French riviera: Day Trips and Tours from Cannes

The French Riviera, with its stunning coastline, glamorous resorts and picturesque villages, is a destination that beckons sun-seeking travelers from around the world. Nestled along this iconic stretch of the Mediterranean lies Cannes, a vibrant city renowned for its prestigious film festival and luxurious lifestyle.

While Cannes itself offers plenty of attractions, its strategic location also makes it the perfect starting point for exploring the treasures of the French Riviera on unforgettable day trips. From the charming hilltop village of Eze to the glitz and glamour of Monaco, the region surrounding Cannes is a treasure trove of bucket-list destinations.

Embarking on a day trip from Cannes to the French Riviera allows you to immerse yourself in the rich history, natural beauty, and cultural wonders that define this renowned coastal paradise – from Eze to Monaco and Nice, the opportunities are incredibly exciting.

Here's all you need to know about visiting the French Riviera, one of the most mesmerizing destinations for day trips from Cannes.

How to get to the French Riviera from Cannes?

The French Riviera, also known as the Côte d'Azur, is located on the southeastern coast of France, along the Mediterranean Sea.

Stretching from Menton near the Italian border to Saint-Tropez, it encompasses famous cities such as Nice, Cannes and Monaco. Cannes is about halfway along the French Riviera. However, most of the notable cities sit to the east of Cannes.

From Cannes to the French Riviera by car

If you want to explore the French Riviera by car, you can take the A8 highway (Autoroute du Soleil) that runs both ways along the coast.

The journey offers scenic views and allows flexibility to explore various towns and attractions along the way. It's recommended to plan the route in advance and consider where you want to stop.

From Cannes to the French Riviera by public transport

Getting from Cannes to various spots along the French Riviera by public transport is very easy, convenient and cost-effective.

The region is well-served by public transportation, with thirty train stations scattered through the coastal cities. Via the Lignes d'Azur bus network, buses connect Cannes with major cities and towns along the coast as well, such as Nice, Antibes, and Monaco.

Guided tour to the French Riviera from Cannes

A guided tour to the French Riviera is a popular choice, since saves time and eliminates the stress of planning and navigating on your own. Plus, you will get to learn about the landmarks and attractions from an experienced guide.

Finally, all transportation is taken care of, so you don't have to worry about finding a car rental or figuring out the public transportation network.

What is the typical itinerary?

A typical itinerary for a tour from Cannes to the French Riviera usually includes visits to popular destinations such as Nice, Eze, Monaco, and other picturesque towns along the coast.

After being picked up from your Cannes hotel (or a central meeting point), the tour typically starts with exploring the vibrant city of Nice, with its beautiful promenade and charming Old Town. You'll then usually continue to Èze, a town known for its well-preserved medieval buildings, perched high on a rocky cliff.

The day tour then typically visits Monaco, with stops at the Monte Carlo Casino and other iconic attractions such as the Port Hercules, the Prince's Palace and the Oceanographic Museum.

Depending on your tour, you might also squeeze in stops at charming coastal towns like Antibes and Saint-Paul-de-Vence, where you can enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle, beautiful beaches and various cultural attractions.

What kinds of tours are available to go to the French Riviera?

If you're considering a journey from Cannes to the French Riviera, you'll find a range of tour choices available to suit your preferences.

Whether you're interested in joining a small group, embarking on a private day trip, or opting for a combination excursion that encompasses various attractions or cities, there are several options available.

Small group day tour to the French Riviera

Lasting around 9 hours, this small-group day trip from Cannes ticks off Èze, Antibes and Monaco, collectively showing off the beauty of the region.

Hotel pickup and drop-off is included, and you'll have some time to see the Cannes Film Festival Palace as well. With a maximum of eight passengers, this tour ensures a personalized and intimate experience without breaking the bank.

Private Riviera tour of Cannes, Antibes, Eze, Monaco and Saint-Paul de Vence

This style of French Riviera tour takes you from Cannes to Monaco, stopping in a handful of exotic towns along the way.

In Cannes, you'll have time to explore the glamorous La Croisette Boulevard and soak in the atmosphere of the marina before continuing your journey to Antibes, where you can admire its charming old town and the famous 'Millionaires Bay'.

A couple of highlights include visiting the picturesque medieval village of Saint-Paul de Vence, known as the jewel of Provence, as well as a drive around the Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit in Monaco.

Enjoy the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off, and customize your itinerary as you see fit (that's the benefit of a private tour).

Cannes shore excursion along the French Riviera

Designed for those arriving on a cruise ship, this private tour of the French Riviera checks off the highlights of the region, including Eze, La Turbie, Antibes, Saint-Paul de Vence and Monaco.

You'll be treated to stunning views along the coastal road, visit charming old towns and have a knowledgeable guide and comfortable transportation the whole way through. As a private tour, you can customize the itinerary to your liking and make sure that you get to see the places that interest you the most.

French Riviera panoramic helicopter flight

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the French Riviera from a unique birds-eye perspective with a helicopter sightseeing tour. After a quick briefing, you'll fly above Cannes, the Esterel Mountains, Saint-Tropez and Monaco, with stunning views of these iconic destinations the whole way through.

You can choose from different flight durations to suit your preferences too.

How much does a day trip to the French Riviera from Cannes cost?

Every day trip or tour from Cannes comes with its own price tag, however, tours generally start at around €130 per person for small group tours. Private tours are more expensive, ranging between €420 and €750 — however, this is usually priced per group, not per person, so the cost is much more reasonable when split among friends or family.

Similarly, French Riviera shore excursions are usually around €130 per person for group tours and up to €700 for private tours, for the whole group. Finally, a panoramic helicopter flight will set you back around €105 per person.

What will you see and do?

A tour to the French Riviera offers a delightful mix of natural beauty, glamorous cities and cultural attractions. Here are some of the things you can expect to check off:

City-state of Monaco

Monaco and Monte Carlo are known as one of the world's most extravagant locations. Here, you'll likely explore the opulent Monte Carlo Casino, witness the Changing of the Guard at the Prince's Palace and take a drive along the iconic Formula One Grand Prix circuit.

Medieval Village of Èze

As a common stop on any Riviera day trip, you can expect to wander through the narrow cobblestone streets of the hilltop village of Èze, visit the Fragonard perfume factory and soak in breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Saint-Paul-de-Vence

Another popular stop, this coastal town is famous for its charming streets lined with art galleries. If you have time, visit the Fondation Maeght for contemporary art.

Antibes Coastal Town

Antibes is a vibrant coastal town with plenty of attractions. Your guide will typically take you to the old port, the ruins of Fort Carré and the Picasso Museum.

When is the best time to visit the French Riviera?

The best time to visit the French Riviera is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) and fall (September to October). The weather is lovely, with warm temperatures and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer season.

Are there any tours to the French Riviera from other cities in France?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities:

• Day trips to the French Riviera from Monaco
• Day tours to the French Riviera from Nice

Travel tips

• Pack sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the strong Mediterranean sun.
• Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the charming villages that have cobblestoned streets.
• Don't miss the opportunity to try local cuisine and indulge in the region's famous seafood and Provencal dishes.
• For the best value for money, book your French Riviera tour in advance. Tours may sell out during the peak summer months.