Have you visited the French Riviera before and want to see something different?

Are you a traveller who likes to go off the beaten track and explore like a local?

Do you love to try new things and immerse yourself in local cultures, experiences and more?

Then this is the guide for you!

1. Train des Pignes Railway

From coast to mountain, spend the day on Nice’s scenic train taking in the breath taking Mountain View’s.

Connecting Nice to Dignes - les - Bains, the famous is a unique day trip to the mountains. With 5 trains a day throughout the year you can hop onboard, relax and take in the views along the scenic route.

During the summer months the steam-powered Train des Pignes (pictured) is an even more exciting and nostalgic way to explore the beautiful countryside of Provence! The Train des Pignes operates special steam train rides on select days, adding an extra layer of fun and adventure to the already scenic route.

Consider stopping at small villages like Entrevaux or Puget Théniers where the medieval towns are full of history and small cobbled streets - It’s a good spot to explore before hopping back on the steam train.

NOTE The train station for Train des Pignes is not from Nice Ville station. The Train des Pignes leaves from the Gare de Nice opposite the Liberation tram stop.

2. Visit the Perfumeries of Grasse

Within easy reach of the coast is Grasse, the world leader of perfumeries. To this day, the fields surrounding Grasse are filled with roses, lavender, orange blossom to name a few, some of which are solely grown for some very historic perfumes (ahem, Chanel no.5!)

Home to three historic perfumers; Molinard, Fragonard and Galimard. This day, all 3 still run their business from Grasse in some of the most beautiful buildings in the city.

Fragonard

Fragonard runs FREE tours every 30 minutes around their factories from soap making to the perfumer’s organ. At the end they test your nose with a fun game so pay attention!

Galimard

Galimard also run FREE tours with a duration of 1 hour. This includes a factory and museum tour run by a perfume adviser.

They also host workshops fit for any age to create their own scent! This is a great idea for a family day out.

Molinard

Molinard also host workshops for you to create your unique scent to take home. Can’t get to Grasse? No problem, they also run their workshops from their Nice and Cannes stores.

Book your workshop tickets

Grasse itself has lots to offer, including the viral pink umbrella street! A hilltop city, it has extensive views of the hills to the Mediterranean coast.

Unfortunately, even though the train is accessible from the coast, the train line does not end in the centre of town. There are busses that connect you from the train stop to the town centre but these can be sparse (especially at lunchtime and Sundays) so be prepared to grab a taxi, Uber or take a 20 minute walk uphill!

3. Snowboarding & Skiing (yes really!)

Did you know the nearest ski resort is only 90 minutes from Nice? Auron and Isola 2000 ski resorts are within easy access from the coast with a handy shuttle bus from Nice. From only 14€ it’s a cheap and convenient way of hitting the slopes! So if your visiting in the winter months - why not dust off the ski’s and hit the snow!

The Ski Express buses leave from the Vauban bus station. The easiest way is to just take tram line 1 to the Vauban stop then cross the shopping area and go through the tunnel under the train tracks to get to all the buses.

Cost is just 14€ round trip but tickets are online-only, so you’ll have to sign up for a Lignes d’Azur account (in English), then reserve your seat and pay for the ticket online by at least noon the day before.

For Auron take the number 91
For Isola 2000 take the number 92

5. Italy for a Day

The Côte d’Azur in France and the Liguria Region of Italy border conveniently only 55 minutes from Nice.

You can catch a train from Nice, Cannes, Antibes and most of the smaller train stations along the line. There is no need to reserve a seat ahead of time, you can just purchase a ticket from the station on the day. The trains run every 30 minutes with the last train back to Nice around 7pm ) * Triple check this especially on the off seasons and Sundays.

Ventimiglia & San Remo

Ventimiglia and San Remo on the Italian Riviera are both worth visiting from Nice. The train will take you into Ventimiglia station, in the centre of town where you can wander the colourful streets, take in the views of the Mediterranean Sea or browse their famous Friday market.

San Remo is accessible from Ventimiglia by taking another train for only 15 minutes. The train station is easy to navigate as so is the ticket machine.

In my opinion, if you have to choose one town to go to, it’s San Remo. Known as the ‘City of Flowers’ for its colourful displays around the city. It has a crystal clear coastline, a Friday market, medieval old town and a beautiful fish restaurant called ‘Osteria del Marinaio‘ the best restaurant in town in my opinion! I’ll link it below.

6. Glass Blowing in Biot

La Verrerie de Biot has been family run since 1956. Its famous for its distinctive bubble glass and can be seen in shops, restaurants and homes along the coast.

Located at the foot of medieval Biot, its hidden gem and a must see on your trip to the French Riviera.

