Monaco and Èze Small-Group Day Trip from Cannes

The Riviera coast road from Cannes

Your guide picks you up in Cannes in the morning and follows the coast east toward Monaco, about an hour and a half away depending on traffic. The route passes Antibes and the Bay of Angels in Nice before climbing onto the corniche roads carved into the cliffs, with views over the bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer and the green peninsula of Cap Ferrat.

On the way, your guide explains how this stretch of coast became a winter resort for European travellers in the 19th century and points out the villas, harbours and hilltop villages that line the road. The small group means quick photo stops at viewpoints are easy, and everyone has a window seat to enjoy the Mediterranean scenery.

Èze, the eagle's nest village

Perched on a rocky peak about 430 metres above the sea, Èze is one of the most beautiful medieval villages of the French Riviera. Its narrow stone lanes, arches and staircases wind up between old houses turned into small galleries and craft shops, with glimpses of the sea at every turn. At the summit, an exotic garden of cacti and succulents grows among the ruins of the village castle and offers one of the widest views of the coast.

Is Èze worth visiting? For the views alone, yes: on clear days you can see along the whole coast and far out to sea. Your guide gives you free time to explore the village at your own pace; entry to the exotic garden is not included and can be bought on site. Wear comfortable shoes, as the lanes are steep and cobbled.

A traditional perfume workshop in Èze

The French Riviera has a long tradition of perfume making, centred on the hill town of Grasse and the flowers grown in its countryside: jasmine, lavender, mimosa and orange blossom. In Èze, you visit a traditional perfume workshop where a guide explains how fragrances are created, from harvesting the flowers to extraction, blending and the role of the perfumer's nose.

You see the stills and equipment used in the process and learn how to recognise the main families of scents. It is a short, informative visit that makes a pleasant contrast to the sightseeing, and you are free to browse the soaps, creams and fragrances on sale without any obligation. Children usually enjoy guessing the different smells.

Monaco-Ville on the Rock

Monaco is a tiny sovereign principality of about 2 square kilometres, wedged between the mountains and the sea. Its old town, Monaco-Ville, stands on a rocky headland known as the Rock, about 60 metres above the harbour. Here you find the Prince's Palace, a former Genoese fortress from the 13th century, where the changing of the guard takes place every day just before noon.

A short stroll through the clean, quiet lanes leads to Monaco Cathedral, built in white stone in the late 19th century, and to the cliff-top gardens overlooking the sea. The Oceanographic Museum, opened in 1910 and built straight into the cliff, is nearby. Your guide shares the history of the principality, and you have free time for lunch or photos from the ramparts with their view over Port Hercule and Fontvieille.

Monte-Carlo and Port Hercule

Across the harbour, Monte-Carlo is the glamorous face of Monaco, with Belle Époque buildings, luxury boutiques, manicured gardens and the ornate square at the heart of the district, home to the opera house. Your guide shows you the best viewpoints and explains how the district grew from a quiet hillside into one of the most famous addresses in the world.

Driving down to Port Hercule, you follow part of the legendary Grand Prix street circuit, including the tight hairpin bend and the tunnel by the sea, while superyachts line the quays below. The best time to visit Monaco is spring or autumn, when the weather is mild and the streets are calmer. After this last stop, the group heads back to Cannes along the coast.