What are the most picturesque villages and towns near Nice France and why did I choose to take you there?
Very often low budget airlines release tickets to the pearl of the French Riviera Nice at promotional prices. Don’t hesitate, treat yourself to a long weekend, and why not more days, in the picturesque South of France, which cleverly combines the atmosphere and comfort of the French countryside with the chic and charm of the Côte d’Azur.
Nice itself is charming and you can easily spend three or four days there without getting bored, especially if you are an art lover.
For those of you who choose to spend your time only in Nice, I have prepared this Sightseeing Guide.
But if you want to explore not only Nice, but also the picturesque region in this part of Southern France, the author’s itineraries, which I have prepared based on personal experience and impressions, will make it as easy as possible for you to choose exactly which cities near Nice to visit. Because the region offers an endless list of intriguing and different places to visit and it is not easy to choose just a few of them.
To head only to the Riviera and visit Cannes, St Tropez and Antibes? Or to soak up the spirit of Provence?
In this post, I’ve picked places from both for you to spend a few unforgettable days in the most impressive 10 villages and towns near Nice France. And to finish you will also get a bonus itinerary.
Which are the most impressive villages and towns near Nice France?
They call Nice the gateway to the “French countryside” and that’s no coincidence. It is from Nice that many of the routes to France’s most picturesque region – Provence and the beautiful French Riviera – start.
I will show you some of them, and besides the more popular ones, I will virtually take you to places still untouched by mass tourism.
Important to know!
In creating these one-day itineraries, I’ve taken into account the distance from the starting point, the total round-trip travel time, and the time needed to stay and explore the most picturesque villages and towns near Nice.
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Where are the most picturesque villages and towns near Nice France?
The places I’ve chosen are no more than 100 km round trip from Nice, because if you decide to use the city as your base accommodation, distance and mode of travel matter a lot.
Recommendation
How to move between places?
The easiest and most convenient way to get around, and the one that gives you the most freedom, is by rent-a-car.
Another option is to use public transport, but you need to plan your time very carefully and keep to the timetable.
The e-bike and scooter are good options for the closer places.
Day trips to the most picturesque villages and towns near Nice France
Itinerary 1: Nice- Villefranche-sur-Mer – Eze – Monaco – Nice
Round trip distance: 46 km total
Driving time round trip: 1.24 hours total
Villefranche-sur-Mer and Eze are undoubtedly some of the most picturesque and interesting towns near Nice. And the most easily accessible. That’s why I chose them for my number one itinerary.
Villefranche-sur-Mer
Distance: 9,6 km
Travel time: 24 min.
The road to Villefranche-sur-Mer is extremely scenic. On the way out of Nice, it climbs a hill which offers a magnificent view of the city and the Côte d’Azur. Eventually the road becomes narrow, with many curves. On either side of it, behind high fences, sprawl both huge mansions, some owned by celebrities, and neat, pastel-painted houses with large gardens dotted with trees and fragrant flowers.
Recommendation
Before entering the town, pull off the road and stop to admire the view from above.
How to get to Villefranche-sur-Mer?
- By rent-a-car
- By taxi from Nice
- By bus from Nice departing from the Square de Normandie stop or bus 80 and 82 from Vauban.
- By train from Nice departing from Nice Ville stop
- By e-bike (electric bike) from Nice.
- By boat
Important!
If you’re travelling by car, park up, admire the lush Mediterranean vegetation that surrounds Vilfranche and head towards the old part of town.
What to see and do in Villefranche-sur-Mer?
I accidentally chose Villefranche-sur-Mer as the first stop of our route among the most picturesque towns near Nice. Villefranche is not only very close, but it is undoubtedly one of the most charming places on the French Riviera. Situated on a large bay in the shape of a giant bowl, the small picturesque town can literally be walked around in an hour.
