Six day trips from Nice you can’t miss

Nice, the vibrant jewel of the French Riviera, is a haven for sun-seekers, art enthusiasts, and foodies alike – and a great base for day trips in the South of France. Beyond the bustling city lies a treasure trove of slower-paced, charming mountain and coastal villages, each with its one-of-a-kind charm.

Planning a trip to the South of France? Here are six day trip ideas from Nice that you don’t want to miss:

Menton

Menton is one of the best day trips from Nice. The colorful last stop on the French Riviera before Italy, Menton is known for its sunny yellow buildings, charming streets, beautiful gardens, and a relaxing atmosphere. With a big Italian influence and a lovely beach, it’s a great spot to soak up some coastal charm and the Mediterranean sun. Don’t forget to try the famous gelato Menton lemons while you’re there!

Menton’s farmer’s market runs daily and is always overflowing with fresh produce, fragrant flowers, and the region’s famous lemons. Don’t miss one of the best gelatos of your life at Tutti Frutti Ice Cream Shop. There’s always a line of both tourists and locals waiting to get a scoop made by Mr Richard Gaglio, the shop’s owner and Glacier (aka ice cream maker).

Villefranche-sur-Mer

Villefranche-sur-Mer is a colorful gem on the French Riviera you don’t want to miss. It’s located just a short 15-min car or train ride from Nice, making it one of the best day trip options in the area. This beautiful coastal town boasts a charming harbor and winding streets lined with yellow and orange-colored houses. Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade, lined with inviting cafes and restaurants. My favorite one is Olivula, which has delicious Mediterranean cuisine and stunning harbor views – perfect for people-watching.

After lunch, explore the narrow streets of the old town and visit the Chapelle Saint-Pierre. Then, take the rest of the afternoon to cool off at Villefranche-sur-mer’s beach. With crystal-clear water and a beautiful view of the colorful coastal village, you won’t want to leave.

Eze

Perched high above the Mediterranean, Èze is a medieval village with an enchanting atmosphere straight out of a storybook. Its winding cobblestone streets and many stone arches lead to breathtaking views, lush gardens, and local boutique shops. I highly recommend going early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds.

The most famous attraction of this village is the Le Jardin Exotique, also known as the Exotic Garden of Eze. This stunning garden, brimming with cacti and succulents from around the world, is located at the top of the village, 429 metres above the Mediterranean Sea. There’s a small entrance fee to visit the garden, and it’s well worth it. Once inside you’ll be rewarded with one of the most spectacular views of the French Riviera.

For a truly luxurious experience in Eze, consider staying overnight at the Château de la Chèvre d’Or, a five-star hotel renowned for its elegant ambiance and Michelin-starred restaurant.

Saint-Paul-de-Vence

Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a charming hilltop village in Provence just 30 minutes outside of Nice, is an art lover’s dream with cobblestone streets, medieval walls, and countless art galleries. When you visit, make sure to wander through the narrow lanes and soak up the stunning views of the countryside.

A great dinner option is the renowned Restaurant Le Tilleul, which offers beautiful outdoor seating under a tree. If you’re looking for a lighter, more casual meal, try Restaurant Café Timothé.

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

Nestled between towering cliffs, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie feels like a village straight from the pages of a storybook. Its cobblestone streets and pastel-colored houses are incredibly charming. You’ll also find a beautiful waterfall when crossing a small bridge to the town’s main square.

As you wander, be sure to explore the local shops, known for their beautiful faïence pottery. For the most breathtaking views, hike up to the Notre-Dame de Beauvoir chapel, sitting high above the village. The way up is steep, but you’ll be rewarded at the top with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the iconic star that hangs suspended between the cliffs.

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is a 2h drive from Nice. Although it might seem far for a day trip, it’s definitely worth the drive – especially because you can easily combine it with another must-see in the region, Gorges du Verdon.

If you decide to stay overnight, a great option is Hôtel & Spa des Gorges du Verdon.

Gorges du Verdon

Gorges du Verdon is simply breathtaking and the perfect destination to combine with Moustiers-Saint-Marie, just 10 minutes away. As Europe’s deepest gorge, it’s a natural wonder of towering limestone cliffs and a river so vibrantly turquoise that it looks fake. Whether you’re kayaking the crystal-clear water, hiking the scenic trails, or even rock climbing the steep faces, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure. 

Stop by Pont du Galetas, Gorges du Verdon’s best viewpoint. Then drive down to one of the many boat rental places by the lake to rent a kayak, a pedal boat or an electric boat. We opted for an electric boat, and had a lovely time exploring the canyon with a couple of swim stops along the way.

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Each of these villages is special in its own way, giving you a real taste of what Provence is all about. Whether you’re into medieval architecture, amazing scenery, calm or artsy towns perched on hills, you’ll definitely find something you love on one of these day trips from Nice.

So ditch the city for a day and explore the hidden gems that make Provence so unique. Trust me, these day trips from Nice will make your holiday truly unforgettable. There’s no way not to be charmed by the beauty of these villages!