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Best of French Riviera
Villefranche Shore Excursions - Best of the French Riviera
 



This full day Villefranche shore excursion covers the best of the French Riviera: Nice's Old Town, Monaco's Old Town, modern Monte Carlo, and the medieval hilltop village of Eze, with an optional stop in Saint Paul de Vence. At just 2.02 square kilometers, Monaco is the world's second smallest country after Vatican City. English speaking driver-guide, private vehicle. 8 hours.

8 hours (private)
private excursion
driver guide
english speaking local
all group sizes
multiple vehicles
port or hotel
pick up either location
  • Pick up from Port or your Hotel in Villefranche
  • Your contact will hold a welcome sign with your name written
  • English Speaking Driver-Guide
  • Private vehicle
  • Family friendly - we adjust the pace
Read Full Tour Description





Tour Number:
FVILL-15


Group Size (Prices in USD)*:
2 People - $490 Per Person
3 People - $336 Per Person
4 People - $252 Per Person
5 People - $202 Per Person
6 People - $168 Per Person
7 People - $148 Per Person
8 People - $129 Per Person



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Name of Ship or Hotel*:


TOUR DESCRIPTION
 

Nice, Monaco & Eze Shore Excursion from Villefranche - 8 Hours

This full day Villefranche shore trip includes a private van and driver-guide, exploring the best of the French Riviera: Nice and Monaco's Old Towns, modern Monte Carlo, and the medieval hilltop village of Eze, with an optional stop at Saint Paul de Vence.

After meeting your driver-guide at the pier in Villefranche, you drive west to Nice's Old Town, passing along La Promenade des Anglais, the palm tree lined street that parallels the Riviera's most famous beach. You enjoy free time in the Old Town to walk through the flower market at Cours Saleya, a tradition dating to 1861 that grew into the world's first wholesale flower market by 1897 (closed Mondays, when a flea market takes over the square instead).

Leaving Nice, you follow the Lower Corniche road along the dramatic rocky coastline until you reach Eze. This pedestrian only medieval village of narrow stone lanes clings to the cliffs over 1,000 feet above the sea, connected to the coast by the Chemin de Nietzsche, the footpath that took on the philosopher's name after his stays here in 1883 and 1884. There is some strenuous uphill walking to reach the hilltop viewpoint and boutiques; if you would rather skip it, the adjacent Fragonard perfume factory is a relaxed alternative.

Later in the day you visit the Principality of Monaco, with free time to explore the old town, see the Royal Palace, and stroll through the Cathedral where Princess Grace is buried (no bare shoulders or shorts above the knee permitted inside). You have free time in either Monaco or Monte Carlo for lunch (not included). Next you drive the route of the legendary Monaco Grand Prix, with your driver-guide pointing out some of its famous hairpin turns, before arriving in Monte Carlo, where the Casino sits across from a park lined with designer boutiques and luxury hotels.

At the end of this popular Villefranche shore excursion, you return to the port via the Upper Corniche road, with its own stunning views back over the coastline. You have the option to add a stop at Saint Paul de Vence, the hilltop Provencal art village, in place of a longer lunch break; ask your driver-guide about working it in if it interests your group.

Please note
  • During the Grand Prix Events there is a 50% supplement and it is not possible to visit Monaco or Monte Carlo from June 4-7, 2026. Please contact us if you are interested in a tour during this period.
  • About the Casino of Monte Carlo - The Casino of Monte Carlo is open to tourists for viewing from 10 AM until 12 noon. During this period the entry fee is 20 Euro per person and no gaming is open. From 2 PM onwards the casino is open to individuals (not tour groups) and a formal dress code is enforced. During this period an entry ticket is required to access the gaming areas, including the slots, craps and Black Jack tables. You must show your passport to buy the ticket, and 10 Euro of the ticket price is returned to use at the slot machines or at the bar. Everyone must be 18 years or older and have their passport available.

What's Included

Included

  • Pick up from Port or your Hotel in Villefranche
  • Your contact will hold a welcome sign with your name written
  • English Speaking Driver-Guide
  • Private vehicle
  • Family friendly - we adjust the pace

Not Included

  • Meals and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Gratuities (optional, at your discretion)
  • Personal shopping

Tour Timing

All times are approximate and will vary based on your group's pace and interests.

  • 1
    Meet driver guide and drive to Nice- 15 Minutes
  • 2
    Visit Old Town of Nice- 1 Hour
  • 3
    Drive to Eze- 30 Minutes
  • 4
    Visit Eze- 1.5 Hours
  • 5
    Drive to Monaco- 15 Minutes
  • 6
    Visit Monaco Old Town with Lunch Break- 2.5 Hours
  • 7
    Visit Monte Carlo- 1 Hours
  • 8
    Return to Pier- 45 Minutes

Resources

Villefranche-sur-Mer - Nice Cote d'Azur Tourist Office. Official regional tourism office page for the Villefranche cruise port and old town. Official Website

Visit Monaco - Official Tourism Site. Official Monaco tourism site, covering the Royal Palace, Cathedral and Monte Carlo. Official Website

