Visit Èze – a shore excursion from Villefranche (Nice)

Nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the Maritime Alps, Èze is a stunning medieval village known for its cobbled streets, breathtaking panoramas, and rich history. Perched high above the sea, it offers some of the most spectacular views on the French Riviera.

For cruise travelers docking in Villefranche-sur-Mer, Èze makes for a perfect day trip—an escape into a world of history, nature, and classic French charm. But before you go, it’s important to know that Èze is split into two distinct areas: Èze Village and Èze-sur-Mer. Understanding the difference will help you plan your visit.

The difference between Éze Village and Éze-sur-Mer

Eze is situated on different levels:

• Éze Village is high up in the mountains on what is known as the Moyenne Corniche. This is the medieval village and your final destination.
• Éze-sur-Mer means “Eze on the Sea” and lies far below the village on the coast. It refers to the stony Eze beach, some restaurants and cafes along the front, local houses, hotels, and the train station.

While Èze-sur-Mer offers a lovely beach, if you don’t venture up to the village, you’ll miss out on the real highlight of Èze.

Èze-sur-Mer and Èze-Village are connected by both a road and a hiking trail:

1. Road (D6007 & D45) – You can drive between Èze-sur-Mer (on the coast) and Èze-Village (perched on the hill) via the Moyenne Corniche. This is the main paved route used by cars and buses. Bus #83 connects Èze-sur-Mer to Èze-Village.
2. Hiking Trail (Nietzsche Path) – The Chemin de Nietzsche (Nietzsche Path) is a well-known hiking trail that connects Èze-sur-Mer with Èze-Village. It’s a steep, rocky trail that takes about 1 to 1.5 hours uphill (or 40-50 minutes downhill). The trail starts near the Èze-sur-Mer train station and climbs up to the village, offering fantastic views of the Mediterranean.

How to get from Villefranche cruise port to Éze Village

For cruise visitors, there are a few ways to reach Èze from Villefranche. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to explore Èze on your own—so you can take in the magic at your own pace. But if you’d rather skip the planning and join a guided tour, we’ve also got recommendations for the best shore excursions to make your visit unforgettable.

1. Train + Hike: After arriving at Èze-sur-Mer by train, you’ll follow the well-marked Nietzsche Path to reach the village in about an hour. See below for detailed hiking instructions.
2. Bus: The cheapest non-hiking option is taking the bus, but it requires a transfer and isn’t the fastest route:
   – Take Bus 602 from Villefranche to Èze-sur-Mer. (~15 min)
   – Transfer to Bus 83 from Èze-sur-Mer to Èze Village. (~20 min)
   Buses are infrequent, especially on weekends, so check the schedule in advance!
3. Taxi: Taxis from Villefranche to Èze Village take about 20 minutes but can cost €50-70 one way. It’s a fast and comfortable option, but prices are high.
   Tip: If you want to hike up but not down, you can take a taxi to Èze-sur-Mer and hike the Nietzsche Path one way.
4. Guided Tour – Easiest & Most Convenient: If you want to skip planning transport and hiking, a guided tour is the smoothest option. Most tours include pickup from Villefranche, a scenic drive, and a local guide to show you the highlights of Èze Village. Perfect for cruise travelers with limited time.

Villefranche to Éze-sur-Mer by train

The Villefranche train station is just a short uphill walk from the port area. The station itself is very small.

If the ticket office is closed, you can purchase train tickets to Éze-sur-Mer from the ticket machine. If the instructions appear in French, simply select English for an easy-to-follow process.

The train journey from Villefranche to Éze-sur-Mer is very short; it takes just 7 minutes and costs around 3 euros each. First, the train will stop at the coastal town of Beaulieu-sur-Mer, and then Éze-sur-Mer is the second stop.

Éze-sur-Mer to the Nietzsche Path by foot

Once you arrive at the Éze-sur-Mer train station, follow these steps to find the Nietzsche Path:

• Exit the station and cross the road.
• Walk east along the footpath for about 200 meters.
• The start of the Nietzsche Path is signposted and starts with a concreted path before turning into a dirt trail.

