Morning: Board the early ICE from Karlsruhe to Basel, then transfer to a TGV in Basel heading south. Enjoy the scenic Alpine crossing as you glide toward the Mediterranean.
Afternoon: Arrive at Nice Ville station, check into a centrally located hostel, and take a short tram ride to the waterfront. Stroll along the Promenade des Anglais to soak in the sea breeze and admire the pastel‑colored buildings.
Evening: Dine at a local bistro in the Old Town (Vieux Nice), sampling Niçoise specialties like socca. A leisurely walk back to your accommodation offers a first taste of Riviera night life.
Find HotelsMorning: Climb up to Castle Hill (Colline du Château) for panoramic views of Nice and the Baie des Anges; the walk is invigorating and the vistas are priceless.
Afternoon: Visit the Matisse Museum in the Cimiez neighborhood, then wander the nearby Roman ruins at Cimiez Archaeological Site. Grab a light lunch at a café on the Place Garibaldi.
Evening: Return to the Old Town for a relaxed aperitif in a historic piazza, followed by a nightcap at a jazz bar on the Promenade.
Find HotelsMorning: Catch a regional TER train from Nice to Monaco‑Monte‑Carlo (≈20 min). Tour the opulent Prince’s Palace, the stunning St. Nicholas Cathedral, and the dazzling Casino de Monte‑Carlo.
Afternoon: Take a bus up to the medieval perched village of Èze. Explore the narrow cobblestone lanes, visit the exotic Jardin Exotique d’Èze, and enjoy a coffee with a view over the sea.
Evening: Return to Nice by train; enjoy a leisurely dinner at a seaside restaurant, trying the famous salade niçoise.
Find HotelsMorning: Board a TER line to Cannes (≈30 min). Begin with a stroll along the iconic La Croisette, admiring the luxury hotels and sandy beach.
Afternoon: Explore the historic quarter of Le Suquet, climbing to the clock tower for sweeping city views. Visit the Musée de la Castre for art and ethnography collections.
Evening: Dine at a bustling fish market restaurant on the harbor, then catch a late TER back to Nice for a restful night.
Find HotelsMorning: Take a short train ride to Antibes. Wander the fortified Port Vauban and the charming Old Town, then step inside the renowned Picasso Museum housed in the Château Grimaldi.
Afternoon: Walk along the scenic coastal path to the Cap d’Antibes peninsula, enjoying the rugged cliffs and the famous Le Nomade sculpture. Continue by bus to the lively beach resort of Juan‑les‑Pins for a quick dip.
Evening: Return to Nice; treat yourself to a gelato while strolling the illuminated promenade before heading back to your lodging.
Find HotelsMorning: Catch a regional bus to the hilltop artist haven of Saint‑Paul‑de‑Vence. Browse the galleries of the Fondation Maeght and the picturesque Place du Jeu de Balle.
Afternoon: Continue by bus to Grasse, the perfume capital of the world. Tour the historic Fragonard Perfume Factory and learn the art of fragrance blending.
Evening: Return to Nice for a farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant, savoring the evening lights over the Baie des Anges.
Find HotelsMorning: Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at a café on the Cours Saleya market, picking up fresh fruits and local pastries. Take a final stroll along the beach before checking out.
Afternoon: Board the TGV from Nice‑Ville back to Basel, then the ICE to Karlsruhe, arriving late afternoon.
Evening: Reflect on your Riviera adventure and unwind at home.
Find HotelsIf you wish to extend the trip, add a full day in Monaco to explore the Oceanographic Museum and the exotic gardens of Jardin Japonais. To shorten the itinerary, combine Cannes and Antibes into a single day by using the efficient coastal train, and skip the Grasse perfume tour for a quick visit to the town’s historic center.