Top 15 Things To Do In Èze, France

1. Feast your eyes on the views from the Exotic Garden

This botanical garden situated right on top of the village of Eze offers not only incredible views of the French Riviera but also of the village itself. The garden hosts a diverse range of exotic succulent plants and cacti from across the world. Walk up through the entire village to reach the garden. Wander around admiring the beautiful plants and shrubs artistically displayed in the views around you and learn about Eze’s history from signs scattered there.

The Exotic Garden (Le Jardin Exotique d'Eze)

Address: Rue Du Chateau, Eze

Website: Le Jardin Exotique d'Eze

Opening hours: Jan - Mar: 9am - 4.30pm (daily); Nov - Dec: 9am - 4.30pm (daily); Apr - Jun & Oct: 9am - 6.30pm (daily); Jul - Sept: 9am - 7.30pm (daily)

Price: 6 EUR (7 USD)

2. Go for a swim in the unspoiled waters of Èze Sur Mer Strand

At the foot of the Eze village lies a secluded public beach where you can enjoy the exceptional pristine turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Set against a magnificent mountainous backdrop, Èze Sur Mer is a long, narrow and pebbled beach perfect for sunbathing, swimming or windsurfing. Alternatively, you can rent a boat and head out into the open seas! Since it’s a largely rocky beach, be sure to carry appropriate footwear.

Èze Sur Mer Strand

Address: Eze, France

3. Marvel at the amazing interiors of Église Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption d'Èze

This small and peaceful medieval church is a must-see stop as you walk through the village. Built in the late 1700s in the Neoclassical style, the church’s exterior is simple and unpretentious, but its interior is ornate with dramatic baroque architecture featuring cornices and several trompe l'oeil paintings lining its walls. Located just next to the Exotic Garden, this church similarly offers spectacular views, so do explore its grounds as well.

Église Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption d'Èze

Address: Place de l'Église, Èze

4. Tour Parfumerie Fragonard to see how perfumes are made

Get a behind-the-scenes look into how products of the well-known French perfumery Parfumerie Fragonard are created. Lasting for around 30 minutes, the tour will allow you to see how its perfume, soap and other cosmetics products are manufactured. During selected hours (9 am to 12 am and from 2 pm to 6 pm on weekdays), you can view the design stages of their manufacturing process. At the end of the tour, you will get a chance to get hands-on with their perfumes and visit their store.

Eze: The Laboratory Factory

Address: Eze, France

Website: Eze: The Laboratory Factory

Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)

5. Hike the trails inside Grande Corniche State Park

If you fancy venturing into nature, then on the outskirts of Èze, you have the Parc de la Grande Corniche which is among the best places to catch gorgeous views of the French Riveria. The park extends to over 650 hectares, alongside the coastal mountain range, encompassing woodlands and several villages in addition to Eze, like La Turbie, La Trinite. Head to Col d'Èze to the top of the mountain where you will find many trails going into the woods and around the historic fort. Most are easy and will afford you spectacular views of the mountains on one side and endless blue seas on the other. Your walk will also give you an opportunity to admire the park’s abundant local plant life and wildlife. For those more adventurous, look for the trails that go towards La Turbie.

Grande Corniche State Park

Address: 680 Route de la Revere, Èze

6. Appreciate the architecture of Fort de la Revère

Fort de la Revère sits high above Eze on top of the mountain within Parc de la Grande Corniche. Built in 1878 to protect Nice and provide fortification for the region, the fort is today not accessible to visitors. You can, however, walk around the historic building to admire its medieval features - limestone walls, a moat/tunnel and cells. What is more breathtaking, though, is the 360-degree view of Cote d'Azur’s beautiful landscapes. Plan a picnic there (you’ll find several picnic tables) and take in expansive panoramic views that go from San Remo up to Saint-Tropez. The peninsula of Cap Ferrat is also visible on clear days.

Fort de la Revère

Address: Èze, France

7. Trek down Nietzsche Path to reach the beach

Nietzsche Path winds down the mountain from Eze to the beach (and the train station). Though not paved, it is a well-marked path that you can either climb up or go downhill from Eze. The climb up the hill is not recommended unless you are keen on a vigorous trek - the path is quite steep, rocky and can get challenging in the heat (if you are there during summer), plus it can take over an hour! Walking downhill is easier and will allow you to feast your eyes on the greenery around and the wondrous vistas of the French Riveria.

Chemin de Nietzsche (The Nietzsche Path)

Address: Chemin Frederic Nietzsche, Eze

8. Enjoy delicious Italian food at La Taverne d'Antan à Eze

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Savour delectable southern Italian food in this atmospheric casual dining restaurant situated right in the middle of the Eze village. You can sit indoors inside a vaulted medieval room or outside in a charming courtyard. Service is warm and friendly, and the must-try dishes include pizzas, pasta and their homemade ice cream. Reservations are advised as the restaurant gets full very quickly.