Here are some of the places to visit:
- Old Town
- Saint Michel Church (Eglise Saint-MIchel)
- The Dark Street (Rue Obscure)
- Saint-Pierre Chapel
- Promenade
- Cafés and restaurants
In the Guide to Villefranche-sur-Mer you will find a detailed list of attractions as well as places to visit nearby.
The town, of course, also offers activities such as diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and all kinds of water sports.
An interesting opportunity is to visit and see the Mediterranean dolphins in the Pelagos Reserve.
Eze
Villefranche-sur-Mer – Eze – 7,8 km, 16 min.
After Villefranche-sur-Mer, we head to the charming medieval town of Eze, perched high on a hill above the French Riviera in southeastern Provence on the road between Nice and Monaco. Eze links two towns into one: it stretches from the seaside town of Eze-sur-Mer to the hilltop medieval village of Eze-le-Village, which offers breathtaking panoramic views. It is these beautiful views that define Eze as one of the most picturesque towns near Nice. Revered by writers and artists alike, Eze has retained the charm and romance of typical southern French villages surrounded by medieval walls.
How to get to Eze from Villefranche-sur-Mer?
- By rent-a-car
- By bus 82
- By e-bike
Important information if you are travelling by car!
The car park under the medieval village is very small.
There is a large car park a few miles outside Eze where visitors can leave the car and take a shuttle to and from. It’s called Parking de l’Oppidum du Col d’Eze. Included in the price of the shuttle is a ticket to visit the Exotic Garden.
What to see and do in Eze?
Here are some of the places and attractions to visit in Eze:
- The medieval town
- The Exotic Garden (Le Jardin Exotique)
- Notre Dame Church
- The galleries of Eze
- The Nietzsche Trail
In the Guide to Eze you will find a detailed list of attractions as well as recommendations on what to visit in the area.
Monaco
Eze – Monaco – 8,5 km, 20 min.
Instead of Monaco, I would personally prefer to visit Menton. We went to Monaco to see the famous turn made popular by Formula 1 – the Fairmont Hairpin. Monaco is definitely not my kind of place, and I can’t be objective in my assessment without personal impression taking over, but I’ll still give you some useful tips that will definitely come in handy if you decide to visit the kingdom.
Attention!
Switch off your mobile data before you approach Monaco. It will be hard to know exactly when you crossed the border, and roaming is outrageously expensive!
Important!
Be careful if you are driving. The streets are hellishly narrow and overbuilt. Prepare for traffic jams!
Tip
If you are in Monaco for a short time, I recommend using the Hop-on Hop-off bus to see more of the sights.
Monaco – Nice – 21 km, 29 min.
Itinerary 2: Nice – Peillon – Luceram – Coaraze – Nice
Total round trip distance: 86.4 km
Driving time round trip: 2.25 hours total
Peillon, Luceram and Coaraze are some of the endlessly picturesque villages and towns near Nice France that are still unpopular with the tourist masses. Whether because of the steep mountain roads with hairpin bends or the lack of numerous cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops, they are still untouched and reveal the charm of Provence in full force. Here, amid the stone streets and flower-filled houses, you will find tranquillity and romance.
Recommendation:
If you are an experienced cyclist, cycle around the area. Many famous French cyclists choose these routes for their training.
Nice – Peillon
Nice – Peillon – 19 km, 28 min.
Peillon in the Paillon Valley is famous for having stairs instead of roads. Peillon is one of the charming Provençal villages perched on a hill in the Alpes-Maritimes department.
How to get to Peillon from Nice?
- By rent-a-car from Nice
- By public transport
- A day trip from Nice
What to see and do in Peillon?
- Take a walk in the village
- Visit Arnulf Square and the fountain
- Chapel of the White Penitents
- Chapel of Notre Dame de Sept Duleur
- Saint Sauveur Church
- The Oratories and Calvary of Peillon
Luceram
Peillon – Luceram – 19 km, 29 min.
How to get to Luceram from Peillon?
