Start your day in Nice's famous Cours Saleya market — grab a pastry and coffee from a market bakery and enjoy people-watching among the flower stalls (market typically 6:00am–1:30pm; hours vary by season).
Stroll along the iconic Promenade des Anglais and dip your toes at one of the pebble beaches — great for a first impression of the Baie des Anges (always open; weather permitting).
Walk or take the lift up Castle Hill for panoramic views over Nice's rooftops and harbor; the park is open daily and excellent for photos (park typically open 8:00am–6:00pm; check seasonal hours).
Classic Niçoise cuisine on the market square — try a salade niçoise or socca; popular so expect a short wait at lunchtime (restaurants open ~12:00pm–2:30pm).
Choose Matisse (in Cimiez) for a deep dive into his local connection or MAMAC for contemporary works; museums typically open 10:00am–6:00pm but verify seasonal closures.
Take an early TER train to Monaco to beat crowds and maximize daylight; trains run frequently but check SNCF schedules for exact times and platform info.
See marine life exhibits and rooftop views of the principality; museum hours are roughly 10:00am–6:00pm in shoulder season — verify before you go (some exhibits open earlier).
Walk around the Casino de Monte-Carlo gardens and have lunch at Café de Paris or a nearby brasserie for classic Monaco people-watching (cafés open midday).
Ride up to medieval Èze (short bus or taxi). Visit the Fragonard perfumery for a free tour and explore the exotic garden ruins with sweeping coastal views (shops typically open 9:00am–6:00pm).
Return toward Nice with a stop at Villefranche's picturesque bay — walk the corniche or relax on the small beach and in the Old Port (public areas open; beach access depends on season).
Enjoy fresh bread, cheese and local specialties at the covered Provençal market (market hours typically 6:30am–1:00pm; closed Sundays for the covered market in shoulder season—check local schedule).
Visit Château Grimaldi (Picasso Museum) and wander the winding streets and ramparts of the old town for history and art (museum hours usually 10:00am–6:00pm; confirm ahead).
Choose a swim at a public or private beach or take the coastal Sentier du Littoral around Cap d'Antibes for spectacular views — path open year-round but watch for wet/rocky sections.
Snap photos at the Cannes film festival steps and stroll the palm‑lined promenade to see luxury hotels and designer shops (public promenade always open).
Short ferry (about 15–20 minutes) to Sainte-Marguerite for a peaceful island walk, Fort Royal (museum) and coastal views; ferries run frequently but check seasonal timetables (ferry ~9:00am–6:00pm).
Head back to Le Suquet for a relaxed late lunch in the medieval quarter with local wines and seafood (restaurants open afternoon/evening, check exact hours).
Travel east to Ventimiglia to visit the famous Friday market (best on Fridays — stalls open early, approximately 7:00am–1:30pm); check train times as this is a longer hop (~1hr+ from Cannes).
Browse clothing, leather goods, fresh produce and Italian specialties — bargaining is common at the street stalls and the market is busiest in the morning.
Enjoy an espresso and a focaccia or panini at a café near the market before returning to France — cafés open throughout the day, but the market closes early afternoon.
Return by train and transfer to Grasse (the perfume capital) via Nice and local bus or train connections — check SNCF and regional bus timetables for the best route and timing.
Take a guided or self-guided perfumery tour to learn how fragrances are made and shop exclusive scents — factories and boutiques typically welcome visitors 9:00am–5:30pm but confirm times and book tours when possible.
Explore the medieval lanes above the valley and dine in a local bistro serving dishes with Mediterranean and Provençal flavors (dinner typically 7:00pm–10:00pm).
Morning transfer back to Nice; journey time ~45–60 minutes by bus or train depending on connections — check regional schedules for exact departure times.
If you missed it Day 1 or want more local produce, the Cours Saleya market is perfect for last-minute purchases (market hours typically 6:00am–1:30pm but some stalls close midday).
Head to Nice Ville train station or the airport for onward travel; allow extra time for luggage, ticketing and any local transit (arrive at least 30–60 minutes before regional departures, longer for flights).
If you remain in Nice for the evening, choose a seaside restaurant on the Promenade or a cozy trattoria in Old Town for a final Riviera meal (dinner 7:00pm–10:30pm).