Your Guide to the Medieval Village of Èze, France

Last updated on July 15th, 2023

The hilltop village of Eze is one of the most spectacular places to visit on the French Riviera. The medieval village sits high above the Mediterranean coastline with stunning views of the turquoise sea and surrounding towns from all angles.

The exotic gardens, breathtaking views, winding pedestrian streets, and luxurious hotels make Eze village an unforgettable getaway from the crowded neighboring towns. It is one of the highlights of our South of France road trip!

I will share some things to do in Èze Village, including a trip down the mountainside to Èze-sur-Mer. With tips on visiting Èze, hotel and restaurant recommendations, and travel photos, this mini guide will inspire a trip to this fairy-tale village.

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Table of Contents

1 About the Village of Èze, France
2 How to Get to Èze
3 Where to Stay in Èze
4 Things to do in Èze Village
5 Èze Village France FAQs
6 Conclusion
7 Pin it for Later

About the Village of Èze, France

The village of Èze is nicknamed the “eagle’s nest” due to its location high on the cliff, over 1400 feet above sea level. The oldest building in Èze dates back to 1308, but there is evidence that the area was inhabitant back to 2000 BC.

Both the Romans and the Moors occupied the area. However, the House of Savoy was responsible for fortifying the village in 1388. It wasn’t until 1860 that the hamlet became a part of France.

Very few people call Èze home today, and most of the buildings are used as shops, hotels, and restaurants. It is primarily open to visitors and thrives on tourism, so many people refer to Èze as a living museum.

How to Get to Èze

Technically, Èze includes both the Èze sur-Mer beach and the village. The beach area is easy to access, located next to the train station. However, Èze village takes more effort to get to, but it is absolutely worth the trip for the views alone!

The easiest way to get to Èze village is by car. Several car parks are located around the village’s perimeter, with shuttle services that will take you the rest of the way. Taking a car is the quickest option and perfect if you already have one.

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You can also get to the mountaintop by bus or taxi. However, finding taxis to take you back to your hotel from Èze can be challenging. Since we had limited time to get there, we decided to splurge on a cab which cost €72 and took about 40 minutes.

The beautiful views along the way and the ease of getting there were worth it for us. Our driver was terrific and stopped along the way at some viewpoints.

Another way to get to Èze village is by hiking the Friedrich Nietzsche Path, which begins next to the train station. We opted to walk down the mountainside to the train station. Overall, hiking down took closer to 45 minutes as we stopped along the way to admire the views. The hike is very steep and rocky, so I do not recommend hiking up.

As I said earlier, there is no direct train to Èze village, but you can take the train back to Nice or Monaco from Èze sur-Mer. If you decide to either hike or take the bus down to the beach, you can take the train the rest of the way back to your hotel. Trains run every 30 minutes; the station is a short walk from the water.

Nice to Èze: The cheapest and most direct way to get to Èze village from Nice is by taking bus 82 from the Vauban Station. The total trip takes around an hour, with buses running every hour. If you plan on visiting on a Sunday or holiday, the bus schedule is much more limited.

Monaco to Èze: Monaco is much closer, and it will take about 30 minutes to reach Èze village by train. You will take bus 112 from Monte Carlo directly there.

Where to Stay in Èze

Many people visit Èze as part of a day trip from Nice or the other surrounding cities; however, if you are looking for a quiet place to stay, it is worth visiting the night. If you plan on staying in Èze, book accommodations well in advance as there are only a few to choose from, and they book quickly.

In addition to a handful of vacation rentals, the two main hotels are La Chèvre d’Or and Château Eza. Both are luxury accommodations, perfect for a romantic getaway on the French Riviera.

If you plan on visiting for the day, you can reserve a table at their restaurants or have a drink at the bar. We stopped by La Chèvre d’Or, which was the highlight of our day in Èze.

La Chèvre d’Or

This 5-star hotel is absolutely stunning! The hotel has an extensive garden that wraps around the side of the mountain top and a pool, restaurants, and bar. You get some of the best views of the Mediterranean from the multiple terraces and hotel restaurants. La Chèvre d’Or is the ultimate luxurious and tranquil accommodation.

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Château Eza

Château Eza is another spectacular 5-star boutique hotel in the Village of Èze. Choose from cozy rooms to lavish suites, all offering a range of amenities from balconies, fireplaces, and seat views. One of the best parts of the hotel is its Michelin-star restaurant. Here you can down on the terrace or request a private balcony with panoramic views of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and the Mediterranean Sea.

