Private excursion · French Riviera
A panoramic road, a medieval clifftop village, the Prince’s Palace and Monte Carlo. Five to six hours with a private guide along one of the French Riviera’s most beautiful itineraries.
About the itinerary
The Èze and Monaco excursion from Nice is one of the French Riviera’s most popular itineraries.
Over five to six hours, you drive along the panoramic Moyenne Corniche, climb to medieval cliff-top Èze, see an exotic garden overlooking the entire coast and experience the Principality of Monaco. On this itinerary, Mediterranean panoramas give way to 12th-century stone lanes, while Grimaldi history sits alongside Monte Carlo glamour. A private excursion means your guide works only with you, the pace suits your group and the itinerary can be adjusted during the day. Transport with a driver is included, with hotel pick-up and return. An ideal first introduction to the French Riviera for couples, families and small parties who value comfort and a personal approach.
This itinerary joins two of the French Riviera's highlights, only thirty minutes apart yet belonging to different eras and worlds.
Èze: medieval tranquillity, twelfth-century stone lanes and a 360° panorama from the clifftop. Monaco: princely splendour, the history of the Grimaldi dynasty, Monte Carlo’s energy and the legendary Formula 1 circuit. With a private guide, you travel along the famous Moyenne Corniche with photo stops and receive more than ‘look left, look right’: a full account of each place, its history, architecture, modern life in the principality and practical advice. Premium transport is included. Simply get into the car and enjoy one of your best days on the Riviera.
Who it is for
You want to see two iconic places, medieval Èze and the Principality of Monaco, in one varied day. An ideal first introduction to the French Riviera, bringing together panoramas, history, architecture and an atmosphere of luxury.
The Moyenne Corniche, an exotic garden on a clifftop and Monaco viewpoints: this itinerary is designed as a sequence of the coast's finest views. Every stop offers a ready-made photograph for your album.
Èze's medieval streets from the 12th century, the Grimaldi princely palace, Monaco Cathedral and Belle Époque Monte Carlo: the itinerary spans eight centuries of European history. A historian-guide tells you things absent from guidebooks.
The casino, gardens, boutiques, legendary Hôtel de Paris and Formula 1 atmosphere: see Monaco with a guide who knows every detail, from the casino dress code to the best photo angles, rather than as a tourist with a map.
Premium transport is included. You are collected at your hotel and brought back. No parking worries, a challenge in its own right in Monaco, or navigating winding mountain roads.
What you will see
One of the three legendary corniche roads built in the 19th century. The middle road, Moyenne Corniche, is the most scenic:400 metres above the sea, winding among cliffs with dizzying views of Villefranche-sur-Mer, Cap Ferrat and the endless sea. Several photo stops along the way. Filmmakers chose this road for James Bond scenes and classic French cinema.
Èze is a 12th-century village built on a sheer cliff at 427 metres. Narrow cobbled lanes, stone arches draped in bougainvillea, craft galleries and perfume boutiques. Philosophers, artists and writers lived here: Nietzsche wrote part of Thus Spoke Zarathustra on the path between Èze and the sea. The path now bears his name, Chemin de Nietzsche. A village walk is a journey into the past with 360-degree views.
A botanical garden at the very top of the village, laid out on the ruins of a medieval castle. A collection of succulents, cacti and agaves from around the world, over 400 species. But the highlight is the panorama: in clear weather, the whole coast is visible from Italy to Saint-Tropez. Jean-Philippe Richard’s sculptures stand among the plants: goddesses and muses seeming to float above the sea. One of the Riviera’s most photographed places.
Le Rocher, the Rock where the principality began. The Grimaldi Prince’s Palace has been a working residence since the 13th century, with the changing of the guard daily at 11:55. Nearby is Notre-Dame-Immaculée Cathedral, burial place of Monaco’s princes and Grace Kelly. Narrow old-town lanes, souvenir shops and the Oceanographic Museum, one of Europe’s oldest aquariums.
