Do I need a special licence to hire an RV in Nice?

In general, a special licence is not required to rent our RVs in Nice. However, a valid driving license is required to operate our vehicles. For some non-EU citizens, a IDP is required, in addition to their home country's drivers licence. Other considerations such as a valid vehicle licence to the vehicle type (manual or automatic) will also be required. For more information regarding our licence requirements read this.

Are pets allowed in your campervans?

Yes, our campervans are pet-friendly you can bring your pet along in our campervans. Just make sure to purchase the extra cleaning service after during your booking. This service includes professional anti-allergic cleaning after your trip. Please note that only one pet is allowed per campervan, and it must weigh no more than 30kg. Keep in mind, we are not responsible for any legal fees related to traveling with your pet. For marketplace bookings, check the "vehicle rules" section for the pet-friendly icon to confirm if pets are allowed in that specific vehicle.

How many people can sleep in a campervan?

The number of people who can sleep in our campervans/motorhomes will depend on the size of the vehicle and the model. In general, our class C motorhome models can sleep up to 4-8 people, whereas our class B motorhomes and campervans can sleep up to 2-4. For cars with a rooftop tent, around 2 people can sleep in this vehicles. More details on our models and sleeping capacities can be found here.

Where can I stay overnight in Nice with a campervan rental and is it safe?

If you are travelling in a motorhome, campervan or caravan around Nice, it is important to understand official camping rules of the country you are visiting. As natural areas are generally protected by laws, using an official campsite or designated overnight parking area is highly recommended. This helps protect local communities and ensures you can all enjoy safely. Read more safety tips and protocols here.

Is it safe to rent a campervan in Nice, will I be protected?

We offer three protection plans to cover incidents and damages during your rental period. All Indie Campers campervans come with insurance for third-party vehicles and property damage (valid insurance will depend on the country). For marketplace vehicles, insurance options may vary based on the host. Learn more about our protection plans here.

Can I rent a campervan near me?

Yes, our search filter allows you to find a campervan near your location using a 60km radius system. This means depending on the location you are searching from, you will be able to find an Indie campervan rental pick-up centre near you.

Do your campervan rentals in Nice include unlimited mileage?

Yes, a selected number of Indie Campers RV rentals in Nice include unlimited mileage, allowing you to explore freely and make the most of your road trip! Please note that unlimited mileage applies exclusively to Indie Campers RVs and is subject to responsible use.

Campervan and RV Rental in Nice

Explore Nice With Us!

Experience the French Riviera with an RV rental in Nice and explore the stunning Mediterranean coastline, hilltop villages, and alpine landscapes of southeastern France. Drive east along the Côte d'Azur toward Monaco and the Italian border, head west to Cannes and Saint-Tropez, or venture inland through Provence's lavender fields and medieval perched villages. Choose from Indie Campers' California, Active, or Comfort range, all with unlimited miles, flexible one-way options, 24/7 online support, and extras like kitchen kits, outdoor furniture, or bedding sets. Backed by a Europe-wide fleet and 4.8-star-rated service, Indie Campers makes exploring the Riviera simple, comfortable, and unforgettable.

RV Road Trips from Nice

Nice sits at 43.7034°N, 7.2663°E on the Baie des Anges, France's fifth largest city with a population of 357,737 (INSEE 2023) and the capital of the Alpes-Maritimes department. The geographical proposition here is unusual: the Alpine chain descends to within 15 km of the Mediterranean coastline, compressed between the sea and a pre-Alpine ridge that climbs to 400-500 meters just behind the coast. That proximity means Monaco is 21 km from the city center (35 minutes via the coastal Corniche), the Col de la Bonette at 2,802 meters is 96 km (2 hours), and the Gorges du Verdon is 138 km (2h15). No other city in France places you equidistant between a pebble beach, a principality, and the highest paved road in the Alps within a single morning's drive.

Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE, GPS: 43.6653°N, 7.2150°E, 7 km west of the city center) handled 15.23 million passengers in 2025, making it France's third busiest. Direct routes for the core campervan travel audience: easyJet from London, and Belfast; British Airways; KLM from Amsterdam Schiphol; Lufthansa from Frankfurt and

What to Do in Nice

Top Scenic Routes and Natural Parks from Nice

Best Campgrounds in Nice and the Côte d'Azur

The Three Corniche Roads: Nice to Monaco, 21-30 km

Three roads run roughly parallel between Nice and Menton, each at a different altitude, each with a distinct character. They are not interchangeable: choose deliberately.

Corniche Inférieure (Basse Corniche, D6098) leaves Nice at Port Lympia and traces the coastline east through Villefranche-sur-Mer, the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula junction, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Èze-bord-de-Mer, Cap d'Ail, and into Monaco. Villefranche-sur-Mer (GPS: approximately 43.7055°N, 7.3107°E, 6 km from Nice, 12 minutes) is the first significant stop: a deep natural harbor where American aircraft carriers anchored during the Cold War, with a 14th-century Citadelle and a waterfront lined with fishing boats. The Chapelle Saint-Pierre on the harbor (decorated by Jean Cocteau in 1957) is small and worth the stop. Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is 3 km further on the peninsula: a narrow wooded headland holding France's highest concentration of private wealth per square meter, with the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild (GPS: approximately 43.6970°N, 7.3362°E; nine themed gardens on the cape tip, built 1912) as the only significant public attraction. Road suitability for campervans: good, but congested through Monaco in summer. Best for: coastal towns, sea-level stops, and the most direct route into Monaco.

Moyenne Corniche (D6007) climbs from Nice above the Basse Corniche through a long tunnel to reach the Col de Villefranche panorama viewpoint: on the right, Villefranche bay curves below with Cap Ferrat extending into dark blue water and the Esterel Massif visible 60 km to the southwest on a clear day. The road continues to the access point for Èze village (GPS: 43.7270°N, 7.3620°E, 429 meters altitude, 12 km from Nice, 20-25 minutes). Èze is a cluster of medieval stone buildings on a vertical rock outcrop above the sea, crowned by the Jardin Exotique (GPS same as village; open daily 09:00-16:30 November to March, 09:00-18:30 April to June and October, 09:00-19:30 July to September; adult admission €8-9; cactus and succulent garden in 12th-century castle ruins with a view that covers 40 km of coastline). Below the garden, the Fragonard perfume boutique distills and sells the Èze signature fragrance. Campervans park at the designated motorhome area at Place Figuiera on the D6007 and walk up. The Chemin de Nietzsche footpath descends 1.5 km from the village to Èze-bord-de-Mer in 40 minutes (90 minutes back up); the philosopher claimed to have written part of Thus Spoke Zarathustra on this path. Road suitability for campervans: good. This is the recommended Corniche for campervans: better width than the Grande, less congestion than the Basse, access to the best viewpoints.

Grande Corniche (D2564) is the highest road, built by Napoleon on the ancient Roman Via Aurelia, reaching over 550 meters with sheer cliff drops and minimal crash barriers in sections. Alfred Hitchcock filmed the car chase in To Catch a Thief here in 1955; Princess Grace Kelly died on this road in 1982. La Turbie (GPS: approximately 43.7489°N, 7.3970°E): the Trophée des Alpes, a Roman monument built in 6 BC to celebrate Augustus's conquest of Alpine tribes, stands here largely intact — 50 meters tall, white limestone, visible from the coast below. Adult admission: approximately €7 (Tuesday to Sunday). Road suitability for campervans: caution for large vehicles. The road is narrow in sections with tight hairpins and limited passing places; large RVs (over 7 meters) are explicitly discouraged. Suitable for small to medium campervans with experienced drivers on dry days.

Recommended loop: Drive the Moyenne Corniche eastbound from Nice to Monaco (views, Èze, La Turbie optionally), then return on the Basse Corniche westbound (coastal villages, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat). Total circuit: approximately 70 km, half a day with stops.

Gorges du Verdon and Lac de Sainte-Croix: 138 km

Europe's largest canyon is 138 km from Nice (2h15 via A8 and then N85 to Castellane and D952 westbound), 25 km long, with cliff walls dropping 700 meters to the turquoise river below. The color is caused by glacial rock flour suspended in the water from the Verdon's Alpine sources; on a clear July morning with the sun directly overhead, the river appears lit from below.

