Perched on a precarious hilltop overlooking the cool blues of the Côte d’Azur, the medieval village of Èze offers some of the best views on the French Riviera. Add to this the labyrinth of cobblestone streets crammed with gorgeous art galleries, historic restaurants and insta-worthy backdrops, and a day trip to Èze from Nice becomes an essential part of any South of France itinerary.
We recently took an Èze day trip while staying in Nice for 3 nights and can honestly say it was one of the most spectacular parts of our visit.
This guide includes everything you need to know about taking a day trip to Èze from Nice, including how to get there, an itinerary for the day, and top tips for visiting.
How to get from Nice to Èze on a Day Trip
Bus from Nice to Èze Village
There are several buses you can take from Nice to Èze Village. Many people choose the bus because it is the cheapest way to get from Nice to Èze for a day trip. It costs just €1.70 per person each way.
You need either the 82 bus towards Plateau de la Justice, which runs every day, or the 602 towards Monte Carlo, which runs Monday – Saturday. Both depart from Bavastro bus stop, a few blocks behind Port Lympia (see the location on Google Maps here). The bus journey takes about 30 minutes.
The buses run once every hour or so, so I recommend checking the current timetable before you leave to reduce the time spent waiting at the bus stop. You’ll need cash to buy a bus card from the driver which can then be topped up on an app called Lignes d’Azur Tickets. This is handy if you plan to use the bus again during your time in Nice.
To get to the bus stop, you can walk, or use the electric Lime bikes, which have parking stations scattered throughout the city. The first 10 minutes of riding are free, and you can use the Lime or Uber app on your phone to unlock the bikes and find the nearest parking spot.
Driving or Taxi from Nice to Èze Village
If you are renting a car or are planning the visit as part of a road trip, you can drive from Nice to Èze Village. There is a car park near the entrance to the village, but this does get full up very early during the summer months. I’m not sure if there is any overflow parking, so arrive early to avoid disappointment.
You can, of course, get a taxi, which is what we decided to do on the day. The taxi cost €17 and took less than 20 minutes, in a cool, comfortable, air-conditioned Uber. The views along the drive were spectacular. I’d do this again in a heartbeat if we went back!
Train from Nice to Èze-Sur-Mer
Don’t be fooled into jumping on the train to ‘Èze’ thinking it’s a shortcut. The train only takes you to Èze-Sur-Mer. From there, you’ll need to take on a very sweaty 50-minute ascent to reach Èze Village, which is not recommended at the start of a long and tiring day of exploring!
However, if you follow the suggested itinerary below, you will end up within walking distance of the train station for a quick and easy journey back to Nice.
Guided Day Trip to Èze
The final option for taking a day trip to Èze from Nice is to book a guided tour. If you are the sort of person who likes to have everything organised for them, or prefer to learn a little bit more about the history of a place, this could be a good option for you.
Most day trips to Èze from Nice also include stops in Monaco and Monte Carlo. The most popular tour will pick you up from your hotel in Nice, spend the morning in Èze with a visit to the Fragonard factory, followed by an afternoon exploring Monte Carlo and the legendary casino.
The Ultimate Itinerary for a Perfect Day Trip to Èze From Nice
If you prefer to ‘DIY’ your day trip to Èze from Nice, this is the itinerary we followed which offers the perfect mix of sightseeing and soaking in the incredible views. We jumped in an Uber to get there, but you can also easily take the bus, following the instructions above.
08:00 – Take a taxi or bus from Nice to Èze Village
09:00 – Explore the charming cobblestone streets while it’s quiet
10:00 – Stop for a coffee and/or snack at Le Cactus (they do a fab iced coffee for when it’s hot!)
11:00 – Visit the Exotic Garden and soak up the incredible views
12:30 – Have lunch on the terrace at the Chèvre d’Or (must be booked in advance!)
