What to Do and See in Èze Village: The Most Charming Medieval Village on the French Riviera

If you love medieval villages, panoramic views, and places that seem suspended in time, Èze Village is a destination that cannot be missed on your itinerary. This little gem of the French Riviera, perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the sea, is located between Nice and Monaco, about 400 meters above sea level, and is famous for its stone alleys, artisan shops, and the enveloping scent that fills the air at every corner, thanks to the historic Fragonard perfumery.

Strolling through Èze is an experience that engages all the senses: you slowly climb flower-filled stairways, pass small art galleries and restaurants with panoramic terraces, and suddenly find yourself looking out over the Mediterranean. At the top, the famous Exotic Garden awaits you, offering one of the most spectacular views of the entire French Riviera.

In this article, we'll tell you what to see in Èze Village, what to do on a half-day or longer trip, and why it's worth visiting even if you only have a few hours to spare. Get ready to discover one of the most beautiful and evocative villages on the French Riviera.

How to get to Èze Village and where to park[ back to menu ]

Èze Village is located a few kilometers from Monte Carlo, along the scenic Moyenne Corniche, and is also easily accessible from Italy. If you are looking for the perfect destination for a day trip, it is only 51.7 miles from Agriturismo Le Girandole, the ideal starting point in Diano Marina for exploring the French Riviera. Are you looking for a farmhouse in Diano Marina? Discover our services!

To get to Èze by car, simply take the A10 motorway towards France, exit at Monte Carlo and continue on the D2564, which becomes the M2564 as you approach the village. The journey offers spectacular views of the coast and is part of the pleasure of the excursion.

Once you arrive, we recommend parking at Place Figuiera, in the parking lot of the same name , which is probably the only truly convenient and safe option near the historic center. Although the cost is not among the lowest, it is preferable to the risk of fines and the difficulty of finding valid alternatives.

Place Figuiera parking prices updated for 2025:

• From 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.: 1 hour = €3.20
  
  

• From 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.: 1 hour = €1.60
  
  
  

The car park is just a few minutes' walk from the village, allowing you to visit Èze in complete peace of mind.

Èze Village and Èze-sur-Mer: be careful not to confuse them![ back to menu ]

When talking about Èze, it is useful to know that the municipality is divided into two distinct areas:

• Èze Village, the medieval village perched on top of the hill, famous for its stone alleys and panoramic garden.
  
  

• Èze-sur-Mer, the coastal part facing directly onto the Mediterranean.
  
  
  

Most visitors go to Èze Village, but those arriving by train may also stop in Èze-sur-Mer, where there is a small railway station well connected to the coastal line that also departs from the Italian border.

Èze Village can be reached from Èze-sur-Mer either by bus (line 83) or by an uphill hiking trail, which we will discuss later in this article. The trail is entirely south-facing and can be tiring on hot days, so it is only recommended for those who are fit and have suitable clothing.

The history of Èze[ back to menu ]

The history of Èze has its roots in ancient times. The first documented settlements date back to the Iron Age, when a small fortified village stood on the hill. With the arrival of the Romans, the area experienced a period of development, thanks in part to its proximity to the Via Julia Augusta, the great road that connected Rome to Spain.

In the Middle Ages, Èze became a strategic point and came under the control of the Counts of Provence, before becoming part of the Savoy domain in 1388. Over the centuries, the village was contested, besieged, and plundered several times, particularly during the 16th century, when it was also attacked by the Ottoman fleet allied with the French.
In 1706, by order of Louis XIV, the fortifications were destroyed: today only evocative ruins remain, perfectly integrated into the Exotic Garden.

After a long period under the Kingdom of Sardinia, Èze was officially annexed to France in 1860, like most of the County of Nice. Even today, it retains its medieval layout intact, with stone alleys, ancient houses, and historical evidence that tells of centuries of domination, transitions, and transformations.

What to see in Èze Village: the Exotic Garden[ back to menu ]

Among the attractions not to be missed in Èze Village, the Exotic Garden is undoubtedly the most spectacular. Located in the highest part of the village, right where the ancient medieval castle once stood, this extraordinary botanical garden offers an unparalleled view of the French Riviera, from Nice to the Italian border. A place suspended between sky and sea, where cacti, succulents, and Mediterranean species coexist with contemporary statues and breathtaking panoramic terraces.

A garden between sky and sea[ back to menu ]

The Exotic Garden of Èze is located at the top of the village, where the medieval castle once stood. The path, surrounded by succulents and panoramic terraces, is enriched by female statues in dialogue with the landscape, the work of sculptor Jean-Philippe Richard. Along the way, visitors will find information signs (in French and English) telling the story of the place, its vegetation, and local agricultural traditions.

We recommend visiting the garden in the early morning and outside of peak times to enjoy the tranquility, the ideal light for photos, and the beauty of the panorama stretching from the coast to the Alps.

 

The ruins of the medieval castle[ back to menu ]

At the top of the path are the ruins of the ancient castle of Èze, built in the 12th century and renovated over time by the Savoy family. This fort, of great strategic importance, was destroyed in 1706 on the orders of Louis XIV. Today, all that remains are a few stone cisterns, integrated into the garden. From the ruins, which are easily accessible, you can enjoy a 360° view of Èze Village and the coastline: information panels help you find your way around, showing what you can see to the north, east, and south.

