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Things to do in Èze

• Relax at Èze Beach (Plage d'Èze)

  
  
  
  
  

  After exploring the hilltop village of Èze, a visit to Èze Beach, located in Èze-sur-Mer, provides a refreshing contrast. This pebble beach lies at the base of the mountain and tends to be quieter than beaches found near Nice or Monaco, especially during peak summer. The clear waters and peaceful surroundings make it an inviting place to unwind.

  Swimming is ideal from June to September, with the water offering a pleasant temperature and a gentle entry that suits families. Because it is a pebble beach, bringing water shoes and a thick towel or mat can help with comfort. Several beachfront restaurants are nearby, offering convenient options for food and drinks. Looking up from the shore, you can see the village of Èze perched on the cliffs above, creating a dramatic and memorable view. The beach is a great spot to relax for a few hours before returning to the hilltop.

  
  

• Indulge at La Chèvre d'Or restaurant

  
  

  La Chèvre d'Or offers an exceptional fine dining experience set within a luxury hotel perched on the cliffs of Èze. With two Michelin stars and sweeping views of the Mediterranean, the setting alone makes it one of the most memorable places to dine in France. Guests enjoy their meal with a panoramic backdrop that adds to the atmosphere and elevates the experience far beyond a typical restaurant visit.

  The cuisine matches the setting in both quality and creativity. Dishes are crafted using seasonal ingredients, many of which are grown in the restaurant's own gardens. Each course is prepared with precision and presented with artistic flair. The service is professional and well-paced, with staff offering thoughtful explanations without being intrusive. For those seeking a more accessible option, the lunch menu provides a refined taste of the full experience. Given its reputation, reservations are essential, especially during the high season.

  
  

• Hike the Nietzsche Path

  
  

  The Nietzsche Path links the hilltop village of Èze with the seaside area of Èze-sur-Mer. Named after philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, who is said to have walked it regularly during his stay in the village, the path served as inspiration for parts of his work "Thus Spoke Zarathustra." Stretching roughly 2.5 kilometers and descending about 400 meters in elevation, the trail offers a scenic connection between the coast and the medieval hill town.

  Walking downhill from the village makes the route more manageable, especially under the Mediterranean sun. Along the way, the trail presents striking views of the coastline and several quiet spots to pause. The terrain is rocky and uneven, so wearing sturdy shoes is essential. The best times to walk are early in the morning or later in the afternoon, when temperatures are cooler and the sun is less intense. There is little shade, so water, a hat, and sun protection are recommended. Upon reaching the bottom, visitors can relax by the beach or take public transport back to the top. The path provides a rewarding way to experience Èze’s dramatic elevation and natural beauty.

  
  

• Medieval Magic: Exploring Èze Village with a Local Expert

  
  

  Set high on a rocky hillside overlooking the French Riviera, the village of Èze offers a storybook setting that comes to life through this guided walking tour. Led by a certified local expert, the experience begins at the 14th-century fortified entrance and winds through narrow cobblestone streets lined with stone homes, artisan boutiques, and flower-filled facades. The guide shares little-known stories and reveals quiet corners that reflect the village’s medieval charm.

  The tour includes direct access to the Exotic Garden, a terraced botanical space filled with over 100 varieties of succulents and cacti, as well as striking stone sculptures. From this elevated point, panoramic views of the Mediterranean stretch along the coast, providing a scene that has long inspired artists and writers. Along the way, the guide also highlights important landmarks such as the baroque-style Notre-Dame de l’Assomption church, easily recognized by its warm ochre color and elegant bell tower.

  As the walk continues through vaulted arcades and hidden lanes, it becomes clear why Èze has drawn notable figures like Nietzsche and Bono over the years. The experience concludes with the option to explore nearby attractions such as the Fragonard perfume factory. With group sizes kept small, there is time to ask questions and absorb the atmosphere at a relaxed pace, offering a genuine sense of life in one of Provence’s most admired hilltop villages.

  
  
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• Hands-on Perfume Creation at Fragonard Factory

  
  

  At the Fragonard Laboratory in the picturesque village of Èze, visitors are invited to step into the world of French perfumery through an engaging and hands-on experience. The visit begins with a guided tour of the perfume factory, offering insight into how fragrances are created and developed. The production process is explained in a way that is accessible and interesting, giving you a clear sense of the craftsmanship behind every bottle.

  Following the tour, the workshop offers a chance to create your own Eau de Toilette. Under the guidance of a trained instructor, you will learn about the Olfactive Pyramid, the structure used to design perfumes. Each participant works with a base of lemon-scented ingredients, combining top, middle, and base notes to develop a personalized fragrance. The final product, a 12ml bottle of your unique scent, is yours to keep as a meaningful and memorable souvenir.

  The entire session lasts around 45 minutes, making it easy to include in a day spent exploring Èze. The village’s cliffside location and views of the Mediterranean enhance the experience, offering both natural beauty and cultural depth. Whether you are deeply interested in perfumery or simply seeking a creative activity, this workshop provides an enjoyable alternative to traditional sightseeing. Many guests also find themselves drawn to the gift shop, where the variety of available scents can be difficult to resist.

  
  
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• Wander through Jardin Exotique d'Èze

  
  
  
  
  

  At the highest point of Èze village, the Exotic Garden offers exceptional views over the French Riviera. Set among the remnants of a medieval castle, the garden features a striking collection of cacti, succulents, and other drought-tolerant plants that thrive remarkably well in the rocky hillside terrain. The pathways are thoughtfully designed to guide visitors through this unique botanical space, blending natural beauty with the history of the site.

