Villefranche to Nice: 1 Day in Nice from Cruise Ports (Villefranche & Cannes)
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If your cruise stops in Villefranche-sur-Mer or Cannes, you’ve got one of the best chances to visit Nice, the heart of the French Riviera.
Both ports are frequent cruise calls, and over the years, I’ve visited them several times on cruises and land vacations.
I’ve also been to Nice twice, along with other French Riviera cities and towns, and it never disappoints.
From the palm-lined Promenade des Anglais to the colorful streets of the Old Town, it’s the kind of place you can enjoy in a single day and still want to come back.
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to get from Villefranche (and Cannes) to Nice, and share my favorite 1-day itinerary so you can make the most of your time ashore.
👉 For more practical info on the ports themselves, check out my guides to Villefranche cruise port and Cannes cruise port
Getting from Villefranche Cruise Port to Nice
Villefranche, the main gateway to both Nice and Monaco, is a tender port: ships anchor in the bay, and passengers come ashore on a short 10-minute tender ride.
The tender drops you at Port de la Santé, a small cruise terminal just a 5-minute walk from Villefranche Old Town.
From here, it’s only about 8 km (5 miles) to Nice, making the city one of the easiest and most popular day trips for cruisers.
Getting to Nice from Villefranche is quick and straightforward. You’ve got three main options:
🚆 By Train – fastest and cheapest
The train station is about a 7–10 minute walk from the tender pier.
As you leave the terminal, turn right and follow the Promenade des Marinières, a flat path along the sea with beautiful views of the bay.
When you reach the main sandy beach, you’ll see the SNCF sign (SNCF is the official French train operator). Turn left at the sign, climb the stairway, and the station sits just above, overlooking the beach.
Trains to Nice-Ville train station run every 15 minutes, and the ride takes only 7–8 minutes.
Once you arrive in Nice, it’s about a 15–20 minute walk down Avenue Jean Médecin (main shopping avenue) to reach Old Town.
You can check train timetables on the SNCF website, and I personally used the SNCF Connect app to book my tickets – it only took a couple of minutes.
🚌 By Bus – scenic but slower
Bus line 15 departs from the Octroi stop, about a 7-minute walk from the tender pier. Buses run roughly every 20 minutes and take around 25–30 minutes to reach Nice Port Lympia.
You’ll also sometimes see bus line 600, which follows a very similar route along the coast between Villefranche and Nice.
Both services are operated by Lignes d’Azur, and you can check current timetables and stops on the official Lignes d’Azur website
🚖 By Taxi or Private Transfer – convenient but costly
Taxis are available right outside the cruise terminal. The ride to Nice takes around 15–20 minutes (about 8 km), depending on traffic.
This is the most convenient option if you’re in a group, have luggage, or simply want a direct transfer.
Prices vary, but you can expect to pay around €30–40 one way with services like Welcome Pickups if booked in advance.
💡 Tip: Booking in advance with Welcome Pickups gives you a fixed price and a driver waiting at the terminal — no surprises on the day.
🚍 By Shore Excursion – easy but pricier
Of course, there are plenty of tours to Nice from Villefranche, both through the cruise line and independent operators.
Cruise line excursions are usually the most expensive, which is why I personally prefer booking with Viator or GetYourGuide – both are safe, reliable platforms and often cheaper than what you’ll find onboard.
Many of these tours include Nice plus other Riviera highlights, like Èze or Monaco, so they’re a good choice if you want to see more in one day without worrying about transport or timing.
🎥 Watch More
I’ve also shared my full Villefranche cruise port video, with tips on transport and the best things to do in town, plus day trips to Nice, Monaco, Monte Carlo and Antibes!
Getting from Cannes Cruise Port to Nice
Cannes is also a tender port, which means ships anchor offshore and passengers are brought ashore by tender boats to the Old Port of Cannes (Vieux-Port), just a 5-minute walk from the famous Promenade de la Croisette.
From there, Nice is about 33 km (20 miles) away, and the easiest way to get there is by train. Here are your options:
🚆 By Train – most convenient
From the tender pier, it’s about a 15-minute walk (flat, easy) to the Cannes train station (Gare de Cannes).
Trains to Nice-Ville run roughly every 15-20 minutes, and the ride takes around 30–40 minutes depending on the service.
Once in Nice, it’s the same as from Villefranche — a 15–20 minute walk down Avenue Jean Médecin into Old Town. Tickets can be booked on the SNCF website or the SNCF Connect app.
🚌 By Bus – cheap but slow
You can also take a regional bus from Cannes to Nice, but the journey is longer — usually 1 hour or more, depending on traffic.
It’s not the best choice if you only have one day, but still an option if you’d like to save money and enjoy the coastal views.
🚖 By Taxi or Private Transfer – fastest but more expensive
A taxi or pre-booked private transfer from Cannes to Nice takes about 45 minutes – 1 hour, depending on traffic.