The district that became a symbol of glamour and luxury. Casino Square, with the legendary Casino de Monte-Carlo, built in 1863 to the design of Charles Garnier, architect of the Paris Opera; Hôtel de Paris; Café de Paris; and gardens with palms and fountains. The famous Monaco Grand Prix Formula 1 circuit passes here too. If you wish, visit the casino lobby free of charge or the gaming room,€19, with a dress code, from 14:00.
Port Hercule is Monaco's main harbour, a natural deep-water bay where superyachts from around the world moor. The legendary Monaco Grand Prix circuit runs along the waterfront: the Fairmont hairpin, tunnel and swimming pool chicane. In May you see the race preparations; at other times you drive the circuit and learn how the city becomes a racetrack for a week.
The famous walking path linking Èze village with Èze-sur-Mer beach below. Friedrich Nietzsche walked it daily and wrote the third part of Thus Spoke Zarathustra here. A steep descent through pine forest and olive groves with panoramic views, for lovers of hiking and philosophy. The full descent takes about an hour and requires comfortable shoes, but the views are worth it.
Programme · step by step
Scroll through the programme and the map follows you: the stop lights up and the route extends. Click a map marker to jump to that stop.
09:00
I collect you from your hotel in Nice, or Cannes/Antibes by arrangement. A short briefing on the day’s plan, timings and your wishes. We get to know one another and settle into the day.
09:30
We climb the most beautiful of the three Corniches. A stop at a panoramic viewpoint overlooking Villefranche, Cap Ferrat and the bay. I explain the road's construction and the region's context.
10:00
Arrive in the medieval village. A walking tour through narrow lanes, arches, galleries and viewpoints. The village’s history from the 12th century to today. Visit Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption church (1764).
10:45
Climb to the garden at the summit. A 360° panorama, plant collection and sculptures. Admission is around€7. For those who prefer more time in Monaco, this part can be shortened.
11:30
We descend to the sea and enter the principality. Along the way, the history of Monaco and the Grimaldi dynasty, and how this tiny principality became one of the world's wealthiest places.
12:00
The old town on the Rock: the Prince’s Palace, changing of the guard if timing allows at 11:55, and the cathedral with Grace Kelly’s tomb. A walk through old Monaco’s lanes.
12:45
Casino Square, Hôtel de Paris, gardens and boutiques. Free time for lunch: I give personal recommendations, from Mediterranean cuisine to Michelin-starred dining. A casino visit if you wish.
14:00
We drive the Formula 1 circuit and stop at Port Hercule. Photos of superyachts and the famous tunnel. For motorsport fans, an in-depth account of the race.
14:30
We head back. Timing can vary with your pace, traffic and season. Usually back by 15:00–15:30.
The programme is adapted to the season, weather, traffic and your pace. Exotic Garden and casino opening times vary; I confirm the current schedule when booking. Starting from Cannes or Antibes brings the timings forward by 40–60 minutes.
Photo gallery
Transport and logistics
The itinerary includes premium transport with a professional driver. An air-conditioned vehicle comfortable on mountain roads and hairpin bends. You are collected directly from your Nice hotel, or from Cannes, Antibes or Villefranche-sur-Mer by agreement when booking, and returned at the end of the day.
The Moyenne Corniche road is an attraction in its own right, one of the three legendary corniches built in the nineteenth century. We make at least two photo stops at viewpoints with the finest views of Villefranche, Cap Ferrat and the bay. Walking sections: Èze, around 45 minutes with climbs and stairs, comfortable shoes recommended; Monaco-Ville, around 40 minutes on level ground; and Monte Carlo, around 30 minutes, also level. Around two hours of walking in total, with stops. For guests with reduced mobility, I adapt the itinerary, minimise walking in Èze and use Monaco’s lifts. Let me know beforehand and I will prepare a comfortable option.
What the tour includes
Tour on request
from €650
Per excursion. The price is calculated for your dates and group.
Request a personalised proposal
Your guide
My name is Kirill, and I help travellers discover the authentic taste of France — its wine, gastronomy and culture. My work goes beyond excursions and tours: it is a deep immersion in a region’s atmosphere, getting to know its traditions, history and people.
