The Best Luxury Day Trips from Nice by Car

Nice is an exceptional base for exploring the French Riviera. Within a relatively short drive, you can move from elegant coastal towns and private villas to medieval hilltop villages, glamorous resorts, historic estates and the Italian border.

For luxury travellers, however, the best day trips from Nice by car are not simply about reaching a destination. The journey itself is part of the experience. A private car from Nice allows you to travel at your own pace, stop at scenic viewpoints, combine several destinations and return to Nice without the constraints of public transport or organised group excursions.

From Monaco and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat to Cannes, Saint-Paul-de-Vence and Saint-Tropez, here are some of the finest day trips from Nice, including approximate driving times from Nice, key attractions, the best time to visit and how a private chauffeur service in Nice can elevate the experience.

Table of Contents

1. Monaco
2. Èze
3. Villefranche-sur-Mer
4. Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
5. Menton
6. Antibes
7. Cannes
8. Saint-Paul-de-Vence
9. Mougins
10. Grasse
11. Saint-Tropez
12. Théoule-sur-Mer
13. How to Choose the Right Day Trip from Nice
14. Exploring the French Riviera with a Private Chauffeur

1. Monaco — Glamour, Yachts and Monte-Carlo

Distance from Nice: approximately 25–30 km
Approximate driving time: 30–45 minutes, depending on traffic
Ideal for: luxury, superyachts, fine dining, shopping and iconic Riviera scenery
Best time: May to June and September to October; summer is vibrant but considerably busier
Private chauffeur: Highly recommended

Monaco is one of the most natural luxury day trips from Nice. The principality combines Mediterranean scenery with world-famous hotels, designer boutiques, superyachts and the unmistakable atmosphere of Monte-Carlo.

A day can begin around Monaco-Ville, followed by a visit to the harbour and a leisurely lunch overlooking the Mediterranean. Continue towards Monte-Carlo, where Casino Square, the Hôtel de Paris and the surrounding luxury boutiques provide a distinctly glamorous Riviera setting.

For a more personalised itinerary, combine Monaco with Èze or Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat rather than spending the entire day in the principality.

2. Èze — A Medieval Village Above the Mediterranean

Distance from Nice: approximately 10–12 km
Approximate driving time: 20–30 minutes
Ideal for: panoramic views, architecture, gastronomy and romantic escapes
Best time: April to June and September to October; early morning is preferable during summer
Private chauffeur: Recommended

Perched dramatically above the Mediterranean, Èze offers one of the most memorable viewpoints on the Côte d'Azur.

The medieval village is best explored slowly, wandering through its narrow stone lanes before reaching the Jardin Exotique, where panoramic views stretch across the coastline. The village is also associated with prestigious dining and luxury hospitality, making it an excellent choice for a refined half-day excursion.

For a particularly elegant itinerary, combine Èze with Monaco, Cap-Ferrat or Villefranche-sur-Mer.

Arriving early is worthwhile during the high season, when the village can become considerably busier. Recent travel coverage similarly highlights Èze's exceptional position above the sea while noting its popularity in summer.

3. Villefranche-sur-Mer — Riviera Elegance by the Water

Distance from Nice: approximately 7 km
Approximate driving time: 15–20 minutes
Ideal for: waterfront dining, swimming, photography and a relaxed Riviera atmosphere
Best time: May to September
Private chauffeur: Recommended for combining it with other destinations

Villefranche-sur-Mer is one of the easiest excursions from Nice and one of the most rewarding.

The colourful waterfront curves around a deep natural bay, creating one of the most recognisable coastal landscapes between Nice and Monaco. The old town, harbour and waterfront restaurants make it an ideal destination for a leisurely morning or lunch by the sea.

For a luxury day, Villefranche works particularly well as part of a larger itinerary:

Nice → Villefranche-sur-Mer → Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat → Èze → Monaco

Rather than treating each destination as a separate excursion, a private chauffeur allows you to connect them into one seamless Riviera journey.

4. Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat — Villas, Gardens and Mediterranean Calm

Distance from Nice: approximately 12 km
Approximate driving time: 20–30 minutes
Ideal for: private villas, gardens, beaches, luxury hotels and coastal scenery
Best time: May, June and September
Private chauffeur: Highly recommended

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat offers a quieter interpretation of Riviera luxury.

