NiceCar Self-Driving Tour French Riviera: A Road Trip like No Other
Are you looking for something unique to do as a family in the South of France?
Read below for my honest review of the NiceCar self-driving tour french riviera.
Does the thought of a Riviera road trip around the hilltop villages of the South of France sound like your dream day?
Does the thought of having to figure out a french riviera itinerary AND follow a map AND not crash your car terrify you? NiceCar is the tour for you.
We spent two days in Nice with my family on our latest European vacation and I wanted to take a day trip to other areas of the Côte d’Azur.
However, I wasn’t brave enough to “wing it” by renting a car and mapping out our route. I wanted more of a structured driving tour.
The problem was, most of those tours are packed with tourists and required a rigid itinerary. Enter NiceCar Tours.
It was hands down the best french riviera tour we took.
Below I will tell you the pros and cons of a self-driving french riviera tour, describe what you can see on YOUR tour, and show you video footage of the NiceCars in action.
What are NiceCar Tours?
NiceCar Tours in Nice, France, offers a unique opportunity to explore the French Riviera by self-driving your own three-wheeled car.
Each NiceCar gives you the freedom to self-drive around the less-seen areas of the French Riviera.
One NiceCar three-wheeled vehicle can safely accommodate two people, so bring along your favorite travel buddy for an unforgettable experience
Bonus: let me tell you a little secret – driving this adorable little car will turn heads wherever you go! You’ll be the star attraction of the French Riviera!
You have a choice between a 2-hour tour and a 4-hour tour.
My family did the four-hour tour and time flew by. The views were stunning and I kept needing to pinch myself. The open-top car is a blast to drive.
Some french riviera tours only focus on the sights within the cities.
With this tour, you get to see the French countryside and the seaside hidden gems that would be missed on more traditional tours of the French Riviera.
This tour is perfect for those visitors spending one week or one day in the area.
The self-drive tours are also perfect for those cruise tourists looking for a shore excursion from nearby Cannes or Villefranche sur Mer.
What Makes a Self-Drive Tour French Riviera Fun?
First off, these tours are specially designed to cater to your interests and excitement.
Depending on the size of your group, you can tell your guide what things you are interested in and they will accommodate as best as possible.
Our group was just my family of five, so we had a little more freedom to make decisions in our itinerary.
Whether you’re a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or just someone who loves to soak up the sun, NiceCar has got your vibe.
Plus, you won’t have to stress about a thing – just show up with your adventurous spirit, and NiceCar will take care of the rest.
No need to worry about where to go, what to do, or how to get there – they’ve got you covered.
Each tour has its very own tour guide. The guide rides in front of you, leading you on your route.
If someone in the group gets stopped at a red light or falls behind, No worries! The guide will pull over and wait for you.
What will I see while self-driving the french riviera?
We were able to see so much in our 4-hour time duration.
If there is a particular city or place you want to see, ask your tour guide if it is a possibility. Their website lists many options.
Ride up to Fort Mont Alban, a 16th-century hillside fort, to see the most breathtaking panoramic view.
Take a delightful detour to Villefranche-sur-Mer’s seaside main road.
It was truly the best way to see this charming village. When we were cruising through, cafe goers and beach bodies waved at us when we drove by.
It’s a treat you absolutely can’t miss!
Visit the enchanting gardens of Villa Ephrussi in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat – the vibrant colors, beautiful plants, and charming ambiance will leave you in awe.
Looking for a little excitement? Make a stop at the iconic Monte Carlo Casino to enjoy the scenic surroundings and sip on a refreshing drink.
Want something a little different? We stopped at GALIMARD, the fragrance factory atop Eze Village.
We learned all about the art of perfumery and even created our very own Eau de Cologne. It is a quintessentially French experience.
Also, check out the historic medieval village of Eze.
Pros of taking a french riviera self-drive with NiceCar
- Local Treasures Unveiled: Your savvy tour guide will know all the back roads and secret spots that only the locals know. Forget the crowded tourist traps; you will be whisked away to places and viewpoints that you won’t see on those french riviera tour packages.
