Nice to Monaco Return Ferry Day Trip

The port of Nice (Port Lympia)

Your Monaco day trip from Nice starts in Port Lympia, the historic harbour on the eastern side of Castle Hill. Dug out in the eighteenth century, the port is framed by Italian-style facades in warm red and ochre, with fishing boats, yachts and the ferries to Corsica moored side by side. It is about 10 minutes on foot from the old town, and tram line 2 stops right at the quays.

Arrive about 30 minutes before the 09:30 departure to find the pier shown on your voucher and pick a good seat. On the way out of the harbour, the ferry passes below Castle Hill and the lighthouse, giving you a fine look back at the Baie des Anges and the Promenade des Anglais before the boat turns east towards Monaco.

The coastal crossing: Villefranche, Cap Ferrat, Beaulieu and Èze

The 45-minute crossing follows one of the most beautiful stretches of the French Riviera. First comes the deep bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer, with its pastel waterfront and citadel, then the wooded peninsula of Cap Ferrat, dotted with grand villas and gardens that run down to the water. Beyond lies Beaulieu-sur-Mer, sheltered by cliffs and known for its mild winter climate.

Look up as the ferry continues east and you will see the medieval village of Èze perched on its rock high above the sea, followed by the headland of Cap d'Ail. From the water the views are wider than from the coast road, and you avoid the traffic that often clogs the route. Sit on the open deck on the left-hand side for the best photos on the way to Monaco.

Port Hercule and Monte-Carlo

The ferry docks in Port Hercule, the deep natural harbour between the Rock and Monte-Carlo, where superyachts line the quays and the famous street circuit of the Monaco Grand Prix runs along the waterfront. From the pier you can walk in a few minutes to the Condamine market area, or follow the harbour round and climb up to the elegant gardens, boutiques and belle-epoque buildings of Monte-Carlo.

Is Monaco worth visiting for a single day? Yes: the principality is tiny, so with a full day ashore you can see Monte-Carlo, the Rock and the harbour without rushing. Public lifts and escalators link the levels of the city, and the Larvotto beach on the eastern side is ideal for a swim on hot days.

Monaco-Ville on the Rock and the Prince's Palace

Monaco-Ville, the old town on the Rock, sits on a promontory high above the harbour. Its narrow lanes lead to the Prince's Palace, where the changing of the guard takes place in the square every day at 11:55, and to the white stone cathedral, built in the late nineteenth century. The palace square offers one of the best views over Port Hercule and Monte-Carlo.

In season, the State Apartments of the palace open to visitors, and Prince's Palace tickets are sold at the entrance. Plan to reach the Rock in the late morning so you can watch the guard ceremony, then explore the souvenir lanes and the shady Saint-Martin gardens along the cliff edge on the way to the museum.

The Oceanographic Museum and the Exotic Garden

Built into the cliff face of the Rock, the Oceanographic Museum is one of the grand monuments of Monaco, opened in 1910 and dedicated to the sea. Inside are large aquariums with Mediterranean and tropical species, a shark lagoon, historic collections from early ocean expeditions and a rooftop terrace with sweeping views over the coast. Allow about two hours. The Oceanographic Museum opening hours are daily, longer in summer, and tickets are sold on site.

On the western heights of the principality, the Exotic Garden shows thousands of cacti and succulents clinging to the cliff, with a panorama over the whole of Monaco. With a full day ashore, you can combine the palace, the museum and either the garden or Monte-Carlo before walking back down to Port Hercule for the return ferry.