Sun-kissed boulevards, sparkling Mediterranean waters, and a cinematic charm—Cannes is a glamorous gem on the French Riviera that captivates travelers with its sophistication and beauty. But the real magic lies beyond the city’s iconic La Croisette promenade. Whether you’re seeking medieval villages, lavender fields, glitzy harbors, or coastal trails, there are so many beautiful and exotic day trips from Cannes that unveil the charm of southern France.
You may also like to read👉🏼Cote d Azur Itinerary – Best Places To Visit in French Riviera
Day Trips from Cannes – Cannes Day Tours
Here’s your ultimate guide to unforgettable day tours from Cannes, including places to visit, why they’re worth your time, how to get there, where to stay if you choose to linger, tours to book, and practical tips.
Nice – The Capital of the Riviera
- Distance from Cannes: 33 km (40 minutes by train or car)
- Route: TER train or drive via A8
Nice, the largest city on the Côte d’Azur, makes for an energetic and vibrant day trip from Cannes. The blend of Italian and French influences gives Nice a unique flavor that’s impossible to ignore.
Things to do
- Start your day walking the iconic Promenade des Anglais,
- Explore the Old Town (Vieux Nice) with its colorful markets and
- Hike up to Castle Hill (Colline du Château) for panoramic views.
- Art lovers can explore the Marc Chagall or Matisse Museums, while foodies can enjoy socca (a chickpea pancake) from local stalls.
Nice, which is full of Art, culture, beaches, and history, comes together to create a lively Riviera hub that contrasts beautifully with Cannes’ polished glamour.
Where to stay if overnight: Hotel Rossetti – A charming boutique hotel in the heart of the Old Town, perfect for mid-budget travelers.
You may also like to read👉🏼Best France Itinerary 8 days (Hotels + Vegan Food + Things To Do)
Antibes – Coastal Charm Meets Art and History
- Distance from Cannes: 12 km (20 minutes by train or car)
- Route: Take the TER train from Cannes to Antibes or drive via the D6007 coastal route
A perfect short day trip from Cannes, Antibes is a beautiful coastal town renowned for its blend of luxury yachts, charming cobbled streets, and rich artistic legacy.
Things to do
- Walk through the Old Town (Vieux Antibes), where pastel buildings are draped in bougainvillea.
- Visit the Picasso Museum, housed in the Château Grimaldi, where the artist once lived and painted.
- Stroll along the Port Vauban, one of Europe’s largest marinas, home to lavish yachts that rival even those in Monaco.
- The Marché Provençal is a sensory delight—fresh cheeses, olives, lavender soaps, and local rosé all await.
If you’re an art or sea lover, Antibes offers an ideal taste of French Riviera elegance without the Cannes crowds.
Where to stay if overnight: Hotel La Place – Mid-range boutique hotel in the Old Town with great charm and walkability.
Grasse – The World’s Perfume Capital
- Distance from Cannes: 20 km (40 minutes by car or train)
- Route: Drive via D6185 or take a TER train from Cannes to Grasse
For those looking for a more aromatic escape, Grasse is a dreamy day tour from Cannes tucked in the hills. Known as the perfume capital of the world.
Things to do
- Grasse is home to renowned perfumeries like Fragonard, Molinar, and Galimard. Many offer free guided tours and let you create your custom fragrance.
- Beyond the perfume, Grasse charms with its medieval lanes, stone archways, and scenic views of the Riviera.
- Don’t miss the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-du-Puy, with paintings by Rubens and Fragonard.
- Visit the International Perfume Museum, which showcases the evolution of scents through the centuries.
Grasse blends sensory indulgence with historic soul, and its hilltop views make it a serene retreat from the Riviera rush.
Where to stay if overnight: La Bellaudière – A romantic, mid-budget hotel with panoramic views and vintage decor in an 18th-century mansion.
Èze – Medieval Village in the Sky
- Distance from Cannes: 50 km (1 hour by car)
- Route: Drive via the M6007 coastal road and Moyenne Corniche (D6007), or train to Èze-sur-Mer then bus up to the village
One of the most magical day trips from Cannes, Èze is perched on a cliff 1400 feet above the sea. With narrow cobblestone lanes and artisan boutiques carved into stone walls, this medieval village feels like a real-life fairytale.
Things to do
- Climb up to the Jardin Exotique d’Èze for panoramic views of the Mediterranean.
- Visit the Fragonard perfume factory for a quick guided tour. The village also boasts some of the best photo ops on the Riviera.
- On your way back, stop by Èze-sur-Mer beach for a cooling dip.
The combination of ancient village charm and jaw-dropping views makes this an unforgettable Riviera experience.
Where to stay if overnight: Hôtel Les Terrasses d’Eze – A modern hotel with infinity pool views over the coast, ideal for mid-budget travelers.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence – Artistic Enclave in the Hills
- Distance from Cannes: 30 km (45 minutes by car)
- Route: Drive via A8 or D6185 through the scenic countryside
Nestled in the hills, Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a timeless village that has inspired artists like Chagall, Picasso, and Matisse. With its stone alleyways, ivy-draped arches, and panoramic views, it’s one of the most beautiful villages in France.
Things to do
- Spend the day wandering its art galleries and boutique shops.
- Visit the Fondation Maeght, a world-class modern art museum with works by Miró, Giacometti, and Calder.