Road choice matters. Two roads rim the gorge: the D952 (north/right bank) from Castellane to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, and the D71 Corniche Sublime (south/left bank). The D71 is the better driver's road, wider, sweeping, better tarmac, the classic engineering of the 1930s Route des Alpes, and carries fewer visitors than the D952. The D23 Route des Crêtes, a 24-km loop with 14 viewpoints above the gorge launched from La Palud-sur-Verdon (GPS: approximately 43.7953°N, 6.3447°E), is too narrow for campervans and is posted as a one-way road in summer.

Key viewpoints:

Balcons de la Mescla (GPS: approximately 43.6739°N, 6.2849°E, D71 Corniche Sublime): where the Verdon and Artuby rivers converge in the gorge 250 meters below. Stop at the signed pull-off; walk to the railing and look straight down.
Pont de l'Artuby (GPS: approximately 43.7076°N, 6.2931°E, D71): Europe's highest bungee-jump bridge at 182 meters; free to drive over, paid activity to jump. The parapet view into the gorge is free and vertiginous.
Point Sublime (GPS: approximately 43.7833°N, 6.3483°E, D952 north bank): the canonical gorge viewpoint, with the Samson Couloir — the vertical slot where the Verdon disappears into the rock — visible directly below. The Sentier du Blanc-Martel (15 km, 7-8 hours one way, requires shuttle from Mayreste car park back to Point Sublime) starts here; the 40-minute out-and-back to the Baou tunnel viewpoint is the efficient version.

Lac de Sainte-Croix (GPS: approximately 43.7742°N, 6.1381°E at the Galetas bridge, Aiguines): 22 km² of reservoir at the western end of the gorge, the color of glacial melt. From the Galetas car park, canoes and pedal boats put in to paddle 2 km into the gorge entrance before navigation is restricted. Verdon Canoe (verdoncanoe.com) and MYC Plage (mycplage.com, Aiguines) both rent pedal boats from approximately €25/hour. The lake swim, 22°C in July, is the logical reward for the drive.

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie (GPS: approximately 43.8456°N, 6.2217°E, 5 km north of the lake): a medieval village on a cliff above a gorge with a gold star suspended between two rock pinnacles on a chain — hung there in the 13th century by a knight returning from the Crusades. The village has been producing the distinctive blue-and-white Moustiers faience (tin-glazed earthenware) since 1679; 12 potters' ateliers are currently operating in the village.

Camping option near Lac de Sainte-Croix: Camping de l'Aigle (Campasun network, Aiguines, near the lake; RV pitches from approximately €19/night off-peak).

Parc National du Mercantour: 65-96 km

France's seventh national park (1979), covering 1,801 km² of high alpine terrain along the French-Italian border with over 2,000 plant species, 9,000 animal species, and the second largest wolf population in France. The nearest entry point to Nice is the Vésubie Valley (D2565 north from Nice via Levens; Saint-Martin-Vésubie at GPS: 44.0676°N, 7.2534°E, 65 km from Nice, 1h15).

Wild camping in Mercantour: Strictly prohibited in the heart zone (identified by green hexagonal boundary signs). In the peripheral zone, bivouac sleeping is permitted from 19:00 to 09:00, one night maximum, minimum 60 minutes' walk from park boundaries, roads, and water sources. Campervans must use designated campsites or motorhome aires in gateway villages; overnight parking at trailheads is not authorized.

Vallée des Merveilles (Bronze Age rock engravings, Lac des Mesches trailhead GPS: 44.0843°N, 7.5244°E, accessed from Saint-Dalmas-de-Tende, approximately 90 km from Nice, 1h45 via A8/Tende): Europe's largest concentration of open-air Bronze Age petroglyphs — approximately 40,000 engravings on glacier-polished rock faces around Mont Bégo at 2,300 meters altitude. The classified archaeological area requires a certified Mercantour National Park guide; guided 2-day hikes with overnight at the Refuge des Merveilles (2,111 meters) are the standard visit format. Season: June to October.

