Èze: things to do and what to see
Èze is on the French Riviera, northeast of Nice. Its territory reaches from the Mediterranean shore at Èze sur Mer to the medieval settlement of Èze Village on the hilltop. The village occupies a rocky spur beside the Moyenne Corniche, above Beaulieu sur Mer and the Bay of Saint-Jean.
Village and Riviera tours
Medieval houses make up Èze Village on its steep rocky peak. The small village has a reputation for its attractive appearance and charm.
A private guided day tour of Monaco, Monte Carlo and Èze lasts 8 hours and 30 minutes and includes a professional private driver and guide, transport in a comfortable, recent private vehicle, commentary throughout the day and an itinerary adaptable to personal preferences.
The private tour of French Riviera hilltop villages from Nice takes 9 hours, with a professional private driver and guide, travel in a comfortable, recent private vehicle, guided visits to four villages and a stop at the Saut du Loup waterfalls.
A private guided day tour of Èze, Monaco and Monte Carlo lasts 9 hours and includes a professional private driver and guide, a comfortable, recent private vehicle, a scenic drive along the Moyenne Corniche, a visit to medieval Èze, a drive around the Monaco Formula 1 circuit and free time in Monaco Old Town and Monte Carlo.
The botanical garden
Cacti, succulents and panoramic views are features of the Jardin botanique d'Èze. The plants include succulents from desert regions and plants from the Mediterranean region. Established after World War II, the garden occupies the remains of a chateau. The garden stands at about 429 metres above the sea and looks out along the coast.
Churches and village history
The Chapelle de la Sainte-Croix dates from 1306. Also called the chapel of the White Penitents, it underwent restoration in 1953. The pale ochre church of Notre Dame de l'Assomption was built between 1764 and 1772 and is visible from a distance. The church received historic monument status in 1984.
Romans and Moors occupied the area, with Moorish rule lasting about 80 years. Èze was under the authority of the House of Savoy by 1388. The name subsequently took the form Esa. In 1706, the castle and the enclosing village walls were destroyed by Louis XIV.
The Chemin de Nietzsche
From the seafront, the Chemin de Nietzsche climbs a steep, winding slope to the hilltop village. Its route measures 2,100 metres, with an elevation difference of 400 metres. Between Èze Village and Èze sur Mer, it passes through natural surroundings and rocky terrain. Friedrich Nietzsche spent his first winter on the Côte d'Azur, in Nice, in 1883 and 1884.
Perfume and coastal excursions
Galimard and Fragonard both run perfume factories with small museums in Èze Village.
The private French Riviera day trip to Monaco and Èze from Cannes lasts 7 hours and includes a private vehicle with a professional driver for up to 8 passengers, a guided shore excursion, a guided Fragonard Perfume Factory visit in Èze and scenic stops along the coast.
The French Riviera day tour from Villefranche shore takes 9 hours and includes an English speaking guide throughout the day, minivan transport between destinations, a visit to the Fragonard Perfume Factory in Èze and free time for independent exploration at each stop.
Where is Èze?
On the French Riviera, Èze lies northeast of Nice.
What is in the botanical garden?
The plants include succulents from desert regions and plants from the Mediterranean region.
How long is the Chemin de Nietzsche?
The path extends for 2,100 metres and has a height difference of 400 metres.
When does the Chapelle de la Sainte-Croix date from?
The chapel dates from 1306 and was restored in 1953.
Is there a perfume museum in Èze?
Galimard and Fragonard both run perfume factories with small museums in Èze Village.
Frequently asked questions