Useful Guide for How to Get From Nice to Èze: Day Trip (2024)
If you have a few days in Nice and are looking to explore some of the smaller seaside towns, consider doing a day trip from Nice to Èze! Here, you can admire some of the most stunning views of the French Riviera! In this post, I’ll provide you with everything you need to know to make your day trip from Nice to Èze smooth and enjoyable. From the best transport options, how much time you need to explore, and what to expect, I have it all covered for you!
Is It Worth It to Day Trip From Nice to Èze? (2024)
I won’t beat around the bush — visiting Èze is an absolute gem of an experience, and I wholeheartedly believe it’s worth the effort for those staying in Nice. The quaint village is a short and easy trip from Nice and offers a welcomed change of pace from the throngs of people that can form in Nice. Ok — I admit, there are crowds in Èze too, but it’s not as bad, especially after 6 PM.
Furthermore, for budget-conscious travelers, Èze is a very affordable place to explore from Nice and can cost as little as $10 to visit. But, for those who prefer a more guided and in-depth excursion, there are fantastic tours that pass through Èze, offering insights into its history and beauty.
Beyond its accessibility and affordability, Èze’s serene nature spaces and captivating medieval ambiance create the perfect setting to unwind and reconnect with the past. Just as a bit of background, Èze has a rich history that dates back to around 200 BC, and as you stroll through its charming streets, you can’t help but feel connected to the stories of its ancient inhabitants.
So, if you’re like me, someone who craves a respite from the chaos and enjoys traveling beyond the big cities, then Èze is a must-visit destination!
What is Èze Known For?
Èze is most well-known for its medieval village nestled in the mountains of the French Riviera. And with the village’s location 400+m above the sea, the town offers its visitors (what I believe) the most breathtaking panoramas of the coastal region.
In addition to this, the small hilltop village is famous for its botanical wonderland and boasts two luxury hotels, the opulent Château de la Chèvre d’Or and Château Eza. Both provide exceptional service and unbeatable views. Lastly, Èze is known for being home to Parfumerie Galimard, a famous perfumery that dates back centuries!
How to Get From Nice to Èze
With Èze being about 13 km or ~8 miles away from Nice, there are several different transportation options: by guided tour, by train, and by bus.
Nice to Èze Tours
The first option is to go on a tour, where you’ll not only spend time wandering around Èze but also Monaco, the famed land of the top 1%… This is the most hassle-free way to navigate the area, but you won’t have as much control over how long you spend at each place. That said, if you value convenience and air-conditioning and want the chance to explore both Èze and Monaco in a single day, then I recommend doing this highly-rated full-day tour! below!
⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 – taken by 775+ guests! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 8 hours
Monaco and Èze Small-Group Day Trip from Nice:
- Enjoying breathtaking views of the French Riviera & villages from Èze
- Learning the art of perfume-making with a tour of a perfumery in Èze
- Doing a lap around the Monaco Formula One Grand Prix circuit
- Time to discover Monte Carlo, the palace, and the famed casino
- Pickup & drop-off from centrally located Nice hotels
- Small-group experience limited to 8 guests
🇫🇷 Don’t want to deal with navigating public transportation? This is one of the most popular and highest-rated tours from Nice to Èze. Over 8 hours, you’ll travel in the comfort of a private minivan to Èze Village & the glamorous principality of Monaco. (During the peak summer travel season, you can truly appreciate private transport!!)
Along the way, you’ll have free time to explore on your own, gain insights from your driver, and get to take a guided tour through the famous perfumery in Èze. Thus, if you’re looking for an easy and carefree day trip to Èze & Monaco, this is the best option!
“Our tour guide was the best she took the time to explain so much to us and made it a highlight for us. We had plenty of time in each place and the sightseeing was breathtaking.”
– Sharni C. (See More Reviews)
Alternative Tour: For those who want to maximize their time in the French Riviera and see several towns and cities, check out this popular tour. You’ll get to visit the village of Èze, the principality of Monaco, Antibes, Saint Paul de Venice, and Cannes! Understandably though, you won’t have as much time in each location.
Nice to Èze by Train
Your second option is to make use of France’s fantastic train network by taking the train. Simply purchase a ticket from the Nice-Ville station or the Nice Riquier station to Gare de Èze-sur-mer! The flip side though is that you’ll have to either Uber to the top of the mountain or hike Chemin de Nietzsche. Chemin de Nietzsche is a moderate-challenging hike that I’ll talk about in-depth in the next section!
Round-trip tickets cost about $5 USD and can be either purchased in advance online or directly at one of the ticketing machines at the train station.
🚨 Beware: Figuring out the ticketing machines can be a tricky affair. There are different ticketing machines, and they are NOT all equally user-friendly.
