The Perfect Day Trip To Eze – Your Complete Guide
Perfect Day Trip: Explore Eze's Hidden Gems
Discover Eze Village Enchanting Streets
Perched on a hill over the Mediterranean Sea, the medieval French town is a must if you are visiting the Côte d'Azur. On our road trip through the South of France, Eze was one of our last stops – it was worth the wait! We arrived in the afternoon, and to our luck, there was only a small crowd of people that dissipated as we walked further in. The greenery surrounding the narrow passages, uneven stone streets, and awe-inducing views, made Eze incredibly charming. Upon entering the medieval French village, I felt transported back in time.
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You could easily lose track of time while exploring the intricate passaige of Eze and admiring its jaw-dropping view. But there are also a few other things you shouldn’t skip while visiting the medieval town.
Explore the botanical garden Jardin Exotique d’Èze
Garden Hours
Monday - Sunday
Fall and Winter: from 9 am - 4:30 pm
Spring: from 9 am - 6:30 pm
Summer: from 9 am - 7:30 pm
The garden, perched above the village on top of the mountain, feels like a little oasis. Walking through the garden’s stone and curvy path, you will find sculptures, several cacti species, as well as regional plants. The best part of the garden is the panoramic view of the Mediterranean Sea and the hills below. Even if you are not a fan of botanic, paying the entrance fee to enjoy the view is well worth it. If you are planning to visit the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild as well, get the combo ticket for a reduced price.
Tip: There’s no cover in the garden, If you are visiting during the day and the sun becomes too much, you can take refuge on the north side of the garden where you will find lush plants for cover.
Have a drink at the restaurant terrace of Château Eza
After walking around the village and exploring the garden, we settled in Château Eza’s restaurant terrace for a cold and refreshing tea. The panoramic view from the terrace is different from the view at the botanic garden, but beautiful nonetheless. It’s the perfect spot for a little pick-me-up.
Discover Eze's Enchanting Streets and find the hidden church
Strolling through the intricate passages of Eze old village is definitely a must. The little streets are not only full of history but also full of charm. It’s definitely one of those places where you visit to get lost in its narrow alleys. As you walk around, you will find restaurants, ice cream parlors, and shops – at a time, it may feel touristy, but escape to the neo-classical church for a peace and a brief of history.
Hike the Nietzsche’s trail
Hiking fans, great news! You can hike down the Nietzsche’s path to the beach, Eze Sur Mer. The trail is named after the German philosopher Nietzsche, who lived in the area and it’s said that he climbed up the trail every day in the summer. The hike is a little strenuous, but the view is spectacular – I can see why he did it every day.
If you absolutely love hiking, you can arrive through Eze Sur Mer and hike up the Nietzsche trail to Eze village.
Where to stay in Eze
Eze offers a small selection of unique accommodations but they are worth the splurge if you would like an unforgettable experience the charming town.
- Chevre d'Or: The Chèvre d'Or (Golden Goat) is a legendary establishment, often described as one of the most breathtaking hotels in the world. Nestled within the stone walls of Eze, it blends seamlessly with its medieval surroundings. Each room and suite is uniquely designed, offering a mix of luxury, charm, and an unrivalled view of the azure Mediterranean. The hotel is home to a renowned two-Michelin-star restaurant that serves a sophisticated blend of Mediterranean flavors. Along with the panoramic terrace and a beautiful swimming pool, it creates a serene atmosphere that whispers the very essence of the French Riviera.
- Château Eza:: Perched high above the sea on the cliffside, Château Eza is a 400-year old former residence of a Swedish Prince, now transformed into an exquisite boutique hotel. Its 14 intimate rooms and suites offer stunning views of the Côte d'Azur. The rooms are decorated in a refined style, featuring traditional French elegance and modern comforts. The hotel's gourmet restaurant is a highlight, providing impressive sea views and a menu filled with creative French and Mediterranean dishes.
Now, if Eze is just a day's visit on your itinerary, consider extending your horizon to nearby cities. One of these is the picturesque town of Cap D’Ail. Located just a 10-minute drive away, it boasts beautiful coastal views and typically offers more budget-friendly accommodations compared to its more famous neighbors, Nice and Monaco.
