French Riviera: Cannes, Monaco & Eze Small Group Day Trip

Summary

From Nice to Monte Carlo by sea roads, scents of Eze and film stars in Cannes

You’ll travel from Nice along the sparkling coast in a small group van, guided by a local who knows every shortcut and story. Smell jasmine in medieval Eze, stand where film legends have in Cannes, and sip coffee steps from Monaco’s palace. This French Riviera day trip blends famous sights with quiet corners — leaving you with memories that linger long after you’re back.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the color — that sharp blue Mediterranean light bouncing off the minivan’s window as we left Nice. Our guide, Jean-Luc, had this way of pointing out little things you’d miss: an old fisherman waving from his boat near Villefranche-sur-Mer, or the wild rosemary growing along the roadside. The drive to Eze was all winding roads and glimpses of turquoise sea far below. When we stepped out, I could smell something sweet in the air — later found out it was jasmine from someone’s garden. The village itself felt like a movie set: stone arches, crooked alleys, cats sunning themselves on warm steps. We ducked into the Fragonard perfume factory (it’s optional but honestly worth it), and I tried to guess the scents during their little quiz — failed miserably but laughed with everyone else.

Monaco came next. It’s strange how quiet the old town feels compared to what you see on TV — just a few locals chatting outside a bakery near the Prince’s Palace. Our guide walked us through stories about Grace Kelly and pointed at the Cathedral where she married. Standing at the Formula 1 starting line felt surreal; I half-expected a race car to zoom past but just got a whiff of espresso from a nearby café instead. We didn’t rush — plenty of time to wander or sit for a coffee if you wanted (I did). The whole place has this polished calmness that made me feel slightly underdressed but oddly welcome.

Cannes was last. There’s something funny about pressing your hands into celebrity prints outside the Film Festival Palace — mine barely fit next to Sophia Loren’s. The red carpet looked smaller than I expected; still, people were posing like movie stars while seagulls circled overhead. Driving along Cap d’Antibes after that, I tried counting yachts in Antibes harbor but lost track at “too many.” We strolled through Antibes’ old town just before sunset when everything glowed gold and locals were closing up shop for dinner. It smelled like bread and salt air together — not sure why that stuck with me.

I didn’t expect to feel so connected to these places by the end of this French Riviera day trip from Nice. Maybe it was Jean-Luc’s stories or just watching ordinary life happen between all those postcard moments. Either way, every time I catch a hint of jasmine now, I think about that view above Eze.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore French Riviera highlights

• Visit medieval village of Eze
• Tour perfume factory in Grasse
• Discover Monaco old town
• See Prince's Palace and Cathedral
• Photo stop at Grand Prix start line
• Explore Monte Carlo and Casino
• Visit Cannes Film Festival Palace
• Drive along Cap d'Antibes coastline
• Stroll old town of Antibes
• Admire super yachts at billionaires' quay

Top questions

How long is the French Riviera day trip from Nice?

The tour lasts approximately one full day with several stops including Eze, Monaco, Cannes, Antibes, and Cap d’Antibes.

Is hotel pickup included for this French Riviera tour?

Yes, hotel pickup in Nice is included as part of your booking for this small group day trip.

Do we visit a perfume factory during this tour?

Yes, there is an optional guided visit to Fragonard Perfume Factory in Eze included in your itinerary.

What languages are offered on this tour?

The tour is guaranteed in English and French; other languages may be available upon request.

Is lunch included during the French Riviera day trip?

No lunch is included; however there is free time at several stops where you can purchase food or coffee.

Are wheelchair users able to join this tour?

The tour is wheelchair accessible with some assistance required at certain sites; foldable wheelchairs are accepted.

Does this tour run if there are less than four travelers?

No, there must be at least four travelers for departure; otherwise an alternative or refund will be offered.

Which attractions do we see in Monaco?

You’ll visit Monaco’s old town including the Prince’s Palace and Cathedral; also see part of the Formula 1 Grand Prix track.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Nice by air-conditioned Mercedes minivan with commentary from your professional driver-guide throughout. There’s an optional guided visit at Fragonard Perfume Factory in Eze plus free time at each stop including Monaco’s old town and Cannes’ Film Festival Palace before returning to your hotel in Nice.