From Nice to Èze: Uncovering the Hidden Treasures 🧚
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Introduction?
Èze Village is a stunning medieval village located on a hilltop overlooking the French Rivera, between Nice and Monaco. This picturesque village is known for its narrow cobblestone streets, charming architecture, and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. The village is steeped in history, with origins dating back to the 12th century when it was built as a fortress to protect the region from invaders.
Today, Èze Village is a popular tourist destination, offering visitors a chance to step back in time and experience a fairytale-like beauty and charm. With its rich history, stunning scenery, and relaxed atmosphere, Èze Village is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the French Riviera.
Where is Èze?
Èze Village is located approximately 10 km (6 miles) northeast of Nice, on a hilltop overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
How to get to Èze?
🚘Car?
You can arrive by car which will take you approximately 20-30 minutes, but consider the time of day, GPS, and parking. The roads to Èze Village are busy during peak tourist season and would recommend avoid driving during midday as the roads can get very hot and busy. While the roads to Èze Village are signposted well it's a good idea to use a GPS or map since the roads are narrow, winding, and steep. Parking is more widely located at the bottom of the hill and a shuttle bus service could operate from there during peak season, otherwise you'll need to hike up.
🚉Train?
Getting to Èze Village by train from one of the neighboring cities can be relatively easy, but will require a more rigorous second step which is hiking. Trains run pretty regularly throughout the day, but it's always a good idea to check the schedule on timing. Make sure to get off the Eze-sur-Mur station which is located right at the bottom of the hill. From there, you'll want to take a possible local bus or hike up to the village. It's important to note that the hike up to the village is quite steep and can take up to an hour, so be prepared with hiking boots and a lot of water.
🚍Bus?
Buses run from Nice and Monaco, with the most common bus being the #82 bus, which is just one of many that operate along the route depending on the day of the week and season.
When to visit Èze?
⏰Time of year? The peak tourist season is during the summer months of June to August and crowds could be pretty heavy during this time. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting during the off-season.
⏱️Time of day? The earlier the better to avoid all the crowds no matter what time of year, I ended up getting there at 9AM and found that most areas weren't super crowded yet at that time. Also, shops and restaurants don't normally open up until a bit later so it gives you a bit more time to wander.
☀️Weather? The weather is generally mild and sunny, with warm summers and mild winters. The peak tourist season can be the hottest.
Where to eat in Èze?
Where to shop in Èze?
Insider Tips?
1. Festivals and Events: The French Riviera hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, including a weekend of contemporary art and concerts in the summer in Èze. The contemporary art is normally in late July, while the Chapelle de la Sainte Croix is a chapel that hosts music concerts and offers an unique experience.
3. Bring a water bottle: The hillside location and warm weather can make it quite hot and dry, so bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.
4. Try the local specialties: They have a ton of traditional French cuisine, including dishes such as ratatouille, pissaladiere, and socca. Be sure to try some of these at one of the listed restaurants!
Sample Itinerary? 🗺️
Stop 1 (9:00am):
Depart from Nice to Èze Village by taking the train from Nice Ville Station to Eze-sur-Mer station. From there, take the bus or hike up to Èze Village. Another easier option would be to take a direct bus from the Nice city center (check transportation options in section above).
Stop 2 (10am):
Take a stroll through the charming medieval village and admire the views of the Mediterranean Sea. Be sure to visit the Jardin Exotique d'Eze, a beautiful botanical garden with over 400 plant species and incredible views. It will be around €6 per person to enter and closes at 6.30pm.
Stop 3 (12pm):
Èze Village. Back after the Jardin for lunch and a wander in town.
Here are some lunch options:
Stop 4 (1:30-2pm):
Walk down to the Fragonard Perfume Factory, located in the heart of the village and learn about the history of perfume making! See how fragrances are being created.
Stop 5 (3pm):
Take a leisurely walk down the Nietzsche Path, named after the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, who walked this path regularly during his time here. The path offers stunning views of the coastline and the surrounding countryside.
This will allow you to end up at the Eze-sur-Mer train station again and allow you to catch the train back to your home base in the French Riviera.
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