Best Day Trips from Nice By Train
If you’re looking for the best day trips from Nice by train, you’ll be surprised how many incredible destinations are under an hour away, and easy to get to.
Within the French Riviera, there’s no better base than Nice. This vibrant city has the most central location along the Côte d’Azur and offers easy access to nearby gems. The French Riviera is very well connected by the TER train network, so you can simply hop on a train from Nice and reach many of the Riviera’s most charming destinations as effortless day trips
While having a rental car definitely gives you the most flexibility, the train is a stress-free alternative. Especially if you’re not comfortable driving in another country or simply want to enjoy a glass of rosé without worrying about getting behind the wheel.
From the pastel-colored streets of Menton to the medieval charm of Èze, many of the Riviera’s most beautiful destinations are less than an hour away from Nice by train.
In this guide, I’ll share 7 of the best day trips from Nice by train—plus tips on how to purchase tickets and make the most of your French Riviera itinerary.
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My Nice Travel Guide
Don’t forget to check out my Nice Travel Guide, packed with everything you need to know for visiting Nice, France.
Where to Stay in Nice
Also here are my top hotel picks for Nice:
Vieux Nice (Old Town)
Promenade des Anglais
Jean Médecin & City Center
Best Day Trips from Nice by Train
Villefrance-sur-Mer
Just one stop from Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer boasts one of the most beautiful harbors on the Riviera. Its pastel-colored old town, waterfront restaurants, and sandy Plage des Marinières make it perfect for a half-day escape.
- Travel time: 7 minutes
- Ticket price: €3.50 one way
Things to do in Villefranche-sur-Mer
- Explore the colorful old town
- See Chapelle Saint-Pierre (Capilla de San Pedro “Cocteau”), an ancient Romanesque Chapel.
- Enjoy the sandy beach at Plage de la Marinière. Unlike the pebble beaches of Nice, the beach here is sandy and pleasant to sit on.
- Walk along the Promenade des Marinières and watch the boats.
Menton
One of my favorite day trips from Nice by train was to Menton, a charming seaside town often referred to as the “Pearl of France.” Nestled right on the Italian border, Menton beautifully blends the laid-back elegance of the French Riviera with a touch of Italian flair.
The town is famous for its lemon production, celebrated each year with the vibrant Fête du Citron (Lemon Festival) in February and March.
While the South of France is full of colorful destinations, the warm shades of yellow and orange that paint Menton’s streets and facades completely stole my heart.
- Travel time: 38 minutes
- Ticket price: €7.40 one way
- Same train as the one to Villefranche-sur-Mer
Things to do in Menton
- Admire the Italian-influenced town’s charm. Honestly, just walking around and getting lost in this cute town was so much fun!
- Walk up to the Baroque style church Basilique Saint-Michel Archange de Menton. You’ll get amazing views of the ocean and the beaches from here.
- Photos at Les Rampes Saint Michel. This is the famous stairway that leads up to the Saint Michel Church.
- Take in the Views from the Cemetery of the Old Château. From the church you can climb up through narrow winding streets to reach the cemetary, the resting place of famous artist Jean Cocteau. The areas around the cemetary has some of the most breathtaking views of Menton and its surroundings.
- Enjoy some beach time at Plage des Sablettes which can be found at the end of old town. It is the busiest and the most popular of the beaches in Menton. The blue waters, white sandy beach against the colorful buildings of Menton as the backdrop is just absolutely gorgeous.
- Shop lemon themed items. Limoncello, marmalades, lemon ravioli, plates, aprons, towels… anything you imagine made of lemons or with lemon prints on it, you’ll probably find it here.
Antibes
Famous for its artistic heritage and beautiful beaches, Antibes is a charming mix of old-world charm and Riviera chic.
Picasso once called this town home, and today you can admire his works at the Picasso Museum, located in the historic Château Grimaldi.
The cobblestoned old town is one of the most picturesque in the region, filled with colorful shutters, bustling markets, and a creative spirit that lingers in the air. Everywhere you turn, Antibes is radiating artsy, sun-soaked vibes.
- Travel time from Nice: 20-25 minutes
- Ticket price: Approximately €7 one way
Things to do in Antibes
- Explore the charming old town(Vieil Antibes). It is full of charm, with artisan boutiques and quaint cafés around every corner.