- Experiencing lunch at La Colombe d’Or, where artists once paid in paintings, is an experience in itself.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence offers a quiet, reflective day surrounded by artistic history and breathtaking views, making it an ideal destination for creatives and romantics.
Where to stay if overnight: Les Messugues by Alain Llorca – A charming mid-budget hotel with vineyard views and a peaceful pool area.
Monaco – Royal Glamour and Riviera Chic
- Distance from Cannes: 55 km (1 hour by car or train)
- Route: Direct TER train or drive along the scenic coastal road via M6007
For a taste of royal luxury, casinos, and panoramic harbors, Monaco is the glitziest day tour from Cannes.
Things to do
- Visit the Prince’s Palace,
- Explore the famed Oceanographic Museum, or
- tour the Monte Carlo Casino, which is as glamorous as the Bond films suggest.
- Stroll around Port Hercules, filled with mega-yachts, or enjoy a drink with a view at the Café de Paris.
- If you’re into cars, don’t miss the Monaco Top Cars Collection, housing vintage models owned by Prince Rainier.
Monaco packs luxury, history, and thrill into one compact principality—ideal for anyone wanting a taste of the high life.
Where to stay if overnight: Hôtel Columbus Monte Carlo – A mid-range yet chic hotel with views over the sea and the Princess Grace Rose Garden.
Îles de Lérins – Tranquil Escape on the Water
- Distance from Cannes: 15 minutes by ferry
- Route: Ferries leave regularly from Cannes Old Port
Just off the coast of Cannes lie the Lérins Islands, offering some of the best day trips in Cannes. The two main islands, Île Sainte-Marguerite and Île Saint-Honorat, provide a peaceful contrast to the city.
Things to do
- Île Sainte-Marguerite is known for its historic Fort Royal, where the Man in the Iron Mask was imprisoned.
- Walk under pine trees, swim in secluded coves, and enjoy a picnic by the sea.
- Meanwhile, Île Saint-Honorat is home to a working Cistercian monastery, where monks still make wine and liqueur.
This day trip is perfect for those who love to indulge in crystal-clear waters, serene walks, and no cars—just nature, history, and sea breezes.
Where to stay if overnight: Overnight stays are not typically allowed on the islands, but Hôtel de Provence in Cannes offers great comfort and walkable access to ferry terminals.
Valuable Tips for Day Trips from Cannes (Cannes Day Tours)
- Train Travel: The TER trains are efficient and scenic, connecting most towns in the Riviera quickly. Buy tickets online or at the station, and validate them before boarding.
- Driving Tips: Renting a car gives you more flexibility, especially for hill towns like Grasse or Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Parking can be tight, so start your tours early.
- Weather: The Riviera sun can be intense even in spring and autumn. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water for outdoor days.
- Book in Advance: Tours, perfume workshops, and popular restaurants can fill up quickly during peak season (May–September).
Cannes Day Tours to Book: (Day Tours from Cannes)
-
- Viator Cannes Day Tours – Guided trips to Monaco, Eze, Antibes, and beyond
- GetYourGuide French Riviera Excursions – Small-group day trips from Cannes
- Private Lérins Island Boat Trips – Available from the Cannes Port
FAQs – Day Trips from Cannes (Cannes Day Trips)
- What’s the best time of year to do day trips from Cannes?
The best times are late spring (May–June) and early fall (September–October) when the weather is sunny, and the crowds are not as intense as during the summer. Summer (July–August) is a popular time, but it can be hot and crowded, especially in coastal towns.
- Can I do more than one destination in a single day?
Yes, some combinations work well:
- Èze + Monaco – Ideal for a full-day eastbound Riviera adventure
- Antibes + Grasse – Coastal + inland in one day by train or car
- Nice + Villefranche-sur-Mer (optional add-on) – If you want to explore more of the coast
- But for Saint-Paul-de-Vence, it’s best to dedicate a day if you plan to visit art galleries and dine leisurely.
To do many destinations in a single day, you have to start early from your hotel.
- Is there a train pass that covers day trips from Cannes?
Yes, several train pass options are available for tourists exploring the French Riviera by train. The most popular and cost-effective for day trips from Cannes is the ZOU! Pass, specifically the ZOU! Hebdo and ZOU! Pass Journée options.
- Where can I buy the ZOU? Pass?
You can buy the ZOU! Day Pass at:
- Train station ticket counters in Cannes and other Riviera cities
- SNCF ticket vending machines
- Online at the official SNCF TER PACA website (only in French)
Cannes isn’t just about film festivals and luxury boutiques. It’s the perfect springboard for some of the most beautiful destinations in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. With stunning seaside towns, medieval hilltop villages, lush lavender-scented hills, and rich cultural experiences all within an hour’s reach, there’s no shortage of exceptional day trips from Cannes to explore.
While Cannes dazzles with glamour, its surroundings enchant with timeless beauty, rich heritage, and Mediterranean charm. All you need is a map, a comfy pair of walking shoes, and a curious heart to unlock the many stories hiding just beyond the red carpet.
Picture Courtesy – CanvaPro
Follow more on social media channels at
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest
Read the Disclaimer, Affiliate & Cookie Policy by clicking here.
Discover more from Travel With Me 24 X 7
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.