Col de la Bonette: 96 km, altitude 2,802 meters

The highest paved point in France: the Cime de la Bonette loop road reaches 2,802 meters (the actual mountain summit is 2,860 meters; the col itself is 2,715 meters — all three figures are technically correct for different reference points). GPS of the summit loop: approximately 44.3164°N, 6.8080°E. Accessible typically from June to October; snow can close the road outside those dates with no advance warning.

The approach from Nice: N202 up the Var valley to Guillaumes (fuel here), then D2205 to Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée, then D64 to Jausiers over the col. This is the standard south-to-north crossing. Distance: 96 km, 2-2h30. The mountain section begins 60 km from Nice; the final approach through 26 hairpin bends is the section that takes the time.

Fuel warning: There is no gas station on the col route itself. Fill up in Jausiers (north approach) or Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée (south approach) without fail. "Next fuel 80 km" is a real possibility if you misread the map. Campervans over approximately 7 meters: the road is narrow with steep drops and is explicitly not recommended for large RVs; small to medium campervans with experienced drivers only.

Gorges de Daluis and Gorges du Cians: 75-86 km

Two adjacent river gorges cut through completely different rock types, 90 minutes north of Nice via the N202.

Gorges de Daluis (GPS: approximately 43.9650°N, 6.8750°E, 86 km from Nice, 1h30-1h45 via N202 and D2202): the Var river's tributary has carved through deep terracotta-red porphyry rock, with overhanging cliff faces and natural tunnels on the D2202 road through the gorge. A Réserve Naturelle Régionale since 2012. The road is manageable for standard campervans; campervans over approximately 7 meters should check width restrictions before entering. The tight sections have overhanging rock rather than road narrowing — height is rarely an issue, but confidence at slow speed is necessary.

Gorges du Cians (GPS lower gorge entrance: approximately 44.0000°N, 7.0400°E, 75 km from Nice, 1h15-1h30 via N202 then D28): immediately north of Daluis, the Cians river has cut through white limestone in the lower section and deep terracotta-red shale in the upper. The contrast between the two rock types on a single drive is the visual attraction. The main D28 through the lower gorge is passable; the upper gorge village roads to Pierlas and Roubion have weight restrictions of 3.5 tonnes on some sections. Stick to the D28.

Both gorges are regularly missed by coastal visitors who do not look at the N202 valley. If the Gorges du Verdon is too far for the day, the Daluis/Cians double gorge loop (approximately 180 km round trip, 3 hours driving, allow 6 hours total with stops) is the most accessible mountain half-day from Nice.

Route Napoléon (N85): Nice to Castellane and the Alps

Napoleon Bonaparte walked this route in March 1815 after escaping from Elba, covering 330 km from Golfe-Juan (near Antibes) to Grenoble in 7 days to reclaim power before Waterloo. The N85 from Grasse north to Castellane and then to Grenoble is now marked throughout with the imperial eagle emblem. Join it at Cannes/Golfe-Juan (A8 exit 41) and head north through Grasse (35 km from Nice), then Escragnolles, then Castellane (100 km from Nice, the gateway to the Gorges du Verdon). The N85 south of Castellane is a well-maintained two-lane road through Pre-Alpine hills, a direct and scenic alternative to the A8 motorway for reaching the Verdon, and the most efficient way to combine Grasse with a Verdon day trip.

Get Inspired

Our Road Trips Itineraries

Why Rent an RV in Nice

The French Riviera has three public transport realities. The train covers the coast: Nice to Monaco in 22 minutes (€3.80), Nice to Cannes in 40 minutes (€7.50), Nice to Antibes in 25 minutes (€4.20). These are excellent connections. The bus covers the Corniches: Bus 100 from Nice to Menton via the Basse Corniche runs every 15 minutes for €1.50. These connections are also fine.

What public transport does not cover: any of the interior. There is no public transport to Gorges du Verdon, no bus to the Gorges de Daluis or Cians, no scheduled service to the Mercantour park interior, no public access to the Vallée des Merveilles trailhead at Lac des Mesches, no way to reach the Bellet AOC vineyards 8 km northwest of the city. The Col de la Bonette has no public transport between June and October and no road at all for the other eight months. Saint-Paul-de-Vence — 30 km from Nice — has one bus an hour from Cagnes-sur-Mer station that stops running at 19:30.