My friend and I struggled a lot with the ticketing machines when we took the train to Monaco. We actually ended up hurriedly purchasing our tickets online since the machines either weren’t working, or we were just too dumb to figure them out. 🥴 Thus, you’ll want to give yourself a good amount of time before your desired departure time to get a ticket, check the departure time, and head to the platform.
If you want to avoid the stress of purchasing a ticket at the station, I recommend purchasing your ticket online. You can purchase a ticket on Omio, the Inter-Europe travel platform that I’ve relied on for the last 5+ years. Or, if you want to leave from the Nice-Ville station, you can purchase a ticket from Trainline.
🚨 If it’s your first time using Omio, feel free to sign up with this link to get $11 off your first trip with them!
Bus From Nice to Èze
The last and cheapest option is to take a bus from Nice to Èze. This route is best for people who are working on a tight budget, want to leisurely explore Èze, and are comfortable navigating the public transport system. Oh, and it’s also good for people who don’t want to hike up Chemin de Nietzsche! But, don’t worry, you can still hike back down! 😉
To take the bus to Èze, you’ll want to take bus line 82 in the direction of Plateau de la Justice or Bus line 602 in the direction of Monte-Carlo Casino until you reach the Eze-Village stop. This bus operates from 6:30 AM – 8:40 PM Monday – Saturday and comes every 40 minutes. That said, on Sundays, the bus runs from 8:30 AM – 7:20 PM and comes approximately every 30 minutes. So, be mindful of the time constraints.
And depending on which stop you get on, the journey to Èze takes about 35 – 40 minutes! Just click here to open Google Maps and you’ll be able to route yourself to the correct bus stop. Once you’re on the bus, you can find an open seat and enjoy the scenic ride until you reach the Èze-Village stop!
In terms of paying for your bus fare, you have two options. The first is to simply pay €1.50 in cash or coins when you board the bus. Meanwhile, the second option is to purchase a Ligne d’Azur transport ticket ahead of time at any of the ticket machines at the tram stations.
7 Things to Do in Èze During a Day Trip
Now that you know how to get to Èze, here are different things you can do during your day trip!
🏰 NOTE: Everything is listed in the order that I would recommend doing them to avoid unnecessary travel time. Also, this order assumes you plan on taking the train to Èze. If you plan on arriving via bus, here’s a different order I recommend doing.
1. Hike Chemin de Nietzsche
The first activity you can do once you arrive at the Èze-sur-mer train station is hike Chemin de Nietzsche. This scenic trail is named after the famous German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche who is known for spending time here and questioning “man’s existential situation” — yay existentialism! 🤠
Ironically, though, this hike will have you contemplating all kinds of things over the trail’s 2120 meters or ~1.3 miles because it can be brutal if it’s a sunny day with hot temperatures…
When I did this hike, I underestimated how difficult it was going to be. Posted signs say that it takes approximately an hour to complete (in one direction), so I thought, “No problem!” I even believed I’d comfortably complete it in 45 minutes since I consider myself to be a fairly fit person.
However, I very quickly realized this was not going to be the case. The trail for this hike has lots of switchbacks, and several pretty steep sections, is extremely rocky and uneven, and in some areas, is not well-maintained… Sounds fun right? 😅
Well, the plus side is that if you come prepared and are up for the challenge, this trail will certainly reward you! Along the trail, there are several points where you can catch the most beautiful views of the French Riviera and buildings dotting Èze’s hillside. And if the hike doesn’t leave you breathless, the picturesque panoramic views will! 😂
But seriously, I do recommend those who are up for a challenging adventure to hike up Chemin de Nietzsche. It was tough and you’ll probably struggle a bit, but it was one of the most memorable experiences that left me feeling a sense of accomplishment!
2. Wander the Streets of Èze Village
Once you get to the top and catch a lil breather, you can step back in time as you wander the narrow, cobblestone paths of Èze Village. You’ll find that the quaint village is adorned with boutique shops, art galleries, and inviting cafés and restaurants offering tasty (yet expensive) treats to indulge in.
There’s even a luxurious side of Èze. One of the highlights of the village is the renowned and opulent Château de la Chèvre d’Or, a dreamy 5-star hotel that promises unbeatable views of the French Riviera, offers lavish amenities, and captures the essence of exclusivity and romance.
As you can imagine, it’s a favorite among honeymooners and those seeking a truly indulgent stay. And, as someone who has stayed at the Fairmont in Monte-Carlo in the principality of Monaco, Château de la Chèvre d’Or is simply in a league of its own — both price-wise and in terms of luxury stays!
Oh, and if you happen to find yourself thinking, “Geez, it feels like I’m walking in some sort of fairytale,” there’s a good reason! A neat little fact is that Walt Disney spent a few months on this enchanting medieval hilltop gem. He even played a role in transforming the medieval village into what it is today. Back in the day, he encouraged Robert Wolf to create Château de la Chèvre d’Or within the village. Thus, if you feel like you’re in a Disney movie, Walt probably took a bit of inspiration from here!
