If I had to choose a favorite village in Provence, it would be Eze. I first visited when I was 18, and I’ve been traveling back ever since. This hilltop gem in the south of France has cobbled streets, beautiful stone buildings, and stunning views over the Mediterranean Sea. If you’re curious to learn more, today I bring you A Lady in London’s guide to things to do in Eze village.
Things to Do in Eze Village
Not far from Nice, Eze is perched like an eagle’s nest on a hill right above the sea. Because it’s so close to the water, the village has amazing views.
Fortified in the 14th century, Eze has a wealth of medieval streets to explore. There are also churches, gardens, fountains, art galleries, shops, and restaurants to discover.
Eze village is an easy day trip from Nice, too. It’s exciting to spend a day (or part of one) walking through the streets and going up and down the stairways.
It can also be combined with a trip to Eze-bord-de-Mer, the village’s seaside counterpart. There’s a beach to enjoy, so the two offer a good balance of the best of the French Riviera.
How to Get to Eze Village
It’s easy to get to Eze village, and there are a couple of public transportation options if you don’t want to drive.
The train that runs from Nice to Ventimiglia stops at Eze-sur-Mer station. From the station you can hike up the winding Chemin de Nietzsche trail to get to the village at the top.
There are also buses that run from Nice to Eze village. There’s only one service an hour, so if you take the bus, make sure to check timetables before you travel.
You can also take a bus from Monaco, Eze-bord-de-Mer, and a few other coastal towns on the French Riviera to Eze village. They run infrequently as well, so make sure to plan ahead.
Where to Stay
However you choose to arrive, you’ll find so many things to do in Eze village that staying a night or two could be a good idea. There are plenty of accommodation options in and around the village, from luxury hotels to cozy apartments.
If you’re looking for a special hotel, La Chevre d’Or is the perfect place to splurge. Right in the heart of the village, the location can’t be beat. It also has a restaurant with two Michelin stars, so it’s a great place to dine.
If you want to live like a local, the Romantic Hideaway is perfect. Located in the middle of the village, this medieval house has lots of character and sweeping views of the sea.
Things to Do in Eze Village
Wherever you stay, you’ll find there are a lot of exciting things to do in Eze village.
My favorite of them is getting lost in the narrow streets. They’re full of old stone buildings with orange tile roofs, and everywhere you go there are stairways and vines.
On this trip I’ve spent most of my time wandering through them and soaking up the atmosphere.
Eze also has a botanical garden that’s worth visiting. The Jardin Botanique d’Eze features an impressive collection of cacti and succulents, not to mention spectacular sea views.
There are also sculptures and old castle ruins dotted throughout the plants.
If you’re into history, there’s a lot to keep you busy here. The Notre Dame de l’Assomption church was built in 1764, and its tower can be seen from all over the area. The Chapelle de la Sainte Croix dates all the way back to 1306, too.
Additionally, medieval lookout towers pay testament to the village’s violent past, when rival powers fought to control it.
If you like shopping, there’s a lot for you here. One of the best things to do in Eze village is go into all the little shops, boutiques, and galleries. From jewelry to art, there’s something for everyone.
Eze also has a Fragonard perfume factory. The laboratory and workshop produces perfume, soap, and cosmetics from Provence’s famous perfumery.
Free guided tours are offered daily, so it’s a good place to go if you want to learn more about how their products are made.
Restaurants in Eze
Another of my favorite things to do in Eze village is eat. There are a lot of good restaurants here, from the aforementioned 2-Michelin starred one to casual cafes.
I’ve had great meals in the garden at Le Nid d’Aigle on past trips. The atmosphere is straight out of a fairy tale with the trees among the tables.
On this trip I have meals at both Le Pinocchio and Gascogne Cafe. I’m a bit skeptical of Le Pinocchio at first, as it seems touristy. But the service is friendly and my dinner is a winner.
Gascogne Cafe is just outside the village walls, but has great food and slightly better prices than many of the other restaurants. I sit at an outdoor table and watch the world go by as I tuck into a delicious pizza here.
Things to Do in Eze Village and Beyond
I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to things to do in Eze village. This has been one of my favorite places in Provence for years, and I’m glad I’ve been able to share it with you.
New here? Join thousands of others and subscribe to the A Lady in London blog via email or Bloglovin’.
Some of the links in this blog post are affiliate links. At no cost to you, I earn a small commission when you click on them and make a purchase. It doesn’t affect the way you shop, and it’s a great way to support the A Lady in London blog.
Pin it!