The specific argument for a campervan from Nice is altitude. The coast is accessible and overrun; the interior above 400 meters is not. The Mercantour's 1,801 km² of high alpine wilderness, the gorges, the perched villages of the Préalpes Niçoises — none of this is reachable without a vehicle. A campervan gives you the mobility and the means to stay overnight at the trailheads that are three turns of a switchback road from the nearest campsite.

Why Choose Indie Campers in Nice

Unlimited mileage: A 7-day circuit covering the three Corniches, Gorges du Verdon, Mercantour, and Grasse covers approximately 700-900 km. No daily distance limit regardless of route.

One-way rentals: Pick up in Nice and drop off in Marseille (202 km, 2h10), Lyon (470 km, 4h40), or any French Indie Campers location.

24/7 roadside assistance: Included on every booking. All standard Riviera and Alps circuit roads are within coverage.

Flexible cancellation available: Cancel without penalty up to 31 days before pickup.

Book now, pay later: Campsites near Nice fill for July-August from May onward. Securing the vehicle in advance without full payment allows campsite and ferry bookings to be made simultaneously.

Best Time to Rent an RV in Nice

Winter (December to February)

Nice averages 300 days of sunshine annually; January daytime temperatures reach 12-14°C with regular clear days when the Mercantour peaks behind the city hold fresh snow and the Promenade des Anglais is quiet enough to walk at pace. The Gorges du Verdon is fully accessible in winter — no crowds, no peak-season campsite pressure, cold but dry. The Col de la Bonette and high Mercantour passes close with snow from November or December; the Vésubie valley floor remains accessible year-round. Monaco and all three Corniches operate normally; Antibes and Cannes have their full complement of open restaurants without the August compression.

The Nice Carnival runs in February (typically mid-February, coinciding with Menton's Fête du Citron): the city's main annual event, dating from 1294, attracting 1 million visitors across the two-week program. If the carnival is the goal, book campsites 3-4 months in advance.

Best for: off-season prices, Clear Riviera light, Verdon without crowds, winter Carnival, snowcapped Alps visible from the coast.
Skip if: sea swimming and high-altitude mountain passes are essential to the trip.

Spring (March to May)

Temperatures: 14-20°C. Wildflower season in the Mercantour begins in April at lower altitudes (1,000-1,400 m) and progresses upward through June. The Vallée des Merveilles opens in June; the Col de la Bonette loop typically opens in late May or early June depending on snow. Campsite availability is excellent; the Corniches are drivable without summer congestion.

The Grasse perfume flower harvest begins in May: the rose de mai (the Centifolia rose used in Chanel No. 5) is picked from mid-May for approximately three weeks. Visiting a Grasse perfume house in May means seeing the harvest context rather than just the museum.

How Many Days Do You Need in Nice

3 to 5 Days

French Riviera Circuit: Nice, Corniches, Monaco, and the Hinterland (approximately 250-300 km, 4 days)

Day 1: Collect vehicle. Cours Saleya market provisioning (open Tuesday to Sunday from 06:00; arrive before 09:00 for best selection). Vieux-Nice walk: Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate (free), Rue Pairolière socca at Chez Thérésa, Place Rossetti Fenocchio ice cream. Colline du Château free lift and noon cannon (fire at 12:00 daily). Promenade des Anglais evening walk. Overnight Camping La Rivière, Cagnes-sur-Mer (GPS: approximately 43.6513°N, 7.1425°E, 15 km west of Nice; from approximately €25-60/night).

Day 2: Moyenne Corniche (D6007) east from Nice. Col de Villefranche viewpoint (stop at the pull-off; the full Villefranche bay from above, Cap Ferrat extending into blue water). Èze village: park at Place Figuiera, walk up to Jardin Exotique (€8-9). Continue D6007 to Monaco. Monaco visit: Prince's Palace changing of the guard at 11:55 (free, just be there 10 minutes early); Oceanographic Museum (adult €22.50); Casino de Monte-Carlo facade (free). Park at Cap d'Ail on the French side or use the Fontainebleau car park. Return to Nice via Basse Corniche (D6098) westbound through Villefranche and Beaulieu: the coastal villages from road level after the morning altitude drive. Overnight Cagnes-sur-Mer.

