Nice to Eze, Monaco & Monte-Carlo: Half Day Tour with Perfume Stop

Summary

Medieval lanes in Eze, Monaco’s old town, Monte Carlo Casino and sea views

You’ll wind from Nice up into Eze’s stone alleys, breathe in scents at Fragonard perfume factory, wander Monaco’s old town and cathedral, then cruise past Monte Carlo Casino—all with a local guide and hotel pickup. Expect sea views that stick with you long after you’re back.

What’s the experience like?

We curved out of Nice before I’d even finished my coffee, the van windows catching that early light over the Bay of Angels. Our guide—her name was Claire—pointed at these wild villas perched on Cap Ferrat. “That’s the Bay of Millionaires,” she said, like it was just a normal Tuesday. The road climbed fast and suddenly we were high above Villefranche-sur-Mer, everything below looking almost painted on. I could smell jasmine somewhere—might’ve been someone’s garden or maybe just my imagination running ahead to the Fragonard perfumery stop.

Eze really does look like an eagle’s nest. We wandered up stone steps between houses with blue shutters and tiny window boxes spilling geraniums. Claire told us about the medieval walls (she had this way of making history sound like gossip). At Fragonard, the air was thick with citrus and something powdery-sweet—one of those smells you can’t quite name but want to bottle anyway. I tried guessing notes in one of their perfumes; failed spectacularly, but the woman showing us around smiled like she’d seen it all before.

Monaco felt like another world after that—a bit unreal with its guards in white uniforms outside the palace and tourists craning for a glimpse of something royal. We had free time to walk up to the cathedral where Grace Kelly is buried (I didn’t expect to feel anything but… yeah). The changing of the guard was almost exactly at noon; everyone shuffled for photos but it felt oddly quiet for such a showy place.

Driving along part of the Formula One circuit into Monte Carlo was surreal—Claire laughed about how slow we were compared to race day. The casino is as shiny as you’d expect; honestly I didn’t go in (felt underdressed), but standing outside watching people come and go was its own kind of fun. There’s something about seeing all these places stacked together in half a day from Nice—it leaves your head spinning a little, in a good way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Eze, Monaco and Monte-Carlo

• Enjoy panoramic view of Villefranche
• Visit medieval village of Eze
• Tour Fragonard perfume factory
• Free time at Monaco Palace and Cathedral
• Drive along Formula One race circuit
• See Monte-Carlo Casino and Opera

Top questions

How long is the half day tour from Nice to Eze, Monaco & Monte-Carlo?

The tour lasts approximately half a day, including travel time from Nice.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you’re staying in Nice.

Can cruise passengers join this shared tour?

No, this tour is not available for cruise travelers or from cruise ports.

What do you visit in Eze during the tour?

You’ll explore the medieval village of Eze and visit Fragonard Perfume Factory with a guided tour.

Do you get free time in Monaco?

Yes, there is free time to see the Palace area and visit Monaco Cathedral.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

No lunch is included; food is not mentioned as part of the inclusions.

Is this shared or private?

This is a shared group tour departing from Nice.

Are infant seats available?

Infant seats are available if requested during booking.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Nice, all transportation by air-conditioned vehicle, a guided visit at Fragonard perfumery in Eze, plus plenty of stories from your professional guide along every stretch of coastline between stops.