Eze Village overlooking Mediterranean Sea, France
8 Aug 2024

Things to do in Eze, French Riviera’s best kept secret!

by | posted in: Best Kept Secrets, France | 56

Eze is a medieval hilltop village overlooking pristine Mediterranean Sea. While the village is tiny, there are interesting things to do in Eze.

If you want to explore the coastlines and other surrounding villages and towns, Eze is a perfect base. Check out our complete guide on top things to do, where to stay, suggested tours.

Do you dream of visiting sleepy french village with sweeping views of Mediterranean coast, that isn’t as crowded as Cannes or Antibes?

Eze is one such village. Having the beach city Nice on one side and glamorous Monaco on the other side, Eze is a charming medieval village on the hilltop that overlooks Mediterranean Sea.

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When we did a bit of research on French Riviera before our travel, we decided that Eze is the place we wanted to spend our wedding anniversary.

Especially after seeing pictures of this gorgeous little village, we could not stop ourselves from going there. It was just perfect. And romantic!  

Eze is one of the most beautiful villages that we’ve ever seen, and it’s probably the best place we have spent my wedding anniversary so far.  We had been following the tradition of visiting a mountain or sea every year to celebrate our wedding anniversary.  

Contents hide
Where is Eze?
How to reach Eze?
Top Things To Do In Eze
1. Jardin Botanique d’Eze
2. Fragonard Perfume Factory
3. Galimard Perfume/Soap Factory
4. Nietzsche Path Hike
5. Eze-Sur-Mer Beach
Practical Information
Where to stay in Eze
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Where is Eze?

Eze is sandwiched between the two popular places in French Riviera – Nice and Monaco. This tiny village sits on a hill crop overlooking Mediterranean Sea.

How to reach Eze?

The Eze village is connected by bus from all the nearby places like Nice, Monaco, Cannes, Antibes. The bus journey from Nice to Eze takes about 25 minutes.

Alternatively, trains run from Nice to Eze-Sur-Mer, and the beach is only one minute away from the station.  However if you want to visit the Village, it is a bit of an hike.

So, we recommend taking a bus to Eze Village, hike down to Eze-Sur-Mer and catch the train wherever you want to head back. That way, you can save the strenuous hike. 

The bus journey from Nice to Eze wasn’t anything ordinary.  As we moved away from Nice, we came closer to the mountains, and the bus crawled like a serpent around the hill, leaving us with magnificent view of mountains on one side and birds eye view of the sea on the other. The views simply took our breath away.

All we could hear was “ooh” and “aww” from rest of the passengers in the bus. Everyone tried to capture the moment through their digital eyes!

After some 25 minutes we reached Eze. A few shops, restaurants, little car park and quite surrounding reminded us that we were certainly away from the hustle and bustle of a city.

Top Things To Do In Eze

1. Jardin Botanique d’Eze

As we got down from the bus, we noticed everyone walking in the same direction. So, we happily followed them. Our first destination in this village is Jardin Botanique d’Eze. 

We were walking uphill passing through the honey dipped houses of Eze Village. We passed through narrow maze type lanes with few souvenir and painting shops in traditional stone houses, followed by restaurants and a beautiful church. 

And at last came the garden entrance.A botanical garden located on a steep terrain about 400 meters above the sea level, the garden hosts exotic cactus and succulents that overlooks turquoise Mediterranean coastline.

The garden path was spiral and was more like a 3 tier cake. At each level the view of the vicinity, mountains, Eze village, church and blue sea were spellbinding.  Maybe my pictures might explain them better.

At the end of 3 levels, there’s a rocky terrace for people to laze in and bask under the sun. The weather god was just awesome on that day of our anniversary.

We took off our jackets, put our sunglasses, and just lay there in each other’s arms for sometime.  That moment was simply perfect to be with each other and enjoying the tranquil time on our wedding anniversary. On such a spectacular location.

We let the silence rule us for brief moments, as we basked under the glory of sun.  You know how it will be to sleep with the sun rays falling on your eyes at 1.00 pm?

After some rest and soulful sun-rays hard-hitting our skin, we had our left over snacks and juices. Meanwhile, we took in the views and gave one last look at the sea, the mountains, the cactus, the people and surrounding houses. We mentally bid them goodbye, thanking them for the wonderful time, and started to walk down.

