📍 France

NICE GATEWAY: MEDITERRANEAN ESCAPES IN FOUR DAYS

Medieval towers commanding the peaks, Mediterranean light caressing old stones, lemon scent in warm air, lights twinkling on harbors. The essence of the Riviera.

≈ 4
Days
87
Km
4
Stops
📖 3 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Explore Èze heights where lanes command the sea, wander through Menton between lemon trees and Italian light, discover Saint-Paul-de-Vence and its Renaissance ramparts, then reach Antibes where ancient amphitheater meets the contemporary elegance of marinas and yachts. Mediterranean atmosphere unfolds between stone, sea and savoir-vivre.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Eze

spires pierce azure sky

🔍

Discover

1
Villefranche-sur-Mer — colorful old town, Saint-Elme citadel and walk along the turquoise harbor.
2
Beaulieu-sur-Mer — Belle Époque promenade, port and Villa Kérylos (exteriors).
3
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat — coastal path, Passable and Paloma beaches, gardens of Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild.
4
Èze — medieval streets, Fragonard perfumery and Exotic Garden with panoramic view.
🎯

Activities

Swimming at Marinières beach in Villefranche.
Hiking on the Friedrich Nietzsche trail between Èze-sur-Mer and Èze-village.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 22 km
Travel time: 40min
2
Day

Menton

lemon groves scent warmly

🔍

Discover

1
Monaco — old rock, Prince's Palace, Oceanographic Museum and Port Hercule.
2
Roquebrune-Cap-Martin — medieval castle, Le Corbusier promenade and Cap Martin coves.
3
Sainte-Agnès — perched village at 800 m, Maginot fort and panorama over the sea.
4
Menton — old town, Saint-Michel basilica, Jean Cocteau museum and Val Rahmeh garden.
🎯

Activities

Harbor stroll and view of yachts from Monte-Carlo.
Botanical break in the Biovès Gardens of Menton.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 50 km
Travel time: 1h
3
Day

Saint Paul De Vence

ramparts guard renaissance souls

🔍

Discover

1
Cagnes-sur-Mer — Haut-de-Cagnes, Grimaldi castle and Renoir museum.
2
Saint-Paul-de-Vence — ramparts, art galleries, Maeght Foundation and picturesque alleyways.
3
Tourrettes-sur-Loup — medieval village, violet crafts and panorama over the Loup.
4
Gourdon — classified village, castle and belvedere overlooking the Loup gorges.
+1 Places visited
🎯

Activities

Photo stop at Saut du Loup and viewpoints in the gorges.
Sunset observation from the ramparts of Saint-Paul.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 15 km
Travel time: 30min
4
Day

Antibes

amphitheater meets yachting charm

🔍

Discover

1
Biot — artisanal glassworks, Fernand Léger museum and stroll through shaded alleys.
2
Antibes — old town, Picasso museum, ramparts and port Vauban.
3
Cap d'Antibes — coastal path, coves and viewpoints.
🎯

Activities

Bike route between Antibes and Juan-les-Pins.
Swimming at la Garoupe beach or in Juan-les-Pins.

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

🛡️ Travel advice - France

Check official recommendations

UK Foreign Travel Advice →

❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming countryside, ideal for all regions, moderate crowds, excellent value, romantic atmosphere.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for Mediterranean coast, festival season.

Fall (September-October): Harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, wine regions spectacular, excellent photography, good value.

Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, ski season Alps, fewer crowds, lowest prices, cozy indoor attractions, cultural experiences.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 3 and 5 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in France?

Cultural capital with incredible cuisine, world-famous attractions, and diverse regions from Paris to Provence. Experience artistic heritage, wine culture, and sophisticated lifestyle. The country offers excellent infrastructure with cultural depth and culinary excellence. France provides complete cultural experiences with historical significance and modern sophistication in easily accessible destination.