Day trips from Monaco: Eze, Menton, Nice and the French Riviera

Day trips from Monaco

Monaco's position on the French Riviera makes it an excellent base for exploring the surrounding coast and hill country. Excellent train and bus connections mean you can reach most destinations without a car.

Nice

Distance: 20 minutes by train

Nice is the regional capital and offers a full day or more of sightseeing. Highlights include the Promenade des Anglais, the colourful Old Town (Vieux Nice) with its market on Cours Saleya, the Matisse Museum, the Marc Chagall Museum and the Castle Hill viewpoint. Trains depart from Monaco-Monte-Carlo station every 20 to 30 minutes.

Eze Village

Distance: 15 minutes by bus (line 82 from Place des Moulins)

The medieval hilltop village of Eze is one of the most scenic spots on the Riviera. Perched 427 metres above the sea, the narrow stone streets lead to the Jardin Exotique d'Eze at the summit, offering sweeping panoramic views. The Fragonard perfume factory at the base of the village offers free tours. Eze is compact and can be explored in two to three hours.

Menton

Distance: 12 minutes by train

Menton sits at the Italian border and has a distinctly relaxed, slightly Italian character. Known for its lemons and its annual Fete du Citron (February), the town has a charming old town, the Jean Cocteau Museum, beautiful gardens (Jardin Serre de la Madone, Jardin de Val Rahmeh) and some of the warmest weather on the coast. The pebble beaches are less crowded than those in Nice or Monaco.

Ventimiglia (Italy)

Distance: 25 minutes by train

Just across the Italian border, Ventimiglia is popular for its bustling Friday market (one of the largest in the region), its compact medieval old town and affordable Italian dining. No passport control is needed, but carry identification.

Cap d'Ail and Roquebrune-Cap-Martin

These neighbouring French communes are within walking distance of Monaco. Cap d'Ail offers the beautiful Plage de Mala beach and a coastal path. Roquebrune-Cap-Martin has a medieval castle, a historic old village and the stunning coastal walk of Le Corbusier.

Inland villages

For those with a car or willing to take a bus, the hill villages of the arriere-pays offer a contrast to the coast:

• Peillon: a dramatically perched medieval village
• Sainte-Agnes: the highest coastal village in Europe
• La Turbie: home to the Roman Trophy of Augustus and views over Monaco

Getting around

• Train: the SNCF coastal line is frequent, affordable and scenic
• Bus: Lignes d'Azur regional buses serve Eze, Cap d'Ail and other local destinations
• Car: useful for inland villages but parking can be challenging along the coast