-largest city in France, it is rather bustling, and offers a good variety of activities to participate in. With a lively vibe, it’s perfect for walking around and exploring.
However, if you want to maximize your experience you will want to explore the towns and countryside around Nice. To do this we highly recommend taking a guided tour.
We have done first-hand research and taken other visitors’ reviews into account to bring you the top Nice day trips available! Be sure to see our reviews of Nice wine tours.
Best Nice Day Trips
| Nice to Saint-Tropez and Port Grimaud Tour | Eze and Monaco Private Half-Day Tour | French Riviera Full-Day Tour From Nice | |
|---|---|---|---|
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| Departure: | Hotel pickup and drop-off included | Hotel pickup and drop-off available | Hotel pickup and drop-off included |
| Departure Time: | 8:00 AM | 8:30 AM & 2:00 PM | 9:00 AM |
| Duration: | 10 hours | 5 hours | 10 hours |
| Includes: | Transportation, guide, hotel pick-up, tolls and parking fees | Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board, private transportation, parking fees, bottled water | Transportation, Fragonard perfumery guided visit, professional guide, private or shared tour |
Quick Answer: The 7 Best Rated Nice Day Trips For 2024
- Nice to Saint-Tropez and Port Grimaud Tour
- Eze and Monaco Private Half-Day Tour
- French Riviera Full-Day Tour From Nice
- Provence Wine Tour – Private Day Tour from Nice
- French Riviera in One Day From Nice
- French Riviera Cannes to Monte-Carlo Discovery Small Group Day Trip from Nice
- Villages of Provence Tour with Wine & Produce Tasting From Nice
Nice Day Trip Reviews
1. Nice to Saint-Tropez and Port Grimaud Tour
- Duration: 10 hours
- Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off included
- Departure Time: 8:00 AM
- Includes: Transportation, guide, hotel pick-up, tolls and parking fees
There’s a lot to see in the French Riviera, and if you want to see it comprehensively, check out this first tour. The Nice to Saint-Tropez and Port Grimaud Tour is a 10-hour adventure that will take you through all the hidden gems that most tourists don’t get to see.
With incredible organization and knowledge, you can expect to have a seamlessly fun and educational day! Your tour starts off with you and your group being picked up at your hotel or other accommodations.
Your guide/driver will make sure you’re nice and comfortable, and then everyone will head out on the road! Along the way, you’ll take in beautiful views while listening to your guide tell you some interesting info about the area.
Once you make your way to the seaside, you’ll have to grab your phone to snap some breathtaking views of the azure sea.
Arrive at the seaside haven on Sainte-Maxime, where you’ll all hop aboard a quaint boat along the French Riviera to the infamous Saint-Tropez. Full of small fishing boats to yachts, colorful homes to top-notch cafes, it’s certainly worth seeing.
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Your guide will give you plenty of time to peruse through the beautiful town center and take in the upscale feel.
We recommend giving the market a good look-through along with the world-class beaches that are known around the globe for the picturesque coastline. If you’d like, you can grab some coffee or lunch at one of the many delicious options.
Then, you’ll set off to the gorgeous village of Port Grimaud, which is called the Little Venice of France with its stunning blue waterways through the pastel-colored homes on either side. Take some time to walk around and learn about its fishing-town history before journeying back on Côte d’Azur.
Along the way, your guide will make stops for you to snap some shots of the enormous Massif de l’Esterel mountain range which emerge in an interesting orange color from the contrasting blue sea.
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
2. Eze and Monaco Private Half-Day Tour
- Duration: 5 hours
- Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off available
- Departure Time: 8:30 AM and 2:00 PM
- Includes: Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board, private transportation, parking fees, bottled water
Next up, we bring you the Eze and Monaco Private Half-Day Tour. If the previous tour sounded interesting to you but you’re looking for something shorter, this is just the ticket! Lasting 5 hours, it manages to pack in a ton of adventure and sightseeing while still ensuring you’re back in time for dinner!