Expect to pay around €100+ one way for a regular taxi. Pre-booked services like Welcome Pickups give you a fixed price and peace of mind, which can be worth it for groups.
🚍 By Shore Excursion – easy and stress-free
Many cruisers choose a shore excursion to see Nice from Cannes. Cruise line tours are available, but they’re usually overpriced.
A popular option is to book independently, where you can explore top-rated tours that often combine Nice with Èze, Monaco, or Antibes.
🎥 Watch More
Check out my Cannes cruise port guide video, where I walk through tendering, getting around, and the best things to do in Cannes.
1 Day in Nice: Perfect Cruise Itinerary
If you’re visiting Nice on a cruise, chances are you’ll be arriving by train from Villefranche or Cannes, which is why this itinerary starts from Nice-Ville station. It’s the most common and practical way for cruisers to reach the city.
Once you begin your walk, all of Nice’s main highlights are within close walking distance of each other.
If you’re coming by car or private transfer, you can easily adjust the route by starting at a different point, such as Place Masséna or the Old Town, and then follow the same flow.
🕒 Nice in a Day at a Glance
- Morning: Walk down Avenue Jean Médecin → Place Masséna → Promenade des Anglais
- Midday: Explore Cours Saleya market → Lunch in Old Town
- Afternoon: Climb Castle Hill for panoramic views → Stroll through gardens and waterfall
- Late Afternoon: Finish at Port Lympia → Take tram L2/L3 back to Jean Médecin → Walk to Nice-Ville station for return train
🚶 Start – Avenue Jean Médecin
As soon as you exit Nice-Ville station, turn left and walk straight onto Avenue Jean Médecin, the city’s main shopping street.
This busy avenue stretches for about 1 km (0.6 miles) and is lined with cafés, boutiques, and major stores, perfect if you want to do a bit of shopping.
You’ll pass landmarks such as the Notre-Dame Basilica and department stores like Nice Étoile and Galeries Lafayette.
The city’s modern tram lines (L1, L2, and L3) run right down the middle of the street, so it’s also one of Nice’s main transport hubs.
Walking down Jean Médecin takes about 15–20 minutes and brings you directly to Place Masséna, the heart of the city and the perfect starting point for your day.
🏛️ Place Masséna
At the end of Avenue Jean Médecin, you’ll reach Place Masséna, the city’s grand central square.
It’s famous for its red Italian-style buildings, checkerboard paving, and modern statues perched on tall poles that glow at night.
The centerpiece is the Fountain of the Sun, with its 7-meter Apollo statue surrounded by bronze figures.
Right next to the square, you’ll also find the Fontaine Miroir d’Eau (Water Mirror Fountain), with jets shooting from the ground, a favorite spot for kids to play and for everyone to cool off or relax on a sunny day.
Place Masséna links directly to the Albert I Gardens, the Promenade des Anglais, and the Old Town.
💡 Tip for First-Time Visitors
If you’d prefer exploring with a professional local guide, check out top-rated Nice walking tours.
It’s a great way to learn more about the city’s history and hidden corners while someone else leads the way.
🌊 Promenade des Anglais
From Place Masséna, it’s about a 5-minute walk to the famous Promenade des Anglais, Nice’s iconic seafront boulevard.
The promenade stretches for 7 km (4.3 miles) along the Bay of Angels and takes its name from the wealthy English who funded its construction in the 19th century.
Today it’s lined with luxury hotels, including the legendary Hotel Negresco, as well as beach clubs, palm trees, and plenty of cafés.
The beaches are mostly pebble beaches, with both public areas and private clubs where you can rent a lounger.
The promenade also serves as a venue for major events such as parades, concerts, and the annual Nice Carnival. It’s the perfect spot for a seaside stroll before heading into the Old Town.
💡 Explore More of the Promenade
If you’d like to experience the Promenade des Anglais beyond just a stroll, check out top-rated guided tours, from fun Segway rides to in-depth walking tours and even e-bike tours.
🌸 Cours Saleya Market
The Old Town of Nice (Vieux Nice) really begins at Cours Saleya, a lively square just behind the Promenade des Anglais.
This is one of the most famous spots in Nice and has been the city’s marketplace for centuries.
In the morning, it’s filled with flower stalls, plus fruit, vegetables, and local specialties, though the florists usually close by early afternoon, so it’s best to come before lunch.
On Mondays, the square turns into a popular antiques and flea market.
Around the square, you’ll see colorful baroque buildings, including the Chapelle de la Miséricorde (Chapel of Mercy) and the Palais de la Préfecture.
👉 Explore Cours Saleya tours and activities
🏘️ Old Town (Vieux Nice) & Lunch
From Cours Saleya, you’ll be right in the heart of Vieux Nice, the Old Town. This part of the city is a maze of narrow lanes, pastel-colored buildings, and hidden squares, perfect for wandering at your own pace.
Along the way, you’ll see landmarks like the Baroque Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate on Place Rossetti and the Palais Lascaris, a 17th-century aristocratic residence now turned into a museum.