I was born in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, but have lived in France since the age of 13. This country has become my second home and a true source of inspiration. For 25 years, I have studied its culture and wine regions, turning that knowledge into my profession.
My education underpins my professionalism:
Our guests’ voices
It was the best excursion of all our trips around Europe. Èze is simply magical, and without a guide we would not have seen half of Monaco. Special thanks for the Monte Carlo restaurant recommendation: lunch overlooking the sea was the icing on the cake.
I booked the tour with my wife for our anniversary. Everything was perfectly organised: collection from the hotel on the dot, and a clean, comfortable car. We listened to the history of Èze and the Grimaldis like an audiobook. The changing of the guard, casino and F1 circuit: the day flew by.
We travelled with two teenagers and everyone loved it. The children particularly enjoyed Èze’s exotic garden and Monaco’s superyachts. The guide adapted the pace perfectly: the teenagers did not get tired, and my husband and I enjoyed a full excursion. Recommended for families.
One of our best days on the French Riviera. I especially liked how the guide did more than show the sights, explaining the context. Afterwards, I genuinely understood how Monaco works and why it is the way it is. And the Corniche photographs were spectacular.
We wanted a private tour without crowds or flags and found the perfect option. Everything moved at a comfortable pace, with no rushing. In Èze we walked down lanes tourists rarely reach. And we learned things about Monte Carlo Casino you will not find in guidebooks.
It was the best excursion of all our trips around Europe. Èze is simply magical, and without a guide we would not have seen half of Monaco. Special thanks for the Monte Carlo restaurant recommendation: lunch overlooking the sea was the icing on the cake.
I booked the tour with my wife for our anniversary. Everything was perfectly organised: collection from the hotel on the dot, and a clean, comfortable car. We listened to the history of Èze and the Grimaldis like an audiobook. The changing of the guard, casino and F1 circuit: the day flew by.
We travelled with two teenagers and everyone loved it. The children particularly enjoyed Èze’s exotic garden and Monaco’s superyachts. The guide adapted the pace perfectly: the teenagers did not get tired, and my husband and I enjoyed a full excursion. Recommended for families.
One of our best days on the French Riviera. I especially liked how the guide did more than show the sights, explaining the context. Afterwards, I genuinely understood how Monaco works and why it is the way it is. And the Corniche photographs were spectacular.
We wanted a private tour without crowds or flags and found the perfect option. Everything moved at a comfortable pace, with no rushing. In Èze we walked down lanes tourists rarely reach. And we learned things about Monte Carlo Casino you will not find in guidebooks.
FAQ
Answers to the main questions before booking.
No, Monaco does not require a passport to enter from France. The border is open, with no formalities. However, a passport is required to enter the Monte Carlo casino gaming room, for over-18s. It is always useful to carry your passport.
Yes. The lobby is free and unrestricted, with marble, gold and Belle Époque interiors. The gaming rooms open from 14:00; admission is €19, and a passport and appropriate dress are required: no shorts, flip-flops or sportswear. Under-18s cannot enter the gaming rooms.
Èze has steep slopes and many steps: it is a medieval village on a cliff. If mobility is limited, I adapt the programme: less walking in Èze, perhaps only the lower part, and more time in Monaco, where the terrain is easier and lifts are available. Let me know beforehand.
I give personal recommendations based on your preferences. Options range from quick cafés around the harbour (€15–25) to Michelin-starred restaurants such as Le Louis XV—Alain Ducasse. A popular middle option is Café de Paris on Casino Square. I reserve a table in advance on request.
Yes. Starting in Cannes or Antibes is possible, but adds around 40–60 minutes on the road and may involve an additional transport charge, depending on the distance. We discuss the best timing when you book.
The itinerary is adapted, with more time indoors at the Oceanographic Museum, casino lobby or Prince’s Palace, if open. Riviera showers are usually brief, and views after rain are especially clear and beautiful. I always carry umbrellas.
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