- Hotel de Monaco: Just a short walk from the beach, Hotel de Monaco offers comfortable, modern rooms with balconies. It also has a bar and a beautiful terrace where you can relax after a day of sightseeing.
- Hotel Miramar: This charming hotel offers panoramic views of the sea and a quiet location near the beaches. Each room is air-conditioned and equipped with modern amenities.
- Riviera Marriott Hotel La Porte de Monaco: This hotel is actually in the harbor of Cap d’Ail, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean. Its comfortable rooms, outdoor pool, and proximity to the beach make it a great choice.
Speaking of Nice, it's a great option for those who want convenience. With its close proximity to the airport, it's a hub of activity, offering a mix of beach life and urban buzz.
- Chambres d'hôtes CASA MUSA: This hotel is a true gem in the heart of Nice. The decor is a blend of modern and traditional, with a touch of artistic flair that reflects the vibrant culture of the city. The location is perfect, central but still quiet and just a 10-minute walk from Vieux Nice and the waterfront. The highlight of Casa Musa is the beautiful private mediterranean garden, where you can enjoy breakfast every morning. This hotel is perfect for travelers looking for a unique and authentic Nice experience.
- L'Abeille: This boutique apartments is set in a bustling pedestrian area. The location is ideal, close to the tram station. The apartments are cozy and well-appointed, with comfortable beds and modern amenities. The highlight of L'Abeille is its beautiful garden, where you can relax and enjoy the Mediterranean sunshine. This hotel is perfect for travelers seeking a quiet and relaxing stay in Nice.
- Hotel Villa Rivoli: This boutique hotel is housed in a former Belle Epoque (1890) private house, located in the heart of the historical town center of Nice. It is just 100 meters away from the beaches and the famous Promenade des Anglais with the Museum Massena. The rooms are individually decorated "à la francaise", providing a very French ambiance. The hotel also has a leafy garden where breakfast can be served. This hotel is perfect for travelers who want to experience a bit of history while enjoying the comforts of modern amenities.
- Hotel La Villa Nice Promenade: Exuding elegance and sophistication, this boutique hotel is strategically located just a stone's throw from the iconic Promenade des Anglais. Its proximity to the beach is a mere short stroll away, offering guests the perfect blend of city life and seaside relaxation. Furthermore, the hotel provides effortless access to public transportation. Ideal for travelers seeking both beach proximity and a touch of luxury, Hotel La Villa Nice Promenade promises a memorable stay in this vibrant French Riviera city.
How to get to Eze
Eze is located between Nice and Monaco, and you could easily get there by car or bus. Many people day-trip to Monaco from Nice and include a quick stop in Eze Village - I do highly recommend it.
How to get to Eze By Car + Parking
If you rent a car to go on a road trip through the South of France, driving to Eze is an easy task, but finding parking can get tricky– just make sure to get there early before 10 am. There is a small parking lot at the base next to the village’s entrance. There is also street parking – just don’t forget to pay at the ticket machine.
How to get to Eze by bus
If you are sans car and staying in Cap D’Ail, Nice, or Monaco, there’s a bus that will take you directly to Eze Village. Keep in mind that Eze Village is a medieval town located on a hill in Eze – hop on the wrong bus, and you will end up on the beach.
Getting to Eze From Nice
From Nice, you can take the bus LR112 Monte Carlo and get off at Eze Village. Alternatively, you can take the #82 Plateau de la Justice. Just make sure you don’t end up taking the LR100 that stops at Eze Sur Mer, which is the beach – unless you are planning to hike up the trail.
Getting to Eze From Monaco
From Monaco, you will take the same LR112 line but to Nice and get off on Eze Village.
Getting to Eze From Cap D’ail
You’ve guessed it. Take the bus LR112 to Nice from the station Bautugan.
How to get to Eze By Train
You can also take the train to Eze, but keep in mind the train station will leave you on the other side in Eze Sur Mer. Which means you will have to hike up from the beach. My suggestion is, take the train to Nice – if you are located elsewhere – and take the bus from there to Eze village.