14:30 – Visit the Fragonard Perfumery and make your own perfume
15:30 – Take the famous hiking path to Èze-Sur-Mer (50 minutes walk), or a taxi to Beaulieu-sur-Mer
16:30 – Sunbathe and enjoy a refreshing dip in crystal clear waters
18:00 – Take the train back to Nice
Below you can find some more information about all the best things to do in Èze which are mentioned in the above itinerary, plus costs and links to book, where applicable!
Things to Do in Èze France
Stroll Around the Medieval Village
Free
There’s something so charming about the Moorish hilltop village of Èze, you could spend hours getting lost in the photogenic streets and perusing the gorgeous art galleries.
I recommend spending an hour or so just having a look around when you first arrive – there are plenty of alluring boutiques it’s worth poking your head into.
Exploring the old town first thing also means you can take all the photos you want when the light is soft and there are not so many people milling about.
If you’re into art, there are some incredible galleries to explore. You’ll also find artisanal jewellery shops, homemade olive oil, and gorgeous handcrafted homewares, so it’s a fantastic place to pick up your South of France souvenirs.
If you want to stop for coffee, I recommend Le Cactus, an unassuming eatery on a balcony near the village entrance. They do a fantastic iced coffee there, perfect for cooling off in the heat of summer!
**Looking for more unique day trips from Nice? Check out the best things to do in Menton, a stunning town with Italian influence just 40 minutes from Nice by train.**
Explore the Exotic Garden
€8 per adult
It costs €8 per person (in peak season) to go inside the Jardin Exotique at the top of the village, but I definitely think it’s worth it for those incredible panoramic views. If you only do one thing on your day trip to Èze to Nice, make it this!
You can buy your tickets at a machine just before the entrance to the village, but there’s another ticket machine right outside the entrance of the garden itself. So there’s no need to walk back down the hill to purchase your tickets like we did…
The garden entrance is located right towards the top of the village, and there are plenty of signs pointing the way.
Once inside, it takes about an hour or so to walk around all the different areas of the garden.
There’s a really peaceful atmosphere up there, with seating so you can really soak in the scenery. Be warned that the entire garden is on the crest of the hill, so there are a lot of stairs involved!
At the top, you’ll find the most stunning, panoramic views of the Riveria, with the sapphire blues of the ocean and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat sparkling in the distance.
Peek inside the Notre Dame de l’Assomption
Free
The quaint, buttercup-coloured church towards the top of Èze Village is known as Notre Dame de l’Assomption, and is worth a visit if you’re into history.
It’s free to pop inside, and the church features a beautifully preserved domed ceiling with ornate frescoes to admire. There are also plenty of pews and altars where you can sit peacefully or light a candle for a loved one.
The bell tower was added later and features a unique, blue-faced clock.
Visit the Famous Chèvre d’Or
Lunch from mid-range to fine dining
For the most spectacular lunch with a view, you can’t beat the historic Château de La Chèvre d’Or. This ultra-luxurious hotel is home to stunning terraced gardens furnished with eccentric sculptures, fountains and fragrant planting, as well as three restaurants and a bar.
If you’re not staying at the hotel, you’ll need a reservation at one of the restaurants. All offering sensational Riviera views, there are three venues to suit various budgets. Café du Jardin is the most reasonably priced, with a simple yet elevated menu of pizzas and small plates.
For a more substantial meal, you can go for lunch at Restaurant Les Remparts, which features an upscale menu with a focus on Mediterranean flavours and produce. The restaurant has a dress code, so shorts and flip-flops are not permitted.
For the full gourmet fine dining experience, the two Michelin star La Chèvre d’Or restaurant offers an exclusive lunch service between 12:30 and 1:30pm with a set 5-course tasting menu.
La Chèvre d’Or is indoors but features large windows for a substantial serving of beautiful sea views. The dress code is ‘elegant’ – no shorts, t-shirts, sneakers or flip-flops are allowed.
All three venues require an advance booking online.
