Last Updated on May 5, 2022
Where Is Eze Village?
Eze Village (Eze) is a medieval village situated on a sunny hillside overlooking the valley in the south of France, between Monaco and Nice. The stretch of land between Nice and Monaco captures one breathtaking sight after another. The panoramic views from the charming village are the most stunning along the Côte d’Azur. Even with a short visit, you’re sure to fall in love with its memorable stunning views, ancient façades, twisting narrow lanes, archways, stone houses, and fountains. Featuring a picturesque array of houses and gardens, the village of Eze is an idyllic spot for those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Eze Village is now a renowned tourist site on the French Riviera and is famous worldwide for the view of the sea from its hilltop. Your jaw will drop at the gorgeous view of the Mediterranean from Eze Village. Its beautiful cobblestone streets and hot-pink bougainvillea will take your breath away as you wander the charming town. Eze Village is not to be confused with its sister town Eze-sur-Mer, which is located on the water.
Perched 1,400 feet above sea level, the village is on the ruins of a 12th-century castle, La Revere Fort. Destroyed in 1706, the remains are the most ancient part of this picturesque village. Eze Village is a strong testament to centuries of occupation, from Romans and Moors to the House of Savoy.
The small medieval village has many shops, art galleries, and restaurants and because of its beauty attracts a large number of tourists. Very few locals actually live in the village today, making Eze a “museum village”. Luckily, we didn’t feel that the “museum” aspect took away from the charm and beauty of the village.
Here is what we suggest you see in the charming Eze Village:
Visit The Jardin Exotique
The botanical garden is located at the very top of the village within the ruins of the castle walls. The Jardin was built on an ancient ruin of a medieval fortress.
The French Ministry of Culture and Comité des Parcs et Jardins de France has declared the Garden of tropical plants as one of more than three hundred gardens classified as “Jardins remarquables”. There are many plants worth seeing, but the breathtaking panoramic views still steal the show. While there are several other medieval villages along the coast, none offer the unique panoramic views you get from this garden. Views include the baie of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, the Esterel Mountains, and the Golf of Saint Tropez.
The garden is open daily, but the hours are subject to change. Visit the website to confirm hours before your visit.
The Friedrich-Nietzsche Pathway
Eze Village and its sister town of Eze- sur -Mer are connected through a 2km steep hiking trail, the Friedrich-Nietzsche pathway. Ensure you are wearing good walking shoes for the journey; no flip-flops! The descent takes around 45 minutes, but the hill climb will take you longer. The path is well-worn and easy to follow, with gorgeous views at every turn. The trail combines breathtaking seaside views, green forest trails, and stunning mountain vistas.
The trail takes its name from the famous philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche arrived on vacation and found a lot of peace and joy in his walks there.
Admire The Eglise Notre-Dame De L’Assomption
The Eglise Notre-Dame De L’Assomption was built on the foundation of a 12th-century church. This 18th-century build, designed by Italian architect Antoine Spinelli, is a beautiful example of baroque architecture. The interior is filled with gorgeous baroque-style trompe-l’oeil art. This church and bell tower can be seen all over Eze Village.
It is a little bit of a climb to Eglise Notre Dame de L’Assomption, but worth it to explore this small church that is beautiful, especially for such a small village. The church may not compare to the grandeur of other cathedrals of Europe, but its simplicity deserves to be appreciated too!
Vieux Eze
The streets of Eze Village are immersed in history and are absolutely charming. The houses were made of stone and the roads were narrow and winding, making you will feel like you stepped back in time.
Be prepared with good walking shoes as you will go up many inclines, through narrow passages full of atmosphere and cobblestone streets.
Eze Village really is a photographer’s dream, with every corner being more spectacular than the last. Everywhere we looked there were beautiful flowers and lush greenery. The village is well-known for its many arts and small Provençal shops. Though the streets are crammed with shops, cafes, and boutiques, the medieval ambiance has not been lost.
Know Before You Go
How To Get There
When we visited Eze Village, we took the bus from Nice and stopped for the day on our way to Monaco. To be able to view the spectacular coastline because we were not at the wheel was wonderful. Taking the bus is also a great option because parking can be limited near Eze Village, as the village is a car-free area.
Do not catch the No. 100 bus, or you’ll be taken to the sister town, Eze Sur Mer. You’ll want to take the No. 112 or No. 82 from Nice to Eze Village. On Sundays and holidays, the service from bus No. 82 is limited.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Eze Village is in the spring. During the summer months, the village can become really busy with tourists. It is a more enjoyable wander with fewer tourists, but if you must visit in the summer, it is still worth a visit, just go early.
Where To Stay
While you can visit Eze Village as a day trip, you may want to extend your time in the charming village by spending the night. There are a lot of accommodation options around the village. If you want to stay in the village, La Chevre d’Or is located in the heart of the village.
Since Eze Village is so close to Nice and Monaco, it is a great day trip, or stop when you’re passing between locations. You won’t want to miss visiting Eze Village to explore its medieval streets and architecture. It feels like you have stepped back in time.
Where To Eat
One of the most celebrated restaurants with classy dining is the La Chevre d’Or. The Chateau Eza is well-known for the breathtaking views from its terrace. There are also many other more casual restaurants around and just outside of Eze Village.
