Arrive in Nice (NCE) and check in to your hotel; if early, drop bags and start your day in Old Town. Many hotels allow luggage drop even before standard check-in times.
Grab coffee, a croissant and socca from the stalls around Cours Saleya — the flower and food market in Vieux Nice; market vendors typically operate from about 6:00am–1:00pm, great for a fresh local start.
Wander narrow streets, pastel façades and artisanal shops; Cours Saleya’s flower and food market is lively in the morning—perfect for people-watching and local bites.
Traditional Niçoise lunch at La Merenda (famous small bistro; note: cash only and lunchtime service only, roughly 12:00–14:00), for authentic regional dishes like pissaladière and pan bagnat.
Stroll or cycle along the Promenade des Anglais and relax on a pebbled beach; public beaches are free, private beach clubs rent loungers (approx. 15:00–19:00 peak hours).
Walk or take the elevator to Castle Hill for panoramic views over Nice and the Baie des Anges; park is open daylight hours and is free, ideal for late-afternoon photos and sunset.
Seafood-focused dinner at Le Plongeoir (unique seafront setting on a rock platform); reservations recommended. Many restaurants open for dinner from ~7:00pm onward—confirm seasonal hours.
Quick coffee and pastry at a café near the train station or your hotel; trains/buses to Èze depart frequently in the morning—plan to leave by 8:30–9:00am for a full day.
Take the coastal train to Èze-sur-Mer then the bus or a short drive up to Èze Village perched on a cliff; travel time ~30–45 mins from Nice depending on transport.
Visit the exotic cliff-top gardens for dramatic views of the Mediterranean and sculpted succulent collections; gardens usually open ~9:00–18:00, check seasonal hours and last-entry times.
Free factory tour and small museum dedicated to perfume-making—good short stop to learn about Grasse perfumes and pick up gifts; factories typically open 9:00–18:00.
Lunch at the cliff-top Château Eza (if you want a special meal) or a casual bistro in Èze village; many places serve lunch from 12:00–2:00pm—book in advance for Château Eza.
Short transfer east along the coast to Monaco (approx. 15–25 minutes by car, 10–20 minutes by train from Èze-sur-Mer); arrive mid-afternoon for sights.
Choose Oceanographic Museum (open ~10:00–18:00; great for marine exhibits and views) or a walk around the Casino Square and gardens—Casino gaming rooms often open after 2:00pm (entry fee may apply and dress code enforced).
Walk up to the Prince’s Palace terrace for sunset panoramas over the harbor; the palace interior has seasonal visiting hours (often 9:00–18:00 in summer) so check if you want to tour inside.
Classic Monaco dining at Café de Paris next to the Casino or choose a waterfront bistro in Port Hercule for seafood; dinner service typically from 7:00pm onward—reservations recommended.
Light breakfast in Nice before driving or taking local buses to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat (20–30 minutes). Early start lets you enjoy calmer beaches and gardens.
Tour the villa and its nine themed gardens overlooking the sea; the villa is usually open around 9:30–6:00 in summer—allow time for gardens and the small museum inside.
Scenic coastal walk (Sentier du Littoral) around the peninsula with views of villas and secret coves; ideal for photos and short swims at quiet beaches.
Lunch with sea views on Cap-Ferrat — choose Paloma Beach for a classic beach-club vibe (open typically 10:00–19:00) or La Table du Royal for a refined hotel lunch.
Short transfer to Villefranche-sur-Mer for a relaxed afternoon in its picturesque harbor, citadel walk and sandy beach; promenade and beach are open year-round.
Visit small local museums or enjoy an extra swim/snorkel off the bay; many marine activities and boat rentals operate through late afternoon—check local operators’ hours.
Return to Nice for dinner — choose Jan for a celebrated tasting menu (reservations essential) or a relaxed bistro in Old Town for Niçoise specialities. Confirm restaurant opening times (many fine-dining restaurants open for dinner from 7pm).
Visit Picasso Museum inside Château Grimaldi with works connected to Picasso’s time in Antibes; typically open from 10:00–18:00 in high season — check exact hours for the day.
Head to Juan-les-Pins for a beachside lunch—try a seafood brasserie or tapas bar on the seafront; many restaurants serve lunch from noon until mid-afternoon.
Relax on the sandy beaches of Juan-les-Pins or rent paddleboards/jet skis (beach clubs and rental operators open typically 9:00–18:00); private sunbeds available for a fee.
Fine-dining option in Antibes’ old town with refined Provençal cuisine (reservations recommended); most upscale spots begin dinner service ~7:00–7:30pm.
Walk the Croisette and see the Palais des Festivals (photo ops on the Cannes film steps); guided tours of the Palais may be available—check the festival schedule for closures.
Catch the 20–30 minute ferry to Sainte-Marguerite (ferries run frequently in summer, roughly 9:30–18:00); explore Fort Royal and its maritime museum (Musée de la Mer).
If you prefer perfume heritage, drive ~40 minutes inland to Grasse for factory tours (Fragonard/Guerlain) and the International Perfume Museum; factories often open ~9:00–18:00—allow 3–4 hours total for transit and visit.
Splurge dinner at La Palme d'Or (two-Michelin-starred restaurant at Martinez) or lively dinner at Le Bâoli — reservations essential, check opening times (generally evening service from 7pm).
Drive from Cannes to Saint-Tropez (~1h30–2h depending on traffic) or take a seasonal ferry (longer but scenic). Allow plenty of time if you must return to Nice for a flight—driving back to Nice can take ~2 hours from Saint-Tropez.
Walk the iconic port and have coffee or a late breakfast at Sénéquier (classic red-seated café) while admiring the yachts; cafés open from morning, perfect for people-watching.
Lunch at iconic Club 55 on Pampelonne Beach (book ahead) or a special meal at La Vague d'Or for upscale Provence cuisine—many beach clubs operate 10:00–19:00 in summer.
Enjoy the beach or browse Saint-Tropez boutiques for last-minute souvenirs; beach clubs charge for sunbeds and services—confirm availability in high season.
Drive or take your chosen transfer back to Nice (allow 2+ hours for road travel); plan for at least 3 hours between arrival at Nice airport and international flight departure.