Luceram is located in the Alpes-Maritimes department and the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region at 650 metres above sea level. Located in the Paillon valley, this beautiful medieval village is perched on cliffs above the Paillon river gorge, with an endless green landscape all around. Luceram was once a fortified outpost on the ancient salt road, and in the Middle Ages was a fief belonging to the Count of Provence. At the top of the village stood a castle, of which only a few ruins remain.
Useful
A large free car park is located at the entrance to the village.
What to see and do in Luceram?
Here are some suggestions, and you’ll find detailed information about the sights, as well as descriptions of the hiking trails and activities the area has to offer, in the Guide to Luceram.
- Take a walk through the winding stone streets of Luceram
- Drink coffee in the village centre with the locals
- Take in the unusual Christmas decorations
- See the biblical scene
- The old houses of Luceram
- St Marguerite’s Church
- Saint Jean Chapel
- The fortress and the “open throat” tower
- The museum of old instruments and local history
Coaraze
Luceram – Coaraze – 19 km, 30 min.
Classified as one of the most beautiful villages of France (Le Plus Beaux Villages de France), but negligently managed in my opinion, the medieval village of Coarraz is located in the hills north of Nice, in the Maritime Alps department of southeastern France.
Because of its excellent location and the large number of sunny days each year, the village is also called Village du Soleil or Village of the Sun.
Famous artists such as Jean Cocteau, Georges Dukin, Mona Christie, Gilbert Valentin, Ponce de Leon, Henri Goetz dedicated their works to it, including six sundials that decorate the façade of the town hall and the wall of the church square.
How to get to Coaraze from Luceram?
I do not recommend taking public transport between the two villages as the journey will take you nearly two hours.
- By rent-a-car
- By taxi
Important!
The car park is located at the entrance to the village.
Things to see and do in Coaraze?
Immerse yourself in the medieval romance of the village as you climb the narrow stone streets surrounded by stone houses. Stop at the square with the church and the wall with the sundials. Enjoy the picturesque view and the mountain hills all around. Discover who is the symbol of Koaraz. Full information can be found in the Guide to Coaraze.
Coaraze – Nice – 26 km, 41 min.
Itinerary 3: Nice – Saint-Paul-de-Vence – Grasse – Gourdon – Nice
Total round trip distance: 95.3 km
Driving time round trip: 2.30 hours total
Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Nice – Saint-Paul-de-Vence – 20 km, 35 min.
How to get to Saint-Paul-de-Vence from Nice?
- By public transport
- By rent-a-car
- By bus
- By e-bike or scooter
- A day trip from Nice
Saint-Paul-de-Vence is one of the most picturesque towns near Nice. It is located in the south of France in Provence, not far from Nice, Antibes and Grasse. It is also one of the oldest towns on the French Riviera.
Note that Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a tourist spot. The popularity among famous people, the beauty of the place itself, and the proximity to the resorts of the Côte d’Azur also influence the town to be very visited. So be prepared for crowds during the summer season. However, the charming Saint-Paul-de-Vence with houses from the 16th – 18th centuries, including many art workshops and galleries, is well worth a visit.
Useful!
Near the entrance to the old town there is a 7-storey underground paid car park where you can leave your car.
Things to see and do in Saint-Paul-de-Vence?
Tour and explore the medieval town. The cobbled streets and the stone houses covered with flowers will take you back in time. Visit some of the many galleries, fountains and fountains for which Saint-Paul-de-Vence is popular with tourists. Make time for the Esperon Tower and the Chapel of the White Penitents. Buy an original French perfume and sample the local nougat.
For full information on attractions and the region, see our Guide to Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
Where to stay in Saint-Paul-de-Vence?
Grasse
Saint-Paul-de-Vence – Grasse – 26 km, 45 min.
How to get to Grasse from Saint-Paul-de-Vence?
The heart of the perfume industry, Grasse is located in the hills north of Cannes. Large perfume factories such as Fragonard, Molinard and Galimard offer tours, which include testing different perfumes. If you want to get your hands on a perfume direct from the factory, and why not make your own fragrance by taking part in one of the many workshops, this is your place.