🏰 PRO TIP: If you’re looking to capture Instagram-worthy pictures… visit after 6 PM. This is when shops and attractions usually close, so a LOT of people clear out.
3. Go Inside the Notre Dame De L’Assumption Church
As you roam through the streets of Èze Village, make sure not to miss the opportunity to step inside the Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption Church. Located conveniently near the entrance to Èze Village on the right side, the yellow church dates back to the 18th century and adds to the timeless charm of this picturesque destination.
Once inside, you’ll be mesmerized by the church’s ornate Baroque interior, adorned with intricate details and a sense of grandeur that starkly contrasts the rest of Èze Village. And the highlight is the altar, which provides a glimpse into the rich history and cultural heritage of the region.
I highly recommend coming here to take a moment to absorb the tranquil atmosphere and perhaps offer a quiet moment of reflection. And if nothing else, the church offers a cool place to rest in relative solitude if you happen to be visiting on a warm, busy day!
4. Explore Le Jardin Exotique
Of all the places in Èze, the most popular place to visit is undoubtedly Le Jardin Exotique. It is the location where everyone goes to capture that iconic picture that shows up on all the travel brochures for the city — #guilty! 💁🏽♀️ But, like the rest of Èze Village, this botanical garden is quite enchanting!
For one, since Le Jardin Exotique is perched on the side of the hilltop, visitors can catch the most awe-inspiring panoramic views of the Mediterranean coastline and the surrounding countryside. It’s almost unbelievable how beautiful everything is… I say almost because if you spend enough time on the French Riviera, visiting places like Nice, Villefranche-sur-mer, and Monaco, you realize views like this are the standard — yes, I’m very jealous of the locals!
As you wander through the terraced garden, you’ll be greeted by a mesmerizing array of plant life from various corners of the world. More specifically, the garden has a diverse collection of succulents, agave, vibrant flowers, and fascinating cactus species.
There are even some waterfalls tucked into the garden. And on the coastal side, you’ll find extremely comfortable reclining chairs that I can personally attest are comfortable! 😌 Needless to say, the gardens are worth visiting! Click here for information on pricing and opening hours.
5. Tour Parfumerie Galimard
Once you’re ready to make your way to the next stop, just a few minutes walk away is Parfumerie Galimard. Similar to visiting Le Jardin Exotique, a visit to Èze wouldn’t be complete without a fascinating tour of Parfumerie Galimard. It’s one of the oldest and most renowned perfumeries in the region.
According to the history books, it dates back to 1747 when Jean de Galimard invented his first perfume formula. These formulas for perfume, olive oils, and other scents went on to supply the court of Louis XV!
Today, visitors can step into a world of scents and fragrances, delve into the fascinating history of the famous Grasse perfume region, and discover the art of perfume-making during a one-hour guided tour through the factory.
For those working on a budget, you’ll be happy to know that Galimard Perfumery offers several free tours. They don’t require a reservation, but be sure to check the times of the tours and arrive on time! Additionally, there is also a wide range of paid workshops that you can join. These workshops offer a more hands-on experience as you can create a personalized fragrance under the guidance of skilled experts.
Regardless of how you decide to visit Parfumerie Galimard, be sure to stop by! And if you’re looking for souvenir ideas… consider grabbing yourself a bottle or two of perfume!
6. Admire the View from Fort de la Revère
This next one is a bit inaccessible, so it may only be worth it if you have access to private transportation. But, a lesser-known gem is Fort de la Revère! Unfortunately, the fort itself is closed to the public, so visitors can’t explore the grounds. But, you can revel in the panoramic views of the stunning coastline and the charming cities below!
There are also a couple of small trails you can stroll along and an abundance of benches in the park that make it the ideal location for a relaxing picnic! For those interested, the fort is a little over a 10-minute drive from the Perfumery or a 48-minute walk away… so yeah, definitely understandable if you aren’t up for an uphill hike!
7. Spend Time at the Beach
For the final stop of the day, I recommend spending some time at Plage d’Eze. This pretty much refers to the entire stretch of coastline within Èze. But, you might hear people refer to the beach as Èze-sur-Mer Beach.
Unlike the other beaches in Nice, which can be overwhelmingly crowded with people…, the beach in Èze is often significantly less crowded. This makes the beach an idyllic spot to unwind and round off your day trip from Nice to Èze! Here is the location of one of the entrances to the beach. Just beware that there is a 10-15 minute hike involved, but I think it’s still worth it. :’)
Plan on Taking the Bus to Èze?
If you aren’t keen on hiking up the side of a mountain aka doing the Chemin de Nietzsche from Gare de Èze sur Mer… that’s understandable 😅 Here’s an alternate order you can hit all the main activities starting from the bus station near Èze Village.
