Top Ten Places to Visit from Nice

Being able to live in Nice for three months helped me with a few of my life goals: being able to live by the water where a beach was easily accessible (I have lived landlocked all of my life), living in France, and being able to visit a number of other towns or cities that were close for relatively cheap. If you are planning on visiting the south of France, I recommend making Nice a base to enjoy the beach, but also to see some amazing places nearby. 

Here are my top 10 places to visit around Nice.

Street in Villefranche sur-Mer

1. Villefranche sur-Mer

This small accessible town is only 4 km away from Nice. Having some of the most beautiful views from the nearby road of the bay, it is easily walkable from Nice, but also possible by bicycle, bus, or even train. This picturesque town is a great place to sit near the water at one of the local restaurants or bars with a glass of good vin and a book, and take in a view of the many boats that harbor in this bay. Do not overlook the small quaint streets that lead you to the few churches and museums and eventually to the beach, where you can relax on the sandy rift with crystal blue waters in front of you.

VilleFranche sur-Mer

 Tip: Follow the busy road around the town to the get some of the best views of the town itself.

Tende

2. Tende

This French Alpine village is about a two hour train ride from Nice and very close to the border of Italy. If you want great commentary on the history of the railway lines through the mountains and the small towns in between Nice and Tende, take the Train de Marveilles. It is a great option that has both French and English tours. The train ride itself is worth the trip with some of the most beautiful views of the French Alps from the train. Once in Tende, this amazing mountain village offers all you could want from a small town: churches, museums, and hiking. Pack a lunch and head up to the mountains above the town on the well-marked trails and take in the view of the town itself or venture up a bit further for the authentic pine smell and nothing but mountain views.

Street in Tende

Tip: This is also a starting point for going into the Mercantour National Park to the Vallée des Marveilles where there are rock engravings from prehistorical times.

Port in Antibes

3. Antibes

This coastal town is between Nice and Cannes, making it a popular place for cheaper accommodations for locals who work in Nice. Because of this there is a lot of public transportation options, the bus and train lines have multiple times going either direction at all times of the day. This town has a wonderful market that is a great place to grab some local delicacies to go to the beach, one of the main attractions. It offers a great walking path around the cape that can also be enjoyed by bicycle.

Absinthe Museum in Antibes

Tip: If you are feeling thirsty, try going to the Absinthe Museum for a taste of the green spirit.

Duomo in Milan

4. Milano

From Nice, Milano is only a few hours by train and a great way to go visit Italy. Milano is chalked full of churches, museums, and shopping which is what it is famous for. If it is open, check out the top of the Duomo for amazing views and an up close look at the intricate details of the spires. Just because you are in Italy be sure to enjoy all the tasty food from the Milanese sauces to the gelato. 

Birra at Birrificio Lambrate

Tip: An upcoming beer revolution is taking over Milano and for a different take on Italian life and some really tasty beer, try a few of the places that brew and serve it directly to you. 

View of St. Paul de Vence 

5.  St. Paul de Vence

St. Paul de Vence gets a lot of tourists to its quiet, quaint medieval town, at a rate of a whopping 2 million visitors a year. There really is not much to do except wander the cobblestone streets and appreciate the beauty of this small French town. It shows some small artistic details from tiled flowers gracing their streets, small artists shops, and a Marc Chagall piece in one of the churches.  It is also the final resting place of this famous French artist and the town has small posters covering his life and his contributions to the town.

Fountain in St. Paul de Vence

Tip: Try to go when it is not tourist season. In summer, it can be very crowded and make your adventure a bit less memorable. 

View from Vence

6.  Vence

You can easily visit both St. Paul de Vence and Vence on the same day trip. Vence often gets overlooked by the more picturesque St. Paul, but does not disappoint. It has a beautiful, old center that is also a medieval town. It has some great views of the countryside. They have a lovely market that not only offers fresh produce, but also clothes, purses, and artist booths. 

Street in Vence

Tip: This town is a bit more relaxed than its neighbor, take it slowly and the locals will embrace you.

View from Park Güell

7. Barcelona

Barcelona is a cheap flight away, thanks to Vueling and a great way to see another neighboring country. If you have a few days to spare, this hour trip will get you to one of the most visited cities in the world. Pack light with a good pair of walking shoes, because this city holds an amazing amount of things to see and do. Anywhere in the city you will see an influence of Gaudi, whether it be in Park Güell, one of the many houses he designed, or the Sagrada Familia. Even if you are not a fan, be sure to take a moment to appreciate his uniqueness.

Port Vell

Tip: Be sure to eat some pinxtos that are available everywhere. These fun bites will keep your stomach happy while sampling all the different types of food Barcelona has to offer.

View from Château Grimaldi in Haut-de Cagnes

8. Haut-de-Cagnes

This mountain village is definitely a charm that is so close to Nice. Once getting off the local bus at Cagnes-sur-Mer, take the free bus up to the top of this tiny town. As you wind your way uphill among the locals, you instantly feel thankful for this transportation. Once you are dropped off at the château at the very top, you can bask in all the amazing views or get even a better view at the top of the chateau’s tower. Walking around this beautiful small town makes you realize that it is okay to live life slowly.

Haut-de-Cagnes

Tip: Walk down instead of taking the bus. There are many great views of the sea and the shopping in Cagnes-sur-Mer is a great reward after the walk down.

Monaco

9. Monoco

Monaco offers not only a beautiful harbor full of huge yachts, elevators that take you up into the upper portions of the city, but another country to visit close to Nice. The buses and trains are usually very packed during the morning and afternoon commute, but it is only a 30 minute ride to one the wealthiest countries in the world.  There is a lot more to do in Monaco than gamble, and walking around in this beautiful city provides museums, an amazing Japonese garden, and “The Rock” where the king’s residence is.

Street in Monaco

Tip: During the holidays, the Christmas village is a cheaper way to get some great French food.

View from the gardens in Eze

10. Eze Village

This sleepy village has one of the most amazing views in all the Cote d’Azur. The bus ride up takes a windy route through the mountains on tiny roads that have a serious drop straight down below. The Jardin Botanique d'Eze is worth the price for beautiful backdrops of the Mediterranean with cacti and statues. There are charming boutiques of art, jewelry, and ceramics that will add more surprise to this charming village. One of the most famous perfumeries has a manufacturer here as well, so make sure you save time to take a tour and buy some French perfume.

Tip: There is a wonderful hiking trail called the Nietszche trail from Eze Village to Eze sur-Mer. Take it down for a peaceful walk with outstanding views of the Mediterranean. Be sure to pack water, as it does not provide a lot of shade.

With all of these possibilities of great adventures near Nice, be sure to remember to take time for Nice too!