French Riviera Day Trip from Nice: Monaco, Eze, Cannes & the Coast

Nice is the perfect base for exploring the Côte d'Azur, with glamorous Monaco, medieval Eze, film-star Cannes and the pretty bay of Villefranche all within an easy drive. Here is how to plan the ideal French Riviera day trip from Nice — with the best-rated small-group and private tours to book for each route.

At a glance

1Monaco & Monte-Carlo glamour
2Hilltop village of Eze
3Cannes & Antibes on the bay
4Villefranche scenic coast

Morning: Monaco & Monte-Carlo

Start the day heading east from Nice along the Corniche coast to the tiny principality of Monaco. Wander Monaco-Ville and the Prince's Palace on its rocky headland, then cross to Monte-Carlo for its famous Belle Époque casino, superyacht harbour and Formula 1 street circuit. Most shared and small-group tours give you a couple of free hours here — long enough to soak up the glamour, take in the views and grab a coffee before moving on.

Midday: the hilltop village of Eze

French Riviera day trip — FAQ

What is the best day trip from Nice?

The classic choice is the Monaco, Monte-Carlo and Eze loop, which packs the Riviera's glamour and its prettiest hilltop village into a single half or full day. Cannes and Antibes to the west, and the nearby bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer, are equally rewarding alternatives.

Do I need a car to explore the French Riviera from Nice?

No. Shared, small-group and private tours run daily from Nice to Monaco, Eze, Cannes, Antibes and Villefranche, with round-trip transport and a guide. Trains also link the coastal towns, but a guided tour is the easiest way to combine several stops in one day.

How long is a Riviera day trip from Nice?

Half-day tours to Monaco and Eze run about four to five hours, while full-day trips that add Cannes, Antibes or Saint-Paul-de-Vence last roughly seven to eight hours, including transport and free time at each stop.