Hiking from Eze to Mont Bastide
A walk high above the coastline of Nice
Climbing up high above the coastline from the medieval village of Eze, this short but challenging hike takes you from beach to mountains and back again.
The town of Eze has been populated for over 4000 years and has been described as an 'eagle's nest' because of its location overlooking a high cliff 427m above sea level. Its high altitude means that it's church, the Notre Dame de l'Assomption built in 1764, can be seen from afar.
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What to bring
IGN map 3742OT is recommended for this walk
What to see
Sights in Monaco
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Exotic Garden, Eze
Eze's exotic gardens were created after the Second World War, in the ruins of Eze castle. Located on steep terrain, it boasts wonderful panoramic views of the sea, the Esterel mountains and the Saint-Tropez gulf.
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Parfumerie Galimard, Eze
Free guided tours of a historic perfume factory in the medieval village of Eze.
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Parfumerie Fragonard, Eze
This factory for perfume, soap and cosmetics, has very modern laboratories and workshops. Discover the secrets of manufacturing perfumes and cosmetics.
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Kerylos Villa
At the edge of the sea, facing the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula, the villa is a magic place that takes you back in time. Discover this French Riviera seaside palazzo, a luxurious recreation of an Ancient Greek villa.
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Ephrussi de Rothschild Villa, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
This impressive villa was built in 1906 by Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild. It overlooks the Mediterranean sea from Cap Ferrat and it is full of antique furniture, Old Master paintings, sculptures and a collection of rare porcelain, while the gardens are classified as Notable Gardens of France.
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Saint-Michel Church, Villefranche sur Mer
This Baroque Italianate church dates to the 1750s, although it was built on the site of a 14th-century church.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Eze
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Chateau Eza Restaurant, Eze
Château Eza offers a Michelin recommended restaurant serving à la carte French and Mediterranean cuisine against the stunning backdrop of the French Riviera.
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Restaurant des Rois, Beaulieu Sur Mer
The jewel in the crown of La Réserve de Beaulieu hotel is this gastronomic restaurant which has one Michelin star.
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La Chevre d'Or Restaurant, Eze
This gourmet restaurant offers panoramic views across the Mediterranean and gained two Michelin stars in 2011.
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La Table de Patrick Raingeard Restaurant, Eze
The Cap Estel gourmet restaurant or "La Table de Patrick Raingeard" as it is known has one Michelin star.
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Eze Hermitage Restaurant, Eze
Yannick Delaunay is the chef at the Eze Hermitage Art Restaurant and Hotel and offers an inspired Provençal cuisine full of classics as well as new takes.
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La Reserve de la Mala Beach Club, Cap d'Ail
La Réserve has a private beach, cocktail bar and a lovely restaurant with an international menu.
What to do
Things To Do in Eze
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Whale & Dolphin Watching Boat Trip
Departing from Beaulieu-sur-Mer, this fantastic boat trip lets you observe some of the most beautiful marine wildlife that live within the Mediterranean.
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Mediterranean Sport Fishing Trip
Based in Beaulieu-Sur-Mer, this company can offer fishing trips from Beaulieu and also Nice, Cannes and Monaco out into the Mediterranean for all levels of fisher, from complete beginner to expert. They are also family friendly so those who would like an outing with their children can join one of their trips.
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Cannes & Islands Luxury Motor Boat Trip, Beaulieu
This is a four hour coastal trip departing from Beaulieu-sur-Mer to explore the gems of the Cote d'Azur with opportunities to swim and snorkel in the glistening Mediterranean.
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Cote d'Azur Luxury Motor Boat Trip
This boat trip departs from Beaulieu-sur-Mer and can run for 2, 3 or 4 hours - so you can choose whether you want a quick spin along the coast or a more extended trip.
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Sunset Luxury Motor Boat Trip, Beaulieu
This two hour cruise departs from Beaulieu-sur-Mer to take you on a stunning sunset cruise on the Cote d'Azur.
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Cannes & St Tropez Luxury Motor Boat Trip, Beaulieu
Departing from Beaulieu-sur-Mer, on this trip you'll enjoy a full day of cruising along the French Riviera, visiting Monaco to Cannes to Saint Tropez and the beautiful bays and coves.
Directions
Starting from Eze-Sur-Mer train station, cross over the road and turn right along Avenue de la Liberté, carry on for about 150m until you see a small road heading up to the left - the signpost for Chemin de Nietzsche can be hidden amongst overgrown flowers but this is where you head up towards Eze Village.
A steep one hour climb through pine forests will bring you out near the viewpoint at Eze Village where you’ll be greeted by a wonderful vista of sparkling blue sea and landscaped gardens. The village of Eze is a medieval maze of tiny streets and courtyards that spiral their way up and around a pinnacle, culminating in a ruined fort and an exotic cactus garden at its summit. It is well worth a visit, even if you only go for a quick peek before starting the next section of the hike.
To pick up the next part of the trail walk down to the car park and head for the far end, follow the pavement beside the viaduct and look out for the hiking sign pointing right just before the mouth of the tunnel.
Another sharp ascent brings you high above the busy main road and gives you a new perspective on Eze, you can really see its impressive position as a look-out from here as it towers over the coastline. The past twists away from the village and heads into the mountains; hiking poles are a welcome accessory to help pick your way over the rough and rocky terrain. Once the path reaches a certain height it flattens out and you start to see the mountains of the Vallon de l'Ibac stretching into the distance. Look back towards the coast and you’ll see the peninsulas of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat and Villefranche-Sur-Mer jutting out into the sea.
The terrain becomes more of a scrub land where tropical Mediterranean plants jostle for space alongside more familiar varieties such as cowslip and lavender; it’s unusual not see dozens of colourful butterflies flitting about up here. You’ll know when you reach the top as there’s a nice signpost announcing that you’ve conquered the summit at the grand altitude of 570m - which feels very satisfying when you can look down and see the sea so far beneath you.
The descent is a gentle twisting path down towards the Vallon de l’Ibac, skirting past the Col d’Eze, ignore the signs for the Aire de Parapente and continue straight on to the Sentier de Caricart. The final stretch path takes you back round towards Eze-Sur-Mer along the towering cliffs, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views as more and more of the coastline reveals itself. The path meets a busy road called the Moyenne Corniche, which you can follow back to Eze Village if you like, although it’s much nicer to cross over and take the Sentier de Savaric immediately opposite; a steep descent through a leafy residential area down to Eze-Sur-Mer.
