If you are looking to explore more of the South of France, then this is the post for you! The following cities have their own unique charm that makes them well worth the journey.
1. Eze
This beautiful hilltop village promises breathtaking views and an old medieval charm. Wander through this walled city to discover incredible restaurants, art galleries, and boutique shops. The maze of alleyways takes you to impressive viewpoints that overlook the Mediterranean Sea.
At the very top of the village is a beautiful exotic garden filled with succulents, cacti, and other plant life from along the Mediterranean. This garden has plenty of benches and seating areas for you to sit and enjoy the incredible views. From the top of the garden, 430 meters above sea level, you have a lookout that offers panoramic views of the entire Côte d’Azur.
Unfortunately, Eze is not accessible by train unless you are willing to hike. The easiest way to reach this beautiful village is by bus from Nice. You can take the 602 bus from the stop named Bavastro, which takes you to the entrance of the village. The bus ride takes about 30 minutes.
If you prefer to take the train, you would travel from Nice-Ville station to Eze, which is a 15-minute ride, followed by a steep 2.3 km hike to the village.
2. Saint-Raphaël
Next on the list is the beautiful coastal city of Saint-Raphaël. You can take a direct train from Nice and arrive in the city center an hour later. The train journey takes you along the coast and offers beautiful sea views the entire way.
While in Saint-Raphaël, be sure to explore the charming old town and seaside promenade. Along the promenade, you will find a beautiful sandy beach that is perfect for relaxing. You’ll also find plenty of vendors selling ice cream and other snacks, ideal for a day at the beach.
On Sundays, you can stroll along the promenade and check out the artisan market, which sells everything from handmade jewelry and candles to paintings and sculptures. Sundays are a quiet day in the city when most shops are closed; however, everyone gathers with friends and family in the seaside cafés and bars.
Other great sights in the city include the food market located in the old town and the Basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-Victoire, a beautiful basilica visible throughout the city. Another highlight is Bonaparte Garden, which is filled with stunning sculptures and plants for you to admire. There is also plenty of seating for you to relax and enjoy the sea views.
3. Aix-en-Provence
Our next destination is a little more difficult to visit since there are no direct trains or buses from Nice. However, it is a beautiful city to explore if you plan on renting a car. You can also find tour bus companies like FlixBus, which offer trips at affordable prices.
This beautiful city is great for walking around, as there is stunning architecture, gardens, and a historic charm throughout. Explore the old town to discover a variety of shops, from brand names like H&M and Foot Locker to clothing boutiques and art galleries.
A real highlight of the city is the impressive markets! Every day of the week, there is at least one market that takes place somewhere in the city. A must-visit is the Grand Marché du Cours Mirabeau, where you will find everything from antiques and secondhand clothes to fresh produce and beautiful flowers. This market takes place every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and during the summer, it runs on Saturdays as well!
For art enthusiasts, Aix-en-Provence is the birthplace of the Post-Impressionist painter Paul Cézanne. Follow in his footsteps from his childhood home to his studio and atelier. Throughout the city, you will see his influence through sculptures and the landscapes that inspired his art. To learn more about Paul Cézanne, head to the Granet Museum.
4. Saint-Paul-de-Vence
If you are an art enthusiast, then this is the destination for you! This walled city is an artist’s haven. Explore within the city’s ramparts and discover numerous art galleries, each with its own unique style. There are even sculptures throughout the city for you to find.
While you explore, be sure to walk along the top of the city’s walls for beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes and a more aerial perspective of the city. You can walk around the majority of the city this way.
Unfortunately, getting to Saint-Paul-de-Vence can be quite difficult without a car; however, it is a great place for a day trip if you are renting a vehicle. That said, it is not impossible to reach using public transport. You will need to take a combination of bus and train or tram, depending on when you plan to go, so be sure to check schedules online to help plan your trip.
5. Avignon
The next destination on the list is perfect for history enthusiasts. Avignon has played a significant role in history with its Palace of the Popes, which at one time was home to seven different Popes, making Avignon the center of Christianity for almost 100 years. Today, you can explore the palace and learn about the city’s rich history.
Explore the medieval old town to discover not only the Palais des Papes and the cathedral but also the Pont d’Avignon, which is an unfinished bridge. All of these, along with the impressive architecture throughout the city, classify Avignon as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Avignon is the furthest of the destinations on this list, with a 3-hour and 30-minute train ride. However, with its historical significance and medieval charm, it is worth the journey if you are looking to learn more about the region.
6. Saint-Tropez
The last destination on this list is probably the most famous. Saint-Tropez is known as a luxurious summer destination for the rich and famous. That being said, there is lots to see and do here, no matter your budget. Beaches, shopping, and relaxation are a few of the key attractions of this beautiful city.
One of the main attractions is the colorful old town, which is filled with boutique shops, art galleries, and French patisseries serving the delicious Tarte Tropézienne. This amazing pastry is a must when you are in the city, but go early because places do sell out fast.
If you happen to visit on a Tuesday or Saturday, then be sure to head to Place des Lices to shop at the local market. From flowers and local products to clothing and hats, this market has a little bit of everything.
To get here, you have a few options: the first two are a 2-hour drive or a combination of bus and train. The third option is arriving by boat—my personal favorite. From Port Lympia, you can take one of the many day trips to Saint-Tropez. By boat, you will travel along the beautiful coast until you arrive in the port of Saint-Tropez, where you will have a few hours to explore before heading back.
Bonus: 7. Dolceacqua
I decided to add Dolceacqua as a bonus destination because it is actually in Italy! If you are renting a vehicle while in the Côte d’Azur, then be sure to check out this unique and charming Italian village.
When you arrive, you will notice castle ruins at the top of the old village, surrounded by a river. With its maze of alleyways and towering buildings, there is a cave-like atmosphere that will transport you to the Golden Age.
This is also a great place to enjoy authentic Italian cuisine at very reasonable prices. Enjoy fresh pasta and a €3 glass of wine while taking in the landscapes that surround you.
There you have it! Seven cities to visit outside Nice. Whether you are planning on renting a vehicle or taking the train, there is a destination for you. All these destinations are also great options if you are looking to extend your trip in the South of France.