Èze Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, food to try, and where to stay in Èze, France. Plan your itinerary with our helpful guide.


Introduction to Èze

Situated in the Alpes-Maritimes department of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of France, Èze is a charming medieval village that towers over the French Riviera. This picturesque town attracts visitors with its narrow, winding streets, picturesque houses, and its fascinating history. Èze even captured the hearts of some of the most famous artists and writers of the 20th century including Nietzsche, Walt Disney, and Simone de Beauvoir. Whether you are a history buff, an art enthusiast, a foodie, a nature lover, or simply looking to unwind, Èze is a must-visit destination.

List of Places to Visit in Èze

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Château de la Chèvre d’Or: This enchanted castle dates back to the 14th century and boasts breathtaking views over the Mediterranean and the village of Èze. It is home to a Michelin-starred restaurant, as well as a luxurious hotel.

Èze Castle Ruins: Explore the ancient ruins of the castle that once stood in the town of Èze. This castle is a great spot for history buffs, and the view from the top is magnificent.

Fragonard Perfume Factory and Museum: This is a must-visit place for fans of perfumes and cosmetics. Tour the factory, learn about the process of making fragrances, and discover the history of Fragonard, one of the most renowned perfume brands in France.

Natural Attractions of Èze: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Jardin Exotique d’Èze: The garden offers breathtaking views of the village, the Mediterranean, and the surrounding hills. Take the time to explore the cacti and succulents, or simply enjoy a peaceful moment on one of the many benches.

Mont Bastide Trail: Hikers and nature lovers will appreciate the Mont Bastide Trail that leads to the top of Èze and offers awe-inspiring panoramic views over the coastline.

Cap Roux: The Cap Roux hike is a bit further away than other hiking trails in Èze, but it rewards visitors with stunning views of the coastline, cliffs, and the Mediterranean Sea.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Èze

Hiking

Mont Bastide Trail: This hiking trail is just over 2 kilometers long and offers the best views of Èze. The trail starts at the entrance to the village and leads up to the summit, where hikers can enjoy a stunning panoramic view overlooking the town and the Mediterranean.

Nietzsche’s Path: If you’re feeling adventurous, try hiking Nietzsche’s path that links Èze village and Èze bord de mer. This path is named after Friedrich Nietzsche because it was said that he walked it frequently while living in Èze in the 1880s.

Biking

Cape Roux Circuit: If you want a more challenging bike ride, try the Cape Roux Circuit. This route takes you through the Esterel Mountains and offers challenging climbs as well as stunning views of the Mediterranean coastline.

Promenade des Anglais: For a more leisurely bike ride, take the Promenade des Anglais. This long path runs along the Nice coastline and offers stunning views of the seafront.

Best Things to Do in Èze: Activities and Tours

Spend a day at the beach: The warm weather and pristine beaches of the Riviera make it a top destination for sun-seekers. Èze offers many beaches to choose from, including Baie d’Èze and Plage de la Mala.

Visit an art gallery: Èze has multiple art galleries that showcase the works of local artists and artisans. The village has inspired many artists with its beauty and unique architecture, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself feeling inspired by the surrounding art scene.

Take a cooking class: French cuisine is famous worldwide, and visitors to Èze can learn how to cook some of the most delicious Provencal dishes. Local restaurants and cooking schools offer classes for tourists to learn the art of French cooking.

Week-Long Itinerary for Èze

Day Activity
1 Arrival, check-in, and explore Èze
2 Visit the Château de la Chèvre d’Or and the village museum
3 Spend the day at the beach and visit local artisan shops
4 Take a cooking class and dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant
5 Hike the Mont Bastide Trail
6 Visit the Fragonard Perfume Factory and go shopping for souvenirs
7 Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Èze

Must-Try Dishes

Socca: This is a french-style, chickpea-based pancake that is popular in the region. It’s crispy and savory, usually served with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Pissaladière: A specialty of the region, it’s a flatbread topped with caramelized onions and anchovies. It’s a delicious starter or snack.