The peninsula is known for spectacular waterfront properties, secluded coves and prestigious estates. One of the principal attractions is the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, surrounded by remarkable gardens overlooking the Mediterranean.

The destination is particularly appealing for travellers who prefer discreet luxury over the energy of Monte-Carlo or Cannes.

A private chauffeur makes it easy to combine Cap-Ferrat with Villefranche-sur-Mer and Beaulieu-sur-Mer, creating an elegant coastal itinerary without repeatedly moving or parking a vehicle.

For an especially memorable day, consider a leisurely lunch before continuing towards Èze or Monaco.

5. Menton — The Elegant French Riviera Near Italy

Distance from Nice: approximately 30 km
Approximate driving time: 40–60 minutes
Ideal for: architecture, gardens, gastronomy and a slower Riviera experience
Best time: March to June and September to October
Private chauffeur: Recommended

Located close to the Italian border, Menton has a character of its own. Its pastel-coloured buildings, Mediterranean gardens and old town create a more relaxed atmosphere than the major resorts further west.

The Old Town, waterfront and gardens are ideal for an unhurried day, while Menton's proximity to Italy makes it an interesting addition to a longer Riviera itinerary.

Menton can also be combined with Monaco, although travellers seeking a relaxed experience should avoid trying to fit too many stops into one day.

6. Antibes — Old Town Charm and Superyachts

Distance from Nice: approximately 20 km
Approximate driving time: 30–45 minutes
Ideal for: yachting, art, gastronomy, shopping and historic streets
Best time: May to June and September
Private chauffeur: Highly recommended

Antibes provides a different perspective on the French Riviera, combining historic charm with an important luxury yachting scene.

Begin in the old town before walking towards Port Vauban, one of Europe's major yachting harbours. The Musée Picasso, located in the Château Grimaldi, is another highlight for art lovers.

For luxury travellers, Antibes can be paired with Cap d'Antibes and Juan-les-Pins, particularly if you want to include a sophisticated lunch or beach stop.

7. Cannes — La Croisette, Shopping and Riviera Glamour

Distance from Nice: approximately 33 km
Approximate driving time: 40–60 minutes
Ideal for: luxury shopping, hotels, restaurants, beach clubs and events
Best time: May to June and September; May is particularly lively during major events
Private chauffeur: Highly recommended

Cannes is one of the most obvious choices for a luxury day trip from Nice, but it deserves more than a quick walk along La Croisette.

Start around the Croisette, where prestigious hotels, private beaches and designer boutiques line the waterfront. Continue towards Le Suquet, Cannes' historic quarter, before enjoying lunch overlooking the Mediterranean.

Depending on the season, a day in Cannes can also include a private yacht charter, beach club experience or visit to the Lérins Islands.

During major events such as the Cannes Film Festival and Cannes Lions, traffic and parking become considerably more challenging. A private chauffeur can therefore be particularly valuable, allowing you to move between your hotel, restaurants, meetings, beaches and private venues without having to manage the car yourself.

8. Saint-Paul-de-Vence — Art, History and Provençal Character

Distance from Nice: approximately 25 km
Approximate driving time: 35–50 minutes
Ideal for: art, architecture, gastronomy and culture
Best time: April to June and September to October
Private chauffeur: Recommended

For travellers looking beyond the coast, Saint-Paul-de-Vence is one of the finest cultural excursions from Nice.

The fortified hilltop village is known for its stone lanes, galleries, historic buildings and long association with artists. Its atmosphere is very different from the glamour of Cannes or Monaco, making it an excellent complement to a Riviera itinerary.

A particularly refined day could combine:

Nice → Saint-Paul-de-Vence → Fondation Maeght → Mougins

This route works particularly well for travellers interested in art, architecture and gastronomy.

9. Mougins — Art, Gastronomy and Quiet Luxury

Distance from Nice: approximately 30 km
Approximate driving time: 35–50 minutes
Ideal for: gastronomy, art, galleries and discreet luxury
Best time: April to October
Private chauffeur: Recommended

Mougins is an excellent choice for travellers looking for a more discreet destination away from the busiest coastal resorts.

The hilltop village has a strong artistic and culinary identity, with galleries, refined restaurants and panoramic views across the surrounding landscape.