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Things to do in Èze Village

The village is small and is explored on foot since it comprises pedestrian streets. Part of the charm of the hilltop village is the fact that there is a limited number of attractions. People come here to escape the crowded cities of the Cote d’Azur and enjoy the breathtaking views while they get lost in the winding alleyways in town. Here are a few top things to do in Èze, France.

Get Lost in the Narrow Streets

The center of town looks like it came straight out of a storybook. The entire village comprises a collection of narrow stone pathways lined with old stone buildings draped with white and purple flowers. You can spend hours taking photos of every inch of this place; it is that beautiful.

Due to its size, you can explore the streets in less than an hour before grabbing lunch or relaxing in the gardens. Just pick a lane and start walking. At some point, you will end back up where you started. Along the way, you will pass by some must-see places, which I will discuss in further detail.

Take a Stroll Through Le Jardin Exotique

Sitting high above the village of Èze is Le Jardin Exotique, or the Exotic Garden. The garden is built over an old castle and can be accessed through the town. You can find a wide variety of exotic plants here from all over the world.

In addition to the plants, the Exotic Garden is where people come for panoramic views of both Èze and the Mediterranean. There are plenty of terraces and sitting areas for visitors to use throughout the gardens.

As you walk around, look for the signs placed around the garden. They give you interesting facts about the plants and the area’s history. Access to the gardens only costs €6 per person and is open daily from 9:00 am to 6:30 pm.

Grab Drinks or Lunch at La Chèvre d’Or

One of the highlights of our visit to the Èze Village was La Chèvre d’Or. The 5-star hotel is absolutely beautiful and has an extensive tiered garden wrapping around the exterior of the building.

One of the benefits of eating here is access to parts of the private gardens that generally are only open to guests. The main garden path will take you to the terrace bar and Michelin-star restaurant, Les Remparts.

Both offer unbelievable views of Cap-ferret and the Mediterranean and deliver impeccable service. If you plan to eat at Les Remparts, you must make reservations in advance, but the bar has plenty of room.

If you’re on a budget, stop by the bar for a drink before heading elsewhere for lunch. I promise the price of a cocktail is worth the chance to explore the hotel’s gardens. Otherwise, you can take a peak through the hotel’s entrance. A large stone path is lined with some of the most beautiful flower-covered stone buildings.

Tour the Perfume Houses

Are you looking to purchase some locally-made products? Two famous perfume houses have storefronts in the village. The Fragonard and Galimard factories are open for guests to tour and also have a gift shop selling some deliciously scented bath supplies.

The Fragonard Perfume Factory is located at the bottom of Èze Village and is one of the first buildings you will see. If you want to try out their scents, stop in for a free tour of the factory or a look around their store. You can purchase anything from perfumes to cosmetics here, all made with the best ingredients and centuries-old techniques.

The other is the Glimard Perfume House, which has been in business since 1747. If you’re interested in the history of the perfume industry, they offer a free guided tour that takes you through the evolution of the perfume-making process. Once you finish your tour, your guide will take you to their boutique, where you can purchase various products.

Visit L’Église d’Èze

One of the prettiest buildings in the village is L’Église Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption. The church sits high on the cliffside, just below the Exotic Gardens. The church’s exterior is a bright ochre color, and the interior has an intricate baroque-style design.

You can spot it from several locations throughout Èze, but if you have time, step inside for a look around. L’Église Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption is open daily from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Stop in the Shops, Boutiques, and Art Galleries

One of the best parts of the medieval village is that most of the buildings there house little shops selling homemade items, beautiful artwork, and clothing. As you make your way through the winding streets, stop into the souvenir shops or grab a drink at one of the local restaurants.

Most buildings are over 700 years old and are still traditionally decorated with old beams, stone walls, and tight spaces. You could spend a good hour popping in and out of the different shops as you navigate the maze of streets.

If you get hungry, there are a few places to eat in the village. For a splurge, grab lunch at Les Remparts or Château Eza. Both of these places will require reservations. For a more budget-friendly option, there is La Taverne d’Antan àEze, which serves Italian food. You can eat inside the cozy, arched-roofed restaurants or grab a table outside.

There is also Deli’ where you can grab food or enjoy a sit-down meal. The Deli has a range of menu items at terrific prices. They also have locally made olive oil for sale in their shop.

Find the Hidden Chapelle de la Sainte Croix

The Chapelle de la Saine Croix was constructed in the 14th century, making it the oldest standing building in the village. The chapel was an important meeting place for the brotherhood of the White Penitents of Èze. This group was in charge of giving medical care to the poor inhabitants of Èze.