La Verrerie de Biot offers guided tours and glass blowing classes Monday - Friday during summer months (contact them for off season opening times)

Guided Tour from 9€
Glass Blowing Classes from 68€

Biot Village

Biot Village is hilltop gem located near Antibes. Famous for art, ceramics and of course, glassblowing, you can often see open workshops and watch artists at work whilst wandering the cobbled streets. With views across the hills to the sea, it’s a lovely day out and not too busy!

There are plenty of small French bistros with set menus that will serve the traditional Provençal dishes and pizzerias serving freshly made pizzas. If it's a French crépe you're after then we have heard that Auberge du Vieux Village at the entrance to the old village serves a wonderful range, they even do a pizza version, which is their speciality.

Biot is located only 10 minutes drive from Antibes or a short bus ride away. There are regular buses from Antibes bus and train station that stops right outside La Verrerie de Biot.

7. Cannes Islands (Îles de Lérins)

Did you know the famous film festival town of Cannes have islands? Made up of 4 small islands, Îles de Lérins in French are located opposite the famous port town of Cannes and a great day for everyone.

These little gems are an idyllic haven of untouched nature in the Mediterranean that bring visitors a unique spectacle of flora, fauna and history where the mysterious Man in the Iron Mask meets the peaceful Cistercian monks. All you'll want to do is explore.

Bring a picnic or reserve a table at the beautiful beach side restaurant.

Easily accessible from The old port of Cannes (Vieux Port ), you can reach the islands by ferry in 15 minutes. The boat ride itself is lovely, so relax and take in the views!

8. The Prettiest Pink Villa you ever did see

The prettiest villa on the French Riviera.

Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild on Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is known as the prettiest villa on the French Riviera. Steeped in history, the villa and gardens are open to the public (unless there is a private event or wedding) and you can spend the day wandering the beautiful gardens, tour the villa and finish off with an afternoon tea in the Béatrice Restaurant.

Built during the ‘Belle Époque’ era, it was designed by the French architect Aaron Messiah, it was built between 1907 and 1912 by Baroness Béatrice de Rothschild.

Surrounded by 9 magnificent gardens overlooking the Mediterranean, it is home to the Baroness's rich art collections.

You can access the villa by car, bus or train from Nice. The train station is Beaulieu - sur - Mer station. A must see whilst on the Côte d’Azur!

Beaulieu - sur - Mer

Why not visit Beaulieu sur Mer while you are here?

This tiny coastal town nestled in a curve protected by tall, grey slabs of the rocky foothills and was once favoured by F.Scott Fitzgerald - Beaulieu’s timeless, quiet glamour still reigns.

9. Visit the Hidden Waterfalls in Nice

Waterfalls and the best view point in Nice? Yes please!

Located 93m above Nice is Parc de la Colline du Chateau, Colline du Chateau translates as “Castle Hill” and, once upon a time, there was indeed a castle up here. All that remains now are the ruins but they are open to the public and there are information boards telling you what part of the castle they would have been. With its stunning waterfall (cascade in French), gardens, viewpoints (both of old Nice and Nice Port), and endless weaving paths, this is a must do if you are in Nice

Information

Located above the Old Town of Nice and the end of the Promenade des Anglais, it’s easily accessible by foot or bus.

There is a lift (ascenceur in French) to the top or if your brave enough you can go by foot. This will take you 20-30 minutes.

Once at the top there is a small café and public toilets and information boards.

Entrance to the public parks are free.

10. Gorges du Verdon

Visiting the Gorges du Verdon with children is a great idea! It's one of the most beautiful natural sites in France, offering stunning views, outdoor activities, and the opportunity to enjoy nature. Here are a few family-friendly places to visit.

For a unique perspective of the gorge, you can take a boat tour along the river. Some tours are family-friendly, providing safe and enjoyable experiences for all ages.

his man-made lake at the foot of the gorge is perfect for families. You can rent pedal boats or kayaks for a fun water activity. There’s a beach where you can relax and swim in the calm waters, which can be ideal for younger children. The shallow water along the shore is safer for them to play.

There are easy and family-friendly hiking trails in the area, such as the Sentier Blanc-Martel (though it’s a bit longer, it has spots for resting) or smaller trails around the lake. These can be fun for children to explore the natural environment at their own pace. Many trails are relatively flat and offer views of the gorge, waterfalls, and lush vegetation, making them an exciting adventure for little explorers.

The driving time from Nice to the Gorges du Verdon is approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on the route and traffic conditions. There are a few scenic routes that can add to the journey but are great break points for the little ones.

11 Unique things to do on the French Riviera with Kids