If you’re staying in Nice and looking for an easy day trip, Eze is one of the best places to visit on the French Riviera. This medieval hilltop village feels like a fairytale with its cobblestone streets, panoramic views, boutique shops, and the famous Jardin Exotique d’Èze. I took a day trip to Eze France from Nice on my own and found it incredibly easy to get there without booking a tour. In fact, I would recommend visiting independently, especially if you want to avoid the crowds.
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How to Get from Nice to Eze
One of the easiest ways to get from Nice to Eze is by bus. I took the 82 bus, which starts its route in Nice at Vauban.
I wanted to arrive early because I had heard that Eze can get extremely crowded. I caught the bus around 8:00 a.m., but even at the first stop, the bus was already crowded.
The ride is relatively easy, and once you arrive in Eze, the village is within walking distance of the bus stop.
If you’re planning your own trip, I recommend checking the current bus schedule before you leave Nice since routes and departure times can change.
Why You Should Arrive Early on Your Day Trip to Eze France From Nice
Arriving early was one of the best decisions I made during my day trip to Eze France from Nice.
When I first arrived, the shops weren’t open yet, but that wasn’t a bad thing. It gave me time to wander through the narrow streets without large crowds of people.
Eze’s streets and alleyways are beautiful, and you’ll want to stop constantly to take photos. Getting there early means you can actually enjoy the scenery instead of trying to squeeze through crowds.
An early arrival also gives you time to:
- Wander through the village
- Take photos without as many people around
- Enjoy breakfast
- Look at shops you may want to return to later
- Explore at your own pace
By 10:15 a.m., Eze was getting crowded. The narrow streets make it hard to move around comfortably and take pictures when there’s so many people.
Have Breakfast in Eze
Since I arrived before most of the shops opened, I had a quick breakfast before continuing my exploration.
This is another advantage of arriving early. You don’t have to rush straight into sightseeing. You can take your time, grab something to eat, and enjoy the atmosphere before the village becomes busy.
I grabbed a freshly baked raspberry croissant from L’Atelier Gourmet.
Explore the Medieval Village
One of the best parts of visiting Eze is simply walking around.
The village is filled with winding stone streets, vine covered walls, small shops, and beautiful little corners to discover. You don’t necessarily need a detailed plan for this part of your visit.
The village is relatively small, but the steep and narrow streets mean you’ll want comfortable shoes.
Visit the Jardin Exotique During Your Day Trip to Eze France From Nice
After exploring the village, I bought a ticket to visit the Jardin Exotique d’Eze which opened at 9:00 am.
The gardens were much larger than I expected and were definitely one of the highlights of my visit. Make sure to plan enough time to wander the numerous routes in the garden.
The garden is filled with plants and sculptures, but the real highlight is the panoramic view of the coast.
Take a Perfume-Making Class
One addition to your day trip to Eze France from Nice is to take a perfume-making class at Fragonard.
My class started at 10:30 a.m., shortly after the village started getting extremely crowded. The experience also included a tour of the perfume factory.
This was a fun way to learn more about the region’s connection to perfume while also creating a unique souvenir.
Should You Take a Group Tour to Eze?
I personally don’t think you need to book a group tour for Eze.
Eze is very easy to visit on your own from Nice and public transportation makes it simple to get there.
The main reason I would skip a group tour is the crowds. Having a large group moving through the village can make the experience feel even more crowded. Visiting on your own makes the experience feel more magical.
However, if you decide to book a group tour, you can combine Eze with Monaco and Monte Carlo.
Tips for Your Day Trip to Eze France from Nice
If you’re planning your own day trip to Eze France from Nice, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Arrive early. Eze gets super crowded, especially during the busy season.
Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be walking through steep, narrow, and uneven streets.
Allow time for the Jardin Exotique. Make sure to spend the extra money for a ticket to visit the garden. It’s truly worth it.
Plan your activities ahead of time. If you want to take a perfume-making class or visit a specific attraction, check the schedule and book in advance.
Is a Day Trip to Eze France From Nice Worth It?
A day trip to Eze France from Nice is definitely worth adding to your itinerary, especially if you start your day early.
The village is beautiful, the views are incredible, and there are plenty of things to do beyond simply walking around the streets. From exploring the medieval village to visiting the Exotic Garden and taking a perfume-making class, you can easily fill a few hours here.
The worst part of Eze are the crowds, which is why I recommend getting there as early as possible. I made it back to Nice around noon so this excursion didn’t take the entire day, which might be important if you’re limited on time.