We are halfway through our month in Nice. So far we have visited Menton, Monte Carlo, Eze, Cap Ferrat, Villefranche (to the east) and Antibes & Cannes (to the West). We'd like to hear suggestions for more day trips. This would be by train or bus (no car). We like to walk and see interesting sights -- take photos -- minimal on museums and shopping (no room in the rolling bag for 'trinkets'!!).
Posted by
Washington DC
28085 posts
St-Paul-de-Vence (bus) is beautiful but massively touristy (like Taormina), but the Fondation Maeght outside town (walkable though uphill) had few visitors when I was there. It's an excellent modern-art museum. Check on the day(s) closed.
Vence, blessedly under-visited and with a sizable historic center, is on the same bus line. I recall a fair walk from the train station, but it was reasonably flat, I think.
I have bee told Tourrettes-sur-Loup is very picturesque and not heavily visited, but I have not been there and don't know whether the very skimpy bus schedule supports day-tripping from Nice.
Did you see the gardens on the outskirts of Menton? There are two good ones.
Biot (train then bus) is known for its glass. There's a small glass museum, and the bus passes the Leger Museum on the way into town.
More later.
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10629 posts
Take the Train des Merveilles from Nice to Tende in the back country. Besides the scenic ride up and back, Tende up in the mountains, is the starting point for excursions into the Vallée des Merveilles with its prehistoric rock paintings. To clarify: you wouldn’t be able to head out to the rock art without a certified guide in a 4-wheel drive, but there is an interesting museum, church, market in Tende.
Posted by
Nice, France & San Francisco
713 posts
In addition to the above
The Chemin de Fer de Provence to Entrevaux ou Dignes les Bains ( I believe the line is fully reopen) -- aka Trains des Pignes. This leaves from the Gare Sud in Liberation.
Lerins Islands -- St. Honorat (from Cannes) or St Marguerite. Ferries from Cannes, Nice, JLP
Ventimiglia / Bordighera / San Remo.
Cap d'Antibes / Sentiers du Littorel
Frejus
Hyeres - and the Porquerolles islands offshore
St Tropez by Ferry / return by bus/train
Bandol/Sanary Sur Mer (a bit far)
I'd also consider some overnights via train -- a lot is reachable within 3 hours. Or blablacar
Both Tourettes-sur-loup and the spectacular Gourdon are difficult to get to by public transit, although for the latter I believe a bus followed by a hike throught Gorge is possible from le Le Bar Sur Loup.