Many people are aware that there is a lot to do in Nice, but they don’t realize that there is also a lot to do in surrounding towns. Many of these cities are just a scooter ride, train ride or bus ride away. For those looking for an exciting 7 day trip from Nice, there’s a whole wealth of options in each of these towns listed below.
Ville Franche-Sur-Mer
This little village is quite charming. It’s not that far from Nice, at just under an hour by foot. Many people come here just to enjoy the pebble beach. Visitors can get a great view of the sea at the Citadel or get to know the locals as they stop at a café for lunch or walk down the charming streets.
Monaco & Eze
Monaco is quaint, but gorgeous. It’s the world’s second smallest country, but certainly doesn’t lack in things to do. There’s a number of casinos and even a royal castle to view. One of the amazing things about this town is that it’s a multi-level city. This means that there are quite a few elevators scattered around so visitors and locals can easily get up and down from one location to the next. As for Eze, it’s well worth the visit and is just outside of Monaco. There’s a beautiful tropical garden as well plenty of place for tourists to do some souvenir shopping or visit the popular perfume factory outlets.
Cannes
This welcoming city has palm tree lined streets and a glamorous feel. Those who visit here must check out the old town of Le Suquet. Since the town is located on a hill, some of the best views in France can be seen here. Cannes is filled with winding streets and an old world charm.
Antibes
Antibes is often referred to as the “city by the sea”. It is home to several museums that include some of Picasso’s work. Antibes is a mix of history and sea life. It is known for its fabulous dining options including La Pierre a Four.
Menton
The lemon festival, called Fete du Citron, has made this town quite famous. Perhaps this is because you can’t go to many places and see giant statues made out of lemons in the month of February. Throughout the rest of the year visitors come to see the old French buildings and stroll down the streets. A favorite among travelers are the ice cream and candy shops. Another must see is the Basilica St. Michel that hovers over the beach, which allows for some great views. Overall, Menton is an interesting place to relax and unwind.
Grasse
The world famous Fragonard perfumery is located in Grasse. This city consists of little squares with streets that wind around it. Grasse also inspired some of the scenes from the movie Perfume: The Story of a Murderer?. There are many galleries located here and the locals tend to be friendly.
St. Paul de Vence
This medieval town is located on the top of a hill. There are quite a few museums and galleries located in St. Paul de Vence. It’s not surprising that many French artists, including Chagall, have lived here at some point. The town in of itself is artsy and has a sophisticated feel.
Avignon
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Avignon is full of culture. The streets are for pedestrians only as automobiles are not allowed. It’s a mix of tree-lined streets and a variety of shops. There’s also a book market located by the train station on Cours Jean Jaures. Avignon tends to be popular among tourists because it seems to cater to everyone’s interests.