Eze-france

There were good cafes and restaurants in Eze village.  We raised a glass of champagne to celebrate our anniversary, followed by a special customized pizza, Penna Arrabiata and a warm apple cake topped with Vannila icecream. 

2. Fragonard Perfume Factory

The village was still abuzz with tourists. We spent the rest of our time looking at the souvenirs, art galleries and boutique shops around, then left to take the free guided tour at Fragonard Perfume factory.

It was a great opportunity to spend some time here for free, and ofcourse, if you like the perfume, there is a shop inside the factory.  

3. Galimard Perfume/Soap Factory

Discover each step of the process involved in making perfume at Galimard perfume factory – right from extracting from the flower to production and packaging.

Soak in the unique olfactory experience – a treat to the nostril actually!

The factory also houses soap manufacturing, so you get to see the traditional soap making process and soap production. 

4. Nietzsche Path Hike

If you are up for an adrenaline rush, you can hike the Nietzsche Path that connects Eze Village to Eze Sur Mer beach.  This is roughly 5 km distance, steep and strenuous hike uphill.

As I mentioned earlier, it is easier to hike down the route than climbing up. So plan your journey accordingly and wear appropriate shoes.  

5. Eze-Sur-Mer Beach

This is one of the loveliest beaches in the French Riviera. The azure blue waters and sandy beach does call for a swim, walk or lay under the sun during the warm days!

Practical Information

  1. Eze is well connected from Nice, Monaco and Antibes. These are buses 100, 112, and 82 that stop at Eze Village
  2. You can also take the coastal train, which stops at the coast, but it’s a bit of a trek from there to climb up the village.
  3. Taxis are overrated, so it is best to avoid them.
  4. Some of the souvenir shops are also expensive, so always look out for few shops, compare the price and then buy.
  5. There are plenty of restaurants that suit all kinds of budgets.
  6. There is also car parking right near the tourist information center but during summer months it does get overcrowded.
  7. There are crazy number of poster ads inviting you for a 15 minute Ferrari drive on the coastal mountain roads if you fancy one. Very expensive though.

Where to stay in Eze

Eze is an exotic choice if you are looking for Chateau stays or boutique hotels. However they can be really expensive and accessible only if you have a car.

Our top recommendation is Eze Hermitage Hôtel. This renovated hotel is one mile from Eze Village, and offers comfortable rooms, pool, garden, breakfast. Dinner options are available too.

Les Terrasses d’Eze – Hôtel & Spa is another luxurious hotel located close to the village centre. Offering rooms with gorgeous views, the hotel also has infinity swimming pool, spa services, restaurant and garden.

Chateau Eza is a chateau converted into hotel, located in the heart of the village. So expect nothing less than pure luxury. Check the trip advisor reviews here.

Alternate places to stay are in Nice or Monaco or Antibes, all of which are well connected by bus service and only 30 minutes away.

Click here to book your stay in Eze
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56 Responses

  2. evanescentthoughts
    | Reply

    Beautiful drive looks like. Loved the first pic the most. 15 min Ferrari drive? wow! I want to try that.

    • countryhoppingcouple
      | Reply

      Thanks Ash! I too wish to try the drive, but may be on a nice coastal route, not on mountain terrains…Also, it seemed expensive!!

  3. Kusum Sanu
    | Reply

    Lovely cactus photos Anu, and that first picture is so fantastic!

      • Bright snow Loveland
        | Reply

        Eze-Sur-Mer Beach sounds interesting. Can imagine how beautiful it will look when relaxing and taking fresh breeze…hmmmmmm

  5. Rajesh K
    | Reply

    Talk about basking in SUN! I am not able to step outside because the Temp is 45 C or more!!! The humidity is killing us in the nights too… BTW, I see some people wearing jeans and walking even in this temp! 🙂

    The first photo is too good. Probably if there is a parachute or glider, we can just fly over that location and enjoy it even more 🙂

