Villefranche-sur-Mer is a perfect launchpad for exploring the French Riviera. Its prime location on the coast offers easy access to iconic destinations like Monaco, Eze, and Nice—all just a short drive away. What makes Villefranche special? It’s not just its charming port and colorful waterfront, but also its convenient proximity to the region’s top sights. Many tours start right from the port or nearby hotels, making logistics simple and stress-free. Plus, the variety of options—from small-group adventures to private charters—means you can tailor your experience. We particularly like the Day Trip: Guided tour of Monaco and Eze, which combines comfort with expert insights, and the Private shore excursion that offers a fully personalized day on your schedule.
Quick Overview
Our list covers a range of French Riviera tours with different focuses and formats. You’ll find full-day group adventures such as the Villefranche Shore Excursion: Private Day Trip to Nice, Eze & Monaco, which are great if you want a rundown with a guide. For travelers who prefer to explore at their own pace, private options like the From the port of Villefranche private shore excursion let you customize your stops. If your time is tight, shorter half-day excursions such as the Half-Day in Monaco, Monte Carlo & Eze focus on the highlights. For those interested in unique perspectives, sea cruises like the Coastal boat tour from Villefranche-Sur-Mer to Monaco provide a scenic way to see the coastline. Keep reading to find out which tour suits your style and interests.
1. Day Trip: Guided tour of Monaco and Eze, sightseeing
This tour offers a classic experience of the French Riviera’s highlights. Starting from Villefranche, you’ll travel in an air-conditioned minibus along the coast, with a maximum of 8 people for a more intimate experience. The day includes a stop in Eze, with free time to wander its medieval streets and optional visit to the exotic garden (entry €7). Then, it’s on to Parfumerie Fragonard, where you’ll enjoy a free guided tour. The afternoon features monaco’s Old Town, with chances to see the changing of the guard, visit the Prince’s Palace, or explore the Oceanographic Museum. Guests praise the knowledgeable guides, especially Zara and Billie, for making the day both informative and fun. The tour runs 7 hours for $108.91 per person, offering good value for a full day of sightseeing.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you want a well-rounded overview with local insights, and don’t mind a bit of a run to see the major sights.
2. Shore Excursion: Day In Eze, Monaco & Monte Carlo
This private tour is ideal for those arriving by cruise ship and wanting a luxurious, personalized experience. It covers Eze, Monaco, and Monte Carlo in about 8 hours. Highlights include a scenic drive along the Corniche, a tour of Monaco’s Old Town, and free time in Monte Carlo to explore Casino Square. The tour also visits the perfume factory in Eze, offering a glimpse into French craftsmanship. Guests rave about guides like Tierra and Thierry, who blend humor and expert commentary. The private setting (costing $472.78 per person) ensures flexibility—perfect for families or couples who want to customize their day.
Bottom Line: For travelers who want exclusivity and flexibility, this private tour provides a seamless, tailored experience with plenty of time for personal exploration.
3. Villefranche Shore Excursion: Private Day Trip to Nice Eze Villefranche La Turbie and Monaco
If you’d rather keep it private, this customized tour is a top choice. For around $1,722, your group up to 8 people is taken through Monaco, Nice, Eze, and La Turbie at your own pace. It’s perfect for those with specific interests, whether that’s soaking up Monte Carlo’s luxury, exploring historic villages, or snapping photos of panoramic vistas. Guides like Juliana and Elizabeth are known for their friendly service and deep knowledge. With flexible timing, you can linger longer in favorite spots or skip others altogether.
Bottom Line: Best suited for families or groups wanting a bespoke experience, especially if you want to maximize your time and choose your stops.
4. Villefranche: French Riviera Full Day Private Tour
This intimate, full-day private tour offers a chance to discover Nice, Eze, and Monaco with just your group. Starting from your accommodation, the guide takes you through each city, with plenty of sightseeing, photo stops, and insights. The highlight for many is the chance to see Monte Carlo’s Casino and the Prince’s Palace with a relaxed pace. The tour costs $119 per person based on groups of 8, making it a good value for a private experience. Guests mention their guides, like Albano, for their passion and local knowledge. It’s perfect if you prefer a customized, in-depth day without rushing.
Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers who want a private, flexible day with personalized attention and all the major sights.
5. Shore Excursion: Half-Day In Monaco, Monte Carlo & Eze
Limited on time? This half-day tour offers a quick but thorough visit to Monaco and Eze. It covers the F1 Grand Prix circuit, the Prince’s Palace, and the quaint streets of Eze with a perfumery tour. Starting at $301.20 per person, it’s ideal for cruise passengers who want a punchy overview. Reviews highlight guides like Francesca and Thierry, who make the most of the limited time. The tour includes stops for photos and some free exploration, perfect for those with a tight schedule.
Bottom Line: Best if your time ashore is limited but you still want to see the highlights in style.
6. Shore excursion to Nice Eze Monaco Monte Carlo from Villefranche
This 6-hour private group tour is great for those wanting a speedy, scenic tour. It combines Eze’s hilltop charm, Monaco’s Old Town, and Monte Carlo’s glamorous square. The trip includes stops at the Prince’s Palace and Monte Carlo casino, with plenty of opportunities for photos. Guests love the professional guides like Rolf and Francesca, who make sure clients get the most from each location. The value here is excellent, considering all the iconic sights covered in a half-day.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers with a limited schedule who want a quick yet comprehensive taste of the Riviera’s glamour.
7. Coastal boat tour from Villefranche-Sur-Mer to Monaco
For a different perspective, hop onto this 2-hour sea cruise. It offers spectacular views of the coastline and commentary by sailors sharing regional stories. You’ll cruise from Villefranche to Monaco, passing Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and Cap-d’Ail. The reviews praise how relaxing and scenic this trip is, with many noting the breathtaking panoramas. It’s a good choice for travelers who prefer to see the coast from the water rather than land. Prices vary, but the experience is well worth it for the vistas and gentle sea breeze.