Good to Know

Mobility
If you have mobility concerns or require special assistance, please contact us when booking and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
Walking
This tour includes a walking portion over some hills and uneven ground. Comfortable, supportive shoes are strongly recommended.
Dress Code
Some sites on this tour require that shoulders and knees be covered. We recommend wearing or bringing a light layer to avoid being turned away at the entrance.
Customizable
This tour can be adjusted to fit your group’s pace and interests. If you’d like to spend more time at a particular site or add a stop, contact us when you inquire.
Larger Groups
For groups that need a minibus or full coach, contact us for a custom quote. We accommodate groups of any size.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does departing from Villefranche change this tour compared to the Monaco version?
Villefranche sits closer to Nice, so you drive west and reach Nice's old town directly rather than taking the longer Upper Corniche route used from Monte Carlo. The rest of the day, Eze, Monaco, Monte Carlo, and the optional St Paul de Vence stop, follows the same structure either way.
Is St Paul de Vence included automatically?
It's an optional add depending on time and interest. Ask your guide about including it in place of extra free time at another stop.
How much walking is involved at Eze?
A fair amount, and some of it uphill: Eze clings to a cliff over 1,000 feet above the sea, and the vehicle can't drive into the village itself, so reaching the top viewpoint and boutiques means climbing on foot. The nearby Fragonard perfume factory is a good alternative if that's not for you.
Do we get free time to eat lunch wherever we want?
Yes, you'll have free time in either Monaco or Monte Carlo to choose lunch yourself; it's not included in the tour price.
Is this private, and are we guaranteed back for the ship?
Yes, private throughout with your own driver-guide, and you're covered by our Back-to-Ship Guarantee for your return to Villefranche.

Also Available:

›Riviera Highlights - A shorter 6-hour version of the same coastal route without the Saint Paul de Vence option
›Nice, Antibes & St Paul de Vence - For guests who have already done Monaco and Monte Carlo on a past visit
›Italian Market, Dolceacqua & Menton - for a full-day private tour of the Italian Markets - you drive into Italy!
›Italian Market, Dolceacqua & Menton - For a full day crossing into Italy instead of staying on the French coast

Our Back-to-Ship Guarantee

Every excursion returning 1.5 hours before departure is covered. If we are late, we cover your costs to reach the next port. More info ›

Shore Trip Timing is approximate based on your interests & traffic
  • Meet driver guide and drive to Nice- 15 Minutes
  • Visit Old Town of Nice- 1 Hour
  • Drive to Eze- 30 Minutes
  • Visit Eze- 1.5 Hours
  • Drive to Monaco- 15 Minutes
  • Visit Monaco Old Town with Lunch Break- 2.5 Hours
  • Visit Monte Carlo- 1 Hours
  • Return to Pier- 45 Minutes

Average Rating: Average Rating: 5 of 5 5 of 5 Total Reviews: 190 Write a review »

  0 of 0 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Villefranche Thursday, July 23, 2026
Reviewer: Ken Z from Calgary AB  
Today was our last excursion booked through your company. The trips in Florence and Nice were both great, with good hosts. But by far the best guide was Tom today in Kotor. He is excellent and I cannot say enough good about his knowledge and demeanor. 5 stars for him.Thanks for all

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  4 of 4 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Villefranche Monday, July 13, 2026
Reviewer: Fred F from Gaithersburg, MD  
We had a fabulous afternoon with Alan. We traveled from Villefranche to Eze to Monte Carlo and then back through Nice before being returned to the port. Alan provided a great tour and gave us plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy each place we visited. We likely disappointed him as we didnt take advantage of the free time that he was offering in Monte Carlo near the casino. Walking the streets of Monte Carlo near the palace and church where Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier were married was lovely and informative. As was, the market area in Nice where we stopped at a cafe for a drink (Alan passed on joining us). And, we were very glad that he was driving on those narrow, sometimes crowded roads! It was such an enjoyable experience, we will certainly keep Private Shore Trips in mind when we next travel to Europe! Thanks for the opportunity to see so much of the Frances Gold Coast.

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  2 of 2 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Villefranche Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Reviewer: Travel Agent Corinne S from Uniglobe Precise Travel, Columbus OH  
We had a   wonderful   time with your guides. As a travel agent, I would highly recommend your company, and I already have to Rosenthal and Karel. Hopefully they have contacted you and booked an excursion or two. Thank you so much for all your help. Im sure we will be e-mailing again. A lot of times I just give referrals on tours if Im doing to the cruise I just give them your e-mail.

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  0 of 0 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Villefranche Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Reviewer: Wendy E from Metairie LA  
Our tour was remarkable! I forgot our tour guides name, can you find out and let me know as I have some friends going to Nice in June. I will give them your information but would like them to use our tour guide. Thanks again for planning such a memorable tour.

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  2 of 2 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Villefranche Sunday, June 7, 2026
Reviewer: John Nin from DENHAM SPRINGS , LA  
This was the best tour that we had on our cruise. There was a total of 6 couples and Greg took care of all of us with another driver too. He was understandable, courteous, and very knowledgeable of Monaco, Monte Carlo, Nice, & Eze. He was able to cover all of these sights within our timeline with the ship. The Norwegian Ship did not offer this excursion. Greg and his other driver stopped for many photo shoots. I would highly recommend

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