    Destination Infinity

    • countryhoppingcouple
      | Reply

      Yeah…Chennai weather it is. I can understand! I've done that DI. Have worn Jeans and walked in the "afternoon sun" insanely all my life while in chennai. Have driven in ECR road in Scooty, sat in the Elliot's beach at 12.00pm with friends…during the peak April- May summer! Somehow I loved that weather 😀

      • Rajaraman
        | Reply

        After reading the travellogue have a penchant for making a viito eze village

  7. Raajii
    | Reply

    That is so beautiful :-). Glad you had a lovely anniversary 🙂

  8. Madhu
    | Reply

    Gorgeous shots Anu.
    We stayed in Cagnes Sur Mer and visited these hill towns from there. Loved it too 🙂

  9. Rahul Bhatia
    | Reply

    Eze sure looks to be a very promising destination ensconsed in French Rivera:) Wish I could visit the place one day as your post was enticing indeed, Anu:)

  10. Saru Singhal
    | Reply

    Please adopt me, Anu. I promise I won't trouble to guys on trips. I'll just silently tag along. BTW, I am jealous too. Such a beautiful place which you made all the more beautiful with your narration and pictures. 🙂

  11. Ramakant Pradhan
    | Reply

    Looks like an amazing place from your pictures and lovely narration. The view from the route seems simply mind-blowing. Hope you had a great time!

  12. Ashwini C N
    | Reply

    For once the cactus looked really nice and It made me want to touch and feel them 🙂

  13. D.Nambiar
    | Reply

    Another charming destination!
    Looks like a great place for a 5th honeymoon. I'm sure you guys can make any place romantic, tho' 🙂
    Love that picture of the building overlooking a beach. Gorgeous!

    Happy anniversary once again. 🙂

  14. Freya Renders
    | Reply

    I love those French villages. I never heard of Eze before but it looks indeed gorgeous and yes I do want to drive a ferrari 🙂

  15. Renuka
    | Reply

    French villages are so charming. In fact, people should forget Paris and explore the unexplored in France. Lovely pictures as usual!

  17. Jared James
    | Reply

    Yep, the place looks beautiful something I’ll love to check out… thanks for sharing 🙂

  18. Yogini
    | Reply

    Very informative post! Felt like I was back to the French Riviera! 👍

  20. Hayley
    | Reply

    Eze sure does look stunning. I’ve always wanted to visit the French Riviera where everywhere looks like a picture postcard!

  21. the joyous living
    | Reply

    looks like a gorgeous location! only 15 minutes for a ferrari ride? that must be expensive 😮

  22. Paula Schuck
    | Reply

    Jardin Botanique d’Eze sounds gorgeous. I have not been to the French Riveira yet but when I get there and when it is safe to travel again, then I will keep this post in mind. Eze Village sounds super adorable. .

  23. Heather
    | Reply

    I haven’t heard of Eze before, but I would love to visit the French Riviera one day!

  24. Stacy Liz
    | Reply

    AHH I’ve been to Nice, Cannes, and Monaco, but I missed this spot! Looks amazing!

  25. Nkem
    | Reply

    Looks like a beautiful trip! When I start traveling again, I’d want to visit.

  26. Cristina Petrini
    | Reply

    Finally we can start traveling again! I certainly have already done it without being frightened at all in going to other countries or taking means such as train and plane.
    That’s why I’m collecting ideas of itinerai, places and tips to be ready more than ever to rediscover the world!

  27. Steven
    | Reply

    This beautiful village must awesome to visit. Love the Mediterranean.

  28. Bestbest
    | Reply

    Hello Dear,
    Thanks a lot for this amazing blogs. This is the best blog about my niche i have seen ever. Really such an exclusive blogs.
    Thank you very much dear.

  29. Ann
    | Reply

    this sounds like my type of place, a bit secluded but still not completely off the grid 🙂

  31. Ukwadia Matthew
    | Reply

    Eze looks like a fun place to be. Would love to visit here next summer with my wife, looks so nice.

  34. Demi
    | Reply

    Eze is surely stunning. I love it so much. I was there 2 years ago. Nice post. Thanks for sharing.

  35. Nissa Haight
    | Reply

    I would love to visit one day! This looks like a cute town to explore!

  36. Rajaraman
    | Reply

    After reading the travellogue have a penchant for visiting eze village. Thanks anu

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