Nice is perfectly located between several beautiful cities that are all easily accessible by train. So, whether you are looking to do a day trip or to extend your holiday in the South of France, here are 10 destinations to choose from. All of the following places mentioned are a direct train ride from Nice-Ville train station.
1. Menton
To start off this list we will head to my favorite city, Menton, also known as the lemon capital. To get here you will have a beautiful 40-minute train ride along the coast and stop in Menton’s city center. Famous for its beautiful botanical gardens, colorful Old Town and the annual lemon festival. Due to the city’s close proximity to Italy, you can often see it down the coast, you can enjoy delicious authentic Italian cuisine.
The Lemon Festival is a unique experience that takes place over 15 days starting mid February; the same time as the Carnival de Nice. The main attraction is the iconic sculptures completely decorated in citrus fruit. Here, you will also find stalls selling everything lemon from liqueurs and soaps to amazing desserts, be sure to try tart citron. During the festival you can also buy tickets to the parade which is a fun experience for all ages.
2. Monaco
Next I take you outside France to the small country of Monaco, just a 30 min train ride away. Monaco may be one of the smallest countries; however, it is one of the richest. As you explore you will discover the very extravagant lifestyle of those who can afford to live here. You will see an abundance of yachts, expensive cars and luxury shops.
All that being said you can visit the royal palace, explore the old town and wander the city free of charge. Every day at 11:55 a.m. you can see the changing of the guards at the Place du Palais; however, I recommend you arrive early because it attracts quite the crowd. Another highlight is the Casino de Monte Carlo famously associated with James Bond. During the day you can visit for free if you are appropriately dressed.
Since many live in Nice but work in Monaco, the train can be extremely busy so try to travel outside the busy commute.
3. Villefranche-sur-Mer
Just a 15-minute train ride brings you to the picturesque resort town of Villefranche-sur-Mer. Extremely popular in the summer for its beautiful long beach, which is a mix of pebbles and sand; great for lounging compared to the rock beaches of Nice. Arrive early to be sure to get a spot to lay your towel. You also have a variety of charming bars and restaurants to choose from, all with a beautiful sea view.
If you are interested in coastal walks then you should check out the one from Nice to Villefranche. Starting near the Port of Nice, you have a beautiful, well maintained 6.4 km coastal path that is well worth the hike. With plenty of places to swim or enjoy a picnic, it is a great way to spend a day.
4. Beaulieu-sur-Mer
Next on our list is Beaulieu-sur-Mer which translates to “beautiful place on the sea.” After a quick 15-minute ride, you will understand how this charming city got its name. Famous for its luxury villas and beautiful beaches, it is a great place to relax and spend an afternoon.
If you’re interested, you can also rent boats from the marina. No boating license needed because they have small electric boats. They don’t go fast but you can admire the coast all the way to Monaco. We stopped at Mala Beach for a swim and a picnic on the boat. It’s a really fun way to spend the day.
A must visit is Villa Kerylos, beautifully located overlooking the sea. Designed in Ancient Greek Revival style. As you wander through the villa, you will be transported to Greece through all the incredible mosaics and impressive architecture.
One of the main highlights here is the coastal walk to Saint Jean Cap Ferrat. This 40-minute walk takes you along picturesque landscapes and past some very impressive villas. Once in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat you can choose to walk the 6km loop around the entire peninsula.
5. Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
If you are looking for sandy beaches and turquoise sea then Roquebrune-Cap-Martin is the destination for you! Located just before Menton you have a 30-minute train ride to get here. With a few different beaches to choose from, you can find one that appeals to you. Not all are sand; however, they are all much quieter than the beaches in Nice.
One of the main activities here is to take the coastal walk around Cap Martin. This 2hr walk provides you with panoramic sea views the entire way; with Monaco in the distance for half the journey. Be sure to pack your swimsuit because there are places along the path to stop for a swim and at the end of your hike you will arrive at a beach.
Another popular activity is the coastal walk from Roquebrune-Cap-Martin to Menton. Much like the Promenade des Anglais you walk a 3km path along the sea. With beaches the entire way, you can stop as you please for a swim.
6. Ventimiglia
For this destination we take you outside France to the Italian city of Ventimiglia, just across the border. There is no need to worry about passport control or long lines because the train takes you hassle free. After an hour train ride along the coast, you arrive in Italy!
One thing you may notice is that all the restaurants are almost half the price that they are in Nice! So take advantage and treat yourself to all the Italian cuisine you can. Along the beach you will find restaurants serving Italian classics like pasta and pizza for very affordable prices. After your meal be sure to get some delicious gelato and walk along the beautiful beach.