Bouillabaisse: A traditional fish soup made with a mixture of fish, shellfish, and vegetables. Perfect for a warm, refreshing meal on a sunny day.

Local Beverages

Rosé: The Provence region is famous for its dry rosé wines, and Èze is no exception. Enjoy a glass of rosé on a sunny terrace or with seafood.

Herb Liqueurs: The region is known for making a variety of herb liquors, including Absinthe and Pastis. These unique aforesaid liquors will provide an authentic tasting experience of the local beverage culture.

Where to Stay in Èze: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Château de la Chèvre d’Or: This is one of the best hotels in Èze, offering luxury accommodation and incredible views over the Mediterranean Sea. With its lush gardens and impeccable service, it’s a dream destination for those who want a memorable stay.

La Maison de la mer: A sophisticated guesthouse with a modern design, located near the beach. Visitors can expect great rooms, terrific breakfast service and feel the perfect combination of cozy and luxury stay.

What to Buy in Èze: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Fragonard Perfumes: A signature of Èze, this perfume brand has been around for over 250 years and still produces some of the most unique and fragrant perfumes in France.

Olives: The region around Èze is famous for its high-quality olives and olive oil. Be sure to bring some home to enjoy the delicious taste of Provence.

Local Culture and Customs of Èze

Markets: Like many French towns, Eze has a weekly open-air market, aimed at locals but perfect for tourists to experience the authentic and local culture.

Language: Though most locals speak French, visitors will find that many also speak English or German.

Best Time to Visit Èze

The best time to visit Èze is between March and November. The weather is warm and sunny but not too hot, making it the perfect climate for exploring this beautiful region.

Do’s and Don’ts of Èze

Do:

  • Do enjoy the local cuisine, especially fresh fish, seafood, and pizzas.
  • Do explore the local community, landmarks, and gardens.
  • Do observe the art culture, check out the local artists, galleries, and their works.
  • Do try wines, cocktails, and local beverages.

Don’t:

  • Don’t forget to dress appropriately, since the church and museums in the village require a dress code.
  • Don’t make loud noises, as it is considered inappropriate and disrespectful.
  • Don’t arrive too late for dinner since restaurants in France typically close around 9 p.m.

Safety and Health

Safety in Èze

Èze is a safe village to visit, with little to no crime. Visitors should still be mindful of their belongings while exploring public spaces and beaches.

Health in Èze

France has a reputable healthcare system. Travelers may consider purchasing travel insurance that includes medical coverage in case of emergencies while in France.

Getting to Èze: Transportation Options and Logistics

Èze can be reached by a variety of transportation options.

Airports Near Èze

  • Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE): The closest airport to Èze is just 35 minutes away and is served by flights from all around the world.

Bus Stations Near Èze

  • Bus 83 from Nice runs to Èze Village and the beach every 15 minutes during the day.

  • Bus 82 from Nice runs every 25 minutes after 9 a.m. to Èze Village and the beach.

Other Options

  • Car rental: Renting a car is a great option to explore the surrounding region and just take a convenient day trip.

How to Get Around in Èze

The village of Èze is small and walkable, and visitors can explore the town center on foot. For nearby destinations, consider renting a car or taking a bike ride through the countryside.

Where to Go Next from Èze: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Antibes: A small town 20 km away from Èze with a charming old town and a beautiful beach.

  • Saint-Paul-de-Vence: A medieval village known for its art galleries and narrow streets.

  • Monaco: A sovereign city-state, famous for its luxurious casinos, harbor, and the Formula One Grand Prix race.

Conclusion

Èze is a picturesque, charming medieval village with an abundance of history, art, culture, and gastronomy. It is an ideal destination for those who want to explore the south of France and enjoy the magnificent Mediterranean coastal region. We hope that this travel guide to Èze will help you prepare and plan your trip for an unforgettable experience.

View on the village from the ''Grande corniche'' road. View on the village from the ''Grande corniche'' road. A typical street of the village A typical street of the village