What to visit around Nice? What are the prettiest villages near Nice, France ? A few weeks ago, I told you about 10 Places to Visit Nice. Today, I invite you to explore the surroundings of Nice, and more specifically three charming little villages and two incredible villas, all close to Nice.
Grab your sunglasses and straw hats, and let’s go!
Read also : 10 Places to Visit Nice – a Local’s Guide
PRETTIEST VILLAGES NEAR NICE : PRACTICAL TIPS
How to get to the villages near Nice?
The nearest airport is Nice Côte d’Azur. It is served by many low-cost airlines from several cities in France. By car, Nice is 2 hours and 15 minutes from Marseille and 1 hour and 50 minutes from Toulon. The Italian border is an hour away by car or train. From Paris, it takes 5 hours and 45 minutes by train, and 2 hours from Marseille.
Then, to get to the various villages and villas to visit around Nice, allow 20 minutes from Nice (15 minutes from Nice to Villefranche, and 25 minutes from Nice to Saint Paul de Vence).
Compare car rentals to find the best price in Nice!
If you don’t have a car, you can take the TER train, which provides good service to these different locations. For Saint Paul de Vence, get off at Cagnes sur Mer and take bus no. 400 (15 minutes). There is also a train station in Villefranche and Èze (on the coast, you will then have to walk up to the village).
Both villas are accessible from the Beaulieu-sur-Mer train station. Villa Kerylos is a 5-minute walk from the station. For Villa Ephrussi, a free shuttle bus runs from the Beaulieu train station.
Where to stay to visit the beautiful villages near Nice?
Here are several accommodation suggestions, ranked according to your budget. Accommodation in Nice is often expensive but remains central for exploring the villages near Nice.
Find your accommodation in Nice at the best price!
3 places I recommend to visit the villages near Nice
LUMINEUX APPARTEMENT A NICE
- Close to Nice center
- Stylish and comfortable
- From 120€
LE NEGRESCO, NICE
- Iconic palace
- Beachfront
- From 400€
LA PERLE D’ÈZE
- Sea view aparthotel
- Swimming pool
- From 150€
What to bring back from Nice?
All kinds of lavender products are widely available in the region. You’ll find them in most shops. When it comes to food, olive oil, tapenades, and other anchoïades are great souvenirs to bring home. The best places to find them are in Nice on Rue Saint François de Paul at Alziari or A l’Olivier.
I also really like the Fragonard brand, which has stores in Saint Paul de Vence and Èze. This perfumer, originally from Grasse, just next to Nice, offers very Mediterranean creations in the form of perfumes, cosmetics, and household linens. The scents are often floral or woody, always subtle. Fragonard – Chemin Ste Claire in St Paul de Vence and at the entrance to the village of Èze
1. VILLEFRANCHE SUR MER, THE COLORFUL VILLAGE NEAR NICE
Let’s start with a stroll through Villefranche sur Mer. This little village is located on the coast, 5 kilometers east of Nice, and this is one of the most colorful villages near Nice !
The old town and the Saint Elme citadel overlook the bay of Villefranche with a bird’s eye view of the pretty Cap Ferrat peninsula…
I loved the charm of the old town of Villefranche sur Mer with its narrow streets and warm-colored houses. The facades are adorned with olive green or pastel blue shutters, in keeping with the regional colors. And in some of the narrow streets, laundry is even drying in the windows. You can stroll around Villefranche, going up and down narrow stairways, discovering hidden passageways and, around a corner, a Provençal fountain. Everything here basks in the sunshine, a little like in Old Nice, which I love so much.
Don’t hesitate to visit the village church and stroll along the port street, which reveals some very pretty facades. If you’d like to stop for lunch, I recommend the Lou Bantry restaurant for delicious local cuisine. The fish and seafood dishes are excellent. – 13 Quai de l’Amiral Courbet.
Right next to the port, let’s now discover the village’s little curiosity: a tunnel street that runs through the basements of the houses closest to the port, with several passages leading to the port or the old town. It is also beautifully named “rue obscure” (dark street). A very surprising place!
For a magnificent view of the turquoise sea and the old town of Villefranche-sur-Mer in the background, head to the Route de la Moyenne Corniche: the panorama is spectacular! This is what makes Villefranche one of the must-see places to visit around Nice…
2. LA VILLA EPHRUSSI DE ROTHSCHILD
Practical information: – Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild : open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (7:00 p.m. in summer) – admission: €18 (reduced rate: €12) – combined ticket with Villa Kerylos : €24 (valid for 8 days)
Now head to the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula, at the end of Villefranche beach. This strip of land is home to some of the most expensive villas in France. But I’m taking you to the top of the peninsula to discover the enchanting Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. For me, it’s a must-see around Nice!
