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France · Monaco · French Riviera

Nice &
Monaco

Belle Époque promenades, hilltop villages and Monte Carlo glamour — three days along the most legendary coastline in Europe.

🗓 3 Days📍 10 Stops🌐 2 Countries
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The Journey

The most legendary coast in Europe

The French Riviera has seduced artists, royals and bon vivants for two centuries — and it's not hard to see why. This three-day route takes you from the bohemian charm of Nice's Old Town along the dazzling Côte d'Azur to the high-glamour cliffside principality of Monaco, before climbing into the medieval hilltop village of Èze. Sunny coastline, cliffside coffee stops, and turquoise water that changes color with the light. Pure Mediterranean magic.

🌡 Best time: May – June & September
🚂 Coastal train + buses
🏨 Stay in Nice all 3 nights
4 STOPS

Day 1

Promenade des Anglais
STOP 1
Viewpoint

Promenade des Anglais

The legendary palm-lined seafront promenade that has defined Nice for over 200 years. Stretching 7km along the deep blue Baie des Anges, this is where the city comes alive — joggers at sunrise, families at sunset, golden-hour swimmers all day long.

💡 Insider tip: Rent a bike or e-scooter for a sunset ride along the full length. The iconic blue chairs are a perfect spot to people-watch with a coffee or pastis in hand.
Old Town Nice (Vieux Nice)
STOP 2
Town

Old Town Nice (Vieux Nice)

A maze of narrow ochre alleys, hidden squares and bustling food markets that feels more Italian than French — a reminder that Nice was part of Italy until 1860. Smells of fresh socca, lemon trees and lavender drift from every corner.

💡 Insider tip: Try socca (a chickpea pancake) from Chez Pipo — locals' favorite. Visit Cours Saleya market in the morning for flowers, then again in the evening when it transforms into restaurant terraces.
Castle Hill (Colline du Château)
STOP 3
Viewpoint

Castle Hill (Colline du Château)

A 92-meter hill rising right at the edge of Old Town, offering the most iconic panoramic view of Nice — the curving bay, the orange tile roofs, the turquoise sea. There's a beautiful waterfall, hidden gardens and the ruins of an old castle at the top.

💡 Insider tip: Take the free elevator from Rue des Ponchettes to skip the climb up. Walk down through the gardens for a leisurely descent. Best at golden hour.
Port Lympia
STOP 4
Town

Port Lympia

Nice's pretty pastel-colored harbor lined with luxury yachts, fishing boats and casual seafood restaurants. The colorful Italian-style facades and laid-back atmosphere make this a perfect spot for an early dinner away from the tourist crowds.

💡 Insider tip: Walk over the hill from Castle Hill — it's a 10-minute downhill stroll. Try seafood at one of the casual quayside restaurants for a relaxed Riviera evening.
4 STOPS

Day 2

Prince's Palace of Monaco
STOP 1
Landmark

Prince's Palace of Monaco

Perched dramatically on Monaco's rocky promontory, the Prince's Palace has been home to the Grimaldi family for over 700 years. Watch the daily changing of the guard at 11:55am and explore the lavish State Apartments when they're open to visitors.

💡 Insider tip: Take the train from Nice-Ville (about 25 minutes) — it's the most scenic ride along the coast. Get to the palace square by 11:45am for a good spot to watch the changing of the guard.
Monaco Cathedral
STOP 2
Landmark

Monaco Cathedral

A stunning Romanesque-Byzantine cathedral built in dazzling white stone, just steps from the Prince's Palace. This is the resting place of Princess Grace and other members of the Grimaldi family — a quietly moving stop in the heart of Monaco-Ville.

💡 Insider tip: Free to enter. Combine with a stroll through the surrounding old town (the Rock of Monaco) — the streets here are some of the only places in the country that feel truly historic.
Monte Carlo Casino
STOP 3
Landmark

Monte Carlo Casino

The most famous casino in the world — a Belle Époque palace of marble, gold leaf and crystal chandeliers that has appeared in countless James Bond films. Even if you don't gamble, the building and its exotic gardens are unmissable.

💡 Insider tip: Walk up to the casino square to see the lineup of Ferraris and Lamborghinis arriving. Entry to the gambling rooms requires smart dress and a small fee — but the public lobby is free.
Larvotto Beach
STOP 4
Beach

Larvotto Beach

Monaco's main public beach — a recently redeveloped stretch of pebbles and sand with crystal clear turquoise water and stunning views of the cliffside high-rises. After all the glamour and gold, it's nice to just float in the Mediterranean for a while.

💡 Insider tip: Free public beach with rentable loungers from the beach clubs. Walk back along the coastal path to Monte Carlo for sunset drinks at the harbor.
2 STOPS

Day 3

Èze Village
STOP 1
Town

Èze Village

A perfectly preserved medieval village perched 429 meters above the Mediterranean — narrow stone alleys, hidden artisan shops and the famous Jardin Exotique at the very top with one of the most spectacular views on the entire French Riviera.

💡 Insider tip: Take bus 82 or 112 from Nice (about 30 minutes). Don't miss Fragonard parfumerie — Èze is famous for its perfume. Visit early to beat the cruise-ship crowds.
Nietzsche Path
STOP 2
Nature

Nietzsche Path

The dramatic clifftop trail where philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche supposedly conceived 'Thus Spoke Zarathustra' while walking. The 1.5-hour hike between Èze-sur-Mer and Èze Village is steep and scenic, with the kind of views that genuinely change how you think.

💡 Insider tip: Walk DOWN from Èze Village to Èze-sur-Mer (about 45 minutes downhill) — much easier than going up. Bring water, good shoes and take the train back from Èze-sur-Mer station.

Ready for your own Riviera weekend?

Every stop on this list is carefully picked. No sponsored content — just an honest guide to the most beautiful coastline in Europe.

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