Day Trips from Nice: Monaco, Cannes, Eze, the Best Escapes on the Riviera

The Oceanographic Museum, founded by Prince Albert I at the beginning of the 20th century, is one of the finest museums dedicated to the sea in Europe: its aquariums, historical collections and position on the cliff edge make it a destination in its own right, not just an obligatory stop. Allow at least an hour.

If time allows, head down to Fontvieille, Monaco's converted industrial quarter, quieter, more local, almost unexpected in this principality. Prince Rainier's vintage car museum is housed there: a rare collection, in a climate-controlled hangar, that tells a different story about Monaco.

And the Monte-Carlo Casino? Even without playing, entering the hall and crossing the first salons is an architectural experience in its own right, gilding, stucco, burgundy velvet, filtered light. Paid entry, smart dress required. The effect is worth the few euros asked at the door.

Transport: The train from Nice-Ville is faster than driving in summer (20 min, departures every 30 min, approximately €4) and completely avoids the parking problems in Monaco, where spaces are scarce and the rates discouraging. Recommended without hesitation.

But it is in Le Suquet, in the cobbled alleyways that climb from the old port, that the city allows itself to be genuinely approached. The Castre Museum and its medieval tower at the summit offer a panoramic view over the bay of Cannes and the islands opposite. The climb is worth it even without entering the museum.

The Forville market, covered, in the neighbourhood of the same name, is the most lively market on the Côte d'Azur — seasonal vegetables, flowers, olives, socca, morning fish. Closed on Monday. Go before 11am for the producers' atmosphere and the best selection.

The Lérins Islands are the best-kept secret of Cannes. Fifteen minutes by boat from the port (regular shuttles in summer), Île Sainte-Marguerite offers a pine forest, a historic fort where the Man in the Iron Mask was imprisoned, and wild beaches of a clarity unusual for the region. Île Saint-Honorat, smaller, houses a still-active Cistercian monastery, the monks produce a wine you can buy directly on site. A day that begins in Cannes and ends on these islands has little to envy a conventional beach day.

Key tip: Cannes in August is very busy, especially at weekends. Prefer a weekday visit, transport, restaurants and beaches are considerably more pleasant.

The Fragonard Perfumery in Eze offers a free guided tour of its workshops, traditional perfume-making, the history of the region's aromatic plants, an explanation of the distillation process. It is a concrete and accessible way to understand why Grasse and its surroundings have been the world's perfume capital for three centuries.

Château Eza deserves a specific mention. A former royal palace transformed into a hotel and gastronomic restaurant, its terrace offers a view over the Mediterranean from a vertiginous height. Even without staying, booking a table for lunch or a drink remains one of the most memorable experiences in the region.

The Nietzsche Path is the descent on foot from the village down to Eze-sur-Mer, a hiking trail of approximately 1.5 hours that the philosopher used to walk regularly during his stays in the region. He conceived part of "Thus Spoke Zarathustra" on this path. The trail is beautiful, partially shaded, but physically demanding in the middle of August. Reserved for fit hikers with appropriate footwear.

Transport: A car is more practical as Eze-le-Village is not directly served by train. Bus line 112 from Nice serves the village but with limited frequency, check the return timetable before setting off.

The Chapelle Saint-Pierre is the overlooked treasure of Villefranche. Entirely decorated by Jean Cocteau in 1957, its wall frescoes depict scenes from the life of Saint Peter and tributes to the seafaring people of the region.

Cocteau worked on these paintings himself, a unique piece, at the entrance to the old village, often walked past without entering. Do not make this mistake.

La Darse beach, on the other side of the bay, is calmer and more local than Nice's beaches. Pebbles, clear water, no private beaches stretching as far as the eye can see. The best time to go: early in the morning, between 7am and 9am, before the first visitors arrive. The water is crystal clear at this hour.

The Maeght Foundation, a few minutes' walk from the village, is one of the most important modern art museums in France in an exceptional architectural setting, designed by Catalan architect Josep Lluís Sert, it integrates sculptures, gardens and buildings into a coherent whole that the architecture alone would justify visiting.

The medieval ramparts and art galleries lining the village's alleyways compose an artistic walk without equivalent in Provence. Saint-Paul-de-Vence is visited slowly, that is its first teaching.

How to Organise These Excursions from Boscolo Nice

The Boscolo Nice concierge service can organise each of these excursions, private transfers by chauffeured vehicle to all these destinations, lunch table reservations on-site, and for Monaco, a helicopter transfer from Nice in seven minutes. For those wishing to go as far as Saint-Tropez, the helicopter remains the fastest and most memorable option.

A logistics tip for summer: one excursion per day maximum. The heat, the busy roads and the rhythm of the Côte d'Azur in August are not compatible with an overloaded itinerary. Leave at least two free mornings in the stay to enjoy the BClub Rooftop and the Boscolo Spa, some of the best moments on the Riviera happen without leaving the hotel.

Your Boscolo concierge can organise each of these excursions, from booking the driver to reserving the lunch table on-site.

Contact the concierge →

Book your stay →