Built in the early 20th century by Baroness Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild, it reflects the personality of its owner, who was passionate about art, nature, and architecture.
This Renaissance palace is one of my favorite places around Nice. I fell in love with it at first sight! The Villa Ephrussi has all the grandeur of an Italian palace, the rich interior decoration of the most beautiful residences, and spectacular gardens evoking multiple horizons… Its pale pink façade evokes the charm of the French Riviera, surrounded by majestic palm trees, pines, and olive trees. The Mediterranean Sea is always present and can be seen from almost everywhere. It’s a true paradise!
Outside, everything has been designed to allow visitors to admire the palace from many different angles. On the south side, the large pond and magnificent gardens evoke a miniature Versailles on the French Riviera. These French gardens were designed to resemble the bow of a ship, so that Beatrice could play captain from inside, admiring the sea on both sides!
A little further on, there is a series of gardens, each evoking a different part of the world and a different cultural inspiration. The Spanish garden features an open patio, while the Japanese garden contrasts with the exotic garden, which is full of lush plants. Lavender fills the Provençal garden, while roses enchant the rose garden. Like the house itself, these gardens are a real invitation to daydream and travel!
The interior is just as spectacular. The reception rooms are adjacent to the Baroness’s private apartments, and in the center of the villa, a gigantic patio leads to all the rooms. Beatrice’s receptions were held in this enormous space, bathed in light and surrounded by tall columns. Marble, trompe-l’oeil, and mosaics also recall the Italian inspiration.
I also really liked the large living room, with its very feminine decor and wonderful sea view. Interestingly, the wood paneling on the walls comes from the Hôtel de Crillon, when the Parisian palace was renovated at the beginning of the last century.
You can also visit the baroness’s apartments, with her bedroom, boudoir, and bathroom. Many of the rooms reserved for guests are decorated in different styles. The salon des singes (monkey room) and the salon chinois (Chinese room) also evoke faraway horizons. Each room is richly furnished and contains paintings, antique furniture, and collections, including one of the largest collections of Sèvres porcelain.
3. ÈZE , THE HILLTOP VILLAGE NEAR NICE
Let’s now discover a new village, Èze, another gem to visit around Nice. The hilltop village of Èze is located a few kilometers east of Saint Jean-Cap Ferrat. This small medieval town is worth a visit for its picturesque location on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The panoramic view it offers is truly magnificent! Part of the village, Èze-sur-mer, is located at the bottom of the rock, by the sea. You can walk down a steep cliffside path in about 45 minutes.
Unlike Villefranche-sur-Mer, Èze is full of old stones and details that bear witness to its history. Its cobbled streets wind through the old medieval fortress, with vaulted houses alternating with old stone staircases and pretty porches. The streets are narrow and winding but surprisingly well preserved. Some houses even retain their old signs. You can also discover a pretty church and a small chapel.
The streets of Èze are full of charm, although I found some villages more authentic. The artisans and small shops are a little too touristy for my taste. On the other hand, I really liked the omnipresence of vegetation, which covers some of the walls and decorates the houses. Small touches of green and exoticism are added to most of the streets, giving them a special charm that contrasts with the old stones.
You can also visit the exotic garden at the top of the village. I wasn’t able to visit it, but I hear it’s really worth a detour, especially for its panoramic view of the bay!
Practical information: – Èze Exotic Garden: open from – admission: €6 (reduced: €3.50)
4. KERYLOS, THE CURIOUS GREEK VILLA
Practical information: – Villa Kerylos: open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (7:00 p.m. in summer) – admission: €13 (free for visitors under 25) – combined ticket with villa Ephrussi : €24 (valid for 8 days)
Book your ticket for Villa Kerylos!
Book your ticket for villa Kerylos !
Now let’s head to the seaside at the foot of the Èze rock to visit a surprising villa in Beaulieu-sur-Mer. Built in 1908, the Villa Kerylos was inspired by the luxurious villas of ancient Greece! This astonishing creation can be explained by the profession of its owner, Théodore Reinach, an archaeologist specializing in the Hellenistic period. This villa is a subtle blend of antique decor and modern comfort, but above all a magnificent tribute to a civilization to which the modern world owes so much.
