7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in Nice

As a digital nomad living in Nice, you have the unique opportunity to blend work and travel, experiencing new cultures and environments while staying connected to your job. Nice itself is a vibrant city with plenty to offer, but sometimes a change of scenery can be refreshing. Whether you're looking for popular tourist spots or hidden gems, the surrounding area is rich with diverse weekend getaway options. Here are seven destinations that offer a mix of well-known attractions and off-the-beaten-path experiences, all within reach from your base in Nice.

Cannes

Just a short train ride away from Nice, Cannes is synonymous with glitz and glamour, thanks to its famous film festival. However, there's more to this city than red carpets and movie stars. Stroll along La Croisette to enjoy the sea views, shop in high-end boutiques, or relax on the sandy beaches. For a cultural fix, visit Le Suquet, the old quarter, with its winding cobbled streets and quaint restaurants.

How to Get There: Cannes is easily accessible by train from Nice, with a journey time of around 30 minutes. Trains run frequently throughout the day from Nice Ville station.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the chance to walk up to the old castle ruins in Le Suquet for a panoramic view of Cannes and the surrounding coastline.

Where to Stay: Consider staying at the Hotel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes for its luxurious amenities and prime location on La Croisette.

Where to Eat: For a taste of local cuisine, visit the Marché Forville, a bustling food market where you can sample fresh produce and regional specialties.

Èze

Perched high above the Mediterranean, the medieval village of Èze offers breathtaking views and a step back in time. Wander through the narrow streets, explore the exotic gardens, and visit the famous Fragonard perfume factory. The village's elevated position provides some of the best vistas of the French Riviera.

How to Get There: Èze can be reached by a combination of train and bus from Nice. Take the train to Èze-sur-Mer and then hop on a bus for the ascent to the village.

Travel Tip: Visit the Jardin Exotique d'Èze at the top of the village for an unforgettable view and an impressive collection of cacti and succulents.

Where to Stay: Château de la Chèvre d'Or offers luxurious accommodations with stunning sea views and beautiful terraced gardens.

Where to Eat: Enjoy a meal at La Chèvre d'Or, which boasts two Michelin stars and offers a dining experience with spectacular views.

Monaco

The principality of Monaco is a playground for the rich and famous, known for its luxury casinos, yacht-lined harbor, and the prestigious Grand Prix. Take a walk around the Monte Carlo district, visit the Prince's Palace, and explore the Oceanographic Museum. Monaco's compact size makes it perfect for a day trip or a luxurious weekend away.

How to Get There: Monaco is a quick 20-minute train ride from Nice, with frequent services running throughout the day.

Travel Tip: Try your luck at the Casino de Monte-Carlo, but even if gambling isn't your thing, the building's architecture and opulent decor are worth seeing.

Where to Stay: Hotel Hermitage Monte-Carlo offers Belle Époque elegance and a stunning winter garden designed by Gustave Eiffel.

Where to Eat: Le Louis XV - Alain Ducasse à l'Hôtel de Paris is an iconic restaurant with three Michelin stars, offering a dining experience fit for royalty.

Saint-Paul de Vence

Saint-Paul de Vence is a charming hilltop village known for its art galleries, boutiques, and the Fondation Maeght, a modern art museum. The village has long attracted artists and writers, and its picturesque streets and ramparts offer inspiring views of the surrounding countryside.

How to Get There: The best way to reach Saint-Paul de Vence from Nice is by bus, which takes about an hour.

Travel Tip: Explore the local art scene by visiting the many galleries and studios within the village walls.

Where to Stay: La Colombe d'Or is a historic hotel that has hosted famous artists and offers a unique collection of art.

Where to Eat: The restaurant at La Colombe d'Or serves traditional French cuisine surrounded by original artworks from renowned artists.

Menton

Often overlooked in favor of its more famous neighbors, Menton is a colorful and serene coastal town near the Italian border. Known for its lemon festival, beautiful gardens, and a warm microclimate, Menton is a delightful mix of French and Italian cultures. Visit the Basilica of Saint-Michel and stroll along the Promenade du Soleil.

How to Get There: Menton is about a 40-minute train ride from Nice, with beautiful coastal views along the way.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the serene Jardin Serre de la Madone, a garden known for its rare plant collection and tranquil atmosphere.

Where to Stay: Hotel Napoléon offers modern amenities and a beachfront location, perfect for enjoying Menton's mild climate.

Where to Eat: Mirazur, a three Michelin-starred restaurant led by Chef Mauro Colagreco, offers innovative dishes with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients.

Gourdon

Gourdon is one of the "Plus Beaux Villages de France" (Most Beautiful Villages of France) and is a hidden gem perched on a cliff overlooking the Loup Valley. This less-traveled destination offers stunning panoramic views, a castle with a garden designed by Le Nôtre, and artisanal shops selling local products.

How to Get There: Reaching Gourdon from Nice involves a combination of train and bus, with the journey taking approximately 1.5 hours.

Travel Tip: Visit the Château de Gourdon and its gardens for a historical experience with a view.

Where to Stay: For a cozy stay, consider the charming bed and breakfasts in the village, such as La Becassiere.

Where to Eat: Enjoy traditional Provencal cuisine with a view at La Taverne Provençale, located at the heart of Gourdon.

Peillon

Peillon is a picturesque medieval village perched atop a rocky peak, largely untouched by tourism. Its labyrinth of narrow streets, vaulted passageways, and stone houses offer a peaceful retreat from the bustling Riviera. The village is also home to a few noteworthy frescoes in its 12th-century church.

How to Get There: Access to Peillon is best achieved by train to Peillon-Sainte-Thècle station, followed by a hike or taxi ride up to the village.

Travel Tip: The hike from the train station to the village is steep but rewards you with incredible views and a sense of accomplishment.

Where to Stay: Auberge de la Madone provides comfortable accommodations and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Where to Eat: The restaurant at Auberge de la Madone offers exquisite local dishes with ingredients sourced from the region.