The train from Villefranche cannot take you to Éze village, it can only take you to Éze-sur-Mer train station. To reach Éze village from the train station at Éze-sur-Mer, you must walk up the Nietzsche Path. This moderately challenging hike takes approximately an hour and rewards you with panoramic views of the Mediterranean.

Hike the Nietzsche Path from Éze-sur-Mer to Éze village

For those who love adventure and breathtaking views, hiking the Nietzsche Path from Éze-sur-Mer to Éze village is an unforgettable experience.

This steep and scenic trail takes just over an hour and rewards hikers with panoramic views of the Mediterranean and surrounding hills.

What to expect on the hike

The path is not recommended for young children or those with mobility issues, as there are no barriers near the edges—only vegetation. Do not do the hike in bad weather.

• The trail is rocky and uneven, with loose stones in many places.
• Wear sturdy walking or hiking shoes to ensure good footing.
• Bring a water bottle and sunscreen, as there is little shade along the way.

Arriving at the village of Éze

Before you enter the medieval village of Èze, there is a small modern area with some amenities, often referred to as the lower village or Éze village entrance area.

This area is near the tourist office and serves as a transition before stepping into the medieval part. It has a more modern feel compared to the medieval village. It consists of a wide, open square with some greenery, parking spots, and pedestrian paths.

Here’s what you can expect:

Tourist Office & Parking

• The Èze Tourist Office is located in this area, providing maps and information.
• There’s a parking lot nearby, where visitors can leave their cars before walking up into the medieval village.
• Public restrooms are available. They are very clean and cost 1 euro.

Shops, Cafés, and Restaurants

• Before the entrance, you’ll find a few souvenir shops, small boutiques, and cafés.

Fragonard Perfume Factory

• Just outside the medieval village, you’ll find the famous Fragonard Perfume Factory.
• They offer free guided tours where you can learn about perfume-making and purchase fragrances.

Bus Stop & Road Access

• You’ll be dropped off in this area if you arrive by bus (Line 83 or 602 from Nice or Villefranche or Éze-sur-Mer).
• The main road, Moyenne Corniche (D6007), runs past the bus stops.

The medieval entrance is up a small stone path that leads into the historic part. Once you pass through the entrance, you step into the narrow, winding stone streets of medieval Èze, filled with historic charm, stone buildings, and panoramic views.

Discovering the historic village of Éze

Éze’s history dates back to around 2000 BC. While exploring, look out for plaques and signs that recount the stories of these historic buildings, many of which now serve as luxurious accommodations for visitors.

Over the centuries, Éze has seen numerous rulers, from the Romans to the Moors, and was a strategic military site due to its elevated position.

In the 12th century, the House of Savoy fortified the area by building a castle on the site to assert their control over the region.

Château Eza

Amidst the ruins and rebuilt structures that remain today stands the iconic Château Eza, perched atop the village.

Originally constructed in the 14th century as a fortress, Château Eza has been meticulously restored and transformed into a luxurious hotel offering wonderful Mediterranean sea views.

For lunch with the world’s best view, treat yourself with a visit to its beautiful restaurant.

La Chèvre d’Or

The small Baroque Church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption is worth a quick visit for its peaceful atmosphere.

Château de La Chèvre d’Or, a luxury hotel, has beautiful gardens and a terrace for drinks with a view. It began as a café opened by Robert Wolf in the 1950s and has evolved into one of the most exclusive hotel restaurants in the world.

It’s a part of Èze’s transformation into a destination for luxury tourism, combining historical ambience with modern comfort.

Cafés, boutiques, & art galleries

The village is dotted with quaint cafés, restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, and local artisan shops.

These spots provide a break and a moment to soak in the village’s peaceful atmosphere.

We ate lunch at Le Cactus, packed full of tourists but still great, friendly service from all the staff.

There is also a great little snack bar called Deli’ Eze Village, and or try Le Nid d’Aigle for a casual meal. You cannot book a table in advance as seating is limited at these places – so just turn up!

Reaching the peak – the Exotic Garden

No visit to Éze is complete without reaching its summit to explore the Exotic Garden of Éze , Le Jardin Exotique.

