Trans Côte d’Azur

Trans Côte d'Azur is a passenger boat company on the French Riviera, and its departures from Nice are the easiest way to see the coastline from the sea. The company also has a base in Cannes, and from Nice it offers short coastal cruises as well as longer day trips along the coast.

The most popular trip from Nice is the coastal mini-cruise. It runs from Cap de Nice past the bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer and Cap Ferrat, with views of the harbour of Villefranche, before returning towards the Promenade des Anglais. Seeing the villas, cliffs and coves of this stretch of coast from the water gives a perspective you cannot get from the road, and the trip is relaxed enough for all ages. Reservations are required.

Longer excursions from Nice go to Monaco, Saint-Tropez, Cannes and Ile Sainte-Marguerite, one of the Lérins islands off Cannes, which the company describes as a nature reserve. A combined trip to Ile Sainte-Marguerite and the Corniche d'Or, the red rock coast of the Esterel, is also offered. The Monaco outing listed as a promenade lasts about two hours. Special cruises are also organised for firework displays and for events such as the Saint-Tropez braderie.

The season from Nice runs from February to early November, with the tourist office listing departures from Tuesday to Sunday and no service on Mondays; check the official website for the current timetable before planning your day. Holders of the 72-hour French Riviera Pass can take a free coastal trip. Tickets and reservation requests can be made online, and the company also offers group bookings, private charters for events and gift vouchers. Young children taking their first mini-cruise can receive a ship's boy diploma from the crew, a nice touch for families.

The trips suit families, couples and anyone who wants to rest their legs after a day of sightseeing. Bring a hat, sunglasses and sun cream, as the open decks are exposed, and a light layer for the breeze on the way back. Anyone prone to seasickness should choose a calm day and sit near the middle of the boat.

Confirm the departure point in Nice when you book, and contact the company by phone or email if you have questions about accessibility, pushchairs or group sizes. A cruise pairs well with a walk round Port Lympia and lunch at one of the harbour restaurants.