Eze Travel Guide: Best Things to Do in Eze, France

7 amazing places you can’t miss in Eze

Eze Village

If you ask me, Eze Village is the best part of Eze and simply wandering around the small alleys of these medieval villages will leave you speechless. Usually, this is the main reason why people choose to visit Eze.

Trust me, you don’t need a detailed itinerary or bullet point list because just by getting lost, you will discover the best of Eze. Its circular shape means that eventually, you will end up at the starting point, so feel free to explore and get off the main path.

However, there is one iconic location that I don’t want you to miss. It is located right next to Floriane Maels, Artiste Peintre, and from the top of the stairs, you will get a fantastic postcard view of Eze and the Mediterranean Sea.

Other than that, you can spend a couple of hours in Eze Village as you discover cute corners and picturesque spots. I am sure your camera will love every second of this!

Jardin Exotique d’Eze

One of the highlights of Eze Village is the Jardin Exotique, a botanical garden perched on the cliffs overlooking the sea. This lush oasis is home to plant species from around the world and one of the best things to do in Eze.

Even if you are not passionate about plants, I am sure you will love the views of the coastline and the azure waters below from Jardin Exotique. That is definitely enough to make you want to visit this attraction in Eze.

Once visiting Eze Village, follow the directions and after a short climb, you will find the ticket office of Jardin Exotique d’Eze. After the entrance, you will find more stairs, but the climb is pleasant with very welcoming views.

It is open from 9 am to 6.30 pm. During summer months, the working hours are extended until 7.30 pm, and in February, March, November, and December it closes at 4.30. During our visit, it opened a bit later than the scheduled time, so be prepared for that.

The entrance fee is 8 euros for adults. A discounted ticket is available for groups and students and it will cost you 4 euros. If you are visiting Eze with kids under 12, the entrance is free for them.

Église Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption

Another cute spot that you shouldn’t miss when visiting Eze is Église Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption as it is a magnificent example of medieval architecture and a significant cultural landmark in the region.

Dating back to the 18th century, this beautiful church represents Eze’s rich religious history and architectural heritage. Its imposing facade, adorned with intricate stone carvings and ornate details, will catch your attention and invite you to explore its sacred interior.

The highlight is definitely the church’s vaulted ceilings, adorned with frescoes depicting scenes from the Bible, and its stained glass windows that fill the church with a warm, ethereal light.

There is no entrance fee but you can light up the candle for 2 euros. Also, it is open only in summer from 9 am to 6 pm, but if you are visiting out of season, make sure you stop by to appreciate the exterior and the views from the church.

Art Galleries and Boutiques

Eze village is renowned for its artisan shops, where local craftsmen showcase their skills in pottery, jewelry, and other traditional crafts. Exploring these quaint boutiques is a delight for shoppers and art enthusiasts alike.

If you like art, I am sure these art galleries will keep you busy during your time in Eze. Most galleries open later in the day but don’t hesitate to enter and explore.

In addition to its galleries, Eze is also home to a large community of artisans and craftsmen who showcase their talents in boutiques and workshops throughout the village. From handcrafted pottery and jewelry to exquisite textiles and home decor, the choice is wide.

In case you want to buy some souvenirs to bring home, this is a perfect opportunity to shop and keep these Eze memories alive forever.

Fragonard

Did you read any other South of France travel guides? If the answer is yes, I am sure you noticed my love for Fragonard and Eze is the place where it all started. I remember visiting the Fragonard factory years ago and completely falling in love with their products & concept.

While other places on the French Riviera boast Fragonard shops, just outside Eze village you will find the Fragonard factory where you can learn about perfume perfume-making process completely for free.

After the visit, you will stop at the shop and you are not obligated (or pushed) to buy anything, however, I am almost 100% sure that you will end up purchasing something from their products.

I have been loyal to the same perfume for years, but Fragonard was a nice exception to that. And can we talk about quality? 

Their toilet water lasts even longer than some expensive Eau de Parfum brands. I actually have to say that their Eau de Parfum selection was too intense for my taste, but the choice is yours.

The factory is open from 9 am to 6 pm and free tours are scheduled once or twice per hour. They don’t accept reservations so simply visit the factory and inquire about the next available tour.

Eze Beach

If you are planning to visit Eze by train, you will find Eze Beach right under the train station. The tunnel under the train rails leads you directly to the beach.

This is one of the best beaches on the French Riviera for swimming, but lying down or walking around is not as pleasant considering that the beach is covered with small pebbles. The small size makes it relatively comfortable, but not ideal.

Most of the beach is public, however, there are some private areas. That’s where the restaurants and beach clubs are located. Outside this area, there are no sun beds, parasols, or showers.

Friedrich Nietzsche Path

Nietzsche, the influential German thinker known for his existentialist philosophy, spent a significant amount of time in Eze during the late 19th century. Inspired by the region’s natural beauty, he often walked along the winding paths and rugged cliffs surrounding the village.

Today, you can retrace Nietzsche’s footsteps along the path that bears his name. The trail offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding countryside, providing a serene backdrop for contemplation and introspection.