This area is also the best place to stop for a meal. I had my dinner here in the evening, but it’s just as great for lunch, as most restaurants are open daily from around 11:30 am until late evening.
I ate at Palace Café and had an amazing pasta with wine, but you’ll also find plenty of Nice specialties, from socca and salade niçoise to fresh seafood.
👉 Explore Nice food tours for local tastings and a bit of history!
🏞️ Castle Hill (Colline du Château)
After a good meal in the Old Town, it’s time for a bit of activity — head up to Castle Hill, the green hill that overlooks Nice.
The hill takes its name from the medieval castle that once stood here, destroyed by order of Louis XIV in 1706.
Today, little remains of the castle itself, and most visitors come here for the breathtaking views of the Bay of Angels, Old Town, and the Port of Nice, which are the true highlights.
Normally, you can take a free elevator up, but when I visited, it wasn’t working, so the only option was to climb the stairs.
The main stairway starts at the base of the hill near the Hôtel Suisse, about a 10-minute walk from Old Town, where you’ll also find the big “I Love Nice” sign, a popular photo spot before heading up.
The hill also has shady paths, gardens, and even a waterfall, a pleasant break from the busy streets below.
💡 Explore with a Local Guide
If you’d rather not climb on your own or want to learn more about the history and hidden corners of Castle Hill and Old Town, you can explore Nice with a walking tour or a private guide. It’s a great way to see the highlights while getting insider stories.
To continue your itinerary, you don’t need to return the same way; instead, follow the stairs down on the opposite side, which lead directly to Port Lympia.
It’s the perfect way to end your walk without backtracking.
⚓ Old Port of Nice (Port Lympia)
After descending from Castle Hill, you’ll arrive right at Port Lympia, Nice’s Old Port.
Dating back to the 18th century, this harbor is lined with colorful buildings and filled with fishing boats, yachts, and waterfront cafés.
It has a quieter, more local feel compared to Old Town, and it’s a great place to end your walk with one last look at the sea.
From here, it’s very easy to get back to Nice-Ville station.
The Port Lympia tram stop is just a short walk away; hop on line L2 or L3, and in about 5 minutes you’ll reach Jean Médecin.
From there, it’s only a short walk back up the avenue to the station for your train to Villefranche or Cannes.
🎥 Watch More
Watch my Nice in a Day video, where I share how to get from the cruise ports to Nice and the top things to see with limited time.
Tips for Visiting Nice on a Cruise
- Time management: Nice is close to Villefranche and Cannes, but you still need to allow time for trains, buses, or traffic. Aim to be back at the station or port at least an hour before the last tender.
- What to wear & bring: Comfortable shoes are a must, since you’ll be walking a lot. Bring a bottle of water, some euros in cash, and sun protection in summer. If you plan to swim, pack a towel and swimwear.
- Food to try: Local specialties include socca (chickpea flatbread), salade niçoise, and gelato in Old Town. With more time, try fresh seafood and Provençal dishes.
- Safety & practical tips: Nice is generally safe, but watch out for pickpockets, especially around the train station, trams, and markets. Stick to well-lit areas if you’re out in the evening.
- Money & transport: Buy return train tickets in advance to avoid queues later, and use the SNCF Connect app for train schedules. For buses and trams, check timetables on the Lignes d’Azur website or app.
Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting Nice on a Cruise
❓ Can you walk from Villefranche cruise port to the train station?
Yes. From the tender pier at Port de la Santé, it’s about a 7–10 minute walk along the Promenade des Marinières to the train station.
❓ How long does the train take from Villefranche to Nice?
The train ride from Villefranche to Nice-Ville station takes only 7–8 minutes, with departures every 15 minutes.
❓ How far is Cannes from Nice?
Nice is about 33 km (20 miles) from Cannes. By train, the journey takes around 30–40 minutes.
❓ Is one day enough to see Nice?
Yes. With a few hours, you can cover the highlights: Avenue Jean Médecin, Place Masséna, Promenade des Anglais, Old Town, Cours Saleya, Castle Hill, and the Port.
❓ Can you visit Èze or Monaco instead of Nice?
Yes, both Èze and Monaco are popular day trips from Villefranche and Cannes. However, with limited cruise time, it’s best to choose either Nice or one of those rather than trying to do it all in one day.
Final Thoughts: Villefranche to Nice in a Day
Nice is one of those ports where you can see a lot in just a few hours.
With this itinerary, you’ll cover the highlights, enjoy a good meal, and still make it back to your ship without stress.
Cruises that stop in Villefranche or Cannes often include ports like Civitavecchia (Rome), Naples, La Spezia (Florence/Pisa), Livorno, Marseille, or Barcelona.
And if you are considering visiting Monaco and Monte Carlo, check out my article: Cannes to Monaco: Cruise Day Itinerary from Cannes & Villefranche Ports
You can check my guides to these ports for more tips.
You may also like our cruise port guides to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe, USA & Canada, Middle East, Australia & New Zealand
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