Best Day Trips from Antibes: 8 Amazing Destinations in 2026
Explore the French Riviera and beyond from Antibes’ perfect central location
Antibes’ location in the heart of the Côte d’Azur makes it perfect for day trips. The train line connects major coastal cities, while buses reach hilltop villages. Here are the best destinations within 1-2 hours of Antibes.
1. Nice (30 Minutes)
The capital of the French Riviera is the most popular day trip from Antibes.
- How to get there: Train every 20-30 minutes, 25-30 minutes, €4-6
- Top attractions: Promenade des Anglais, Cours Saleya market, Castle Hill viewpoint, old town (Vieux Nice), Marc Chagall Museum, Matisse Museum
- Time needed: Full day (6-8 hours)
- Best for: City exploration, museums, shopping, beach promenade
2. Monaco (1 Hour)
The tiny principality offers glamour, casinos, and stunning views.
- How to get there: Train hourly, 50-60 minutes, €8-12
- Top attractions: Monte Carlo Casino, Prince’s Palace and changing of guard (11:55am daily), Oceanographic Museum, Monaco-Ville (old town), exotic gardens
- Time needed: Half to full day (4-8 hours)
- Best for: Luxury, casino atmosphere, harbor with superyachts
- Tip: Casino entry €17, dress code enforced (no shorts/flip-flops)
3. Cannes (10 Minutes)
Quick trip to see the famous film festival venue and La Croisette.
- How to get there: Train every 20 minutes, 8-10 minutes, €2-3
- Top attractions: Palais des Festivals (red carpet photo), La Croisette boulevard, Le Suquet old quarter, Marché Forville market, Îles de Lérins boat trip
- Time needed: 3-4 hours for town, full day with island trip
- Best for: Glamorous atmosphere, luxury shopping, people-watching
4. Grasse (50 Minutes)
The world perfume capital in the hills above Cannes.
- How to get there: Train to Cannes (10 min) then bus 600 (35-40 min), or drive directly (35 min)
- Top attractions: Fragonard perfume factory (free tours), Molinard perfumery, Galimard factory, International Perfume Museum, medieval old town
- Time needed: Half day (4-5 hours)
- Best for: Perfume enthusiasts, factory tours, hilltop views
- Tip: Book perfume creation workshops in advance
5. Saint-Paul-de-Vence (45 Minutes)
One of France’s most beautiful medieval hilltop villages, famous for art galleries.
- How to get there: Bus 400 from Antibes or Nice (45-60 min), or drive (25 min)
- Top attractions: Fondation Maeght (modern art museum), rampart walk, art galleries, medieval streets, La Colombe d’Or restaurant
- Time needed: Half day (4-5 hours)
- Best for: Art lovers, photography, medieval atmosphere
- Tip: Very touristy—arrive early morning or late afternoon
6. Èze (1 Hour)
Spectacular perched village between Nice and Monaco with stunning views.
- How to get there: Train to Èze-sur-Mer, then bus 83 up to village, or direct bus 82/112 from Nice
- Top attractions: Jardin Exotique (exotic garden at summit), medieval streets, artisan shops, panoramic Mediterranean views
- Time needed: 3-4 hours
- Best for: Views, photography, short village visit
- Tip: Jardin Exotique entry €6, incredible 360° views
7. Villefranche-sur-Mer (40 Minutes)
Colorful fishing port between Nice and Monaco with deep natural harbor.
- How to get there: Train to Villefranche-sur-Mer (35 min), €5-7
- Top attractions: Colorful waterfront, Chapelle Saint-Pierre (decorated by Jean Cocteau), Citadelle fortress, beach, steep old town streets
- Time needed: Half day (3-4 hours)
- Best for: Picturesque port, swimming, relaxed atmosphere
- Tip: Less touristy than other Riviera towns
8. Italian Riviera (1.5-2 Hours)
Cross the border to explore Italian coastal towns.
- Ventimiglia: Italian border town, huge Friday market, old town. Train 1.5 hours, €10-15
- Bordighera: Charming seaside town with palm trees and belle époque villas. Train 1 hour 45 min
- San Remo: Casino, flower market, Italian Riviera elegance. Train 2 hours
- Best for: Italian food, different atmosphere, market shopping
- Tip: Bring passport/ID (border controls possible)
Transportation Tips
- Train pass: Consider the Zou! Côte d’Azur unlimited day pass (€10-15) for multiple trips
- Buy tickets: At station machines or ticket office—cheaper than buying on train
- Bus: Line 200 connects coastal towns, Line 400 goes to hill villages
- Driving: Parking extremely difficult and expensive in Nice, Monaco, Cannes
- Timing: Start early—trains and villages get very crowded 10am-4pm in summer
Discover Antibes Before You Explore Further
Before heading out on day trips, explore Antibes’ own 2,400 years of history on our guided walking tour. Simon shares fascinating stories about the town’s Greek origins, Roman past, and medieval fortifications—the perfect introduction to the region.
15% early bird discount when you book 1 month in advance • €30 per person • Available in English & French