7 Underrated Day Trips from Cannes You’ll Actually Want to Take
When most people think of the French Riviera, it’s always the same two names: Nice and Monaco. Don’t get me wrong, they’re gorgeous, but there’s so much more waiting just a short ride from Cannes. On my last trip, I made it my mission to explore beyond the usual, and I was blown away, while I didn’t get to see all of them, these are some that I plan to go in the future after some deep research.
Here are seven underrated day trips from Cannes, all reachable in under an hour, and honestly? They might just end up being your favorite memories of the Riviera.
Antibes
I’ll start with Antibes, because this was my first “wow” moment on the Riviera. Imagine golden sandy beaches, a historic old town lined with pastel shutters, and a seaside Picasso Museum (yes, Picasso actually lived here). Antibes feels like a postcard, but without the overwhelming tourist crowds of Cannes or Nice.
👉 Book a guided tour: Check Antibes tours here
Grasse
If you’re into fragrances (or just want to try something different), Grasse is a must. Known as the perfume capital of the world, the town is full of little perfume factories where you can take a tour and even create your own scent. I did a perfume workshop here, and it honestly felt like such a unique souvenir to bring home, something more personal than a magnet or keychain.
👉 Join a perfume workshop in Grasse
Èze
Perched high on a cliff, Èze is straight out of a dream. Picture winding stone lanes, bougainvillea spilling over old walls, and the most jaw-dropping views of the Mediterranean from the exotic gardens at the top. If you want that classic “wow, I’m really on the Riviera” moment, Èze will give it to you.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence
This medieval hilltop village has always been a magnet for artists, and when you wander through, you’ll see why. Narrow cobblestone streets twist past galleries and ateliers, and the whole place has a creative energy to it. I could have spent hours just people-watching from a little café terrace here.
Villefranche-sur-Mer
Villefranche is one of those towns that instantly charms you. Its colorful harbor looks like it was painted with watercolors, and it’s the kind of place where you just want to linger by the sea with a glass of rosé. I went here on a lazy afternoon, and it felt worlds away from the bustle of Cannes, even though it’s only a short train ride.
Menton
Menton is basically the Riviera’s answer to Italy, it’s right by the border, full of pastel facades, and has this laid-back dolce vita vibe. If you can, visit during the Lemon Festival in February (the whole town celebrates citrus with parades and sculptures, it’s wild). But even off-season, it’s a sweet little gem.
Saint-Raphaël
If you’re craving something a bit more low-key and outdoorsy, head to Saint-Raphaël. It’s less touristy than many Riviera towns and surrounded by beautiful coastal hiking trails. The red rocks of the Esterel Massif meet the blue sea here, and the scenery is unreal. Perfect if you need a break from beach clubs and want to move your body.
How to Get Around the French Riviera
Getting between these towns is easier than you’d think. I mostly used the train, it was super affordable and surprisingly simple to navigate (you can check schedules and book on Omio). Buses also connect many of the smaller towns.
If you want more flexibility, you could rent a car through DiscoverCars and create your own Riviera road trip. Or, if you prefer something stress-free, book a private transfer with a service like Daytrip, which lets you add stops along the way if you’re traveling from one end of the coast to the other.
The Riviera is so much more than Cannes, Nice, and Monaco. Antibes, Grasse, Èze, and the rest of these towns gave me some of my favorite travel memories in the South of France. So if you’re in Cannes and wondering what else is out there, pick one (or a few) of these underrated day trips, you won’t regret it.
