Good makes a wonderful base for exploring the French Riviera. In lower than an hour you’ll be able to attain historic ports, hilltop villages, gardens overlooking the ocean, and even cross into Italy. Listed below are a number of the most rewarding day journeys you’ll be able to take from town.
Good sits virtually precisely in the midst of the Côte d’Azur rail line, so you’ll be able to simply attain many coastal cities with out having to alter inns each evening.
Colourful streets of Good’s Outdated CityYou may see a lot with below an hour’s journey – medieval hilltop villages, historic ports, luxurious resorts, and even cross into Italy!
If that is your first go to to the Riviera, these locations present an ideal introduction to the area.
Most of those excursions could be performed simply by prepare or bus, which makes Good one of many easiest locations on the Riviera from which to discover the encircling cities.
Comparability chart: day journeys from Good
Good day journeys map
Good sits on the middle of the French Riviera, and plenty of cities are conveniently situated alongside the coastal rail line between Cannes and Menton, on both aspect of Good.
Hilltop villages like Èze or Saint-Paul-de-Vence are barely inland and should require a bus experience, whereas a brief prepare experience east brings you proper into Italy. A number of locations could be reached with no automobile.
How you can get across the French Riviera from Good
The Riviera has some of the handy transport networks in France, and most excursions are easy.
Day journeys from Good by prepare
The coastal railway connects many of the main Riviera cities. Trains run ceaselessly between Cannes, Antibes, Good, Monaco, and Menton, and the journey between every city isn’t greater than 40 minutes.
Stations are often near the historic middle, which suggests you’ll be able to discover simply on foot. E book your prepare tickets earlier than arriving, or use your railpass in case you desire.
Visiting hilltop villages by bus
A number of the Riviera’s most well-known villages usually are not instantly on the prepare line. Locations resembling Èze or Saint-Paul-de-Vence are reached by regional buses that depart from Good.
These routes are cheap and run frequently all through the day.
Taking guided excursions from Good
If you happen to desire to not should coordinate buses or trains, small-group excursions from Good usually mix a number of locations in a single day.
Renting a automobile on the Riviera
A automobile just isn’t important for visiting most Riviera cities.
Frankly, trains and buses are simpler – I’ve visited the Riviera each methods and by far desire utilizing public transport, a minimum of alongside the coast. Parking in Riviera cities could be restricted, and summer season site visitors alongside the coastal highway can sluggish to a crawl.
That stated, driving is definitely doable, particularly exterior the excessive season. In case you are visiting in spring, autumn or winter, having a automobile could make it simpler to succeed in smaller inland villages or locations not served by the rail line. An excellent instance of needing a automobile is the Mimosa Path, which runs by the hills inland and requires a automobile.
If you happen to do plan to drive, park when you arrive at a village and discover the historic facilities on foot. Most Riviera cities are compact and pedestrian-friendly.
If you must lease, you’ll be able to examine costs right here.
Finest guided excursions from Good
Whereas most Riviera cities are straightforward to succeed in by prepare or bus, you won’t be in a temper to go it alone. Loads of guided excursions mix a number of locations in sooner or later. They deal with transportation, and sometimes embody commentary concerning the area’s historical past and tradition, with tidbits you won’t discover wherever else.
Typical excursions from Good embody visits to most Riviera highlights, so there’s a lot to select from.
Monaco and Èze small-group tour
This basic half-day Riviera tour visits the hilltop village of Èze earlier than persevering with to Monaco. Stops often embody the previous city of Monaco, the Prince’s Palace and Monte-Carlo’s luxurious middle.
French Riviera villages tour
Some excursions give attention to the inland villages west of Good, together with locations resembling Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Antibes or Cannes. For instance, this specific tour will take you to Grasse and Saint-Paul-de-Vence, but additionally to a number of inland villages which might be usually bypassed.
Some locations are off the crushed path and you will not simply get there with no automobile. This fashion, you’ll be able to see much less visited villages with out juggling a number of bus schedules.
