Cruise & Curated Travel Specialist
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Another popular day trip from Nice, France is a visit to the fortified village of Saint Paul de Vence.
If you like history and art, Saint Paul de Vence should be on your list to visit when in Nice. It’s a charming medieval city perched on a mountainside overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
Spend an hour walking the narrow streets and exploring hundreds of years of military & religious structures. Wander in and out of the art galleries and possibly stop for lunch in one of the many restaurants.
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If you’re looking for an authentic French village along the Cote d’Azur, a visit to Peillon should be on your list when visiting Nice. Getting off the train, you can spot the 12th century village perched on top of a cliff with higher mountains soaring behind.
The breathtaking mountain vista is a stark contrast to the Mediterranean views of Nice. Walk the steep, narrow streets and image yourself, 500 years ago, living in one of the houses clinging to the rocks.
There are a couple of restaurants in Peillon if you’re looking for a nice meal. There are no grocery stores or souvenir shops, so make sure to pack water and snacks. The lack of touristy shops is part of what makes Peillon a breath of fresh air when compared to the rows of postcard merchants in Nice.
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You’ve made a big travel decision and decided to visit the South of France on your next vacation. But you don’t know where to go or how much time you’ll need to visit the many villages. That’s where our new 5 day Côte d’Azur itinerary can help. We’ve included some of the most popular destinations to help you prepare for your holiday.
As the 2nd busiest airport in France, after Paris, it’s likely you will fly into Nice. We suggest making the city your home base during the trip. While you could rent a car during your stay, our itinerary makes use of public transportation, as it’s easy to explore by train and bus.
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Located near the border of Italy, the coastal city of Menton boasts beautiful pastel colored buildings, quaint cobblestone streets and fabulous sea views. If visiting the South of France, the historic city makes a great day trip from Nice.
A bit of history – in 1346, Menton was purchased by Prince Charles Grimaldi. It remained part of Monaco for just over 500 years before being annexed to France and becoming part of the Alpes Maritimes department. In the late 1800’s, Menton was a famed health resort. British families flocked to the city to spend their winters soaking up the warm Mediterranean sun. Today, it’s easy to see this why the city was a draw for the Prince of Monaco and northern Europeans. Wandering the old streets, visitors will be transported back in time.
Follow the narrow, cobbled streets as you climb through the Old Town. The dark alleys are spotted with bursts of greenery & fragrant flowers around every corner.
The Basilica St. Michel was built in 1619 at the direction of Prince Honoré II of Monaco, but was completely restored in 1887. The ornate architecture, frescos and imposing altar make it well worth a visit. The Basilica isn’t open all day, so check the opening times, as it varies by season.
Next to the Basilica is La Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs or The Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, which was built in the 1680’s on the grounds outside the walls of the medieval city. The beautiful altars and unique red walls inside the chapel are worth a look.
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Villefranche-sur-Mer is one of our favorite villages along the Cote d’Azur. It’s just on the other side of Mont Boron from Nice, making it easily accessible by foot, bus or train. There are plenty of things to do in Villefranche for the entire family. The picturesque Old Town is well kept and a great spot to wander, shop or grab a bite to eat.
One of the highlights of the village is the bay and beach of Villefranche, one of the deepest natural harbors of the Mediterranean Sea. It’s a great spot for kids to swim. I suggest equipping them with a mask and snorkel to experience the local sealife. Due to the depth, the United States Navy made Villefranche the home port of the U.S. 6th Fleet from 1948 to 1966. Interestingly, the U.S. fleet was recently back in Villefranche to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their departure.
The Beach – As already mentioned, the beach is great for swimming and other aquatic activities. For instance, you’ll find a ton of paddle boarders out on the water. It’s perfect for kids as there is a gradual slope from the shore, so kids can easily play in the shallow, calm waters. Another neat feature is the composition of the beach. It’s made of tiny pebbles, not sand, so it’s more comfortable than the rockier bottom at Nice beach.