- Visit the Picasso Museum (closed on Mondays). The museum is housed in Château Grimaldi where Picasso once actually resided in.
- Browse Marché Provençal, a covered market is packed with local produce, cheeses, olives, spices, and fresh flowers.
- Visit Fort Carré, a 16th century star-shaped fortressed perched on a rocky peninsula. It offers panoramic views of Antibes, the sea, and nearby mountains.
- Swim in Bay of Billionaires, a little paradise of a swim spot.
- Join this 2 hour walking tour of Antibes that takes you to the port, Gravette Beach, Fort Carré and the Old Town.
Monaco
Monaco is known for its glamour. Think luxury yachts, cliffside views, and the timeless elegance of Monte Carlo. Just a quick train ride from Nice, this tiny principality is the second smallest country in the world but can be explored on a day trip. Whether you’re drawn by its royal history, its iconic casino, or simply the chance to wander among the rich and famous, Monaco makes the list of great day trips from Nice by train.
- Travel time from Nice: 23 minutes
- Ticket price: Approximately €6 one way
Things to do in Monaco
- Visit the Monte Carlo Casino, the iconic masterpiece of Belle Époque architecture that has become a symbol of Monaco’s luxury and elegance. Even if you’re not planning to play, step inside the ornate lobby to admire the grand interiors filled with marble columns and chandeliers. This casino has starred in James Bond films and hosted royalty and celebrities for decades.
- Watch the changing of the guard at the Prince’s Palace (11:55 AM daily).
- Walking the Monaco Grand Prix circuit. Monaco Grand Prix is a prestigious Formula 1 (F1) race held on the Circuit de Monaco, taking place annually since 1929. This tour takes you through the tracks.
- Stop by the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco to see wonders of the ocean.
Cannes
Known for its film festival and luxury boutiques, Cannes offers a mix of glitz and relaxation. While Cannes may be best known for its red carpet glamour and star-studded film festival, there’s so much more to this iconic Riviera town.
With its palm-lined Boulevard de la Croisette, golden beaches, luxury boutiques, and charming old quarter, Cannes offers a perfect blend of sophistication and seaside charm.
Whether you’re strolling past luxury yachts in the marina, sipping coffee at a chic café, or exploring the cobblestone streets of Le Suquet (the old town), Cannes delivers a dose of elegance without losing its laid-back coastal vibe.
- Travel time from Nice: 35 minutes
- Ticket price: Approximately €10 one way
Things to do in Cannes
- Stroll along Boulevard de la Croisette. This famous seaside promenade is lined with palm trees, luxury hotels including the Carlton Cannes, designer boutiques, and beach clubs.
- Relax at the beaches. Cannes has fine sandy beaches. There are public beaches, as well as some incredible beach clubs. I loved the colors at Copal Beach, and Lucia Cannes.
- Explore Le Suquet (Old Town). Not many people seem to mention this but Cannes has a very charming old town. You can climb up the winding streets to get panoramic views from Église Notre-Dame d’Espérance, a beautiful 17th century church.
- Visit Marché Forville, a covered market with fresh produce, cheeses, seafood, flowers, and local specialties.
- Take a Boat to Îles de Lérins. The Lérins Islands are a group of five Mediterranean islands off the French Riviera, in Cannes. The two largest islands in this group are Île Sainte-Marguerite and Île Saint-Honorat. They’re just 15 minute ferry rides away form Cannes. Île Sainte-Marguerite offers nature trails and clear swimming coves, while Île Saint-Honorat has a serene monastery and vineyards.
- Visit the Palais des Festivals to snap a photo on the iconic red carpet of the Cannes Film Festival. You can also spot handprints of movie stars along the nearby Chemin des Étoiles (Cannes’ version of the Walk of Fame).
Other Day Trips From Nice (Involves Train+Bus, buses or Cars)
While the destinations above are the easiest to reach by direct train from Nice, there are a few other day trips worth considering that require other modes of transportation like buses or cars. These spots are incredibly picturesque and can be visited in a day, but just not on a direct train from Nice.
Èze Village
Perched high above the sea, Èze Village is one of the most enchanting destinations along the French Riviera. I’ve written a whole guide on how to visit this village and things to do, so make sure to read it here.