From the outside, its imposing white façade seems to plunge directly into the sea. But its simplicity contrasts with its richly furnished and decorated interior. The décor, tableware, and furniture have all been recreated in the Greek style of the 2nd century BC. It’s a real journey back in time!
Upon entering the house, you will discover the square courtyard—the peristyle—which is the nerve center of the house. Twelve columns made of Carrara marble sculpt the architecture of the house. All around, you can visit the various living areas, such as the living room, dining room, and library.
I really liked the decor, which was so exotic. Frescoes adorn all the walls and depict the legends of the gods and heroes of Greek mythology. The floors are covered with magnificent mosaics, and the walls are made of marble or frescoes in shades of red, ochre, black, and white. The ceilings are also decorated with subtly crafted woodwork.
En entrant dans la maison, vous découvrirez la cour carrée – le péristyle – qui est le centre névralgique de la maison. Douze colonnes en marbre de Carrare sculptent l’architecture de la maison. Tout autour, on peut visiter les différentes pièces à vivre comme le salon, la salle à manger, la bibliothèque. J’ai beaucoup aimé leur décoration, si dépaysante. Des fresques ornent l’ensemble des murs et dépeignent les légendes des dieux et héros de la mythologie grecque. Les sols sont quant à eux recouverts de magnifiques mosaïques, et les murs de marbre ou de fresques aux couleurs rouges, ocres, noires et blanches. Les plafonds sont eux aussi décorés de boiseries subtilement travaillées.
I also loved the most surprising room in the house: the baths! They remind us of the importance of bathing rituals in the lives of the ancient Greeks. Upstairs are the family bedrooms and bathrooms. The villa is surrounded by a pretty garden.
5. SAINT PAUL DE VENCE, THE TYPICAL VILLAGE NEAR NICE
We now change location and head west of Nice to discover the small, typical village of Saint Paul de Vence. This is undoubtedly one of my favorite villages near Nice! Here, everything starts at the little café on the square. People come here to meet up and play pétanque under the plane trees! The village regulars compete regularly, but you can also join in and try to beat them, just like Lino Ventura and Yves Montand in their day 😉. This friendly atmosphere is one of the village’s strong points, along with its artistic soul.
Today, there are still many art galleries exhibiting the works of the greatest modern and contemporary artists. You can also discover a number of artists’ studios, painters, and ceramists, a little like in Saint Cirq-Lapopie. In the last century, Marc Chagall, Jacques Prévert, Yves Montand, and Simone Signoret could be seen in Saint Paul de Vence. You could also meet many international movie stars who were attracted in the 1950s by the studios in Nice and the Cannes Film Festival. It was in this vibrant cultural context that the famous Maeght Foundation was founded in Saint Paul, inaugurated in 1964.
The village of Saint Paul de Vence is surrounded by high ramparts, which almost completely encircle it. The ramparts are made up of bastions and curtain walls built by François I in the 16th century. You can take the path that runs along the ramparts to explore the village’s surroundings. It’s truly enchanting, surrounded by olive trees, orange trees, vineyards, and fig trees, with the song of cicadas as a bonus!
Let’s enter the fortified town through the Porte de Vence. The entrance itself is impressive, with its thick gate. You will then discover a maze of charming narrow streets, paved in the Provençal style (with pebbles laid on their sides). At the bend of a square adorned with a fountain, time seems to have stood still. The locals take the time to live and enjoy their surroundings. It’s a Provençal atmosphere that is hard to find these days.
In the church square at the top of the village, you will find historic buildings: the church, the former castle keep, and the Chapel of the White Penitents, decorated by the artist Jean-Michel Folon.
OTHER BEAUTIFUL SIGHTS & VILLAGES NEAR NICE
See also: 10 Places to Visit Nice – a Local’s Guide
– The Fondation Maeght in Saint Paul de Vence: this famous private foundation brings together the biggest names in modern and contemporary art in its exhibition rooms and gardens.
– Antibes and Cap d’Antibes (30 minutes from Nice): the old town of Antibes with its ramparts and the adjoining peninsula are definitely worth a visit! You can round off the day with a swim at the nearby beach of Juan les Pins. Check out my dedicated article to discover my must-see attractions and top tips in Antibes.
– Monaco (30 minutes from Nice): while the architecture of Monaco’s towers may not be particularly appealing, spending an evening there to experience the excess and atmosphere can be an interesting (and expensive) experience! You can also see the Prince’s Palace, the Monte Carlo Casino, and visit the famous Oceanographic Museum.