- 2. Scenic Coastal Drive: Have you seen those jaw-dropping photos of the French Riviera coastline? Well, imagine being right there, driving along those winding roads with the shimmering Mediterranean and beautiful panoramic views.
- 3. The fun is nonstop: The fun factor of driving along a french riviera road can’t be matched. There are hills and turns, and gorgeous sites wherever you go. I could not stop laughing and smiling.
- 4. Easy booking. The driving tours can be made online. Communication is great and directions to their location in Nice are easy to find. It is also accessible by public transportation.
Cons of the Self-Driving Tour French Riviera: Watch Out for Road Bumps
- 1. Navigational Nerves: Alright, full disclosure – self-driving might make some of us a tad nervous. Even with a trusty guide, there’s always that tiny voice of doubt shouting, “Please don’t wreck!” But hey, isn’t that the thrill of an adventure?
- 2. Parking Predicament: We all love our little road trips, but parking in the Riviera’s popular spots can be a real challenge. Luckily our tour guide had the hook-up at most of our stops and was able to snag us prime real estate to park. Time Constraints: With so much to see and do, you might feel the clock ticking. Driving from Nice to Monaco, and making a perfume pitstop, means we had to savor every fantastic moment.
- 3. No In-Depth Narration: Unlike traditional guided tours, we didn’t have a guide constantly sharing fun facts and stories. The guide will provide you with information and history at each of the stops, but during the drive itself, there is no additional commentary.
Final Thoughts
Okay, picture this: you’re on the stunning French Riviera, the sun is shining, and the turquoise Mediterranean Sea stretches out before you.
Now imagine exploring this paradise not by cramming into a crowded tour bus. You get to see the grand seaside views at your own pace.
If visiting the Cote d Azur french riviera, I recommend this self-drive tour to anyone. I am not exaggerating when I say this is one of the best experiences you can have visiting southern France.
Frequently Asked Questions about Self-driving Tour French Riviera
What is the cost of the tour?
May vary according to the season. At the time of publication, tours started at 45$ for a 2-hour tour and 80$ for a 4-hour tour.
Are NiceCar Tours good for families?
It is excellent for families. You must be at least 4 years of age to do this tour.
However, we did not bring our kids due to the fact that they still need car seats and those are not available in this kind of vehicle.
This would be an excellent experience for an older child, teen, or young adult.
Is this tour good for multigenerational families?
It is great for the young and old.
We did this tour with my parents who are in their 60s and they LOVED it.
Just note that the suspension on the three-wheeled cars is not great and may cause pain for people with back or spine issues.
Can pregnant women do this tour?
I would not recommend it. There are some areas in the South of France that are bumpy and with minimal suspension, it would be rough on the pregnant mother. However, you can always talk to your doctor.
What languages do they speak on the tour?
Tours are available in English, French, Spanish and Italian.
What is included in the tour?
Each tour includes unlimited miles, a full tank of gas, and your own tour guide to drive you through the french riviera.
Where is the starting and ending point?
You will start at a courtside garage at 22bis Rue Emmanuel Philibert, 06300 Nice, France Close to “little shop of color” and end in the same location.
What does self-drive mean?
Self-drive means that you take the reigns over your very own vehicle.
No tour guide will be operating the vehicle for you.
You are in charge of breaking, steering, and using the peddle.
Is a self-driving tour Safe?
There is always some risk when you take to the road by car, but safety is taken very seriously by the tour company.
The French drive on the same side of the road as they do in the United States. Obey traffic lights and signs and go the speed limit to ensure that you have a safe experience.
Do I need an international driver’s License?
No your driver’s license from your home country should be just fine. We used ours from the United States and had no problems. Be sure to check with the company on any license requirements.
How old does the driver have to be?
All drivers of the cars need to be 21. However, passengers just need to be aged 4 and up.
Is there a deposit required?
There is a 500 € deposit that this not debited to your card unless damage is sustained.
What happens if it rains on the day of our tour?
Per the company’s website, you will be offered a refund or a rescheduled tour.