Take a Tour of A Perfume Factory
Free
If you didn’t get a chance to visit Grasse during your trip to the South of France, the Fragonard Perfumerie in Èze is the next best thing. The Medieval hilltop village has long been the location where the famous label crafts its scented soaps and cosmetics.
The quaint factory is still very much in operation and offers free guided tours every 30 minutes in French and English.
The tour only takes about 30 minutes and offers a little insight into the making of perfume, plus some interesting tips for choosing and enhancing your signature scent.
At the end, there’s a little bit of a sales pitch in the gift shop where your tour guide will walk you through the Fragonard product range, but you are not obligated to buy anything.
Actually, my main regret from our day trip to Èze from Nice is that I didn’t buy any perfume! There was one in particular with a gorgeous grapefruit top note that I really liked but can’t remember the name of to buy it online… Guess I’ll have to go back for it!
Make Your Own Perfume
€30 per person
Along with the guided tour, you can also book a perfume-making class at the Fragonard Perfumery.
This is such a fun way to create the ultimate, personalised souvenir, with a bottle of your own ‘signature scent’ to take away.
You’ll learn a little about what makes a good ‘nose’ before blending your own fragrance from a choice of different base, head, and heart notes.
The workshop only takes 20 minutes or so but I can thoroughly recommend if you’re into fragrance or cosmetics. It’s definitely one of the most fun and unique things to do in Èze! The 14:30 class is very popular so I recommend booking in advance.
Take on the Nietzsche Path Hike
Free
This scenic walking trail connects Èze village with Èze-Sur-Mer (AKA the beaches in Èze), and takes about 50 minutes. It’s a steep downhill trail but worth it if you love a little adventure you’ll need some study shoes to walk in with a bit of grip (do not attempt this in flip flops!).
Along the way, you’ll be rewarded with sprawling views of the Riviera, Èze-sur-Mer and the peninsula of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat glimmering in the distance. There is also a charming waterfall near the bottom.
The path was named for the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche who often visited the French Riviera and was said to have written one of his most famous philosophical fiction books while climbing the hill.
Once you reach the bottom, you can cool off with a swim in the sea, or pop into one of the beach bars for a well-deserved drink! Anjuna is a lively, happening spot, or you can try La Casa for something a little more low-key.
Hit the Beaches in Èze or Beaulieu-sur-Mer
Free
As mentioned above, you can walk from Èze village to Èze-Sur-Mer but if you don’t fancy the steep rocky descent, you can easily hop in a taxi or jump on the bus.
The number 83 towards Baie des Fourmis takes just 18 minutes to get from the main bus stop in Èze village to the train station at Èze-sur-Mer, which is right behind the beach.
The bus also makes stops at Plage Saint Laurent and Criques du Cap Estel on the way, two hidden gem beaches in Èze that are a little more quiet and private than the main stretch.
We were keen to pack lots of different places into our South of France itinerary, so we actually took a taxi to the beach at Beaulieu-sur-Mer instead, which was less than a 20-minute drive from Èze Village and on the way back to Nice.
This stunning port village has a beautiful, calm beach bordered by scenic rocky cliffs, and some fantastic bars and restaurants. La Javanaise is a stylish beach bar right on the sand, while Ambrosia is a beautiful restaurant on the harbour with the most gorgeous outdoor terrace.
From both Èze-Sur-Mer and Beaulieu-sur-Mer, it’s easy to hop on the fast and regular trains back into the city centre, which makes both options the perfect way to end your day trip to Èze from Nice.
**You may also be interested in reading What to Wear in the South of France: Outfits and Packing List.**
Day Trip to Èze from Nice: FAQs
Are there any guided day trips to Èze from Nice?
There are lots of guided day trips to Èze from Nice, but most include stops in other famous towns along the Riviera, such as this highly-rated guided day trip to Èze and Monte Carlo.
I recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season!
Book a guided Èze day trip here.
What are the best beaches in Èze France?
