Unique Attractions In Eze: A Medieval Gem In The French Riviera

Located between the colour of Nice and the glamour of Monaco, the sleepy medieval village of Eze is a hilltop marvel in the French Riviera filled with exquisite beauty and attractions that charms visitors just as much as any other destination along this Mediterranean coast.

A picture-perfect reflection of Medieval architecture complemented by stunning seaside views, lush green spaces, and beautiful boutiques, Eze was fortified in the 14^th century and its mere 10 square kilometres greatly boosts the region’s cultural richness and historical significance.

Spending a couple of hours here is all you need to appreciate its splendour, so don’t forget to add Eze to your French Riviera itinerary. 

Travel and Accommodation In Eze 

Although the Côte d’Azur is well connected, and you can get to Eze Village from most cities and towns including Cannes, Monte Carlo and Antibes, the best place to base yourself to explore Eze is Nice. 

Simply catch bus 82 for a short 25-minute bus ride to Eze – however, keep in mind that it is not frequent. Over the summer, the bus runs once an hour, and this may reduce in the off-season. I would also advise anyone making the day trip, to leave for Eze before 9am to avoid the crowds, both on the bus and within the village.

Alternatively, you can take a train or tram to Eze-sur-Mer and hike up to Eze Village. 

Driving to Eze is also an option, but parking is limited so I would suggest relying on public transport for ease of travel.

While anyone can visit and explore Eze Village, it is a lavish holiday destination and therefore, few can afford to stay within its walls. However, if you wish to have the complete, luxurious Eze experience, book a stay at either La Chevre d’Or or Chateau Eza. 

For those of us who don’t have that kind of cash to splash, here is a list of affordable accommodation options in Nice:  

• Best Western Plus Hôtel Massena Nice
• Le Meridien Nice
• ApartHotel Riviera – AA Nice Vieille Ville – Lumineux Duplex et calme AC Vue dégagée – DUPLEX MENICA VIEW

Five Unique Attractions In Eze

Jardin Botanique d’Eze

Most pictures you may have seen of the vistas of the turquoise Mediterranean around the village would be from this gorgeous garden. Jardin Botanique d’Eze is located on a steep terrain about 400 meters above sea level and features a collection of exotic cactus and succulents, evergreen plants and spiral paths that make it the most beautiful of the many attractions in Eze. It’s incredibly easy to get lost in and mesmerised by the beauty.

Fragonard Perfume Factory 

Provence is a popular region for perfume production, and Eze celebrates this vital element of French culture with its lovely Fragonard Perfume Factory – one of the three in the country. Originally founded in 1926, in the town of Grasse, the family business is now a perfume empire, and discovering this sophisticated world was one of the best things I did while holidaying around the Côte d’Azur.

The moment you step through the factory doors, you are refreshed by a blend of delightful smells and calming atmosphere. Learn how production has evolved over the centuries (the stories regarding the impact of World War II on raw materials are particularly interesting), understand what it takes to become a perfumer, inhale the most elegant scents, and, best of all, take part in a class to make your very own perfume! There is no souvenir more special than that.

Truthfully, writing about the experience doesn’t do it justice, so book your own workshop and watch the video below!

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Boutiques and Galleries

As soon as we stepped into Eze, you will find yourself balancing on cobblestone streets and surrounded by unique boutiques and galleries. The incredible artistry – from the paintings to the clothes – matches that of the architecture, and even if you don’t want to buy anything, window shopping is just as fun.

Nietzsche Path Hike

One of the most unmissable attractions in Eze is the Nietzsche Path Hike which connects Eze Village with Eze-sur-Mer beach. Short but steep, this rugged and romantic hike is a wonderful way to explore the breathtaking, panoramic landscapes in the region and take in the seascapes in a new, adrenaline-pumping way. 

Named after the famous German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, who came here sick but left cured by the natural beauty and inspired by his most radical ideas, the path is not as strenuous as people make it out to be if you take it on from the village to the beach. However, if you choose the go the other way round and climb up to the village, be ready to put your legs and heart to work.

The Nietzsche Path Hike takes less than an hour to complete but be prepared to face uneven paths and loose rocks on your way down. Sturdy footwear with grips is advised, and on a hot day, make sure to carry a bottle of water. 

Above all else, take your time and appreciate the views because it might be like nothing you may have seen before. 

Plage d’Eze

At the end of the Nietzsche Trail, follow the signs to ‘La Plage’, to come before a scenic local beach. Plage d’Eze is a small, often quiet, with inviting crystal-clear water and is perfect for a quick swim after the heat from the hike. 

Average Cost For One Day In Eze Per Person

Transport (flights from London + local travel): £8

Accommodation: N/A

Attractions: £33  

Food and amenities: £25

Practical Information About Eze Village

Location: France, Europe

National Language: French

Currency: Euro

Neighbouring Countries: Monaco, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain and Andorra