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Nice serves as an ideal base for discovering the French Riviera thanks to fast rail links, frequent buses, and short travel times.
Easy connections allow travelers to reach Èze, Monaco, and Menton in under an hour.
Flexible transport options make half day visits or full day plans simple to arrange.
Combined itineraries work well for visitors with limited time, while slower pacing rewards those who prefer relaxed days.
Monaco
Compact size and global reputation give Monaco an outsized presence on the Riviera.
Royal traditions, polished architecture, and luxury shopping sit side by side within a walkable setting.
Formula One history adds international fame, while harbors filled with superyachts underline the principality’s refined image. It is a popular venue where you can meet a lot of celebrities, such as Rihanna.
How to Get There
Fast connections make Monaco one of the easiest day trips. Transport choice often depends on cost, scenery, and flexibility.
Important travel options include:
- Train rides connecting Nice Ville and Monaco, Monte Carlo in about 25 minutes with coastal views
- Bus 100 or 602 offering a budget-friendly ride lasting roughly 45 to 50 minutes
- Seasonal ferry services are operating on select days, with advance booking required
- Car travel averaging 30 minutes with extensive underground parking
- Ride share services are allowed inside Monaco, with pickups requiring a short walk into Beausoleil
Top Things to Do
Monte Carlo Casino draws visitors interested in ornate interiors and formal atmosphere, even without gambling plans. Dress standards apply during most hours.
Prince’s Palace and Old Town occupy Le Rocher, with guard changes scheduled daily at 11:55. Palace interiors open seasonally and offer insight into royal life.
Oceanographic Museum rises dramatically above the sea, featuring renowned marine exhibits. Harbor promenades provide front row views of luxury yachts and waterfront cafes.
Japanese Garden and Exotic Gardens serve as peaceful pauses amid the city setting.
Suggested Itinerary
Morning arrival allows time for Old Town walks, palace visits, and museum exploration. Lunch fits naturally near Casino Square.
Afternoon plans include casino interiors and harbor strolls. Evening travel back to Nice works smoothly by train or bus.
Yacht enthusiasts seeking time on the water can arrange private charters through Navélia Yacht Charters, offering curated experiences along the Riviera coastline.
Èze
Perched high above the Mediterranean, Èze delivers one of the most dramatic village settings on the French Riviera.
Stone paths climb between ancient buildings, opening toward sweeping sea views at nearly every turn.
Artistic energy fills small galleries and workshops, while centuries-old walls reflect a preserved medieval past.
Short travel time and compact size make Èze ideal for a half-day visit, with smooth pairing alongside Monaco or Beaulieu-sur-Mer.
How to Get There
Several transport options suit different travel styles and budgets.
Public buses remain the most economical and efficient choice, while taxis and guided tours provide added comfort.
Key transport details worth noting include:
- Bus 82 or 602 departing Port Lympia or Nice Riquier, reaching Èze Village in about 30 minutes for a low fare
- Train service stopping at Èze sur Mer only, followed by a demanding 45 to 50 minute uphill hike via the Nietzsche Path or a connecting bus
- Taxi or Uber rides averaging 20 minutes, offering direct and comfortable access
- Guided tours often pairing Èze with Monaco, frequently including hotel pickup
Top Things to Do
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Walking through Èze feels immersive and unhurried, with visual rewards at nearly every corner. Several standout stops elevate the visit and deserve dedicated time.
Jardin Exotique sits at the village summit and requires an entry ticket.
Cactus gardens, rare plants, and sculptural elements surround panoramic Riviera views that stretch toward Italy on clear days.
Medieval streets below invite slow wandering past staircases, stone archways, and artisan boutiques.
Fragonard Perfume Factory adds a sensory highlight through complimentary guided visits and hands on perfume workshops available with advance booking.
Dining and cultural stops bring additional depth:
- Notre Dame de l’Assomption church displays a soft yellow facade and historic interior artwork
- La Chèvre d’Or property hosts three dining options ranging in style and price, including Café du Jardin, Les Remparts, and a two Michelin star restaurant requiring reservations
- Nietzsche Path offers a steep downhill walk toward Èze sur Mer, rewarding hikers with uninterrupted sea views
Beach time fits easily into the afternoon plan after descending the village. Nearby choices vary in atmosphere and facilities:
- Plage Saint Laurent and Cap Estel coves for quieter swims
- Anjuna Beach Club at Èze sur Mer for a lively beach setting
- Beaulieu sur Mer Petite Afrique beach for full amenities and easy access
Suggested Itinerary
Early hours suit arrival before crowds settle in.
Village exploration works best during cooler morning temperatures, followed by garden visits before midday heat.
Lunch reservations secure a refined dining experience at La Chèvre d’Or.
Afternoon plans allow flexibility between a Fragonard visit, downhill hiking, or beach time. Evening relaxation by the water pairs well with a return train ride to Nice.
Menton
Close proximity to Italy shapes Menton’s relaxed pace and pastel streets. Terraced lanes, Baroque churches, and seaside promenades give the town a softer Riviera character.
Gardens thrive in the mild climate, while cultural influences reflect a French Italian crossover.
How to Get There
Access remains straightforward despite Menton’s eastern location.
Primary travel options include:
- TER trains reaching Menton in about 40 minutes with arrival near the town center
- Bus 600 providing coastal scenery at a slower pace
- Car travel taking roughly 35 to 40 minutes with easier parking than Monaco
- Limited ride share availability compared to western Riviera towns
Top Things to Do
Old Town rises above the waterfront through colorful staircases and narrow lanes.
Basilica of Saint Michel crowns the hilltop and offers elevated views across rooftops and sea.
Val Rahmeh Botanical Garden delivers a tranquil setting filled with rare plant species. Jean Cocteau Museum features striking seaside architecture and artistic works.
Plage des Sablettes provides soft sand and clear water ideal for swimming.
Lemon themed products define local shopping, with soaps, liqueurs, and pastries featured throughout town.
February brings Fête du Citron, transforming streets with citrus sculptures and parades.
Suggested Itinerary
Morning trains suit early Old Town walks and basilica visits. Lunch works well at beachfront cafes or Italian French trattorias.
Afternoon time fits garden visits, museum stops, or beach relaxation. Evening trains return travelers comfortably to Nice.
Combo Options
Strategic pairing allows efficient planning across destinations. Èze and Menton combine well for travelers moving quickly.
Menton pairs naturally with Roquebrune Cap Martin for coastal walks and castle views. Monaco and Menton together suit shorter stops rather than full explorations.
Practical Tips for Day Trips
Reliable planning tools simplify travel across the Riviera. SNCF Connect supports train schedules, Lignes d’Azur manages bus routes, and Google Maps assists with real time navigation.
SudAzur Explore Pass offers unlimited travel across buses and trains with multi day options available locally. Summer mornings and late afternoons bring crowded conditions on popular routes.
Bike rentals such as Lime and Pony e bikes operate in Nice and suit nearby coastal trips. Packing essentials include water bottles, sunscreen, hats, swimwear, and comfortable walking shoes. Ferry services run seasonally and focus on Monaco and Saint Tropez.
Final Thoughts
Nice offers an exceptional base for short trips along the French Riviera.
Èze delivers elevated village scenery, Monaco presents refined city experiences, and Menton introduces Italian-influenced calm.
Train travel suits speed, buses reward scenic rides, and guided tours simplify logistics. Careful planning transforms a few days into memorable Riviera highlights.