If you are a hiker, this is one of the best trails in the area and I am sure you don’t want to miss it. The trail is clearly marked with signage in both directions for easy navigation, however, you will want to bring your hiking boots.

You’ll find the trailhead for the Nietzsche path next to the Le Château de la Chèvre d’Or and the village of Èze. To begin your ascent, simply cross the coastal road or Basse Corniche near the small railway station of Eze Bord de Mer.

The entire hike up to the Eze Village takes approximately 1 hour and it is one of the best free things to do in Eze as there is no entrance fee.

Other useful things to know before visiting Eze

Eze Village vs Eze-Sur-Mer

When you look at the map, you will notice that Eze is a relatively big area marked on Google Maps, so I wanted to clarify the exact location that you are looking for. These two locations are more than 2 km apart so it is important to understand the difference.

Eze Village is a cute medieval town located on top of the mountain while Eze-Sur-Mer hosts the main train station together with the beach. I don’t think it makes sense for you to visit Eze Beach if you are not visiting Eze Village.

Eze Village and Eze-Sur-Mer are connected by a hiking trail that takes approximately one hour, however, you need proper hiking boots and bus number 83 which is not very reliable. So unless you are a hiker, I recommend that you head directly to Eze Village.

If you want to add some relaxing beach time in the afternoon, you can take bus number 83 from Eze Village to Eze-Sur-Mer, but the car is the most convenient way to make this road.

Is Eze worth visiting?

Absolutely! Eze Village is definitely worth visiting for its stunning scenery, rich history, and unique charm. 

Whether you’re interested in exploring medieval architecture, wandering through artisan shops, or simply soaking in the breathtaking views of the French Riviera, Eze has something to offer for everyone. 

Also, its proximity to popular destinations like Nice and Monaco makes it an ideal stop for travelers exploring the region. So, if you’re looking for a memorable experience on the French Riviera, don’t miss the chance to visit Eze Village.

When is the best time to visit Eze?

Without a doubt, Eze and the rest of the South of France are perfect summer destinations in Europe. If you have seen movies about the French Riviera, visiting this region of France in summer is your way to live out your Mediterranean dream.

However, if you want to avoid the crowds while still enjoying sunny days, consider visiting in October or April. Time from November to March is the best for budget travelers, however, risky time if you want to avoid grey skies and rain.

How to reach Eze Village from Nice? 

You have two options: bus or train. No matter what you choose, it is pretty easy to reach Eze Village from Nice.

If you want to save time, train is a faster option. The train ride to the station takes approximately 15 minutes, however, you will need to hike up to Eze Village for one hour and it is not an easy hike.

As an alternative, you can take bus number 83 which adds 20 minutes to the travel time. However, this bus leaves once per hour, doesn’t have a fixed schedule, and gets packed easily, especially during summer.

The train ticket will cost approximately 4 euros and then you have to take the bus 83 which will cost you 1,70 euros. 

I personally think bus 82 is an easier option, however, it takes one hour and a half to reach Eze Village. But you can enjoy fantastic views over the Mediterranean Sea on the way, so time flies by. The ticket price is 2.10 euros.

How to move around Eze?

Eze Village is very small and there are no cars allowed, which means that the best way to explore is on your feet. Walking will get you anywhere. Other locations outside of the village will require hiking.

How long to stay in Eze?

A day trip to Eze is a perfect way to explore this discover this charming village, however, I am sure you will love it even more if arrive early to avoid the crowds and escape the heat if you are visiting in summer.

Where to stay in Eze?

Despite what I said in the previous chapter, I can give you two reasons to actually spend a night in Eze. These amazing 5-star hotels in Eze Village can make it worth spending a night in Eze, especially if you want to discover luxury properties in the South of France.

Chateau Eza is a prestigious hotel that blends perfectly in the medieval environment while offering modern-day comfort and amenities. This is your chance to live out your fairytale vacation.

La Chèvre d’Or is a castle-style hotel located in the heart of Eze. I am sure you will love Mediterranean views and the infinity pool or even better: swimming in the infinity pool as you enjoy Mediterranean views.

Further reading for the best things to do in Eze

Don’t forget to plan your time in Nice as well! These will help you:

• 20 Best Photo Spots in Nice, France + Photo Tips
• 23 Best Things to Do in Nice, France + Useful Travel Tips
• One Day Nice Itinerary: Make The Most of 24 Hours in Nice
• 10 Best Hotels in Nice With a Sea View
• 10 Local Nice Foods to Try: What to Eat in Nice, France
• 10 Amazing Local Restaurants in Nice Old Town
• 7 Best Food Tours in Nice for Every Foodie
• 10 Best Cafes in Nice For Brunch, Croissants and Coffee

Or read more about: Nice | Paris | Menton | Saint-Paul-de-Vence | Cannes | Villefranche-sur-Mer | France

In conclusion…

This is the end of the best things to do in Eze and I am sure this Eze travel guide helped you plan your perfect day trip to Eze.

I would love to hear your thoughts, so if you have any feedback or additional tips, leave a comment below. Also, check out my Instagram for regular travel videos and travel inspiration. Or explore other destinations on this travel blog.

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