Perched atop a medieval fortress 429 meters above the Mediterranean, the gardens offer breathtaking views of the French Riviera, stretching to the Esterel Mountains and the Gulf of Saint Tropez.

It is filled with succulents and xerophytes on its sun-drenched mountainsides. As you walk the pathways, informative plaques tell of the site’s historical legacy and extraordinary past.

Visit Éze village on a guided tour

Want to see the best of Èze without the hassle? A guided tour takes care of everything—no train schedules, no steep hikes, just a seamless experience with stunning views and expert local insights.

Book a guided tour for your visit to Éze from the cruise port for a fully immersive tour into the past of this Riviera gem.

With a local guide, you’ll head straight to the best spots, skipping the crowds and uncovering fascinating stories you wouldn’t get on your own. Most tours include transport, so you won’t have to figure out buses, trains, or taxis. Just relax and enjoy Èze.

If you want to experience this stunning village comfortably and stress-free, a guided tour is the best way to go! Check out these handpicked excursions led by expert local guides:

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Wrapping up your day in Èze

After a day exploring Èze’s medieval streets, breathtaking views, and charming cafés, it’s time to make your way back.

As you return to Villefranche to reboard your cruise or head to Nice for an extended stay, take a final moment to appreciate the stunning landscapes of the French Riviera—a place that stays with you long after you’ve left.

There are a few ways to return to Villefranche or continue on to Nice.

Getting back to Villefranche Cruise Port from Èze Village

If you are exploring on your own, and need to return to Villefranche-sur-Mer to board your cruise ship, you have a few options. Allow yourself plenty of time to ensure you return to the cruise ship on time.

Option 1: Bus via Beaulieu-sur-Mer

1. From Èze Village to Beaulieu-sur-Mer:
   • Take Bus 83 from the Èze Village bus stop near Parfumerie Galimard.
   • The ride to Beaulieu-sur-Mer takes about 15 minutes.
2. From Beaulieu-sur-Mer to Villefranche-sur-Mer:
   • Transfer to Bus 15, which travels to Villefranche-sur-Mer.
   • The bus ride takes about 10 minutes, with buses running every 20–30 minutes.

Option 2: Train via Èze-sur-Mer

1. Descend to Èze-sur-Mer:
   • Hike the Nietzsche Path (1 hour, steep, scenic).
   • Take Bus 83 down to the Èze-sur-Mer train station.
2. Train to Villefranche-sur-Mer:
   • Purchase a ticket at the station and board the next TER regional train (direction: Nice).
   • The journey takes just 7 minutes.

Option 3: Taxi

• Taxis from Èze Village to Villefranche take about 25 minutes.
• Expect to pay at least €50. Consider sharing with fellow cruise passengers to split the cost.

Tip for Cruise Travelers: Factor in extra travel time! Buses and trains may have delays, so leave Èze well before your ship's all-aboard time.

How to travel from Èze Village to Nice (for post-cruise stays)

If your cruise ends in Villefranche and you’re staying in Nice afterwards, returning is simple and convenient by bus.

1. Walk to the Bus Stop
   • Leaving the medieval village of Èze, head downhill towards the Parfumerie Galimard (about 4 minutes).
   • The Èze village bus stop is located nearby.
2. Take Bus 82 or 602 to Nice
   • Bus 82: Runs approximately once per hour to Nice Vauban bus station.
   • Bus 602: Another option with similar travel time.
   • The ride takes about 30 minutes.
3. Arriving in Nice & Getting to Your Hotel
   • The buses drop you at Nice Vauban bus station on the city’s east side.
   • Walk 5 minutes to the “Vauban” tram stop and board Tram Line 1 toward the city center.
   • Get off at Jean Médecin or Masséna—whichever is closest to your hotel.
   • We walked from Vauban bus station back to our hotel, Aston La Scala. The walk was around 30 minutes.

Tip: If you're staying in Nice, this is a great opportunity to explore the city’s Old Town, Promenade des Anglais, and beachfront restaurants. Read more about what to see and do in Nice here.

Ready to book the perfect excursion?

Find the best Èze tours & excursions here—handpicked for cruise travelers looking for a stress-free experience!