The north side and the oldest history of Èze[ back to menu ]

The north side overlooks the Grande Corniche, an ancient road that follows the route of the Via Julia Augusta, built by the Romans to connect Rome to Spain. This area also contains the oldest traces of human presence: a fortified settlement dating back to 220 BC and the remains of Celtic-Ligurian settlements. You can see the Forte Revere, built in the 19th century and the scene of spectacular escapes during World War II. Today, the area is home to a nature reserve and an astronomical observatory.

The statues of Jean-Philippe Richard[ back to menu ]

Throughout the Exotic Garden, you will encounter the elegant and mysterious female statues of Jean-Philippe Richard. These timeless figures, modeled in bronze or clay, represent modern deities, with their feet anchored to the earth and their heads turned towards the sky. Symbols of balance and harmony, they silently accompany visitors and blend in with the surrounding vegetation, offering an open-air artistic experience.

The Chapel of Sainte-Croix[ back to menu ]

Hidden among the rooftops of Èze, recognizable only by its small bell tower, the Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs tells an important chapter in the religious history of the village. Founded in 1306, the brotherhood of the White Penitents cared for the sick during epidemics and offered hospitality to travelers. The building is decorated with pebble mosaics and overlooks the south side of the garden, offering a sweeping view of the sea.

The Church of Notre-Dame de l'Assomption[ back to menu ]

At the foot of the castle ruins is the parish church of Èze, built between 1764 and 1778 by architect Antonio Spinelli. The building has a simple exterior, with a classical façade and a bell tower with a blue clock, symbolizing the Virgin Mary. Inside, the style is Baroque, with frescoed side chapels and a rare representation of the original castle with the Savoy family banner.

Château Balsan and the Dog's Head[ back to menu ]

Looking southeast, you can admire the large estate known as Château Balsan, built by Jacques Balsan and inhabited by illustrious figures such as Consuelo Vanderbilt and, more recently, Maria Gabriella of Savoy. Behind it stands the Tête de Chien, a spectacular 556-meter-high limestone rock overlooking Monaco. At the top is a telecommunications dome and the ruins of a 19th-century fort.

The precious resource of water[ back to menu ]

Despite the lush atmosphere of the garden, water has always been a rare resource in Èze. For centuries, the inhabitants had to transport it from the valley floor or collect it in cisterns. It was not until 1930, thanks to the intervention of composer Samuel Barlow, that a public fountain was built in Place du Planet, fed by a pumping system. Running water only arrived in the village in 1952.

Small waterfall in Eze

The return route and relaxation area[ back to menu ]

After reaching the top of the garden, the path continues along the cooler, shadier north side of the village. Here you will also find some small waterfalls and wilder areas before heading back south. Along the way, there is a relaxation area with wooden deck chairs, perfect for stopping, admiring the landscape, and catching your breath before leaving the garden.

Things to do in Eze Village and surroundings[ back to menu ]

In addition to strolling through the narrow streets of the village and visiting the Exotic Garden, Èze offers a variety of activities for those who want to explore its surroundings at a leisurely pace. From a fragrant visit to the historic Fragonard perfumery to a scenic walk along one of the most beautiful trails on the French Riviera, the area surrounding Èze offers unforgettable views, wild nature, and little corners to discover on foot. In this section, we'll tell you what to do in Èze Village and what experiences to enjoy in its surroundings, between the sea, mountains, and history.

A walk through the village[ back to menu ]

Strolling through the streets of Èze Village is like entering a small world suspended in time. The village, perfectly maintained and surprisingly clean, is a maze of stone alleys, arches, stairways, and panoramic views that suddenly open up between the houses. Every corner is an invitation to slow down and let your curiosity guide you.

Along the way, you will find artisan workshops, artists' studios, and small art galleries nestled in the ancient houses of the historic center. The shops are often very cozy and characteristic, some decorated with flowers and ceramics, others with hand-painted signs. It is really worth going inside, but it is best to do so in small groups: space is limited, and part of the charm of the place lies in its intimacy.

Èze is a village to be explored at leisure, perfect for lovers of crafts, art, and the authentic atmosphere that only certain villages still offer.

A stop in Èze-sur-Mer[ back to menu ]

If you have a little extra time, it is worth making a detour to Èze-sur-Mer, the coastal part of the municipality of Èze. More modern and peaceful than the medieval hilltop village, Èze-sur-Mer overlooks the Mediterranean and can also be reached by train, thanks to the small railway station located along the line connecting Nice to Ventimiglia.

The area is also known for its pebble beach, perfect for a relaxing break in the summer months, and for the presence of some dream villas, including that of Bono from U2, who chose this corner of the coast for its reserved and discreet beauty. From here, there are also paths leading up to Èze Village, ideal for those who love walking and enjoying spectacular sea views.

Nietzsche's Path: on foot from Èze-sur-Mer to Èze Village[ back to menu ]

The famous Nietzsche Trail (Chemin de Nietzsche) connects Èze-sur-Mer to the top of the medieval village, retracing the steps of the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, who walked this narrow staircase on the hillside every day between 1883 and 1884.

The route is about 4 km long, with an elevation gain of about +345 m, and can take from 1.5 hours to 2 hours to climb, while the descent takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour. The trail alternates between paved sections and steps carved into the rock, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean and glimpses of places such as Cap Ferrat and Villefranche.

Please note: this is a moderately challenging route, with steep climbs and slippery passages. We therefore recommend wearing sturdy hiking boots or trainers and bringing water and sunscreen with you. If the climb seems daunting, you can walk downhill, starting from Èze Village: you will easily reach the sea and can return comfortably by train or bus from Èze-sur-Mer.

Waterfall in Eze

 

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