Day 3: Saint-Paul-de-Vence (GPS: approximately 43.6970°N, 7.1180°E, 30 km from Nice, 35-40 minutes via A8 exit 47 then D436). Fondation Maeght (GPS: 43.6995°N, 7.1185°E; adult approximately €18; Miró Labyrinth sculpture garden; Giacometti courtyard; park at the Fondation, 10-minute walk to the village). Village lunch. Afternoon: Grasse (37 km from Saint-Paul, 45-50 minutes). Fragonard factory tour (20 Boulevard Fragonard; free, no booking for individuals; daily 09:00-18:45; GPS: approximately 43.6590°N, 6.9283°E). Overnight Villeneuve-Loubet area: La Vieille Ferme (GPS: approximately 43.6295°N, 7.1074°E, 22 km west of Nice; from approximately €35-90/night).

Where to Refuel and Refill in Nice

Gas Stations

Côte d'Azur fuel prices run slightly above the French national average, particularly at motorway service stations on the A8. Fill up at supermarket forecourts consistently.

Best fuel near the depot/airport: Intermarché Saint-Laurent-du-Var (approximately 8 km west of Nice city center, near the airport on the N98). Convenient for arrivals from NCE before heading to the depot, or for the first fill before leaving the city.

Carrefour: large hypermarket forecourt; budget fuel; accessible for campervans. Use this before heading north on the N202 to the Mercantour, the Bonette, or the Var valley gorges.

Leclerc: consistently the cheapest fuel on the Côte d'Azur stretch; good for the westbound A8 departure toward Marseille or the Verdon via Cannes.

Before the Col de la Bonette: Fill up in Jausiers (north approach) or Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée (south approach). There is no gas station on the col road itself for approximately 80 km.

Before the Mercantour valley: Fill up in Nice or at Saint-Martin-Vésubie village. The D2565 into the Vésubie valley has a gas station in Roquebillière.

Tips for Renting in Nice

Age and License Requirements

Minimum rental age: 21 years.

EU license holders: a full EU driving license is valid throughout France.

UK license holders: UK photocard driving license is accepted in France without an IDP (RAC guidance, 2026).

US, Canadian, and Australian license holders: IDP strongly recommended alongside the national license. Obtain before departure; not available at NCE or the depot.

Credit Card and Deposit

A credit card in the primary driver's name is required at pickup. Deposit amount varies by vehicle class and selected protection plan.

Crit'Air Sticker for Personal Vehicles

If driving your own vehicle rather than a rental: order the Crit'Air sticker before departure at certificat-air.gouv.fr (€3.72 delivered). Allow 7-10 days for postal delivery. Rental vehicles from Indie Campers already carry the correct sticker.

Italian Border Crossing

Ventimiglia (Italy) is 47 km from Nice (50-60 minutes via A8 and Menton). No passport check for Schengen-area travelers; US passports require the standard 90-day Schengen rules. Italian toll roads (Autostrade) begin immediately at the border and are expensive: Nice to Genoa costs approximately €20-25 in Italian tolls. Fill up in Nice or France before crossing; Italian motorway gas is consistently more expensive than French.

Driving Tips for the Riviera

Average speed on Corniches: 30-50 km/h including stops and town speed limits. Plan time, not kilometers.
Basse Corniche (D6098) eastbound: suitable for all categories; congested in summer from Monaco direction.
Moyenne Corniche (D6007): recommended for campervans; adequate width; Èze village parking at Place Figuiera.
Grande Corniche (D2564): caution for vehicles over approximately 7 meters; narrow sections; not recommended for large RVs.
D71 Corniche Sublime (Verdon): suitable for all categories; the better gorge road.
N202 (Nice to the Alps): suitable for all categories to Guillaumes (86 km); narrow beyond toward the Bonette.
Col de la Bonette final approach: suitable for small to medium campervans with experienced drivers; large RVs not recommended.