Bottom Line: Best for those who want a leisurely, scenic cruise with informative commentary, especially if you love being on the water.
8. Monaco, Monte Carlo, Eze Day from Villefranche Small-Group and Shore Excursion
This small-group tour combines the best of Monaco, Eze, and Monte Carlo in a full day. For $122.64, you get expert guiding, visits to top attractions, and enough free time to soak in the glamor or explore independently. Guests like Susan, Milena, and Francesca appreciate the personalized attention and deep local knowledge. The tour covers Prince’s Palace, perfume factory, and the famous casino with a relaxed pace.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for travelers who want an engaging, small-group experience with plenty of insider tips.
9. From the port of Villefranche Private shore excursion customized
This fully customizable private tour is perfect for groups who know exactly what they want. For $991.06, your party up to 8 can decide which towns to visit—be it Nice, Antibes, Eze, or Saint-Paul. Guides like Pascal and Yves are praised for their flexibility and local expertise. The tour includes roundtrip transportation, bottled water, and Wi-Fi. Guests love the ability to design their perfect day, whether it’s spending more time in Eze or taking extra photos in Monte Carlo.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers with specific interests or those who want a truly bespoke experience on the Riviera.
10. Villefranche Port Round Trip Transfer to Monaco
On the lookout for the easiest option? This round-trip transfer for $170.81 per person gets you from Villefranche port to Monaco without fuss. It’s perfect for travelers who just want to avoid the hassle of figuring out transportation. The guide, Andreus, receives praise for his knowledge and humor, making the drive informative and enjoyable. You’ll have several hours in Monaco to explore independently, armed with a map.
Bottom Line: Best for those who prefer a simple, stress-free transfer with optional independent exploration.
11. Villefranche: Shore Excursion to Eze, Monaco, & Monte-Carlo
This small-group private tour combines Eze, Monaco, and Monte Carlo in about 6 hours. Guided by Juliana, you’ll see the perfume factory, visit the Prince’s Palace, and drive along the F1 circuit. Reviews highlight the friendly and helpful guides who manage to fit a lot into a short time. It’s a good option if you want a personalized experience without long waits or crowded buses.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want a compact, personalized tour with insider knowledge.
12. The best French Riviera Full-day from Villefranche Small-Group Shore Excursion
This 9-hour small-group tour maximizes your port time with visits to Cannes (Film Festival Palace), Antibes (yachts and Billionaire’s Quay), Eze (perfumery), and Monaco (Monte Carlo). For $133.41 per person, it offers a rundown with a focus on celebrity sights and luxury. Past guests note the knowledgeable guides like Rodrigo and Heft for making each stop engaging. The trip is well-paced, balancing sightseeing with free time.
Bottom Line: Excellent for those wanting a full-day, all-encompassing Riviera experience, especially if they love glamour and films.
13. Private Customized French Riviera Tour from Port Villefranche 8H
This private tour gives you total control over your day. For $593.41, your group can choose stops such as Nice, Eze, or Monaco. Guides like Yves and Jamel are praised for their flexibility and local knowledge, making it easy to craft a tailor-made itinerary. Guests enjoy the personalized service and the chance to linger longer at favorite spots. It’s perfect for families or groups with specific interests.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those who want a customized, private experience with a local guide.
14. Saint Tropez and Port Grimaud: Full-Day Tour
Venture farther afield with this full-day trip to Saint Tropez and Port Grimaud. For $164, you explore the celebrity-studded streets of Saint Tropez and wander Little Venice in Port Grimaud. It’s perfect if you want to experience both the glamour and the charm of the Riviera. The tour includes free time in each town, so you can explore shops, cafes, or just soak up the scenery. Reviews mention the friendly guides and the comfortable van transportation.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a taste of the Riviera’s celebrity scene and scenic canals in one full-day outing.
15. Private excursion from Villefranche in Citroën Méhari to Eze and Monaco
For vintage lovers or those seeking a fun ride, this Citroën Méhari tour offers a quirky alternative. At $406.08 per person, it includes scenic drives over the Moyenne and Grande Corniche, with stops in Vieux Eze and Monaco. Guests love the unique experience of touring in a classic car, combined with breathtaking views and personalized attention. Guide Pascal is praised for his friendly demeanor and local insights.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting a memorable, Instagram-worthy ride in a classic Citroën.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When deciding among these options, consider what matters most—budget, time, specific interests, or comfort level. For a comprehensive full-day experience, the Villefranche Full-Day Private Tour offers excellent value, especially if you want flexibility. If your cruise is tight, the Half-Day Monaco & Eze gives you control over your schedule, or consider the Customizable private tour. For scenic lovers, the boat cruise provides a peaceful way to enjoy the coastline, while the smaller group tours are ideal for travelers seeking a more personal touch.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak season (spring and summer), to secure your spot and avoid disappointment. Think about what you want to get out of your trip—whether it’s luxury, adventure, or relaxed sightseeing—and pick the tour that best fits your style.
Final Thoughts
The options in Villefranche sur Mer run the gamut from quick half-day excursions to full-day private adventures. For those seeking glamorous cityscapes, the Monte Carlo and Eze day trip offers a taste of luxury and excitement, while private tours cater to travelers who prefer customizing their experience. Whether you want to explore the medieval streets of Eze, the shimmering casinos of Monte Carlo, or the scenic coast by boat, there’s an option for you.
For the best experience, consider your interests—luxury, history, scenery, or personalized service—and book early to enjoy these unforgettable excursions. With such a variety of tours available, Villefranche offers a perfect jumping-off point to discover the French Riviera’s beauty and charm in style.