Just like the others, you’ll be picked up at your hotel so you don’t have to deal with booking other transportation. The air-conditioned vehicle is nice and comfortable, with plenty of legroom and even includes wi-fi on board so you can share your experience in real-time with others!
The guides do a great job at providing bottled water, too, which is important because the French Riviera can get hot!
You’ll first head out to Vieux Eze, which is an enchanting medieval village clinging to the mountain overlooking the turquoise Mediterranean Sea. You’ll learn all about its rich history, see the best vantage points for photos, and check out its 5-star hotel and dining options.
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Next, head to the Fragonard Perfume Factory and do some smell tests! Pass by the statue of Emperor Augustus in the ancient Roman La Turbie village which has quite the interesting background of its own.
Then, see the “secret place”, Tete de Chien which most tourists never get to experience. Follow it up by seeing the Palais Princier Monaco, which has the Changing of the Guards of the Prince every day at 11:55.
Some other notable places you’ll see is St. Nicholas Cathedral, where Princess Grace Kelly is buried, and pass the Automobile Club of Monaco. The Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix is wonderful, and you may even be able to race!
Make sure to check out the Casino Monte Carlo in the famed location known for luxury and high rolling!
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
3. French Riviera Full-Day Tour From Nice
- Duration: 10 hours
- Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off included
- Departure Time: 9:00 AM
- Includes: Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle, Fragonard perfumery guided visit, professional guide, private or shared tour (depending on option selected)
If the longer tours are more your cup of tea, have we got another winner for you! The French Riviera Full-Day Tour is perfect if you’ve just arrived to the area and want to get to know everything in one go.
This 10-hour adventure will take you to some of the most beautiful, elegant places in the world and with a private or shared tour option you get to peruse as you prefer best.
Wake up early to head down to your hotel lobby, where your tour guide will be waiting there to meet you.
Your transportation for the day will be by air-conditioned vehicle (vehicle varies depending on which tour option you’ve chosen), with plenty of leg room and large windows for viewing.
Your first stop of the day is Eze, which is one of the prettiest villages in the world with panoramic views.
Next, check out the Fragonard perfume factory where you’ll hear about the history of perfume-making and how it’s transformed since the modern age.
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Continue on to Monaco, where luxury and leisure are ever-present. See the Prince’s Palace, Courthouse, Cathedral, Mediterranean Sea views, and even the Formula 1 race circuit!
Then, you’ll make a brief stop in Cannes, which is known for its film festival but also boasts pristine beaches. Head on over to Antibes, which is one of the country’s oldest cities and has 5th-century Greek origins.
We know you’ll love seeing medieval village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence in Provence, which shows off incredible culture and art galleries.
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
4. Provence Wine Tour – Private Day Tour from Nice
- Duration: 8 hours
- Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off available
- Departure Time: 9:30 am
- Includes: Alcoholic beverages, air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, visits and tastings
If you’re a wine aficionado or simply want to learn more about it, this next tour should be at the top of your list. The Provence Wine Tour – Private Day Tour from Nice is an 8-hour excursion that will take you to the gorgeous Provence.
This is the perfect way to escape the hustle-and-bustle of the city, slow down, and enjoy this amazing scenery and company.
At 9:30 am, make sure you’re in your hotel lobby to meet your tour guide on time. You’ll board your comfortable vehicle and head to the Chateau de Saint-Martin first.
This estate has been top-ranked since 1955, but has over a whopping 2,000 years of winemaking history behind it!
As you stroll around the amazing property and vineyard, you’ll learn about its history and how even in the 18th century they still had a countess living there. Check out the cellars, winery, and learn all about how they make their wine in the unique area of Provence.
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Of course, it would be unfair to learn all about it without tasting the fruits of their labor! As you taste them, they’ll also teach you about how to properly pair them with different dishes.