Provence wine tour from Good
In case you are all for wine, small-group excursions go to vineyards within the Côtes de Provence area. Tastings are included, after all, and transportation is dealt with by the tour firm.
This tour is especially fashionable – 15 tastings over the course of the day, and no vehicles or trains to fret about.
PLANNING YOUR DAY TRIPS FROM NICE
If you happen to’re quick on time, these are the simplest day journeys:
- 10–20 minutes: Villefranche-sur-Mer
- 20–half-hour: Monaco, Antibes
- 30–40 minutes: Cannes, Menton
- 1 hour or extra: Grasse, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Dolceacqua (Italy)
In order for you one thing completely different:
- Historical past: Monaco, La Turbie, Dolceacqua
- Villages: Èze, Saint-Paul-de-Vence
- Italian ambiance: Menton, Ventimiglia, Sanremo
11 Prime day journeys from Good on the French Riviera
The Riviera is dense with doable excursions, and virtually each information recommends a barely completely different record.
The locations under usually are not simply the closest to Good or probably the most well-known. They’re locations that work particularly properly for a day journey: straightforward to succeed in, distinctive sufficient to justify the journey and compact sufficient to discover with out dashing.
Some are alongside the coast, like Antibes and Cannes. Others lie within the hills behind the Riviera, the place medieval villages overlook the Mediterranean.
These 11 locations present the vary of day journeys out there from Good. Some are well-known Riviera stops, others are quieter locations that uncover a special aspect of the coast.
1. Monaco, the basic Riviera tour
Monaco is without doubt one of the best and hottest day journeys from Good. The prepare experience takes about 25 minutes, hugging the coast earlier than coming into the small principality.
Most guests start in Monte-Carlo, the place the well-known on line casino designed by Charles Garnier overlooks the harbor. From there, you’ll be able to stroll or take the native bus as much as Monaco-Ville, the previous city perched on a rocky outcrop.
Highlights embody the Prince’s Palace, the slim streets of the medieval quarter, and the Oceanographic Museum, which sits dramatically above the ocean.
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2. La Turbie, Roman historical past above Monaco
Excessive up above Monaco, La Turbie has sweeping views over the Riviera and the principality under. However what you are actually right here for is the Trophy of Augustus (Trophée d’Auguste), a big Roman monument constructed round 6 BCE to mark Emperor Augustus’s victory over Alpine tribes and the frontier between Italy and Gaul.
The village itself is small and quiet, with slim streets and stone homes so completely different from the bustle of Monaco under.
Journey time from Good
About 45 minutes by bus
Good if you’d like
Roman historical past and panoramic views of the Riviera
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3. Èze, a hilltop jewel above the Mediterranean
The medieval village of Èze clings to a steep hill overlooking the ocean. Its slim lanes climb towards the highest and the Jardin Exotique, which has a number of the most dramatic views on the Riviera.
As a result of the village sits excessive above the coast, many guests mix it with Monaco on the identical day.
Journey time from Good
Bus from Good (best), or prepare to Èze-sur-Mer adopted by a stroll up the steep Nietzsche path
Good if you’d like
Medieval ambiance and sweeping coastal surroundings
This pretty tour (in an electrical automobile) takes you not solely to Èze but additionally to some lesser-known villages close by.
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4. Villefranche-sur-Mer, one of many Riviera’s prettiest harbors
Villefranche-sur-Mer – considered one of my favourite stops alongside the Riviera – is only some minutes from Good however feels far quieter. Beautiful pastel homes line the harbor, behind which slim streets climb steeply behind the waterfront.
The previous city is small and straightforward to discover on foot. Drop by Saint-Pierre des Pêcheurs chapel to admire murals by Jean Cocteau, or by Saint-Michel church to view its iconic striped forecourt.
From Villefranche, you’ll be able to take a bus within the city middle (15 or 607 as of this writing) to the cease Satisfactory/Villa Ephrussi. To go to the Villa Ephrussi, you can even stroll an hour (uphill!) in direction of the ridge.
