Guide to Visiting Èze: The French Riviera’s Enchanting Hilltop Village

Published August 20, 2024

Is there anything more charming than in a medieval, hilltop village? Meet Èze, the French Riviera‘s most enchanting village that you can’t miss. During our South of France trip, Èze was at the top of our list of places to visit, and it didn’t disappoint.

I think back fondly to our late afternoon into the evening time spent in Èze. To feel instantly transported back in time, surrounded by so much beauty feels like the greatest treat. We winded in and out of those cobblestone paths, each turn leading to one scenic view after the other. It was the kind of slow afternoon we had hoped for.

The village of Èze is steeped in history. First populated in 2000 BC, it was a comune near Mount Bastide that has survived over centuries. It remains habited today, offering the most incredible look back in time. And at 1400 feet high, you can see why people refer to it as the “eagle’s nest.”

If you’re spending any time in the South of France, I can’t recommend making the journey to spend the day. Even consider a night or two at one of the two incredibly romantic hotels in the village. I’d certainly seek that out for our next trip.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about visiting Èze, how to get there, and what to do with your time while visiting.

Should I Make a Day Trip to Èze?

I would say this was hands down the highlight of our time in the French Riviera. The stunning views alone from the village are out of this world. What I love about Èze is that there are just really a handful of things to do. But, the joy is just meandering the narrow cobblestone streets and soaking in the charm. So make the day trip. I don’t think you will be disappointed.

A Guide to Visiting Eze France

---

What to Know About Visiting Èze

What to Expect in Èze

The small village is completely pedestrian-only and starts with a very steep walk up to it. Be prepared to climb the hill (wear good shoes) and know it’s well worth it. The village is trendy to visit in the summer, so my number one tip is to go very early in the morning or late afternoon.

My preference? I would arrive 1.5 hours before the Jardin Exotique closes and do that immediately. Then, I would enjoy a quieter village afterward with a dinner reservation in town and sunset drinks at Château Eza.

Note the Difference Between Èze Village and Èze-sur-Mer

An easy mistake when looking for where to go, don’t confuse Èze Village with Èze-sur-Mer. The village is the hilltop location, and the “sur-Mer” is the coastal village at the bottom. It is not easy to get between the two unless hiking the Nietzsche Path (a few hours) or taking the drive.

Where is Èze?

Set in the South of France, the village is one of the highest villages above sea level at 1401 feet high. It’s a wonderful location set on the Moyen Corniche and easily accessible from Nice, Monaco, Villefranche-sur-Mer, and more.

How to Get to Èze by Public Transportation

Depending on where you are, you can take the bus from Nice on the 82 Bus or the 112 Bus. It’s good to know that this bus route is super popular, so it’s often full. You also want to consider the bus times, most of them end before 5 or 7 pm.

I think the most convenient way to get to Èze is actually by Uber. I would consider taking the train to Villefranche-sur-Mer train station and paying the $15-20 Uber fee from there to get dropped off in Èze and Ubering back. Cuts down on time, gives you more flexibility, and guarantees the time there.

How to Get to Èze by Car

We drove to Èze, and because we arrived later in the afternoon, parking wasn’t a big hassle. The drive is stunning along the Moyenne Corniche that winds around the mountain. For parking, there is a lot right at the base of the village with limited spots, or the Parking General De Gaulle. Sometimes you can also find street parking just past the village on Avenue de Verdun.

Rental Car Tip: I use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.

Where to Base Yourself to Visit Èze

If you’re planning on spending extended time in the Cote d’Azur, my preference is Villefranche-sur-Mer. I share a lot about why this is, and my preference for booking at the Welcome Hotel in my South of France: French Riviera Guide.

Now, with this said, Èze is home to two spectacular luxury hotels which I would have gladly stayed at Hôtel Château de La Chèvre d’Or or Château Eza. I would gladly take a few nights at either for a very magical experience. If you’d prefer an Airbnb, these are my top picks:

1. 1 Bedroom Home in the Old Village with Sea Views, for the best village stay
2. 2 Bedroom Stone House in the Old Village, for the best old-world stay
3. 1 Bedroom Ocean View Apartment in Villefranche, for the best nearby stay

---

Things to Do in Èze, France

Stroll and Shop the Village

The joy of visiting Èze is simply going for a stroll through the medieval village. As such a historic part of France, you can feel the history in the village as you wind through its narrow alleys and under the port doors. Give yourself ample time to meander, where you will spot iron lamp posts hanging, lush ivy walls, and lots of flowers. I loved stopping into the gallery of Dimitri Parant in the village. Across from this, there is the cutest little kids’ store where you can get toys and souvenirs. One of my favorite finds was also the store Victoire, a porcelain store home to the most exquisite collection of Limoges hand-painted boxes.

---

Visit the Jardin Exotique d’Èze

One of the main draws of visiting Èze is the Exotic Gardens, known as Jardin Exotique d’Èze. Perched high on the mountaintop, the gardens open up to the most incredible views. It’s a winding path of gardens that have steep steps with different plant species. You’ll find sculptures, areas to sit and rest, and narrow paths to explore. I would recommend coming for the last hour that it is open, as most tour groups have departed.

To save money, you can also buy a combination ticket if you plan to visit Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. You will see a kiosk at the base of the village to purchase tickets. You can buy them here, so you don’t have to line up at the entrance and walk right into the turnstile.

Hour of Jardin Exotique d’Èze (Open Every Day)

• November to March from 9 am to 4:30 pm
• April, May, June, & October from 9 am to 6:30 pm
• July to September from 9 am to 7:30 pm

---

Have Drinks at Château Eza

One of the things I had hoped to do but didn’t reserve in advance was to have sunset drinks at Château Eza. Its terrace may have the best view in the Côte d’Azur, jetting out over the mountaintop. You will need to call ahead to book one of the highly sought-after terrace seats, so will be saving this experience for our next visit!

---

Book in For Dinner in Town

If you plan to do a late afternoon in town, I would stay through to dinner and book in at one of the local restaurants. There are two Michelin-starred restaurants in the village itself. The first is at Château Eza, it’s the main restaurant and has Mediterranean cuisine. The other is at La Chèvre d’Or known for its modern take on regional cuisine. For ourselves, since we had a toddler in tow, neither was fair game, so we booked in at the charming La Taverne d’Antan à Eze. It was lovely, simple Italian cuisine. I would call in advance for a reservation outside.

---

Find the Lady of The Assumption Church

While we passed by the trail that leads to the famous yellow church, we made our way back as we were strolling. We bumped into this path that passes the public restroom and ended up in front of the Lady of the Assumption Church. Written as the Église Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption, it’s well worth seeking this out for the stunning interior. The terrace in front also has wonderful views to enjoy.

---

Take The Hike Down the Nietzsche Trail

For those wanting to make a day of it, you could start in the village and then embark on the Nietzsche Trail which descends the mountain. Named after Friedrich Nietzsche, this trail goes all the way down to Eze-sur-Mer, where you could enjoy time at the beach. Be prepared for a steep walk, and pack water and sunscreen as it’s exposed.

---

Tour the Fragonard Perfume Factory

The famous French perfumery brand has a decent-size factory at the base of Èze available to take a tour in. There is also a small shop as well to shop all the collections. If you are not going to Grasse on this trip, this would be a great chance to learn more plus the tour is free.

---

Save This Post for Later on Pinterest