What to do in Eze?

Located on the French Riviera between Nice and Monaco, Èze is a spectacular medieval village built on top of a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. It is a popular destination for its exceptional views, exotic gardens, and charming old buildings. The site is divided into two parts: the historic village at the top and Èze-Bord-de-Mer on the coast.

Things to do in Èze

To help you plan your day, here are the main points of interest to explore. Each place offers a specific experience: nature, history, gastronomy, and local crafts. Here are the three activities most booked by our readers:

Where can you find the most beautiful views and go for a walk?

Eze's main asset is its geographical location, which offers unobstructed and unforgettable views of the coast.

• The exotic garden of Èze

Located at the highest point of the village, on the ruins of an ancient castle, this botanical garden specializes in succulents and cacti. The perfectly maintained paths allow you to discover many plant varieties from around the world. It is from this garden that you can enjoy the most famous panoramic view of the coastline.

• The Nietzsche Trail

The trail owes its name to the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, who is said to have walked it during his stays in the region. It is believed to have inspired Thus Spoke Zarathustra.

This famous hiking trail connects Èze-Village to Èze-Bord-de-Mer. The route, approximately 4 kilometers long, is steep and rocky. The descent takes between 30 minutes and 1 hour, depending on your pace. The climb is more challenging and takes about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes.

To get the most out of it, be sure to wear sturdy shoes.

• The Fort de la Revère Departmental Nature Park

Located on the Grande Corniche above the village, this park offers an even more expansive 360° panorama, taking in the entire coastline and the Alps. It is a great place for an easy stroll, a picnic, and to admire the sunset, far from the crowds in the village.

What to see when exploring the medieval village?

The historic center is entirely pedestrianized and consists of a network of narrow, labyrinthine streets.

• The alleys and shops

The village can be explored on foot by walking through its cobbled and vaulted streets. You will find numerous art galleries, craft shops, and charming restaurants. In high season, the passageways can be very busy.

• The Church of Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption

Recognizable by its yellow neoclassical façade, this 18th-century church is the village's main religious building. Its Baroque interior is open to the public and offers a striking contrast to the exterior.

• The Chapel of the Holy Cross.

Also known as the Chapel of the White Penitents, it is the oldest building in the village. Its simple architecture and history make it a place steeped in authenticity, bearing witness to Èze's medieval past.

How can you enjoy the fine dining and luxury hotels in Èze?

In Èze, it is possible to enjoy fine dining and prestigious hotels without necessarily staying there. The establishments in the village offer sea views, comfortable spaces, and attentive service. A visit to their restaurants or bars allows you to discover the atmosphere of the place and admire the exceptional landscapes of the village.

• Terrace of the Château de la Chèvre d'Or

The Château de la Chèvre d'Or, perched on the cliff, offers terraces with views of the Mediterranean. Its restaurant serves refined cuisine and its gardens are open to guests, except in exceptional circumstances (events, partnerships, etc.). Even a quick stop for a drink or lunch is an opportunity to enjoy the unique atmosphere of the place and the beauty of the setting.

• Terraces of Château Eza

Château Eza, located at the top of the village, has terraces with spectacular views of the sea and the coast. Its restaurant and bar allow you to enjoy a meal or a drink while admiring the landscape. The establishment attracts visitors for its luxurious setting, calm atmosphere, and quality of service.

Are you familiar with the perfume industry in Èze?

Èze is home to two major perfume houses from Grasse: Fragonard and Galimard. Located near the village, these perfumeries offer free guided tours of their workshops, where the main stages of perfume production are explained.

Fragonard has the largest presence in Èze, with a large boutique and a small museum open to the public. Visitors can learn about the fragrance creation process and purchase products directly on site. Galimard, meanwhile, offers paid perfume creation workshops. This allows visitors to compose their own eau de Cologne for a more immersive and personalized experience. Remember to book your slot in advance.

Where can you access the sea?

The Èze coastline offers a quieter alternative to the beaches of the nearby big cities. The public pebble beach at Èze-Bord-de-Mer is popular for its clear water and unspoiled natural setting. It is generally less crowded than the beaches in Nice or Monaco. It can be accessed via the Basse Corniche road or the lower part of the Sentier de Nietzsche, and the train station is nearby, making it easy to get there.

How to get to Èze?

• By car: The village can be accessed via the Route de la Moyenne Corniche (M6007). Parking is very difficult and subject to charges, especially from April to October. It is recommended to use public transportation.

• By bus: This is the most convenient option. The line 82 of the Lignes d'Azur (Nice) network goes directly to the entrance of the village. Line 602 also connects Nice to Monaco via Èze-Village.

• By train: The train station is called “Èze-sur-Mer” and is located by the sea. To reach the hilltop village from the station, take the connecting bus (line 83) or walk up the Sentier de Nietzsche (about 1 hour and 15 minutes of challenging walking).

• By plane: Nice Côte d'Azur Airport is the closest airport. From there, you can rent a car or use the bus network to reach Èze.

Villages and nature in the surrounding area

There are several places to visit a short distance from Èze. You can visit La Turbie, where the Trophée d'Auguste is located. This is a Roman monument that also offers a commanding view of Monaco. The Principality of Monaco is just a few minutes away by car. To the west, the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula offers walks along its coastal path and a visit to the famous Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and its gardens.