A place called Èze in Fance

In the south of France, up on a hilltop between Monaco and Nice, you’ll find a beautiful French Village called Èze .

Now if you’re asking …yes it is another medieval village …and yes it is also beautiful. Well worth a visit. Yvoire, and Saint-Paul-de-Vence, are all beautiful villages in France, and to this list, you can add Èze.

Èze is known for its spectacular views. Visiting the pretty medieval village of Èze, you’ll be spoiled with beautiful vistas and scenes of cobblestone streets and stone wall buildings, combined with beautiful and lush greenery. Set against a backdrop of the blue Mediterranean sea.

Exploring the narrow lanes of this clean and well-maintained Village is like exploring a maze. But don’t worry, you cannot get lost. You’ll only discover more and more pretty stops (small squares) along the way.

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.

Views, Views, and More Views…. The best of Eze, France

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:

Chateau Eza

Come home to rooms uniquely decorated in a Louis XIII style and enjoy stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.

La Chèvre d'Or

This luxury hotel offers spectacular views of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and includes private gardens, an outdoor heated pool, a wellness center, and spa.

More options

Stay in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

Royal Riviera

“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

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Nearby you'll have fabulous options for accommodation. All are centrally located, and perfect places, from where you can explore the Côte d'Azur (French Riviera).

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By car it is a 25 min (12,3 km) drive via the M6007 from Nice. Or a 15 min (7,8 km) drive via the M6007 from Villefranche.
Nice would also be your closes International Airport.
You can easily get to Eze via bus from all the nearby places like Villefranche, Nice (about 25 min), Antibes, Cannes, and Monaco.

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.

The Best - Top 10 things to do in Èze, France:

Explore the pretty shops and buy something as a small souvenir of your trip.
Having lunch at one of the outdoor restaurants is a feast, especially if it has a beautiful view. Stop at Chateau Eza. The restaurant has some of the most spectacular views over the Med and it is definitely a beautiful photo stop if you’re on Instagram.
You’ll have loads of photo opportunities everywhere.
Include some extra time to just take in the views. This perched hilltop village has some pretty spectacular and breathtaking views of the much-loved Mediterranean Sea.
Walk all the way up to the very top of the village. Here you’ll find the ruined castle of Eza and its beautiful gardens. The Exotic Garden, also called the Jardin Botanique d’Èze, is located on the Place du Général de Gaulle. The views are amazing, and you’ll find a great collection of cacti and succulents as well as naturally, the remains of the once-impressive castle. In fact, you’ll have a beautiful view of the peninsula of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat here from the castle as well.
Visit the oldest building in Eze – The Chapel: Chapelle de la Sainte Croix
If you love hiking, hike up Nietzsche path to Eze village.
You cannot visit Eze in France and not visit the Galimard perfume and soap factory or the Fragonard perfume factory. At the time of our visit, they offered a free tour, and you can purchase a gift or souvenir from the shop. After all, France is all about perfume…
Energetic hikers can hike down to Eze Beach and if you’re traveling on a budget, you might find the hotels a bit expensive. You can save by buying your own snacks in Nice and then bringing your own picnic with you to enjoy on the beach.
Cimetière de Èze – is a beautiful cemetery that is highly photogenic, but please note that taking photographs inside the cemetery. However, it is worth a sneak peek.

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.