Recommendation
Besides the International Perfumery Museum, don’t miss a visit to the Cathedral of Grasse, which houses many paintings, including those by Rubens.
Gourdon
Grasse – Gourdon – 14 km, 21 min.
How to get to Gourdon from Grasse?
- By rent-a-car
- By bus 651
Gourdon, one of the most beautiful villages in France, is located 12 km northeast of Grasse. It is situated on the top of a rocky promontory at an altitude of 760 metres, from where you have a magnificent view of the Loop valley and, in clear weather, you can see the Mediterranean Sea, from Nice to Theul. Because of its location, Gourdon is also known as the “Eagle’s Nest”. It is no coincidence that the main attraction of the village, but only in good weather, is its panoramic view of the gorge with the sea.
Things to see and visit in Gourdon?
Here are some of the sights, and for full information on them and what to visit in the area, check out the Guide of Gourdon.
- Panoramic view of the Mediterranean Sea
- The pottery shops
- The perfumeries
- The soap shops
- The bronze sculpture of the hydra
- The Chapel of Saint Vincent
- The Fountain
- The Fortress of Gourdon
Where to stay in Gourdon?
Gourdon – Nice – 39 km, 55 min.
Itinerary 4: Nice – Antibes – Nice
Nice – Antibes – 51 km, 1,10 hours
How to get to Antibes from Nice?
- By rent-a-car
- By train
- By bus
Why I chose Antibes?
In “Tender is the Night”, Francis Scott Fitzgerald describes the view from the Hotel du Cap Eden-Roc in Antibes: “Early in the morning the distant outlines of Cannes, the rose-cream walls of old fortresses, and the lilac Alps bordering the Italian coast, reflected in the water, trembled on the ripples of seaweed on the surface of the clear shallow water.” Romantic, isn’t it? Charming Antibes has become one of my favourite places in the South of France.
The second largest resort town after Nice, located on the Côte d’Azur in the Provence region, it was founded by Greek sailors in the 6th century B.C. The town gets its name from the ancient name Antipolis, which means “the city across”. Across the street is Nice /then Nicaea/.
Originally Antibes was only a colony of today’s Marseille. But because it was the only fortified point from Marseilles to Italy and thanks to its location on the important route from Rome to Gaul, Antibes became important and was for a long time the largest city in the region.
Attractions in Antibes
Recommendation:
If you’re with small children or disabled people, explore the sights of Antibes by hop-on hop-off bus or train.
- Old Town (Vieil Antibes)
- Picasso Museum
- Sculptures of Miro, Page, Armand and Richier in front of the Picasso Museum
- Follow the signs on the Picasso Trail
- The art installation below the museum
- The promenade, which offers magnificent views of the Mediterranean and the Alps.
- Cap d’Antibes
- The picturesque port of Port Vauban
- Sculpture of Nomad
- Fort Carre
- Antibes Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-la-Platea)
- The old belfry
- The fountains in front of the Grand Hotel before nightfall
- The galleries of the old town
- Musée Peynet
- Visit a local restaurant and bar with live music
- Marine Park Marineland, if you are with children.
Where to stay in Antibes?
Antibes is absolutely worth an overnight stay. The city is enchanting at dusk, the promenade and old town teeming with life, the squares and streets abuzz with live music, and the towering figure of Nomad taking on a completely different appearance, illuminated by the hundreds of lights under the night sky.
- Mas Djoliba is a cosily furnished hotel set amid greenery in a park and offers its guests an outdoor pool and a terrace. Grimaldi Cathedral and Castle are about a mile away, and the beach is 6 minutes away. Antibes Train Station is a 10-minute walk away, making the hotel a great location if you are travelling by train. The rating is Superb 9.3 and the price per night for two is EUR 200.
- BNB RENTING 2 bedrooms near the beach 300 meters is a self-contained apartment with two bedrooms and a kitchen, located 300 m from the beach and offers guests free parking on site. The rating is Superb 9.1 and the price for four for the whole apartment is EUR 2436 per night.