Unlike most churches in Europe, this one is almost hidden. It is located through a small peach-colored arch down one of the village’s roads. At some point through your stroll, you will come across it.

Take a Hike on the Friedrich Nietzsche Path

The 5 km long path winds from the center of Èze Village all the way down to Èze sur-Mer. The path combines dirt and old stone steps that meander down the cliffside, starting at La Chèvre d’Or.

There is a small wooden sign to the left of the large wrought-iron gates of the hotel. The hiking path is named after the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche who l lived there and is known for.

If you want to hike the path, I recommend hiking down instead of up. It is incredibly steep, and you will work up a sweat even climbing down. It will take about an hour to hike down, including stops along the way.

It is a perfect alternative to getting down to the train station near Èze Beach for those looking to explore the outdoors. You will want to wear some running shoes and water on hand. During the summer, the walk down gets very hot, even with shade from the trees.

Relax at Èze sur-Mer

Èze Beach is located just on the water, right in front of the train station. Depending on when you visit, you could end your day with a refreshing swim before heading back to your hotel. Èze Beach is a popular place for watersports, and you can rent kayaking, snorkeling, and other gear at the beach shop.

In addition to a long stretch of pebble beach, there are a couple of beach clubs, restaurants, and public facilities here. The most popular beach club on Èze Beach is Anjuna’s. You can either get a table in the restaurant or relax on the beach on a sun lounger.

Visit the Neighboring Towns

For a full-day trip from Nice, continue to some of the neighboring French Riviera Towns. Villefranche-sur-Mer is one of my favorite beaches.

There are several beach clubs and restaurants here, a long stretch of beach with a few sandier areas. Villefranche-sur-Mer also has snack shops and water rentals, making it an excellent place for a day at the beach.

If you plan on renting a sun lounger at one of the beach clubs, you should reserve a spot in advance. When we arrived, they were completely sold out, but we found a cozy place along the beach instead.

You could also continue to Monaco after you’ve explored Èze. The train will take you directly there in just 15 minutes. The Principality is a luxurious city with high-end restaurants, lots of shopping, and historic sites.

Known for its famous casino and annual Grand Prix, Monaco is one of the most visited destinations on the French Riviera. Not to mention, it is absolutely beautiful!

One of the must-see sites is the Exotic Garden. The shady green space overlooks the water and offers terrific views of one of the marinas. There are also plenty of walking paths and quiet areas to relax.

Èze Village France FAQs

Is Èze worth visiting?

Short answer, yes. Èze village was one of the most picturesque places we visited in the Southern part of Frace, which is saying a lot! The entire town looked like it came out of a storybook, and a bonus was that it was not crowded. If you are staying in a nearby city like Nice or Villfranch-Sur-Mer, it is worth the trip to the hilltop village.

What is the difference between Èze Village and Èze Sur Mer?

Èze Village is a medieval hilltop town with famous views of the Mediterranean. It is what most people think of when referring to Èze. Èze-Sur-Mer is the lower where you will find the beach. It is located just in front of the Èze train station.

Where is Èze Village?

Èze Village is located along the French Riviera between the two larger cities of Nice and Monaco. Since it is around 5 miles from Nice and 3 miles from Monaco, many people visit Èze as part of a day trip.

How much time should I spend in Èze?

Since Èze is compact, you could spend as little as a couple of hours there. You will want to factor in commute time as there is no direct train to the hilltop village. If you want to make a day of it, you can spend some time at Èze-sur-Mer, or take the train one stop to Villefranch-sur-Mer.

Conclusion

The beautiful village of Èze is one of the best day trips from Nice and, bar far, one of the prettiest. You will be taken back at just how charming this hilltop destination is. And with its small size, you can spend an hour or two here getting lost in the medieval streets.

Better yet, grab a refreshing drink or lunch with a view, followed by an afternoon by the water. No matter what you decide to do, Èze is well worth visiting during your stay on the French Riviera!

Enjoyed this post? Check out these other South of France guides!

Travel Planning Resources

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Rental Car: Discover Cars is my go-to site when booking rentals. They work with hundreds of companies worldwide to help you find the best car for your needs and budget.
Trains: Rail Europe is the leading company in Europe for train travel in Europe. They help you easily book passage by looking at routes, timetables, and prices for 50 different train companies.
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SCHEDULE YOUR TOURS | There are many top companies available in Europe. Get Your Guide is one of the best sites for tours, excursions, and activities. Viator is another terrific website for all types of experiences.

GET TRAVEL INSURANCE | Having travel insurance is always a good idea. World Nomads is one of the top travel insurance companies. It will cover you if you must cancel your trip or if something unexpected happens.

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