  The most unforgettable feature of the garden is the panoramic view. From an elevation of 429 meters, the Mediterranean coastline comes into full display, stretching from Saint-Tropez to the Italian border on clear days. Benches are placed throughout the garden, offering quiet spots to rest and admire the scenery. Though compact, the garden invites a slow pace, allowing time to enjoy the landscape and capture photographs from its scenic vantage points.

  
  

• Visit the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption

  
  
  
  
  

  Located in the center of Èze’s medieval village, the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption stands as a peaceful and historically significant site. Built in the 18th century atop the remains of a 12th-century structure, its soft yellow façade contrasts beautifully with the surrounding stone architecture. The church is easy to locate while walking through the narrow village streets and offers a quiet escape from the busy paths outside.

  Inside, the church reveals a surprisingly rich baroque interior filled with frescoes, gilded accents, and an elegant altar. Despite its size, it serves both as a historical landmark and a functioning place of worship. The cool and calm interior provides a welcome break, and the natural light filtering through the windows adds a gentle, reflective atmosphere. Entry is free, though donations are encouraged to support its upkeep. A brief visit of about 20 to 30 minutes is enough to appreciate its charm while exploring the rest of the village.

  
  

• Explore the medieval village streets

  
  
  
  
  

  Exploring the winding stone streets of Èze’s medieval village is one of the most rewarding ways to experience its charm. The narrow pathways climb and curve through the hillside, revealing centuries-old stone buildings, quiet corners, and small local shops at nearly every turn. The village feels like a step into the past, where the historic architecture has withstood time and continues to shape the atmosphere of the town.

  What sets Èze apart is how well its heritage is preserved while still feeling vibrant and authentic. Artisans offer handmade perfumes, soaps, and artwork from cozy boutiques, and tucked-away cafés invite you to pause with a coffee or glass of wine. The buildings are draped in greenery and seasonal flowers, adding a timeless beauty to every scene. With no strict path to follow, visitors are free to wander, allowing the village to unfold naturally with each step. Although the area is small, its meandering layout makes each moment feel like a quiet discovery.

  
  

• Visit Èze's Parfumerie Fragonard

  
  

  The Fragonard Perfume Factory in Èze offers a fascinating look into how perfumes are made, from raw materials to the finished product. The free guided tour takes you through the whole perfume-making process, showing off the equipment used and explaining the complex art of creating fragrance. It's surprisingly interesting even if you're not super into perfumes - learning about how they extract scents from flowers and other ingredients is pretty cool.

  After the tour, you'll get to test your nose in their smelling room, where you can try dozens of different scents. The staff are super knowledgeable and not pushy at all - they'll help you find something that matches your preferences if you want, but there's no pressure to buy. Of course, there's a shop at the end where you can purchase perfumes, soaps, and other scented products as souvenirs. The prices are actually pretty reasonable for the quality, and they have some Èze-exclusive scents you can't find elsewhere. Even if you don't buy anything, the tour itself is worth checking out just to learn about this traditional French art form.

  
  

Where to stay in Èze

Best hotels in Èze:

• Hotel Select (budget hotel)

  
  
  
  
  
  book now on booking.com

  Hotel Select is a delightful family-run hotel located in the center of Beaulieu-sur-Mer, right next to a lively Provencal marketplace, giving it an authentic local atmosphere. The rooms are cozy and well-maintained, equipped with modern comforts such as air conditioning and satellite TV. Some rooms offer lovely views of the surrounding mountains or the bustling square below, adding to the charm of the stay.

  The hotel’s location is one of its strongest features, with the train station just a short 5-minute walk away, making it easy to explore other parts of the French Riviera. The beach and port are also within walking distance, offering guests the chance to relax in the sun or watch the boats. With friendly service and a laid-back atmosphere, Hotel Select is a perfect base for discovering this beautiful part of France.

  
  

• La Chèvre d'Or (luxury hotel)

  
  
  
  
  
  book now on booking.com

  La Chèvre d’Or is a breathtaking hotel set high in the medieval village of Èze, offering sweeping views of the French Riviera coastline. With its enchanting atmosphere, the rooms and suites are spread throughout the village’s charming cobblestone streets and terraced gardens, creating a unique and immersive experience. The combination of historic surroundings and refined luxury makes for an unforgettable stay.

  Dining here is just as exceptional, with multiple restaurants, including a two-Michelin-starred fine dining venue, as well as casual options where guests can enjoy incredible sea views over a leisurely meal. The outdoor pool provides a perfect spot to relax under the Mediterranean sun. While the accommodations and amenities are outstanding, it’s the setting that truly sets this hotel apart. Walking through the medieval village to reach your room feels like stepping into another era, and the panoramic views stretching from Monaco to Nice leave a lasting impression long after departure.

  
  

• Les Terrasses d'Eze (medium range hotel)

  
  
  
  
  
  book now on booking.com

  Les Terrasses d'Eze is a spectacular hotel set in the hills above the French Riviera, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. One of its standout features is the infinity pool, where guests can unwind while taking in the stunning coastal scenery. Conveniently located between Nice and Monaco, it serves as an excellent base for exploring the glamorous Côte d’Azur while providing a peaceful escape from the busy coastal areas.

  The rooms are sleek and modern, with many featuring private balconies to fully enjoy the panoramic sea views. Guests can indulge in spa treatments or savor Mediterranean cuisine at the on-site restaurant. The staff are known for their attentive service, adding to the hotel's welcoming atmosphere. While it offers a luxurious experience with top-tier amenities, reaching this hillside getaway involves navigating some winding roads—but the stunning setting makes it well worth the journey.