Trips from Nice: Eze

It is a place that seems to float on the edge of a fairy tale on the mountainside, somewhere between the clouds and the sea. The road to get there is already an experience in itself – the panorama becomes more and more impressive as you drive along the winding Grande Corniche, until you arrive at a tiny, medieval village that seems to have stopped in time.

Getting to Eze from Nice is easy. If you rent a car or take a taxi, you can take the famous Grande Corniche or Moyenne Corniche routes, both of which offer stunning views of the sea and mountains. For those arriving by car, it is worth knowing that you cannot drive into the village itself – parking is available in a car park at the bottom of the hill, and from there you have to climb up to the village on foot (about a 10-minute walk).

If you prefer public transport, the easiest way is to take bus 82 or 112 from the centre of Nice. The journey time is around 30-40 minutes , and services are available most of the day, although it is worth checking the timetable in advance as they are less frequent in the evening. The train is also an option (Nice – Èze-sur-Mer), but from there it is about an hour’s steep walk up to the village on the famous Nietzsche Path – a beautiful but physically demanding route, especially in the heat.

The narrow, winding streets of the town are very atmospheric. On every corner, another small art shop, gallery or fragrant lavender gift shop appears, geraniums hang from the windows, ivy clings to the walls. There is no car noise, no rush – just the sound of cobblestones under your feet, and the occasional quiet conversation or bird chirping.

At the highest point of the village is the exotic garden, Jardin Exotique, which is worth buying a ticket to, even if it may seem like a tourist trap at first. The reality is quite different: walking among the special plants, you will be greeted by one of the most breathtaking views of the Côte d'Azur. The deep blue sea, the rocky coastline, the silhouette of Monaco in the distance - all this 429 meters above the sea.

We chose Chateau Eza for lunch because we really liked its location: the terrace offers a wonderful panorama. We later found out that the restaurant has a Michelin star; we were a little scared, but the heat and hunger combined made us decide to stay and not look for another place. In the end, the bill wasn't that bad, and the food was absolutely delicious. Luckily, we could also choose a daily menu, which was more cost-effective, and we could taste all kinds of specialties.

When you finally start to descend the mountain, it feels like you’ve returned from another world. It wasn’t just a visit, it was a mood, a timeless experience that you carry with you for days afterwards. If you’re on the Riviera, you simply have to stop by – if only to experience what it feels like when the world slows down for a moment and everything falls into place.

The village is at its calmest in the morning and early afternoon, when there are no crowds yet and the lights play beautifully on the old stones. If you come in the summer, don't forget to bring water with you, as there is little shade in the narrow streets. The temperatures are more pleasant in the fall and spring, making this the ideal time to visit.