Best Day Trips from Nice to the Alps

Why Nice is the Perfect Starting Point for Alpine Day Trips

The French Riviera is famous for its beaches and Mediterranean charm, but few visitors realize how close Nice is to the Alps. Within a few hours, you can leave the coastline behind and find yourself in dramatic mountain scenery with lakes, medieval towns, and world-class ski resorts.

AlpinDay private transfers make it easy to experience both worlds in one trip — the sea in the morning and the mountains in the afternoon. Here are the best day trips from Nice to the Alps that combine the Riviera’s accessibility with Alpine adventure.

Nice to Chamonix: Mont Blanc Majesty

The journey from Nice to Chamonix is one of the most spectacular day trips available. Chamonix sits at the base of Mont Blanc, Europe’s highest peak, and is famous worldwide for its mountaineering and skiing.

Highlights:

• Ride the Aiguille du Midi cable car for panoramic views of Mont Blanc.

• Explore the charming Alpine town with its shops and cafés.

• Take a scenic train to the Mer de Glace glacier.

This trip offers a true Alpine experience for travelers wanting to see the highest peaks in Western Europe.

Nice to Annecy: The Alpine Venice

For a mix of mountains and lakes, a day trip from Nice to Annecy is unforgettable. Known as the “Venice of the Alps,” Annecy is famous for its canals, medieval streets, and turquoise lake.

Highlights:

• Stroll through the old town with its pastel-colored houses and waterways.

• Take a boat cruise on Lake Annecy surrounded by mountains.

• Visit the Château d’Annecy for history and views.

Annecy combines Alpine beauty with French charm, making it a perfect choice for a relaxed but scenic day.

Nice to Turin: An Italian Alpine Escape

A cross-border adventure from Nice to Turin offers a taste of Italy with Alpine flair. Surrounded by mountains, Turin is both a cultural capital and a gateway to the Italian Alps.

Highlights:

• Explore the Royal Palace of Turin and Piazza Castello.

• Stroll along the River Po with views of the Alps.

• Visit the city’s museums, including the Egyptian Museum and the Mole Antonelliana.

Turin is ideal for travelers who want to combine an Alpine backdrop with Italian culture and cuisine.

Nice to Briançon: Europe’s Highest Town

A trip from Nice to Briançon takes you into the French Alps to the highest city in Europe. Surrounded by peaks, Briançon is known for its UNESCO-listed fortifications designed by Vauban.

Highlights:

• Walk through the old town’s fortified gates and historic streets.

• Admire the Vauban citadel with sweeping Alpine views.

• Explore local markets and taste Alpine specialties.

Briançon offers a blend of mountain scenery and fascinating history.

Nice to Verdon Gorge: The Grand Canyon of Europe

For dramatic natural scenery, the trip from Nice to the Verdon Gorge is a must. Carved by the Verdon River, the gorge features turquoise waters and towering limestone cliffs.

Highlights:

• Drive or walk along the Corniche Sublime for breathtaking views.

• Take a boat or kayak trip in the turquoise river.

  Want To Learn About Alps?

  Join the Community of 8000+ Subscribers

• Explore villages like Moustiers-Sainte-Marie perched above the canyon.

Verdon Gorge combines Alpine landscapes with Mediterranean light, making it one of the most unique day trips from Nice.

Nice to Cannes & Antibes: Coast Meets Alps

While primarily coastal, the route from Nice to Cannes & Antibes offers views of the Southern Alps in the distance. It’s a great way to blend Riviera glamour with Alpine panoramas.

Highlights:

• Explore the film-famous city of Cannes and its Croisette.

• Visit Antibes’ old town and Picasso Museum.

• Enjoy Alpine views across the Mediterranean horizon.

Though more Riviera-focused, this trip keeps the Alps as a scenic backdrop.

Nice to Digne-les-Bains: Thermal Springs and Alpine Peaks

A unique escape from Nice is the journey to Digne-les-Bains, known for its thermal baths and setting among Alpine foothills.

Highlights:

• Relax in natural hot springs with mountain views.

• Explore lavender fields and Alpine valleys nearby.

• Visit the Geological Reserve for a glimpse into the region’s natural history.

Digne-les-Bains offers a relaxing alternative to more adventurous Alpine trips.

Planning Your Day Trips from Nice to the Alps

• Travel time: Most Alpine destinations from Nice are between 2–4 hours.

  Are You Ready for Alps?

  Subscribe and Save 5% of Your Transfer

• Flexibility: With AlpinDay, you can customize your itinerary to include extra stops at villages, viewpoints, or wineries.

• Seasons: Winter offers skiing, summer brings hiking and lake activities, while spring and autumn are quieter with beautiful scenery.

• Comfort: Private transfers provide door-to-door convenience without the stress of driving or train schedules.

Why Choose AlpinDay

• Comfortable private vehicles perfect for couples, families, or small groups.

• English-speaking drivers with local expertise.

• Fixed, transparent pricing with no hidden costs.

• Freedom to design your own Alpine itinerary.

Final Thoughts

Nice is one of the best places in Europe to combine the Mediterranean with the Alps. Whether you head north to Chamonix, east into Italy’s Turin, west to the Verdon Gorge, or nearby to Briançon and Annecy, each destination offers a unique mountain adventure.

With AlpinDay private transfers, your day trip from Nice to the Alps is smooth, flexible, and memorable — allowing you to focus on the beauty of the journey.