Journey time from Good
About 10 minutes by prepare
Good if you’d like
A relaxed seaside village near Good
If you happen to plan on visiting the Villa Ephrussi, you’ll be able to purchase your entry ticket forward of time.
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5. Antibes
Antibes’ previous city is enclosed by ramparts that look out over the Mediterranean, lining a harbor that overflows with luxurious yachts. However the city has a lot extra to supply.
Its lined market stays one of many liveliest within the area, and in case you’re art-inclined, the Picasso Museum, within the Château Grimaldi the place the artist as soon as labored, is a worthwhile cultural cease.
Journey time from Good
About 20 minutes by prepare
Good if you’d like
Markets, artwork museums and harbor views
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6. Cannes – it is greater than only a movie pageant
Cannes is greatest recognized for its annual movie pageant, however the metropolis presents way more than pink carpets.
The Croisette promenade runs alongside the bay, lined with Belle Époque inns and seashores. Above the harbor lies Le Suquet, the historic quarter whose slim streets climb towards the previous citadel. It is positively definitely worth the hike to see the view over the bay and harbor under.
Journey time from Good
About 35 minutes by prepare
Good if you’d like
Basic Riviera surroundings, energetic harbor life and luxurious
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7. Lérins Islands simply off the coast of Cannes
Lerins Abbey on the island of St HonoratA brief ferry experience from Cannes brings you to the Îles de Lérins, two islands surrounded by clear Mediterranean water.
Île Sainte-Marguerite is thought for the Fort Royal, the place the mysterious Man within the Iron Masks was imprisoned throughout the reign of Louis XIV, and for its underwater eco-museum.
The smaller Île Saint-Honorat is house to a working Cistercian monastery whose monks nonetheless produce wine. Each islands are excellent nature escapes from the bustle of the coast.
Journey time from Good
Practice to Cannes, then ferry
Good if you’d like
Nature, historical past, and peaceable strolling paths
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8. Menton, a form of “pre-Italy”
Close to the Italian border, Menton’s character has been influenced by each France and Italy. The outcome is without doubt one of the most distinctive cities on the Riviera. Simply take a look at the rows of pastel homes and slim lanes rising up in direction of the previous city…
On the high of Menton you may discover the Basilique Saint-Michel-Archange, reached by a broad staircase and fronted by a striped pebble forecourt overlooking the rooftops under.
Past its magnificence, the city can also be well-known for its lemons, celebrated every winter throughout the Fête du Citron.
Journey time from Good
About 40 minutes by prepare
Good if you’d like
Historic streets, gorgeous pastels and a quieter Riviera ambiance
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9. Saint-Paul-de-Vence , for medieval and artwork lovers
Saint-Paul-de-Vence is gorgeous however barely awkward to succeed in from Good. Not like Monaco or Antibes, you may should take a bus after which stroll a bit.
Many guests anticipate a fast prepare experience and are shocked by the additional effort.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence is simpler to go to on a small-group tour as a result of public transport requires a bus connection.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence stands on a ridge overlooking the countryside west of Good. The village is enclosed by Sixteenth-century ramparts and has lengthy attracted artists.
At this time its slim streets are stuffed with galleries, and it’s house to the Fondation Maeght, considered one of France’s most essential trendy artwork collections. You may purchase your ticket forward of time.
Journey time from Good
1 hr by bus
Good if you’d like
Artwork galleries and historic structure.
If you happen to make your method there independently, here is a strolling tour of Saint-Paul-de-Vence so you do not miss a factor.
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10. Grasse — the world capital of fragrance
Grasse is called the fragrance capital of the Riviera. It developed its fragrance trade within the 18th century and stays the middle of French perfume manufacturing.
Guests can tour historic fragrance homes of Grasse resembling Fragonard, Galimard, or Molinard, and the Worldwide Fragrance Museum explains how the trade developed. It is a distinctive expertise, particularly in case you love flowers and smells.
Journey time from Good
About one hour by prepare or bus
Good if you’d like
Fragrance historical past and a glimpse of inland Provence
You can too discover ways to create your individual fragrance whilst you’re right here.
