4 Day Trips from Hotel Byakko Nice *** to the Nice Hinterland
Category : Tourism
Lire en françaisNice hinterland: 4 day trips from Nice
Guests staying at the Hôtel Byakko Nice ***, located 5 minutes on foot from Nice-Ville SNCF train station, can reach 4 day trips from Nice in 15 minutes to 1 hour of travel. Medieval villages, a historic railway line, a national park and alpine valleys are all within easy reach of the city of Nice. In April–June and September–October, temperatures between 18 and 25 °C and moderate visitor numbers provide the best conditions for sightseeing.
Èze-Village
Perched at 427 metres above sea level, 10 km from Nice, Èze-Village is one of the most iconic day trips from Nice in the Alpes-Maritimes. This listed medieval fortified village features an exotic garden with an extensive view over the sea and the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula.
From Nice-Ville SNCF station (Avenue Thiers, 06000 Nice), 5 minutes on foot from the hotel, the TER towards Monaco serves Èze-sur-Mer in 15 minutes. The Nietzsche Path then connects the beach to the village with a 45-minute uphill walk. Once at the top, allow 1 to 2 hours to visit the exotic garden and the village lanes. The return journey is made by the same TER from Èze-sur-Mer.
Please note: The village is very busy in July and August. A morning visit, before 10 a.m., ensures a quieter experience and the best light for photographs. The exotic garden is ticketed and open year-round, but opening hours may vary by season.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Saint-Paul-de-Vence, 20 km from Nice, is an ideal day trip for visitors interested in art and heritage. This 16th-century fortified village is notable for its well-preserved ramparts, its art galleries and the Fondation Maeght, one of the leading modern art museums in the Mediterranean region.
Fondation Maeght (623 Chemin des Gardettes, 06570 Saint-Paul-de-Vence)
An open-air modern art museum bringing together works by Miró, Giacometti, Chagall and Calder. Open every day, 15 minutes on foot from the village entrance.
Modern art 15 min on foot from the village entranceThe ramparts and historic centre
The rampart walk offers views over the surrounding hills and the Alps. The historic centre is home to galleries, artists' workshops and local shops along the Rue Grande.
Heritage Village centreChapelle du Rosaire in Vence (or Matisse Chapel) (466 Avenue Henri Matisse, 06140 Vence)
Located 5 km from Saint-Paul-de-Vence, this chapel decorated by Henri Matisse in 1951 is open to visitors Tuesday to Saturday. It contains stained glass and ceramics created by the artist in the last years of his life.
Art & history 5 kmItinerary from Hôtel Byakko Nice ***: Nice-Ville station (5 min on foot) → TER to Cagnes-sur-Mer (10 min) → Bus line 400 to Saint-Paul-de-Vence (30 min).
The Train des Pignes
The Train des Pignes is a narrow-gauge railway line connecting Nice to Digne-les-Bains since 1891. This day trip from Nice passes through the Var and Vaïre valleys across gorges and mountain village landscapes. The most interesting stop for a full day out is Entrevaux, a listed medieval village with its Vauban citadel.
From the hotel
The Hôtel Byakko Nice *** is 15 minutes on foot from the Chemins de Fer de Provence station, the departure point for the Train des Pignes. It can also be reached by tram Line 1 from the Gare Thiers stop (5 min on foot from the hotel) to the Libération stop.
Train des Pignes
Departure from the Chemins de Fer de Provence station. Approximately 3 return services per day. Journey time Nice–Entrevaux: 1h30.
→ Timetables and ticketsEntrevaux
Listed medieval village dominated by its Vauban citadel. The citadel is reached via a 15-minute uphill path from the bottom of the village. Local market every Friday morning.
Vésubie Valley and Mercantour National Park
The Vésubie Valley is located approximately 50 km from Nice, about 1 hour by road. It is one of the main entry points to the Mercantour National Park, a 685 km² protected natural area in the Alpes-Maritimes. The village of Saint-Martin-Vésubie is the main starting point for hiking and outdoor activities in this area.
This trip requires a car. Car hire agencies are available near Nice-Ville SNCF station, 5 minutes on foot from the Hôtel Byakko Nice ***. All major car hire companies also operate at Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, 9 km from the hotel.
- Parc Alpha (le Temps des Loups) — Wildlife park dedicated to wolves (Route du Boréon, 06450 Saint-Martin-Vésubie). Open every morning, suitable for families.
- Lac du Boréon — Mountain lake at 1,470 m altitude, accessible from Saint-Martin-Vésubie (Route du Boréon, 06450 Saint-Martin-Vésubie). The lake offers a variety of hiking trails at different levels.
- Vésubie Gorges — Canyoning and guided activities from Saint-Jean-la-Rivière (Route de la Vésubie, 06450 Saint-Jean-la-Riviere).
- Vallon de la Madone de Fenestre — Hiking trails with possible sightings of alpine wildlife (chamois, marmots, birds of prey), starting from Saint-Martin-Vésubie.
Practical information
The Hôtel Byakko Nice *** (4–6 rue Miron, 06000 Nice) is located in the Carabacel district. Its central position, 5 minutes on foot from Nice-Ville SNCF station and tram line 1, makes it easy to reach a wide range of day trips from Nice.
Breakfast at the hotel
The buffet is served from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on weekdays and until 11 a.m. at weekends. For early-departure trips (Train des Pignes, Mercantour), plan to come down before 8 a.m. to take advantage of the first service.
Transport from the hotel
Nice-Ville SNCF station is 5 min on foot from the hotel (TER to Èze, Cagnes, etc.). Tram Line 1 is 5 min on foot (access to the Train des Pignes station). The front desk is open 24 hours a day for any enquiries.
Recommended period
April–June and September–October offer the best conditions: moderate temperatures, sites accessible with greater comfort. In July–August, Èze and Saint-Paul-de-Vence have a lively summer atmosphere, with peak visitor numbers between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Useful links:
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To prepare your stay on the French Riviera, see also our guide to the best restaurants near Hôtel Byakko Nice ***.
- For more activity ideas around Nice, see our article on things to do in Nice.