French Riviera East Coast from Nice
Stay in Nice without switching hotels, using trains and buses to connect Villefranche-sur-Mer, Èze, Monaco, and Menton.
Based in the old town of Nice, there is no need to rent a car. Spend the second day on the Cap Ferrat peninsula, the third day climbing up to Èze before heading down to Monaco, and the fourth day in Menton before returning to the airport. While many guides suggest squeezing Èze, Monaco, and Menton into a single day, this itinerary splits them into two days to avoid rushing. The trade-off is omitting western destinations like Cannes and Antibes, making it perfect for first-timers and non-drivers.
Coastal traffic is heavy and accommodations are hard to book in July and August; start your days early during peak season.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrive in Nice & Explore the Old Town
Nice & Côte d'Azur（Vieux Nice / Cours Saleya、Castle Hill、Promenade des Anglais）
Take tram line 2 from the airport to the city center (approx. 30 minutes). Drop off your luggage and explore the old town and the Promenade des Anglais on foot.
The free elevator to Castle Hill closes early; you may need to take the stairs if climbing up in the evening.
Stay: Vieux Nice
Day 2 · Villefranche-sur-Mer & Cap Ferrat
Nice & Côte d'Azur（Villefranche-sur-Mer、Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild、Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat Coastal Path）
Take the TER train from Nice to Villefranche-sur-Mer (approx. 10 minutes), then transfer to a local bus to walk around the Cap Ferrat peninsula, returning to Nice the same way in the evening.
Opening hours for Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild vary by season; check the official website before visiting.
Stay: Vieux Nice
Day 3 · Èze in the Morning & Monaco in the Afternoon
Nice & Côte d'Azur（Èze） → Monaco（Casino de Monte-Carlo、Port Hercules、Monaco-Ville (Le Rocher)、Prince's Palace of Monaco）
Take bus 82 or 602 from Vauban station to Èze (approx. 30 minutes), then take bus 602 to Monaco (approx. 30 minutes). Return to Nice by TER train in the evening (approx. 25 minutes).
Bus 602 does not run on Sundays, so avoid planning this day on a Sunday. Arrive in Èze early to beat the crowds.
Stay: Vieux Nice
Day 4 · Half-Day in Menton & Departure
Take the TER train from Nice to Menton (approx. 35 minutes), return by TER in the afternoon, and transfer to the tram to reach the airport.
It is best to schedule your flight for the evening, leaving plenty of buffer time for transfers and luggage retrieval.