Then, check out Chateau Font du Broc constructed amongst lush vegetation overlooking the magnificent Gulf of Saint-Tropez. Reaching out over 250 acres, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the vineyards and take in breathtaking views.
Then, head into their cellars and try some of the most splendid wines in the region – particularly the vintages.
Then, it’s time to see the third vineyard of the day: La Motte. This family-owned estate is fascinating in looks and taste, having won many awards for their wide range of offerings.
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
5. French Riviera in One Day From Nice
- Duration: 9.5 to 10 hours
- Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off available
- Departure Time: 9:00 AM
- Includes: Personal driver/guide, bottle of water, visit to perfumery
Here’s another all-day tour full of majesty and luxury, from Monaco, all the way down to Cannes, France. If you’d like to get a lay of the land, then do yourself a favor and sign up for the French Riviera in One Day tour.
Covering the highlights of each location, it’s perfect if you’re looking to stay in one place for longer but aren’t sure which suits you best.
In the morning (between 8:30 and 9:00 am), you’ll be picked up at your hotel by your personal driver/guide. The transport is air-conditioned, and quite spacious.
The group tours aren’t that big, and it’s perfect for getting to know others around the world or for bringing the entire family along. Speaking of which, if you’re looking to entertain older kids we can’t recommend this option enough.
As you cruise to Mayenne Corniche, take in the wonderful views on your journey. Once there, grab your phone to snap some photos of these insane panoramic vistas!
Then, make your way over to the epic medieval village of Eze. Eze also offers magnificent panoramic views, along with a perfume factory tour, and a very interesting history.
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Then, Monaco is up, where you’ll see all aspects of its unique history. The old town, cathedral, and palace are very impressive with opulent architecture and decorations.
Next you’ll head to the Formula 1 circuit, casino, and upscale shops for insight to how the high-rollers live.
Kick back and enjoy a tasty lunch at the restaurant of your choosing, before driving over to Antibes. This city is a historian favorite, melding its nautical origins with its luxury-heavy world today. Make sure to soak in the old town vibes, boasting the largest marina of business and luxury in this part of the world.
Just like with the other longer tours we’ve covered, you’ll also see Saint-Paul-de-Vence and Cannes for more displays of luxury!
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
6. French Riviera Cannes to Monte-Carlo Discovery Small Group Day Trip from Nice
- Duration: 9 hours
- Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off available
- Departure Time: 9:00 AM
- Includes: Professional guide, transport by air-conditioned vehicle
Next, we bring you the French Riviera Cannes to Monte-Carlo Discovery Small Group Day Trip from Nice tour. This 9-hour tour draws many similarities to the other longer options we’ve covered on this guide.
With highlights all down the French Riviera, you’ll be able to learn and see a ton in one seamless tour. Just like with the others, this tour does include a hotel pickup in the morning and transport by air-conditioned minivan.
Ideal for smaller groups, you get the advantage of having your guide all to yourself and can ask any questions you may have. However, they’re known for being very educated on the area and are quite thorough with the information they provide.
Your first stop is at Eze, which looks like a scene out of a fairytale. Make sure to bring good walking shoes with a deep tread as some areas are a bit steep. While here, check out Fragonard for a tour of how they have made perfume throughout history and even partake in fun “smelling” activities.
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Then, grab some fresh air while strolling through the winding historic streets of the town. Next up is the impressive Monaco, where you’ll see everything from the ancient Old Town of Monte Carlo to the notorious Grand Casino, cathedral, royal palace, and even the Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit!
Monaco may be small in size but it’s definitely not limited in opulence or cashflow!
Next, see Cannes which is a dream for many filmmakers. You’ll get to stop outside the infamous Film Festival Palace and see the handprints of countless movie stars. Then, peruse the upscale shops on Croisette Boulevard before heading to the ancient town of Antibes.