Before you go, it’s important to know that there are two separate areas: Èze Village and Èze-sur-Mer.
- Èze Village is the famous hilltop town most travelers refer to when they talk about “visiting Èze.” It’s the one with the iconic panoramic views, Jardin Exotique, and charming historic streets.
- Èze-sur-Mer sits at sea level and is a quieter, more residential area right on the coast. It has a small beach and a train station but none of the medieval charm the village is known for.
If you want to go by public transport, you can take a direct train from Nice to Èze-sur-Mer, but keep in mind that this only gets you to the base of the mountain. From there, you’ll need to:
- Catch Bus 83, which winds up the hill to Èze Village in about 15 minutes
- Hike the Nietzsche Path, a steep 4.3 km (2.7 mile) uphill trail that climbs from Èze-sur-Mer to the village. It’s scenic, but quite challenging—best for experienced hikers or those looking for a workout.
You can alternatively take Bus 82 or Bus 602 from Nice all the way to Èze Village.
In my opinion, the easiest and most stress-free way to visit Èze Village is by taking an Uber directly from Nice. Alternatively, you can take the train to Villefranche-sur-Mer and catch an Uber from there to reduce the fare.
Things to do in Èze Village
- Wander the Medieval Streets. The stone buildings and ivy-covered walls are straight out of fairytales.
- Jardin Exotique d’Èze is a garden filled with exotic plants that offers breathtaking views of the coastline.
- Dine at La Chèvre d’Or or Chateau Eza. These are two luxury hotels in Èze Village but even if you’re not staying here, you can grab drinks or dine with an incredible view.
- Explore art galleries throughout the village
- Tour the Fragonard Perfume Factory.
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
This quiet, upscale peninsula is known for its luxurious villas and serene coastal paths. There’s no train station in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, but there are still ways of getting there from Nice.
The easiest way to get to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat from Nice is by bus.
You can take Bus #15 from Lycée Masséna in Nice, to Port de Saint-Jean.
However, if you’re trying to visit Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, you can hop off at Passable/Rothschild station.
Another option is to take the train from Nice-Ville to Beaulieu-sur-Mer, and then take the same bus 15 from there.
Things to do in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
- Visit Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
- Swim or relax at Paloma Beach (currently under renovations)
- Walking the Sentier du Littoral (coastal path)
Saint-Paul-de-Vence
One of the more inland villages, Saint-Paul-de-Vence is beloved for its art galleries, cobblestone lanes, and panoramic views. While there’s no train station here, it’s accessible by bus or car or a combination of train and bus, and still considered one of the best day trips from Nice.
To get to Saint-Paul-de-Vence from Nice by public transportation, take the train from Nice Ville station to Cagnes sur Mer and then take the 655 bus which takes about 30 minutes to reach St-Paul-de-Vence.
Things to do in Saint-Paul-de-Vence
- Fondation Maeght (Museum of modern art)
- Stroll along the ramparts and admire views.
- Pop into galleries and shops
- See Le Grande Fontain (fountain centerpiece in a cute square)
Final Thoughts on Day Trips from Nice by Train
I hope this post helps you plan some incredible day trips from Nice by train. Although some of these involve a bit more work (combining train with bus), each of these locations are worth seeing.
Let me know which of these is your favorite!
If you want to see how I planned my trip around these towns, check out my 10 Day South of France Itinerary!
Read My Other Guides on the French Riviera here:
USE MY CHECKLIST TO PLAN YOUR TRIP!
- Flights
- Search for the best flights on Skyscanner to get to your destination
- Search for the best flights on Skyscanner to get to your destination
- Hotels
- I use Booking.com for most accommodations
- For Asia, I prefer Agoda as they have the most competitive prices. I also compare prices on Klook (you can use my code MINYWANDER for a discount so see if that’s a better deal)
- For vacation rentals, especially for larger families, consider VRBO
- Transportation
- Trains & Ferries – book on Omio
- Rental Cars – I usually book on DiscoverCars
- For reliable airport pickups, use Welcome Pickups
- For Asia I use Klook (code MINYWANDER for a discount) – Japan trains for example
- Activities & Tours
- GetYourGuide and Viator are my go to’s.
- For Asia, I prefer Klook as there are more options – use code MINYWANDER
- E-sim
- Stay connected with Airalo E-sims.