In Èze-sur-Mer (which is a 20-minute drive or steep, challenging hour-long hike from Èze Village), there is a beautiful crescent-shaped stretch of sand with a happening beach club called Anjuna. At the far eastern end of Èze-sur-Mer beach, there is also a nudist beach.
Just a little way along the coast you’ll also find the tiny, secluded beaches of Plage Saint Laurent and Criques du Cap Estel. These rocky coves offer a beautifully rustic spot to lay out your towel, complete with unspoilt turquoise waters.
The next closest beaches to Èze village are Mala Beach, a picturesque spot backed by pine forests, and Plage Petite Afrique, a safe and sheltered cove in Beaulieu-sur-Mer.
What is the best way to get from Nice to Èze on a day trip?
The quickest and most convenient way is to take a taxi (Uber), which cost €17 each way in 2024 and took 20 minutes.
The cheapest way to go on a day trip to Èze from Nice is to take the number 82 or 602 bus from the Bavastro bus stop behind Port Lympia. The bus cost €1.70 per person in 2024 and takes around 30 minutes.
**You may also be interested in reading The Ultimate 3 Day Itinerary in Nice, South of France.**
Have any more questions about taking a day trip to Èze from Nice? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to help out with your planning.
The views from Èze look absolutely stunning! Can you visit in the summer without too many crowds, or would it be better to visit in the shoulder seasons?
Great question! We visited Eze in peak season in the last week of August and I was surprised it wasn’t more busy to be honest. There were plenty of people but it never felt tooooo crowded. I’m sure visiting in shoulder season would be beautifully peaceful and quiet though – and easier to take photos!
Eze looks like such a charming spot for a day trip! The views and the history seem incredible. Definitely adding this to my list for when I visit Nice. Thanks for the inspiration and helpful tips!
Glad you found it helpful! I definitely recommend it as an easy day trip from Nice.
This looks unbelievably dreamy! Wasn’t on my itinerary before but it is now!
Isn’t it just! ✨ So glad you’re adding it to the list!
I had never even heard of Eze but it looks like the perfect day trip from Nice! I´d love to visit later in the year! Btw your outfit looks absolutely stunning!
I was surprised that not many people heard of it! I thought it was super popular already but was pleasantly surprised.
And thanks so much – my husband wasn’t sure about the headscarf haha but I wore it anyway in the name of ✨chic French style ✨
The views are extraordinary and the beaches very pretty, this is such a lovely place to visit in Provence.
So true! Just love the South of France 😍
Off topic but what shoes did you wear for the day? I am in search of comfortable but fashionable shoes for my walking Euro trips and yours look perfect!
The exact ones I’m wearing are no longer available unfortunately but if you’re in the UK I found a similar pair here:
https://www.office.co.uk/view/product/office_catalog/2,305/4992952151
or here: https://www.asos.com/truffle-collection/truffle-collection-flatform-espadrilles-in-beige/prd/205556136
If not, try searching platform/flatform espadrille sandals. I find the chunky sole and ankle strap combo comfy and supportive all day long when exploring cobbled European towns!
Hope that helps!
Can you walk from the perfumery to Eze gardens/shops/restaurants.We will not have a car and I’m trying to plan this day w/out a tour. Would you do the perfume making first then explore Eze?
Thank you
Hi Kristi, thanks for your comment. You can absolutely walk from the perfumery to Eze village and the exotic gardens. I would say it’s a 15-minute walk, but be aware that there are a lot of stairs/steep cobbled streets involved (it might not be possible for the mobility impaired).
I recommend visiting Eze village first, as in the DIY itinerary above. This is because the village can get crowded towards the middle of the day and into the afternoon. Explore Eze village in the morning while it’s quiet, and then book your perfume-making experience afterwards. The perfumery is at the bottom of the village, so it makes sense to do this on your way back down. It’s near the bus stop and taxi rank, so you can easily find transport once you’re finished.
I hope that helps!
Amabel