Home - Travel Destinations - Èze – A Beautiful Hilltop Village in France
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Home - Travel Destinations - Èze – A Beautiful Hilltop Village in France
If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
In the south of France, up on a hilltop between Monaco and Nice, you’ll find a beautiful French Village called Èze .
If you’re wondering—yes, it’s another medieval village, and yes, it’s absolutely beautiful. Èze deserves a spot alongside places like Yvoire and Saint-Paul-de-Vence on the list of France’s most charming villages.
Èze is famous for its spectacular views. This pretty medieval village offers picture-perfect scenes at every turn—cobblestone streets, old stone buildings, and lush greenery, all set high above the glittering blue Mediterranean.
Wandering through its narrow lanes feels like stepping into a quiet maze. But there’s no way to get truly lost. Around every bend, you’ll find something beautiful—hidden courtyards, tiny squares, and peaceful spots perfect for a quick pause or photo.
Start your visit to Èze at the main entrance near the tourist information point, just off the main road (M6007). From there, a short uphill walk brings you to the stone archway leading into the medieval village.
Once inside, follow the gently winding cobblestone paths. The layout is like a spiral—so as you move upward, you naturally pass charming shops, art galleries, and small squares until you reach the Jardin Exotique at the very top.
Tip: Don’t rush to the garden. Take your time wandering, exploring side alleys, and pausing for photos—you’ll discover viewpoints and hidden corners along the way.
“After exploring the village and the Exotic Garden, head to Deli’, a tiny café tucked into one of the narrow lanes near the entrance to Èze. It’s casual, affordable, and serves fresh paninis, pastries, and great coffee—perfect for a quiet break with a sea view just steps away.
If you’re staying longer, enjoy a sunset drink at the terrace of Château Eza—you don’t need to be a guest. The view is unforgettable, especially when the Mediterranean turns gold in the evening light.”
The peak season – in the summertime – can get crowded as the narrow lanes can get very busy. We do recommend going early morning and maybe rather go during spring or early autumn.
Spring is from March through May, and Fall is from September through November. However, you can visit any time of the year and still enjoy the spectacular views.
The village is only 9.47 km² (947 hectares), so you can easily explore the streets of Èze in an hour or two. However, we would recommend giving yourself some extra time to stop for something to eat and drink, as well as some shopping for a souvenir or two. It might be a good idea to spend a night.
Why not treat yourself and stay in one of the world’s most beautiful luxury hotels: La Chèvre d’Or and the Château Eza, both overlooking the Mediterranean, are excellent choices. 5-Star Accommodation:
Come home to rooms uniquely decorated in a Louis XIII style and enjoy stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
This luxury hotel offers spectacular views of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and includes private gardens, an outdoor heated pool, a wellness center, and spa.
“Located on the peninsula of Cap-Ferrat and offering panoramic views of Provençal gardens and the Mediterranean, this five-star 96-room hotel provides the intimacy of a private villa with the luxury and glamour of a palace.” – booking.com
🎒 Travel Tip(s):
Be prepared to walk uphill quite a lot, and bring your best walking shoes. Climbing lots and lots of stairs is something to consider before you go. But it is worth it.
Visitors no longer have to hunt for scarce street parking or climb in from the coast. The underground option solves a long‑standing access issue. It’s within a few minutes’ walk of key attractions, and the pedestrian square creates a seamless transition from vehicle to village.
The Exotic Garden of Èze sits on the ruins of a medieval fortress, perched 429 metres above the Mediterranean. It’s one of the best panoramic spots on the entire French Riviera.
From up here, you get uninterrupted views over the coastline—from Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat to the Bay of Cannes on a clear day. The garden itself is filled with rare succulents, cacti, and Mediterranean plants, artfully arranged between stone pathways and sculptures. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and surprisingly quiet—especially if you go early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
It usually closes at 6:30 PM in summer and 4:30 PM in winter. Opening times may vary seasonally.
A steep, rocky path between Èze-sur-Mer and the hilltop village. Around 1.5 hours uphill; wear sturdy shoes.
Take bus 82 or 112 from Nice to Èze Village, or train to Èze-sur-Mer, then hike up the Nietzsche Trail.
Eat at Château Eza or La Taverne d’Antan. Stay at La Chèvre d’Or or Hôtel Les Terrasses d’Èze.
In summary
The French Riviera or Côte d’Azur is a popular tourist destination, but there are still many places to discover. Take the time to visit the smaller villages, the hidden gems, and some of the most beautiful villages in France. You will not regret it. It is definitely worth the visit.
While you’re there, visit places like Villefranche-sur-mer and St Jean Cap Ferrat. They are all worth a visit in our books.
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