Nice to Monaco by Scooter: the Basse Corniche Coastal Route

Some roads seem designed for scooters. The Basse Corniche, the lowest of the three coastal roads between Nice and Monaco, hugs the shoreline almost all the way, threading through fishing villages, Belle Époque resorts and turquoise coves. Riding from Nice to Monaco by scooter along this route is one of the great small pleasures of the Riviera. Here is our stop-by-stop guide.

The route at a glance

• Distance: about 20 km from Port Lympia to Monaco.
• Riding time: around 45 minutes without stops, depending on traffic. With stops, plan half a day.
• Road: the Basse Corniche (D6098), mostly flat, with a few climbs and bends.
• Scooter: a 50cc is comfortable as far as Cap-d'Ail. For Monaco, its hills and its traffic, we recommend the Milano 125.

Nice to Monaco by scooter: the stops

1. Port Lympia, Nice 0 km

   Start at the old port, with its ochre and red facades and its little fishing boats. Take a coffee on the quay, then leave eastwards along Boulevard Carnot, which climbs gently around Mont Boron and opens onto the first view of the coast.

2. Villefranche-sur-Mer approx. 5 km, 15 min

   One of the deepest natural harbours on the Mediterranean, framed by pastel houses. Park in a marked two-wheeler bay and walk down to the waterfront: the vaulted Rue Obscure, the Citadelle and the little Chapelle Saint-Pierre decorated by Jean Cocteau are all within a few minutes.

3. Beaulieu-sur-Mer approx. 10 km, 25 min

   A genteel Belle Époque resort sheltered from the wind. Ride slowly along the Baie des Fourmis and admire the Villa Kérylos, a remarkable reconstruction of an ancient Greek villa on the water's edge. From here, Cap Ferrat is a short detour if you have time.

4. Èze-sur-Mer approx. 13 km, 30 min

   The seaside part of Èze, with a pebble beach and clear water. This is where the steep Nietzsche Path starts, climbing on foot to the medieval village of Èze, perched high above. Good walking shoes required: it is a real climb.

5. Cap-d'Ail approx. 17 km, 40 min

   The last French town before Monaco. A coastal path runs along the rocks, and the Plage Mala is one of the most beautiful coves on this stretch. Without Monaco authorisation, this is your turning point: lunch, a swim, and back to Nice.

6. Monaco approx. 20 km, 45 min

   With our prior written authorisation, continue into the Principality: Port Hercule and its yachts, the old town on the Rock and the Prince's Palace. Use the dedicated two-wheeler parking areas and respect local signs: rules in Monaco are strictly enforced.

Which scooter for this ride?

The Basse Corniche is the gentlest of the three corniches, which makes it the best introduction to riding on the Riviera. Our 50cc models, limited to 45 km/h, are perfectly at ease between Nice, Villefranche, Beaulieu and Cap-d'Ail. The Riviera 50, in two-tone black and white, is a favourite for this road.

For Monaco, we recommend the 125cc. The Principality is steep, busy and full of tunnels and junctions where a bit of extra power makes riding calmer and safer. The 125cc also lets you return by the Moyenne Corniche, higher up, past the village of Èze, for a completely different view of the coast.

Check the licence you need for each engine size in our guide Do you need a licence to rent a scooter in France?

Practical tips for the ride

1. Leave early: the Basse Corniche is busiest in late morning and late afternoon, especially in summer.
2. Take it slowly in the villages: the Basse Corniche runs through town centres, with pedestrian crossings, buses and delivery vans. That is part of its charm.
3. Park legally: in every village, use marked two-wheeler bays. Pavements are off limits.
4. Always lock the scooter with the high-end lock provided, even for a short stop.
5. Bring a swimsuit: Èze-sur-Mer and Cap-d'Ail are made for a swim.
6. Fill up before returning: the scooter goes back with the same fuel level.
7. Check special events: during the Monaco Grand Prix and other major events, traffic and access to Monaco change completely. Plan accordingly.

About the Monaco authorisation

We get asked about this often, so here is the full picture. Our rental terms (article 7) state that leaving French territory, whether to Monaco or Italy, requires MatMonScoot's prior written authorisation. It is a simple step: mention Monaco when you book, and we will confirm in writing. Planning ahead is the key, so do not wait until you reach Cap-d'Ail to ask.

If you would rather keep the day simple, Cap-d'Ail is a wonderful destination in itself, and Monaco is easily reached by train for a separate visit.

Ready to ride?

We deliver your scooter to your hotel or Airbnb in Nice, by appointment, with two helmets, gloves, a lock, third-party insurance and 7-day assistance included. Prices start at 35 euros a day for a 50cc and 60 euros a day for a 125cc: see our rates, or get in touch to request your Monaco authorisation.

Twenty kilometres, five villages, one Principality, and the Mediterranean the whole way: the Basse Corniche is the Riviera at its most generous.