Nice is situated on the French Riviera and it is a perfect starting point for visiting many beautiful and different places. Whether it is mountain hiking, beach vacation, or cultural and historical sightseeing, there is something to do and see for everyone in the area surrounding Nice. This article gives a detailed list of the best day trips from Nice that will suit the adventurous and the leisurely. Experience seven beautiful day trips ranging from the opulent streets of Monaco to the stunning scenery of Mercantour National Park. Get ready to have the best of both worlds as you embark on these great Nice day trips.

Coastal Escapes

Monaco

Monaco the place of glamour and rich people is situated only a half an hour drive or a train ride away from Nice. Located off the A8 motorway or accessible by train services, Monaco is a very convenient day trip destination. Monaco has several attractions; these are the Monte Carlo Casino, the Palace of the Prince, and the Oceanographic Museum. Tourists can take a walk in the beautiful gardens including the Exotic Garden and have a view of the Mediterranean Sea. The Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit is also one of the highlights for motorsport lovers. Monaco is a beautiful place which is full of history and is very luxurious, so it is worth visiting.

Antibes

Antibes is a beautiful coastal town located between Nice and Cannes and it takes about 30 minutes by car or by train to get there from Nice. Antibes is a place that has a very old part of the city and beautiful beaches, so it is advisable to spend time both in active travel and in leisure. Some of the features are the Picasso Museum situated in the old Chteau Grimaldi where many of the Picassos masterpieces are displayed. The Provenal Market is quite active and it will be the perfect place to taste the delicious local products and dishes. Tourists can also visit the Fort Carr, a sixteenth century fort that commands a view of the coast. The beaches are clean and the Cap dAntibes peninsula makes Antibes a perfect place for a day by the water.

Cannes

Cannes, home of the world famous film festival, is only forty five minutes by car or train from Nice. This beautiful city is a cultural center and a paradise for the lovers of luxury and beautiful nature. These are the famous pedestrian area of La Croisette with the luxurious shops, hotels and restaurants and the Festival Palace where the Cannes Film Festival is held. Tourists can walk around the Le Suquet area and see the beautiful streets and have a view of the city and harbor. The les de Lrins located a little further, can be reached by a short ferry ride and offer a nice sandy beach and ancient monasteries.

Mountain and Nature Getaways

Mercantour National Park

Mercantour National Park is approximately 90 minutes drive from Nice and is one of the largest protected areas in the region with varied geology and flora and fauna. Located along the A8 motorway and D6202 road, the park offers an excellent opportunity for those willing to spend time in the fresh air and enjoy the nature. Some of the special attributes are mountainous regions, meadows, and lake. Other activities include hiking for which there are easy strolls and steep climbs, wildlife viewing where one can see chamois, ibex, and birds among others. The park also has prehistoric rock engravings at Valle des Merveilles, which give an insight into art of the prehistoric inhabitants of the area.

Gorges du Verdon

It is an amazing river canyon with gorgeous views and many opportunities for adventure. The features that distinguish it from other similar places are the water color turquoise, and the limestone rock formations that create high cliffs for kayaking, rafting, and swimming. There are several trails around the rim of the gorge for hiking to be able to view the steep cliffs and get close to the natural environment. Another favorite is Rock Climbing and there are many routes of various difficulty. The nearby villages of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and Castellane are also very beautiful and make this natural beauty even more attractive.

ze

ze, a stunning medieval village situated on the cliff top, is only twenty minutes drive from Nice along the Moyenne Corniche route. ze is famous for its steep and curved streets and beautiful sceneries, as well as historic atmosphere. Some of the special attractions are the Exotic Garden which has cacti and succulents and has view of the coast line. The village also has the ruins of a 12th century castle which is a bonus to the beautiful scenery of the area. Tourism lovers can go for Nietzsche Path, a steep trail that leads from ze to the coastal resort of ze-sur-Mer.

Cultural and Historical Excursions

Saint-Paul-de-Vence

It is an ancient medieval town situated approximately half an hours drive from Nice by the A8 motorway and D7 route. It is one of the most beautiful villages with preserved walls, narrow streets paved with cobblestones and a rich artistic life. Some specific attractions are the Fondation Maeght which is an art gallery with masterpieces of Mir, Chagall and Giacometti. The visitors can also take time to shop for art works in the various art galleries, purchase items from the various boutiques, and also visit some of the historical sites in the town like the Collegiate Church of the Conversion of Saint Paul. The village also has beautiful sceneries of the countryside and the Mediterranean Sea, therefore, it is a perfect place for a sightseeing walk and to experience the culture.

Grasse

Grasse, the world capital of perfume is located about 45 km from Nice through the A8 motorway and D2085 road. This is a beautiful town that has been associated with perfume making for many years and also has a lovely old town area. These are the International Perfume Museum that introduces visitors to the history and art of the production of the perfume, and the possibility of visiting the famous perfume houses such as Fragonard, Molinard, and Galimard where tourists can take a guided tour and create their own perfume. The old town of Grasse also has narrow streets, gothic architecture and beautiful views of the hills surrounding the town. The town also has festivals and events to do with perfumery and other related activities throughout the year.

Conclusion

Discovering the various day trips from Nice is a great way to have fun, unwind, and be informed all at the same time. Starting with the beautiful Mediterranean coast of Monaco, Antibes, and Cannes to the natural beauty of Mercantour National Park, Gorges du Verdon, and ze. Adding culture and history to the trip, visiting Saint-Paul-de-Vence and Grasse allows the guests to see more of the area. For breathtaking scenery, adrenaline rush, or a historical exploration, these day excursions from Nice are guaranteed to make your vacation memorable and help you better understand and appreciate the regions charm.