For food-focused travellers, Mougins can be incorporated into a private gastronomic itinerary from Nice. It also works beautifully alongside Cannes, Grasse or Saint-Paul-de-Vence.

Rather than simply visiting for an hour, consider reserving a long lunch and allowing time to explore the village afterwards.

10. Grasse — The Historic Capital of Perfume

Distance from Nice: approximately 45 km
Approximate driving time: 50–70 minutes
Ideal for: perfume, heritage, gastronomy and the Provençal countryside
Best time: April to June and September to October
Private chauffeur: Highly recommended

Grasse takes you inland towards the hills of Provence and offers a completely different atmosphere from the coast.

The town is internationally associated with perfume production and is home to historic perfume houses and museums. A private visit or perfume workshop can turn a standard excursion into a more personalised experience.

For luxury travellers, Grasse works particularly well as part of a broader itinerary through the surrounding countryside, perhaps combining the destination with Mougins or Saint-Paul-de-Vence.

A chauffeur is particularly useful here because the journey itself becomes part of the experience, with opportunities to stop at viewpoints and villages along the route.

11. Saint-Tropez — The Ultimate Riviera Escape

Distance from Nice: approximately 110 km by road
Approximate driving time: around 2 to 2.5 hours, depending heavily on traffic
Ideal for: beach clubs, yachts, luxury shopping and nightlife
Best time: June to September for the full summer atmosphere; May and September for a more relaxed experience
Private chauffeur: Strongly recommended

Saint-Tropez is further from Nice than the other destinations on this list, but for many luxury travellers it remains one of the most desirable day trips on the French Riviera.

The journey is part of the experience. Arrive in the village for a waterfront lunch, explore the old port and boutiques, then continue towards the legendary beach clubs around Ramatuelle and Pampelonne.

Because summer traffic can significantly extend journey times, a private chauffeur is particularly valuable. You can leave Nice according to your preferred schedule, enjoy lunch and beach time without worrying about driving afterwards, and return comfortably in the evening.

For clients with more time, spending a night in Saint-Tropez is often preferable to attempting to compress the destination into a few hours.

12. Théoule-sur-Mer — The Scenic Mediterranean Escape

Distance from Nice: approximately 50 km
Approximate driving time: around 1–1.25 hours
Ideal for: coastal scenery, swimming, restaurants and the Esterel landscape
Best time: May to September
Private chauffeur: Recommended

For travellers who want scenery rather than major tourist attractions, Théoule-sur-Mer is an excellent choice.

Located west of Cannes, the destination sits beside the dramatic red-rock landscapes of the Esterel Massif. The coastal road provides spectacular Mediterranean views and is particularly enjoyable when experienced without the pressure of navigating unfamiliar roads.

A sophisticated itinerary could combine:

Nice → Cannes → Théoule-sur-Mer → Esterel → Nice

This is one of the best options for travellers who want to combine luxury dining with a scenic Riviera drive.

Which Day Trip from Nice Is Right for You?

There is no single best destination. The ideal choice depends on the type of experience you want.

Driving times are indicative rather than fixed. Riviera traffic can change journey times substantially, particularly during July and August and around major events. Current travel guides similarly emphasise that the same destinations can be reached quickly under normal conditions but require additional planning during busy periods.

Should You Rent a Car or Hire a Private Chauffeur?

For a simple excursion, renting a car can provide independence. But for a luxury day trip, a private chauffeur offers a different level of convenience.

You can leave Nice at the time you choose, visit several destinations in one day, stop at viewpoints, enjoy lunch without worrying about driving afterwards and adapt the itinerary as the day develops.

This becomes particularly valuable when travelling to Monaco, Cannes or Saint-Tropez during busy periods, when traffic and parking can take time away from the experience.

A chauffeur also allows you to select the vehicle according to the occasion, from an executive Mercedes-Benz to a Mercedes-Maybach, Range Rover or another luxury vehicle suited to your itinerary.

Create Your Private Riviera Day Trip

Discover the French Riviera at your own pace with a private chauffeur from Nice, tailored around your preferred destinations, restaurants, beach clubs and experiences. Contact Gatsby & Sons to have your day trip fully planned and coordinated, from the vehicle and itinerary to every detail along the way.