Perched as a medieval hilltop village on the Côte d’Azur, overlooking the azure Mediterranean Sea, Eze Village presents a plenty of things to do. Eze is a destination that consistently fascinates me, luring me to spend a few hours exploring its charms whenever I find myself nearby. With each visit, Eze Village reveals fresh and distinctive experiences.
Conveniently reachable from major cities such as Nice, Eze Village is a celebrated holiday destination. Various tour operators tours to this hilltop village, ensuring visitors enjoy pleasant adventures.
Things to do in Eze Village
Activities in Eze Village includes:
- Wandering through narrow alleys
- Browsing for souvenirs in shops and galleries
- Capturing images of the lush green façades
- Chasing the scent of perfume
- Having in a meal at a local restaurant
- Discovering the exotic beauty of the Eze Botanical Garden
- Taking in the breathtaking views
- Admiring the historic Église d’Èze in Eze Village
- Hiking along the Nietzsche path
- Celebrating a special day at Chateau Eza
Wandering through narrow alleys
The narrow alleys of Eze Village are among the most beautiful in Provençal Villages. Their unique character is enhanced by the central thoroughfares paved with rows of red tiles, creating a charming guide for visitors.
Wandering through these alleys, I often lose track of time as I navigate staircases and explore hidden corners. The centuries-old stone houses, adorned with sublime details, along with delicate wrought-iron lamps and sunlit pastel shutters, contribute to an inviting and picturesque atmosphere.
With multiple visits to the village, my appreciation for the unique charm of Eze Village’s narrow alleys has deepened. The highlights, including climbing plants on facades, vibrant doorways, and colourful shutters, add to the village’s distinctive Provençal ambiance. The attractiveness of these narrow alleys is a compelling reason why I repeatedly find myself drawn back to Eze Village.
Browsing for souvenirs in shops and galleries
Many of the sturdy stone houses are luxurious hotels or charming boutiques. Exploring the shops, boutiques, and galleries is one of the best things to do in Eze Village. These establishments offer an assortment of goods, ranging from porcelain and sweets, to aromatics, jewelry, homewares, and handcrafted items. The wide price range ensures that there’s something for every budget, and the lively displays in the charming windows add more charisma to the winding alleys
Capturing images of the lush green façades
Some of the historical buildings have green plant facades, providing both practical and aesthetic benefits. During the scorching summer, the green facades play a role in maintaining a cooler climate in the village, while in winter, they attract precious sunshine. Climbing plants decorate the stone houses’ facades, making the whole scene lively, particularly during blooming periods.
Given the limited space in the narrow alleys, traditional plants may struggle, but climbing plants prove to be an ideal choice, as they require less ground space.
Chasing the scent of Perfume
Two of Provence’s renowned perfume houses, Fragonard and Galimard from Grasse, have established boutiques and workshops in Eze. Since my initial encounter with their perfumes, they have become my favourites, and I consistently purchase their products during my visits to southern provence.
For those with limited time to explore the world perfume capital, Grasse, the good news is that you can join a factory tour offered by either Fragonard or Galimard in Eze. Additionally, you have the opportunity to sample various products before making a purchase.
Have a meal at a local restaurant
Some restaurants have sea views from their terraces, while others set in a cosy atmosphere. Most of them offer a wide range of Mediterranean dishes. Slow down you pace and enjoy a meal before your next adventure. Here are my top picks:
The restaurant is at the entrance of Eze Village just behind the arched gate, is an eatery known for its delicious crepes and ice cream.
This restaurant has a shaded terrace—a perfect spot for a meal on a hot summer day. With a menu featuring a variety of Mediterranean dishes, the prices are quite reasonable.
The Chateau Eza Restaurant, affiliated with Chateau Eza Hotel, has epic views overlooking the Cote d’Azur. This gourmet restaurant offers a delectable à la carte menu featuring French and Mediterranean cuisine, with prices starting around 100 Euros. For those planning a dinner experience, it’s advisable to make a reservation well in advance!
Discovering the exotic beauty of Jardin Botanique d’Eze
The Exotic Garden of Eze occupies the grounds of a medieval fortress, perched at an elevation of 429 meters above the Mediterranean Sea. The panoramic vistas from the garden provide awe-inspiring views of the French Riviera, extending from the Esterel Mountains to the Gulf of Saint Tropez.
The gardens showcase numerous species of succulent plants and xerophytes from all the continents, as well as a variety of local species. The garden pathways go spiral up. Along the path, information about Eze’s artistic and historical heritage gives visitors a real feel for the past of this exceptional site.
Within the garden, numerous species of succulent plants and xerophytes from diverse continents, alongside various local species, create a exotic display. The garden’s pathways wind in a spiral fashion. Along these paths, informational snippets about Eze’s artistic and historical heritage provide a tangible connection to the site’s rich past.
From the garden, you can also spot Chateau Eza and its open clifftop terrace. Taking a moment to rest at the castle ruin allows you to soak in the grandeur of the surrounding views.
Taking in the breathtaking views
The charming Eze Village, enowned for offering the finest views of the French Riviera, is a hidden gem. One prime spot to soak in the sweeping panoramas of the Mediterranean coast is from the summit of the botanical garden. Additionally, select hotels or restaurants boast terraces or rooms positioned along the cliff side, treating guests to truly spectacular views.
Admiring the historic Église d’Èze in Eze Village
The bright ochre church of Eze Village is a neo-classical marvel from the 18th century, dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption. For the best view of this architectural gem, I recommend the botanical garden. From there, you can appreciate the two-story square tower gracefully rising above the surrounding houses.
Hiking along the Sentier Friedrich-Nietzche path
For those seeking an challenging activities, exploring the Sentier Friedrich-Nietzsche path is a fantastic option connecting Eze Village to Eze Sur Mer beach. Named after the renowned German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, this hiking trail is a steep and strenuous route, with the descent being more manageable than the ascent. Consider taking the bus to Eze Village and walking down to the beach, where you’ll find convenient access to the train station and bus stops.
Celebrate a special day at Chateau Eza
Chateau Eza, also known as the Castle of the Prince of Sweden, has a rich history dating back 400 years within the ancient city walls of the 9th-century village of Eze. Offering 14 intimate rooms and suites, each uniquely positioned, guests can enjoy impressive views of the Mediterranean from private balconies and terraces. The Gourmet restaurant within Chateau Eza provides a splendid dining experience with panoramic vistas of the sun-kissed French Riviera.
The rooms, originally individual homes, have been meticulously restored to recreate the historic charm of the Prince of Sweden’s era. While the rates for this upscale accommodation are on the higher side, Chateau Eza offers an unparalleled setting, making it an ideal choice for celebrating special occasions or anniversaries.
How to get there
Getting to Eze Village is convenient, and you have several options:
By Bus:
From Nice, hop on either bus 82 or 112. From Monaco, take bus 112. Both buses will conveniently stop at Eze Village.
By Train:
Coastal trains have a stop at Èze-sur-Mer along the coast. From Èze-sur-Mer, you either take the scenic Sentier Friedrich-Nietzsche hiking trail leading up to the village, or, take a bus near the train station that carries tourists directly to Eze Village.
By Car
Follow M6007, Moyenne Corniche, to reach Eze-Village. Ample public parking is available just outside the village. There’s also parking close to the tourist information center, but spaces are limited, especially during the bustling summer months.
Great article! Eze is so beautiful! Next time I need to stay here and not just a short visit! Thanks for the great recommendations!