Eze is a fascinating medieval village in France situated about halfway between Nice and Monte Carlo. This charming location is perfect for spending a few hours while visiting the stunning French Riviera, whether you’re in Cannes, Nice, or Monaco.
Getting There
Cruise ship shore excursions to Eze are usually scheduled for half a day. Once you arrive in Eze, however, the journey to explore the village is not without its challenges. The climb from the parking area up the narrow winding pathways to the top of the rock is steep. Although Eze is an intriguing village, those with mobility difficulties may find it hard to navigate the narrow, hilly streets which are interspersed with numerous stair steps.
The view of the Mediterranean from this hillside village is nothing short of breathtaking. Eze nests like an eagle’s aerie on a large rock, approximately a quarter mile above the sea. There is a path that leads down to Eze-sur-Mer; however, it will take more than an hour to hike from the village down to the sea, and an indeterminate amount of time to hike back up! Many visitors opt for the public bus from Monte Carlo to Eze and then walk down the hill to catch the bus back to Monte Carlo, making it a very easy and economical trip.
Shore Excursions
While visiting Eze from a cruise ship, shore excursion buses often arrive early in the morning. This means you have the chance to enjoy a less crowded experience in this tiny village. The path from the parking area to the village can be strenuous, so those unable to walk uphill for approximately 15 minutes might want to consider an alternate tour or explore nearby shops where the tour bus drops off passengers. The guides typically lead groups slowly up the narrow stone paths to the garden (Jardin Exotique), which is located at the top of the rock and rises over 1,200 feet above the sea.
Even without a guide, you can easily find your way to the garden. Every uphill path eventually leads to the top, where the panoramic garden awaits. Visitors who may not walk as quickly can take their time, leisurely exploring the quaint streets as they make their way to the garden. It’s virtually impossible to get lost in the enchanting village of Eze.
What to See and Do
The view from the garden is well worth the arduous trek to the top. The garden itself is filled with various cacti and exotic plants, with many in bloom during the spring. Strolling through the garden provides an opportunity to marvel at the unique flora, allowing you to rest after your climb. One important note: if your tour does not cover entrance to the garden, be prepared to pay a small entry fee. This minor cost is worthwhile for the stunning panoramic views available from the top of the garden.
As you wander through Eze, you’ll notice remnants of a 12th-century fortified castle once encircling the village. Although the castle was demolished in 1706, the village persists, forming a circular pattern at its base. The local community has effectively restored many older buildings, including the current church of Eze, which sits upon the foundations of its 12th-century predecessor.
Today, many residents are artisans, and visitors can delight in browsing the numerous cave-like shops. You’ll also find perfumeries, aromatic spices, and watercolor paintings or artworks done by local artists for sale. Some artists might even be present in their shops or nearby, allowing you to get your new piece of artwork signed, which serves as a memorable keepsake from your visit to Eze.
If you’ve already explored Eze or if a day trip isn’t part of your itinerary, consider visiting the medieval French village of St.-Paul-de-Vence, which is located inland from the French Riviera. Like Eze, St.-Paul is perched on a hill; however, it does not offer the same breathtaking sea views.