- Visit the famous Parfumerie Galimard
- Go Inside the Notre Dame de l’Assumption Church
- Wander the streets of the Èze Village
- Explore Le Jardin Exotique
- Hike *down* Chemin de Nietzsche
- Spend Time at Èze Plage
🏰 NOTE: If you have a car or are up for the hike, you can visit Fort de la Revère after touring Parfumerie Galimard or before hiking down Chemin de Nietzsche!
Tips for Visiting Èze
To make the most of your visit to the charming medieval village of Èze, here are some helpful tips to ensure you have an enjoyable and seamless experience!
- 👟 First and foremost, don’t forget to wear comfortable walking shoes as the picturesque streets in the mountainous medieval town are all cobblestone!
- 💧For those adventurous souls planning to embark on the breathtaking Chemin de Nietzsche hike, be sure to bring an ample supply of water! There’s no place to refill your water bottles on the trail and you’ll go through your water supply much faster than you think!
- ⏰ To avoid any disappointments, be sure to check the closing times of the attractions and places you wish to visit. Many establishments in Èze tend to close their doors by 6 PM, so you’ll want to plan your itinerary accordingly!
- 💶 If you’re planning to take the bus from Nice to Èze, you’ll want to bring Euros in cash or coins if you didn’t get a public transportation card. This is also good for buying from smaller vendors since they don’t always accept cards!
- 🍎 Lastly, dining within the medieval town can be a bit pricey. If you prefer to save some money, I recommend bringing food to keep you fueled during your day trip! Or, if nothing else, bring some snacks just as backup!
Where to Stay in Nice
If you haven’t booked your housing accommodations in Nice yet, here are a few places I recommend checking out based on my multiple trips to Nice!
Low-Cost Stays
- Hostel Ozz & Bar — 5- minute walk from the train station | ⭐️ 8.6 / 10
- I personally enjoyed all the activities they hosted throughout the week!
- The Deck Hotel by Happy Culture — 4-star hotel near the beach | ⭐️ 9 / 10
- Hotel de France — highly rated, affordable 3-star hotel | ⭐️ 9.2 / 10
Mid-Range Stays
- Villa Bougainville — 4-star hotel near Nice Ville Station | ⭐️ 8.2 / 10
- I loved their stylish designs & affordability
- La Pérouse — 4-star hotel with pool | ⭐️ 8.8 / 10
- Hotel Nice Côte D’Azur — 4-star hotel w/ terraces | ⭐️ 9 / 10
Luxury Stays
- Hotel Palais Saleya — great 4-star hotel near Castle Hill | ⭐️ 9.6 / 10
- Le Negresco — famous 5-star hotel on Promenade des Anglais | ⭐️ 9.2 / 10
If you prefer, you can search for other housing options using the buttons below 🙂
Or, feel free to use the interactive map below to search for housing across different platforms. You can drag around on the map and enter your specific
Visiting Eze: FAQ
If you don’t plan on Chemin de Nietzsche, I recommend setting aside at least 4 hours to visit Èze. It’s quite a small town, and you can cover a lot of ground quickly if you’re on a tight schedule. However, if you plan on hiking Chemin de Nietzsche, I recommend adding 1.5 hours per direction. Google Maps will say it only takes you 1 hour to hike it. But from personal experience, you’re going to probably take *several* breaks and want to give yourself PLENTY of time to hike it!
The weather is best in Èze from May to September.
The distance from Nice to Èze is approximately 12.3km or 7.6 miles. This equates to a ~15-minute train ride between the two stations or a 50-minute to an hour-long bus ride.
If you’re keen on doing some other day trips near Nice, a few places I can happily recommend include the land of the ultra-rich (Monaco), the colorful seaside town of Villefranche-sur-Mer, beautiful Cannes, and the vineyards in Provence!
Meanwhile, if you want to stay in Nice and are looking for other things to do, I highly recommend tasting the local Niçoise specialties! My friend and I loved doing a tasty food tour and visiting so many local shops we would’ve otherwise missed! Other things to do in Nice include climbing to the top of Castle Hill for the best views of the city, enjoying a boat ride out in the Mediterranean Sea, doing some souvenir shopping in Old Town, and wandering the many local markets!
Wrap-Up: Day Trip from Nice to Èze (2024)
If you’re in the process of creating your perfect French Riviera itinerary, I highly recommend adding a day trip from Nice to Èze. This adorable town is not only incredibly picturesque but also affordable to visit. Not to forget, you can comfortably see the main sights in half a day if you don’t have time to spend a full day exploring.
For those interested in traveling to Èze from Nice it’s fairly easy to reach as there are 3 main transportation options: by tour, by train, and by bus. So, if you’re ready to escape to some of the French Riviera’s quaint villages and towns, I highly recommend doing a day trip from Nice to Èze!
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