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11. Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat — villas and coastal paths
The gorgeous Villa Ephrussi de RothschildThe peninsula of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat presents a quieter aspect of the Riviera. The spotlight is the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, whose gardens overlook the ocean and are organized into a number of themed landscapes. (You can too attain the villa from Villefranche-sur-Mer, talked about above.)
From the harbor in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, the villa is a couple of 20-minute uphill stroll. Bus 15 additionally stops close by (get off at Satisfactory/Villa Ephrussi) and stroll the quick climb (10 minutes or so) to the doorway.
Strolling paths comply with the coast across the peninsula, particularly the Sentier du Littoral, one of many Riviera’s most scenic.
Journey time from Good
About half-hour by bus
Good if you’d like
Gardens, coastal surroundings and stylish villas
Straightforward half-day journeys from Good
If you happen to solely have a couple of hours to spare, a full day journey won’t work. Thankfully, a number of locations are shut sufficient to go to with out committing to a full day.
Villefranche-sur-Mer
Just some minutes from Good by prepare, Villefranche-sur-Mer is without doubt one of the quickest and loveliest excursions on the Riviera.
Spend a couple of hours exploring the harbor, wandering by the slim streets of the previous city, or stress-free on the seaside earlier than returning to Good. The beachfront eating places are excellent for lunch or for an ice cream break.
Èze
The hilltop village of Èze may also be visited in half a day. Many guests spend a couple of hours exploring the medieval lanes and the Jardin Exotique, then return to Good or proceed on to Monaco.
Monaco
As a result of the prepare journey from Good takes about twenty minutes, Monaco is simple to go to even when you’ve got solely a part of a day. Stroll by Monte-Carlo, go to the Prince’s Palace, or discover the harbor earlier than returning.
Day journeys from Good to Italy
The Italian border is so near Good that you may simply take a day journey into Liguria for the day. It’s solely a brief prepare experience, however you may discover the change in ambiance virtually instantly. Italy is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go to from Good in case you’re in search of a particular change in surroundings.
Ventimiglia
Ventimiglia is the closest Italian city to the Riviera. Its giant Friday market attracts guests from each side of the border, promoting all the things from meals and leather-based items to clothes.
Climb as much as the previous city above the river and also you’ll discover a maze of slim streets and small squares.
Journey time: About 50 minutes by prepare.
Sanremo
Sanremo grew to become a modern winter resort throughout the Belle Époque, when rich guests from throughout Europe got here to benefit from the gentle local weather. You may nonetheless see it mirrored within the city’s elegant inns and villas and the palm-lined promenades.
Above the harbor, the historic quarter generally known as La Pigna climbs steeply up the hillside in a maze of medieval lanes and stairways － very Italian.
Journey time: About 1 hr 20 min by prepare
Dolceacqua
Dolceacqua lies inland from Ventimiglia and is thought for its arched stone bridge and the ruins of a medieval citadel overlooking the village.
The painter Claude Monet was so taken with the scene that he painted the bridge throughout a go to to the area in 1884.
Journey time: about 1 hr 30 min by prepare and bus
From Good, take a prepare to Ventimiglia railway station, then catch a neighborhood bus to Dolceacqua from the close by Ventimiglia bus station.
Straightforward day-trip itineraries from Good
If you happen to’re spending a number of days in Good, you’ll be able to simply mix a number of close by locations right into a single day journey. Listed below are some fashionable however manageable itineraries.
Monaco and Èze
You may go to the hilltop village of Èze within the morning by taking the Bus 82 or 602 from Good (Vauban bus station) to Èze village. The bus drops you close to the doorway to the medieval streets. After exploring the village, stroll down the Nietzsche Path, a steep path that descends to the coast with spectacular views over the Mediterranean (it is steep － put on good footwear).
On the backside, head in direction of Èze-sur-Mer station and take the prepare to Monaco, about 10 minutes away.
