Monaco and the French Riviera on a Shoestring
The ultimate insider guide to experiencing the world’s most glamorous coastline without paying luxury prices. Base in affordable Nice, ride local €4 coastal trains, use Monaco’s 79 free public cliff elevators, and enter the casino atrium at zero cost.
Intercity route legs
Day-by-day itinerary
Nice Base and Old Town Street Food
NiceCheck in to a central Nice hostel. Walk along Promenade des Anglais, climb Castle Hill, and eat hot socca chickpea flatbread in Vieux Nice.
Monaco Day Trip: Palace and Monte Carlo
MonacoTake the 20-minute €4.40 TER train to Monaco. Watch the Changing of the Guard at the Prince’s Palace, use free cliff elevators, and view the Casino de Monte-Carlo atrium.
Villefranche-sur-Mer Coastal Walk
NiceTake the 6-minute train to Villefranche-sur-Mer. Swim in the calm turquoise bay, walk through the medieval Rue Obscure, and hike the Cap Ferrat coastal trail.
Cannes Day Trip by Train and Departure
NiceTake the 30-minute train to Cannes. Walk past the film festival red carpet and climb Le Suquet hill for bay views before departing.
✂️ What I Would Cut If Short on Time
Visit Monaco as a single half-day trip from Nice to shorten to a 2-day weekend.
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