Estimated Costs for a 7-Day Nice Campervan Trip

RV rental: €800-2,000 (varies by vehicle size and season; July-August highest; November to March lowest)

Fuel: €80-130 (diesel approximately €1.65-1.85/liter at supermarket forecourts; a 7-day Riviera and Alps circuit covers 600-900 km; A8 motorway stations run approximately €0.10-0.15/liter above this)

Tolls: €25-50 (A8 Nice to Cannes and return plus one Verdon circuit via A8; entirely avoidable by using N85 Route Napoléon from Cannes instead)

LPG: €10-20 (Camping Gaz canisters at Carrefour or Intermarché; LPG autogas approximately €0.98/liter at dedicated LPG stations)

Campgrounds: €100-280 (€25-40/night x 7 days; La Rivière Cagnes-sur-Mer from approximately €25/night off-peak; La Vieille Ferme Villeneuve-Loubet from approximately €35/night; mountain sites from approximately €15/night)

Food: €140-350 (self-catering from Cours Saleya and Carrefour Lingostière: €25-40/day; set lunch at a Vieux-Nice restaurant: €18-28/person; La Merenda dinner for two: approximately €60-80; Fondation Maeght café)

Activities: €30-120 (Colline du Château free; Cours Saleya free; all Corniche driving free; Jardin Exotique Èze approximately €8-9 adult; Fondation Maeght approximately €18 adult; Oceanographic Museum Monaco approximately €22.50 adult; Picasso Museum Antibes approximately €8-12 adult; Gorges du Verdon free trails; Lac de Sainte-Croix pedal boat approximately €25/hour)

One-Way Rentals from Nice

Nice → Marseille (202 km, approximately 2h10 via A8): The classic Riviera-to-Provence one-way. Cannes (33 km), Saint-Raphaël and the Esterel Massif red rock coast (70 km), Fréjus and the Roman theater, the Var coast, and Marseille. Best as a 5-7 day one-way with campsite stops along the Esterel coast and in the Var department.

Nice → Lyon (470 km, approximately 4h40 via A8/A7): The Rhône valley one-way. Leaves the coast at Aix-en-Provence (200 km) and follows the autoroute north through Orange (271 km, the best-preserved Roman theater in France), Avignon (310 km), and then Lyon. Best as a 10-14 day one-way with substantial interior detours: Gorges du Verdon (east from Aix), the Luberon villages (Gordes, Roussillon, Bonnieux), the Pont du Gard (near Avignon), and the Ardèche gorges (north of Orange).

Nice → Paris (930 km, approximately 9h via A8/A7/A6): The full Route du Soleil. Sensible only as a 14+ day trip with significant detours; the motorway alone is not the point. Aix, Avignon, Lyon, Burgundy wine villages, Dijon, and finally Paris covers the distance with purpose.

Why Start Your RV Trip in Nice

Nice Côte d'Azur Airport is France's third busiest and the primary international gateway to the French Riviera. Direct routes from London (Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted), Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Munich, Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm, Montreal, and Toronto mean that for most northern European and North American visitors, NCE is the right airport — closer, less congested, and with fewer transfer connections than Marseille for a Riviera start.

Three specific reasons Nice is the correct pickup point for a French Riviera and Alps circuit. First, the depot enables a same-day start for afternoon arrivals. Second, the A8 motorway eastbound to Monaco and the N202 northbound to the Alps both leave the city within 20 minutes of the airport, with no preliminary transit driving. Third, the Cours Saleya market (Tuesday to Sunday, 06:00-13:30) provisioning stop is the best city-center food market between Marseille and Genoa: socca, pissaladière, Niçoise olives, charcuterie from Var producers, and the hyperlocal Bellet AOC rosé all in one pedestrian street, 10 minutes from the Vieux-Nice car parks.

One-way logic: Indie Campers supports one-way rentals across the entire French network. Starting in Nice and finishing in Marseille (202 km, 2h10 via A8), Lyon (470 km, 4h40 via A7/A8), or Paris (930 km, 9h) are all viable for longer trips. A one-week Riviera-to-Alps circuit can logically return to Nice; a 14-day itinerary extending west along the coast toward Marseille or north into the Rhône valley works as a one-way.