La Taverne d'Antan à Eze

Address: 6 Rue Plane, Eze

Website: La Taverne d'Antan à Eze

Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 12pm - 3pm, 7pm - 11pm (closed on Tue)

9. Spend an evening gazing at the stars at Astrorama

If you stay over in Eze then consider an evening with the stars at Astrorama. This small astronomy museum and planetarium hosts sessions where you can see the night sky in all its glory, away from light pollution, and learn more about our solar system. You can also explore their interesting astro-themed exhibitions, activity sessions like Open Skies Night, Star Shows, Astro Space, and special topical programs.

Astrorama

Address: Route de la Revère, Col d'Eze, Eze

Website: Astrorama

Price: 10 EUR (11 USD)

10. Check out the medieval ruins of Ruines du Village du Mont-Bastide

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

At the highest point of Jardin Exotique d'Èze or The Exotic Garden, lie the ruins of a medieval fort/chateau, known as Ruines du Village du Mont Bastide. Although not much remains barring a few broken-down sections and walls, it is a good way to see medieval architecture at close quarters. The climb is a tough one involving steep steps but the sweeping views make it worthwhile - you will get a 360-degree look at the spellbinding Riveria landscape.

Ruines du Village du Mont Bastide

Address: Jardin Exotique d'Èze, Eze

11. Make your own special perfume at Usine et Musee Galimard

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Spend an hour in the perfume factory of Perfumerie Galimard as well as the historical museum on-site to get a better understanding of how perfumes are created and produced. This free tour led by a knowledgable guide will also showcase equipment and processes used through the ages to make perfumes and cosmetic products like soaps. It also includes a visit to their laboratory, where you will see how specialists called “Noses” develop perfumes. A unique experience here is the opportunity to make our own perfume under the guidance of one of the Noses, but do note that this requires a booking made at least one day prior.

Usine et Musee Galimard

Address: 6 Place Charles de Gaulle, Eze

Website: Usine et Musee Galimard

Opening hours: May - Sep: 9am - 6.30pm; Oct - Apr: 9am - 6pm

12. Buy an artistic keeepsake at Atelier Torraca

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Shops, boutique stores and studios line the cobbled paths of Eze, offering a wonderful range of handcrafted trinkets, art pieces and object d’ arts. One of the most well-known is Atelier Torraca, which offers a cool collection of authentic yet creative Mediterranian-style fashion accessories. From chic bags to jewellery and hats, you will have a whole lot of exciting options to pick out your souvenir.

Atelier Torraca

Address: 10, Rue de la Paix, Eze

13. Tuck into amazing food at the delightful Anjuna Beach

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Enjoy a magical experience at this chic beach club cum restaurant where you can relax by the soothing ocean. Located right on the Eze Sur Mer, Anjuna Beach has a buzzing bohemian-Carribean vibe featuring stylish decor, live music, quintessential French/Mediterranean cuisine along with views of the gorgeous blue waters. Signature dishes include incredible seasonal seafood, truffle burger and grilled chicken. You can also lounge in their private beach bay where you can rent sunbeds and boats. The restaurant is on the pricier side and reservations are recommended.

Anjuna Beach

Address: 28 Avenue de la Liberté, Èze

Website: Anjuna Beach

Opening hours: Restaurant: 12pm - 11pm (Apr - Sept); 10am (beach)

14. Sample baked delicacies at Saines Saveur

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

After a busy day of exploring the beautiful village of Eze, take a break with a stop at this authentic French bakery. Saines Saveur is a well-known French chain of bakeries that offers freshly made bread, cakes, pastries among other yummy desserts. Though a little on the expensive side, you will not regret making a stop here to taste their delicious baked goodies.

Boulangerie Saines Saveurs

Address: 39, Avenue de Verdu, Èze

Website: Boulangerie Saines Saveurs

Opening hours: 7am - 7.30pm (daily)

15. Enjoy sea views while sipping Papaya Beach's cocktails

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Combine a day of beach fun and great food at Papaya Beach, a beach club that is also a bar/restaurant! Located on the beach, you will have uninterrupted views of the crystal clear waters of the sea as you sit back and sip on their famed classic cocktails. You can also go onto their private beach to soak up the sun on lounge beds.

Papaya Beach

Address: 28 Avenue de la Liberté, Èze

Website: Papaya Beach

Opening hours: 9.30am - 6pm (daily)

Bask in Eze's breathtaking charms

There you have it, the list of all the things to do in Èze, France. The views are astonishing as is the atmosphere! Given that there’s a lot of walking involved on rocky paths, do remember to wear comfortable, sturdy shoes. Although most visitors make a day trip to experience Eze, you can also stay at one of the few hotels here, if you want to immerse yourself!