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
7. Villages of Provence Tour with Wine & Produce Tasting From Nice
- Duration: 9 hours
- Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off included
- Departure Time: 9:00 AM
- Includes: Wine tasting, transportation by air-conditioned minivan, multilingual driver/guide, bottle of water
This is yet another must-see for wine lovers! The Nice Villages of Provence Tour with Wine & Produce Tasting is ideal for those who appreciate good wine and food.
Aside from learning all about tasting and pairing, you’ll also get to see plenty of natural and manmade beauty intermingled with these rich French flavors.
With hotel pickup, air-conditioned minivan transport, lots of leg room, big windows, and bottled water you’ll be all ready for venturing around beautiful Provence.
You’ll arrive in Bio shortly, which is known worldwide for its famous Biot glassware. Synonymous with top-notch quality, you’ll see that they pay attention to even the smallest detail here.
Then, head on over to the hillside village of Opio which sits amidst lush olive groves, and various other types of trees. Take a leisurely stroll over to a 15th-century mill which continues to operate today, if you can believe it!
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You’ve likely worked up an appetite at this point, so try some of their tasty snacks paired with regional olive oil bursting with flavor.
Gourdon is a perched village commune offering panoramic views of the French Riviera and showing off a 9th-century castle. This place is truly phenomenal and one of those towns that make you feel like you’ve been transported back in time, or perhaps to a different planet, even.
Then, awe at the titanic walls of limestone and plunging waterfalls standing up to 40 meters high. Tourrettes-sur-Loup is another commune located nearby, still managing to be untouched by mass tourist visits. The traditional French village is known for its beautiful violets.
Then, visit the Saint-Jeannet wine estate where you’ll try 6 fabulous wines as the winemaker explains how they age them through solar power!
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
What can you see on a day trip from Nice, France?
Nice which is the capital of the French Riviera is a stunning city with a lot to do. But it’s worth taking a day trip to explore the coast with its charming towns and villages. Whether you are looking for culture, history, nature, or glamour, there is a destination that you will enjoy. Here are some options you to consider.
Monaco and Eze
Why go: Experience the Riviera’s glamour and beauty
Monaco is a tiny but dazzling city-state that offers a glimpse of the high life on the Riviera. From its yacht-filled harbor to its legendary casino, Monaco is a place where luxury and elegance reign supreme.
You can also visit the Prince’s Palace, the Oceanographic Museum, and the exotic gardens for some culture and history. On your way to Monaco, you can stop at Eze, a medieval village perched on a hilltop with stunning views of the sea.
Eze is known for its charming cobblestone streets, its fragrant perfumery, and its artistic atmosphere.
How to get to Monaco and Eze
There are frequent trains from Nice to Monaco that take around 20 minutes. You can also take bus number 100 for a scenic ride along the coast. To visit Eze, you can take bus number 82 or 112 from Nice or Monaco. Alternatively, you can join a guided tour that includes transportation, guide, entrance fees, and wine tastings. Here are some of the best tours from Nice to Monaco and Eze:
Why go: Feel inspired by art and cinema
Antibes and Cannes are two of the most famous and attractive towns on the Riviera, each with its own charm and personality. Antibes is an ancient town with a rich cultural heritage and a lively atmosphere.
You can visit the Picasso Museum, housed in a castle where the artist lived and worked; the Fort Carré, a star-shaped fortress overlooking the sea; and the Marché Provençal, a colorful market where you can find fresh produce and local specialties.
Cannes is a glamorous town that hosts the world-renowned film festival every year. You can stroll along the Croisette promenade, admire the luxury hotels and boutiques, visit the Palais des Festivals where the stars walk the red carpet, and relax on one of the sandy beaches.
How to get to Antibes and Cannes
There are frequent trains from Nice to Antibes and Cannes that take around 20 minutes and 40 minutes respectively. You can also take bus number 200 for a cheaper but slower option. Alternatively, you can join a guided tour that includes transportation, guide, entrance fees, and wine tastings.
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The Nice to Saint-Tropez and Port Grimaud Tour is our Editors Choice for the best day trip from Nice