- Hotel Le Ponteil combines the comfort of Provence and the French Riviera. It is located in a quiet location 150 m from the beach and a 10-minute walk from the Picasso Museum. There is also parking nearby. The rating is Exceptional 8.7 and the price per night for two is EUR 457.
- Hôtel La Villa Port d’Antibes & Spa is comfortably furnished and located in the centre of Antibes. It offers family rooms, a spa, an outdoor pool and a bar. It is suitable for people with reduced mobility. The rating is Exceptional 8.9 and the price per night for two is EUR 352.
- Backpackers is a budget offer in Antibes, suitable for backpackers and public transport. It is 150 metres from the beach very close to the Picasso Museum and the train station is 700 metres away. The rating is Very Good 8.0 and the price per person per night is EUR 61.
Bonus itinerary: Nice – Gorges du Verdon – Moustiers Sainte Marie
This route goes beyond the definition of up to 100 km round trip from Nice, so I define it as a Bonus route. But it’s so scenic and different that I can’t help but include it in this post.
Nice – Gorges du Verdon
Nice – Gorges du Verdon – 126 km, 2,41 min.
How to get to Gorges du Verdon from Nice?
Why I chose Gorges du Verdon?
Because you can’t be in Nice and not be taken to the most beautiful and spectacular canyon in France, and the largest in Europe. Yes, it’s over 100km and a bit of a drive, but when else will you get the chance to see this natural phenomenon, with eagles flying overhead and mountain goats passing you on the way?
The canyon is located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region in southeastern France. The gorge is about 25 km long and up to 700 m deep. The river canyon is formed by the Verdon River, which is named for its turquoise-green colour. At the end of the canyon, the river flows into the Croix du Verdon lake.
Moustiers Sainte Marie
Gorges du Verdon – Moustiers Sainte Marie – 28 km, 43 min.
How to get to Moustiers Sainte Marie from Gorges du Verdon?
Moustiers Sainte Marie or simply Moustiers is one of the most beautiful villages of Provence according to the Association Plus Beaux Villages de France.
Amphitheatrically situated under two huge limestone cliffs, the village of Moustiers is nestled at the foot of the mountain on a rocky terrace 100 meters high. The medieval village lies at the head of the most spectacular stretch of the Verdon Gorge, which is the most beautiful gorge in France. Mustier Saint Marie is part of the Verdon Natural Regional Park, which covers the departments of Var and Alpes de Haute Provence and the Geopark de Provence, a UNESCO-listed nature reserve.
Things to do and see in Moustiers Sainte Marie
The location of the village is extremely picturesque and the walk through the narrow streets under the overhanging cliffs is a real pleasure. And when the rocks turn the colours of the sunset, it is truly magical.
What is the village famous for and what you should not miss to see? What secrets does it hide and what will puzzle you?
In the Guide to Moustiers Sainte Marie you will read not only about the sights, but also about all the curious facts that surround the village.
Recommendation
I highly recommend staying overnight in the village. You will be enchanted.
Where to stay in Moustiers Sainte Marie?
It’s no coincidence that I left Mustier Saint Marie for the finale of this exciting journey through the most picturesque towns near Nice. Charming, romantic, yet untouched, Moustier will immerse you in the magic and spirit of Provence.
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6 comments
All of these are great options! & so pretty! The villages, nestled in the mountains, look so scenic. I love the pastel-painted houses. I will add your itinerary to my bucket list!
We haven’t had a chance to visit Moustiers Saint Marie yet. It looks like a charming town!
Ahhh, all places I would happily visit. Coaraze looks particularly appealing!
I have been to Nice and visited several destinations from your list. I see that there are many more to explore. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the information. I’ve been to Marseille and Aix en Provence, but always wanted to check out more of the area. Thank you for the information it is so helpful.
You’ve combined two things I love – road trips and exploring small towns. Great itineraries.