A major highlight of the city is the huge outdoor market that takes place every Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00p.m. Here you will find everything from clothing, Italian leather goods, glassware, shoes, home goods and so much more for incredible prices! For many Italians it is part of their weekly routine, however, there are also many French who come regularly to take advantage of the great prices. It can get very busy so plan to come early to make sure you find some goodies.
7. Antibes
Now we take you to the other side of Nice to the beautiful city of Antibes just 15 minutes away. This vibrant city has it all sand beaches, a charming old town and plenty of shopping. From the train station, you have a short walk to the marina, and a sand beach that’s perfect for a swim. Here also marks the start of the Old Town which is surrounded by 16th-century ramparts.
As you explore the old town is sure to walk along the ramparts for incredible sea views with the French Alps in the distance. If you are looking for local products head to the daily Marche Provençal where you can find local produce, cheeses, flowers, spices and soaps much like the Cours Saleya market in Nice.
For those looking for a little culture, you can visit the Picasso Museum located in Grimaldi Castle. In 1946 part of the castle was offered to Picasso to use for his studio. Feeling inspired you produced over 20 paintings and 40 different drawings which he gifted to the city of Antibes when he left.
8. Grasse
Next we take you further from Nice with an hour and 15 min train ride to the perfume capital of Grasse. With the city located on a hill, you will have a 20-minute walk or 12-minute bus ride from the train station. If you choose to walk, you can enjoy beautiful views of the valleys and nearby villages.
As you explore you will notice an abundance of perfume boutiques selling one of a kind scents that you can’t find outside Grasse. For a unique experience, you can make your own perfume by visiting any of these shops. For this you will smell a wide range of scents then select your favorites to create a unique scent that is truly yours. Of course there are staff there to guide you through the entire process. By the end you receive a small bottle of your own perfume! A very cool experience that is unique to the region.
If you are looking to understand more about the process and history of perfume making then be sure to visit the International Perfume Museum. Here you will learn more about the process of extracting scents from raw materials as well as the history behind the entire perfume industry. A unique museum to check out while you are visiting the city.
9. Cannes
Cannes is most famously known for its International Film Festival, which was founded in 1946. Attracting celebrities from around the world this 2-week event transforms and takes over the city. Whether you are attending the festival or not it is a fun time to visit the city and who knows you may even see a celebrity or two. Only a 40-minute train ride from Nice why wouldn’t you come check out the festivities.
Apart from the film festival Cannes is known for its luxury lifestyle and beautiful sandy beaches. Throughout the city you will find a boutique for any major designer, you can think of as well as plenty of upscale dining choices. If you are looking to enjoy the sunshine, you can relax on the extensive sand beach or visit one of the many beach bars. Rent loungers for the day and enjoy the ambiance and luxury of Cannes. If you aren’t interested in tanning then you can still enjoy a cocktail and meal here.
While in Cannes you should also visit Sainte-Marguerite Island just a 15-20 minute ferry ride across. Offering crystal clear waters and beautiful beaches this island is a great place to kayak, paddle board and snorkel. While here be sure to check out the underwater museum to discover all kinds of interesting treasures. The island does have a restaurant and a few food stalls to grab lunch.
10. Mandelieu-la-Napoule
For the last destination on this list, we take you Mandelieu-la-Napoule. To get here you can find direct trains, however, most times you do have to switch in Cannes but overall the journey is still only an hour and 20 minutes.
A major highlight of the city are the two beautiful castles. The first is Agecroft Castle located on a hill which is often used by the city council; however, you can still enjoy the restaurants and the sea views. The second is Napoule Castle which is easily accessible since it is right on the coast. You can explore the castle as you walk along the coast between beaches. There is also a museum that you can visit to learn more about the history of the area and its beautiful castles.
Each year around the middle of February the city of Mandelieu-la-Napoule hosts a Mimosa festival. Mimosa is a tree that originates from Australia; however, it can be found throughout France. These fluffy yellow blossoms are celebrated as a sign of the winter sun. This Mimosa festival consists of a parade, performances and unique sculptures covered in the bright yellow plant.
Well, there you have it! Ten of the best day trips from Nice by train. From coastal walks, and beautiful beaches to colorful cities and historical sites, there is sure to be a destination for you. Whether you are looking to extend your South of France holiday or just explore for the day these 10 destinations are great places to check out!