Monaco, Monte-Carlo & Eze: Small Group Day Trip from Nice

Summary

From Nice to Monaco’s palace square and Eze village streets with local stories

You’ll ride from Nice through dramatic coastal views to Eze’s medieval alleys and Monaco’s palace square. Taste local air on Cap Ferrat, see how perfume is made (or skip it), watch guards at the Prince’s Palace, and loop Monte-Carlo’s famous Formula 1 track with a guide who knows every shortcut. It’s a day full of contrasts that lingers long after you’re back.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to start the morning squeezed between strangers in a minivan, but somehow it felt right as we pulled away from Nice. Our guide, Sylvie, had this way of pointing out things you’d miss — like the tiny orange trees along Promenade des Anglais or how Villefranche’s bay changes color when the sun hits just right. We stopped at a viewpoint above Cap Ferrat; honestly, I thought I’d seen blue water before, but this was something else. There was a salty breeze and someone behind me muttering “wow” in German — kind of summed it up.

Eze is perched so high up it almost doesn’t feel real. The streets are tight and twisty, with old stone walls that smell faintly of moss and perfume (probably both). I tried to say “Fragonard” like the locals do — Sylvie laughed at my accent but let me tag along for the perfume factory tour anyway. The place was all lemony and floral inside; I kept thinking my grandmother would’ve loved it here. You can skip that part if you want more time wandering Eze itself — just ask your guide.

Monaco felt like another planet after Eze. The palace square was busy but not overwhelming, with guards doing their slow march while kids tried to mimic them (not very successfully). We peeked into the cathedral where Grace Kelly got married — it’s quieter than you’d think. Then there was Monte-Carlo: everyone gawking at cars outside the Casino, pretending not to care but definitely caring. Driving the Formula 1 circuit in our van was weirdly fun — Sylvie pointed out where drivers have crashed over the years, which made us all laugh nervously. I still think about that mix of old stone villages and wild luxury — it sticks with you longer than you’d expect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Monaco, Monte-Carlo and Eze Village Tour

• Pick up from Nice accommodation
• Photo stop at Villefranche bay viewpoint
• Photo stop at Cap Ferrat viewpoint
• Visit medieval village of Eze and Exotic Garden
• Optional visit to Fragonard perfumery
• Explore Monaco old town and prince palace square
• Take photo at Prince's Palace and watch guards
• Tour Formula 1 circuit in Monaco
• Admire luxury yachts at Hercules Port
• Free time at Monte-Carlo Casino Square
• Photo stop at Monte Carlo Casino
• Photo stop at luxury hotel in Monaco

Top questions

Is pickup included for this Monaco & Eze day trip?

Yes, hotel or accommodation pickup in Nice is included.

How many people are in each group?

The tour runs with a maximum of 8 people per group.

Can I skip the Fragonard Perfume Factory visit?

Yes, just tell your guide if you prefer more time in Eze instead.

Do we get free time in Monaco?

Yes, there is free time around the palace square and Monte-Carlo Casino area.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No lunch is included; there is free time for snacks or meals at your own expense.

Are infants or young children allowed?

Yes, infants and small children can join; infant seats are available if needed.

Does this tour include entry to Monaco Casino?

No entry tickets are included; you can explore Casino Square from outside.

Will we drive on the actual Formula 1 circuit?

Yes, your minivan will follow the route of the Monaco Grand Prix circuit.

Is this tour suitable for cruise passengers?

No, pickup is only available within Nice city limits—not for cruise travelers.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off from your accommodation in Nice by comfortable minivan, all transportation between stops, guidance from a local driver-guide throughout Monaco & Eze village, an optional visit to Fragonard Perfume Factory (or extra time in Eze if you prefer), plus plenty of chances for photos along those wild Mediterranean viewpoints before heading back home again.