Traveling in Eze, France
Eze is a charming medieval village located in the Southeast of France, between Nice and Monaco. The village is known for its stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, its narrow cobblestone streets, and its beautiful architecture. In this blog post, I will share with you the top things to see and do while traveling in Eze.
Exploring the Village
One of the best things to do in Eze is to simply wander around the winding streets and alleys of the village. There are plenty of hidden corners to discover, beautiful houses to admire, and stunning views to take in. The village is small enough to walk around in a few hours, but it’s easy to get lost in all the charm and beauty of the place. You can visit the village’s main square, Place de la Colette, and the beautiful 12th-century church, Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption. The church is one of the oldest buildings in the village and is an excellent example of Romanesque architecture.
Visit the Exotic Garden
The Exotic Garden is one of the main attractions of Eze. It’s located at the top of the village, offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding countryside. The garden is home to a variety of succulent plants, cacti, and other exotic species, making it a unique and beautiful place to visit. The garden also has a small museum showcasing the village's history and surroundings. You can take a guided garden tour to learn more about the different plants and their origins.
Beaches and Hiking Trails
Eze is located on the French Riviera, so it’s no surprise that plenty of beautiful beaches are nearby. You can take a short drive to the nearby towns of Beaulieu-sur-Mer or Villefranche-sur-Mer to enjoy the sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea. If you’re more of a hiker, plenty of hiking trails in the surrounding hills offer stunning views of the coastline and the countryside. One popular hiking trail is the Nietzsche Path, named after the famous philosopher who walked the path in the late 19th century. The trail offers breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding landscape.
Visit the Perfume Factory
Eze is also known for its perfume industry, and several perfume factories in the village offer tours and workshops. The most famous of these is Fragonard, a family-owned perfume company that has been operating since 1926. You can take a guided tour of the factory to learn about the perfume-making process and the company's history. You can also participate in a perfume workshop, where you can create your own signature scent.
Places to Sleep
There are several options for accommodations in Eze, France. One popular option is the Château de la Chèvre d'Or, a luxurious hotel in the heart of the village. The hotel offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding countryside, an outdoor pool, a spa, and several on-site restaurants. Another option is the Hotel Hermitage, a boutique hotel in a restored 14th-century building. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, suites, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the village and the sea. Additionally, several vacation rentals and bed and breakfasts are available in and around the village.
We stayed at Château d’Eza, which was lovely! Because of how small the village is, cars aren’t allowed for those that are not residents, so we needed to park at the bottom of the village. The hotel had a small venue where the valet greeted us and explained where we had to go to reach the hotel. Once we arrived at the hotel, they greeted us with a welcome cocktail on the terrasse with an incredible view of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, and Beaulieu-sur-Mer, and on a clear day, you can even see Cannes! They even upgraded us to a lovely suite with a hot tub and two working chimneys!
We then had dinner at their restaurant, which I’m surprised doesn’t have a Michelin star because it is definitely worth it! The dishes were pieces of art and tasted amazing. Breakfast was also delicious and had everything you would expect from a hotel breakfast, except cereal and yogurt, which they do have; they just forgot to bring mine. 😟
Restaurants
There are several great restaurants to choose from in Eze. One popular option is the Château Eza Restaurant in the Château Eza hotel. The restaurant offers stunning panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding countryside and gourmet French cuisine. Another option is the Chevre d'Or restaurant in the Château de la Chèvre d'Or hotel. The restaurant offers a Michelin-starred menu and a beautiful outdoor terrace with sea views. Additionally, there are several other restaurants and cafes located throughout the village that offer a variety of options for all tastes and budgets.
I recommend the Le Nid d’Aigle, as it is open in that awkward time after lunch and before dinner when most restaurants are closed, so you don’t need to rush to find something to eat as they offer amazing dishes and snacks, even though the waffles seemed to be a hit, I was pleasantly surprised with my boeuf Bourgignon.
Eze is a beautiful and charming village that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in exploring the winding streets and alleys, visiting the exotic garden, or soaking up the sun on one of the nearby beaches, Eze has something to offer. So, if you’re planning a trip to the French Riviera, make sure to add Eze to your itinerary!
Check out my Instagram for more photos and videos of this magical place!