Up on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean sea, the village of Èze feels like a storybook come to life. This charming medieval village on the French Riviera is no longer a hidden gem, but definitely still worth a vist. Wander its narrow, cobblestone streets, lined with stone houses, artisan shops, and see the view from the beautiful exotic garden at the top. You can’t help but feel the magic of Èze. If you come early, Èze offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the Riviera’s larger towns. In this article, I’ll take you through the all the things to do in Eze, one of the most captivating villages in France.

Things to do in Eze

Hike up the Nietzsche Trail

When you take the train to Eze, you’ll arrive in ‘Eze sur Mer’ next to the ocean. However, the medieval village is located at the top of a hill. There is a beautiful trail that will take you from the beach to the top of the village in about an hour.  I noticed everyone online is recommending taking a bus or uber up to Eze village. This way you’d avoid the strenuous hike. However, it was my one of my favorite parts of the day, because of the beautiful views along the trail! It is said that Nietzsche himself walked this trail when he stayed in Eze. If you’re up for a nice morning hike, bring some good shoes and enjoy the views! I made sure to arrive in Eze by 8 so I could be at the entrance of the exotic garden around 9. I wanted to avoid the crowds, so I wanted to get there right when it opens.

Visit the exotic garden (Jardin Exotique)

High above the village, Èze’s Exotic Garden (Jardin Exotique) is a stunning oasis of cacti, succulents, and Mediterranean flora. The garden is set against panoramic views of the Côte d’Azur. This beautifully landscaped garden is perched on the ruins of an ancient fortress, offering one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the region. I was incredibly happy I got there early, as it started getting a lot busier when I was about to leave. I got enjoy the garden and the views without the crowds. As you meander through the garden’s pathways, you’ll encounter sculptures and unique plant species.

Have lunch at Two Michelin star restaurant Chèvre D’or

Having Lunch or Dining at La Chèvre d’Or is an experience that transcends a simple meal, combining world-class cuisine with some of the most breathtaking views on the French Riviera. Perched on the cliffs of Èze, this two-Michelin-star restaurant serves gourmet French cuisine using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Every dish is an artistic masterpiece, and the presentation is as exquisite as the flavors. Do make sure to make a reservation in plenty of time!

Set in a centuries-old castle, the Chèvre d’Or hotel was a favourite vacation spot of Walt Disney’s. There are actually other restaurants affiliated with the hotel as well: Les ramparts and Le Café du Jardin. Here you can enjoy a lunch with the most incredible view in a slightly less fancy setting. However, don’t expect an inexpensive meal in any of these spots.

Explore the old streets of the medieval village

Èze’s old town feels like stepping into a medieval fairy tale, with its winding, cobblestone streets, ivy-covered stone walls, and charming alleys that lead to hidden courtyards and artisan boutiques. As you stroll through this picturesque village, you’ll discover local artists’ workshops, handmade jewelry stores, and cozy cafés tucked into the ancient stone buildings. The streets are steep and narrow, offering delightful surprises around every corner. Make sure to check out the cute church!

Make your own perfume at Fragonard or Galimard

One of the most unique experiences in Èze is the opportunity to create your own custom perfume at the Fragonard Perfume Factory. Nestled just outside the old town, Fragonard offers workshops where you can learn the art of perfume-making from master perfumers. You’ll be guided through the process of blending different scents, choosing from a variety of essential oils and fragrances to craft your own signature scent. It’s a fun and fragrant way to immerse yourself in the region’s perfume heritage and take home a personalized souvenir that captures the essence of Èze.

How to get to Eze

Car: The easiest way is by car, with a drive along the picturesque coastal roads from nearby cities like Nice or Monaco, which are both just 20-30 minutes away.

Train: The train takes from Nice-Ville to Eze-Sur-Mer takes 14 min. From the seaside village, you’ll have to hike from the beach up to the village up on the cliff. You’ll hike “Nietzsche Path”. It’s steep, but well signposted.

Bus: From Nice you can take bus 82 or 602 from this bus stop.

See more of the French Riviera

If you visit Eze early morning, you may have time to visit some other spots on the French Riviera the same day. There’s a couple of places that are nearby:

• Villefrance-sur-mer: Take the train and only 2 stops down get off in Villefranche Sure mer. It’s a stunning village, with lots of colorful buildings, seaside terraces and good beaches.
• Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild: Take the train and get out in Beaulieu-sur-Mer. From there it’s a 30 minute walk to the Villa, with its extensive gardens and interesting history.
• Coastal trail (Sentier du Litutorial) in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat: located close to villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is the village Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and an amazing walking trail along the cliffs of Cap Ferrat.

Where to stay in Eze

Most people choose to base themselves in Nice,. But if you’d like to enjoy the one of the castles in Eze and see the village without crowds, spend a night in luxury. There is the most famous hotel in Eze: La Chèvre d’Or, which has a matching price tag. Then there is Chateau Eza, which although expensive is a bit more affordable then La chèvre D’or and at least as luxurious and beautiful. If you’re on more a budget, check out this beautiful apartment in the mountains! It’s secluded and private, but close to all the main cities!

Looking for something in Nice, see my recommendations in this article.