As soon as there, discover Monte-Carlo and the previous city, and don’t miss the view from the Prince’s Palace over the harbor. Simply know that the Monaco prepare station sits excessive above the port, with escalators and elevators main all the way down to the waterfront.
Antibes and Cannes
Each cities lie alongside the identical railway line west of Good, in order that they’re straightforward to mix.
Take the prepare from Good to Antibes and spend the morning exploring the previous city, visiting the energetic Marché Provençal, and strolling alongside the ramparts overlooking the ocean.
From Antibes, proceed by prepare to Cannes, which is just about 10 minutes away. As soon as there, stroll alongside the Croisette promenade, discover the harbor, and climb as much as Le Suquet, the previous quarter above the port, for sweeping views over the bay.
Menton and Ventimiglia
If you happen to’re within the temper for an Italian-themed day, take the prepare from Good to Menton (about 40 minutes) and spend the morning wandering by the pastel-colored previous city and having fun with the views over the harbor.
From Menton, proceed by prepare a couple of minutes throughout the border to Ventimiglia in Italy.
The ambiance rapidly shifts to a extra Italian tempo, with energetic markets and small cafés, and a historic middle perched above the river. Even in case you miss the well-known Friday market, the previous city and a leisurely Italian meal will make the additional experience definitely worth the time.
Weekend journeys from Good when you’ve got extra time
If in case you have extra time, some locations are simpler to get pleasure from over a weekend than in a single day. Listed below are a few of my favourite not-too-distant from Good locations.
Marseille
Marseille, usually known as France’s oldest metropolis, is about 2½ hours west of Good by prepare, so a bit far for a day journey however perfect for a weekend.
Begin on the Vieux-Port, wander by the slim streets of Le Panier, and climb to Notre-Dame de la Garde, whose hilltop basilica seems out over the harbor. It might all be performed in sooner or later.
Aix-en-Provence
Aix is thought for its swish boulevards, energetic markets, and affiliation with the painter Paul Cézanne, whose studio can nonetheless be visited. Spend time wandering the historic middle, the place fountains and shaded squares lined with cafés create a distinctly Provençal ambiance.
Avignon or Arles
If you happen to get pleasure from historical past, think about Avignon or Arles.
Avignon is legendary for the huge Palais des Papes, as soon as the seat of the medieval papacy, whereas Arles preserves a number of the best Roman monuments in southern France and is carefully related to Vincent van Gogh.
The place to remain in Good
As a result of Good is on the middle of the Riviera rail community, it makes a wonderful base for exploring the coast. The map under reveals inns and residences in Good together with their present costs.
Lodging fills rapidly throughout summer season and pageant season, so it’s sensible to verify availability early.
FAQ
Undoubtedly. The French Riviera has one of many best transport networks in France. The coastal prepare line connects Good with cities resembling Monaco, Antibes, Cannes, and Menton, and buses attain hilltop villages like Èze and Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Many guests rely totally on trains and buses once they discover the Riviera.
Monaco and Villefranche-sur-Mer are two of the simplest excursions. Each are lower than 20 minutes from Good by prepare, and their essential sights are inside strolling distance of the station.
Three to 5 days permits time to discover Good itself and take a number of day journeys alongside the coast. With a full week, you’ll be able to go to each Riviera cities and inland locations resembling Grasse or Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
Sure. As a result of the 2 locations are shut collectively, many individuals mix them. You may go to the hilltop village of Èze first, then proceed on to Monaco.
Sure. The Italian border is lower than an hour away by prepare. Cities resembling Ventimiglia and Sanremo have a barely completely different ambiance, with Italian markets, delicacies and structure.
The prepare is often the simplest strategy to journey between coastal cities. Buses join villages within the hills, and ferries attain close by islands just like the Lérins Islands off Cannes.
Earlier than you go
One of many pleasures of staying in Good is the convenience with which you’ll discover the encircling area. A brief prepare experience or bus journey opens up a powerful number of landscapes, from medieval hilltop villages to colourful coastal cities.
For a better take a look at the world, check out my information to ten stunning cities in southern France, which incorporates a number of locations simply reached from Good.
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