Discover Èze & Monaco, things to do on the French Riviera

Discover Eze and Monaco.

12km East of Nice along the Mediterranean coast you’ll find Èze Village, a medieval hilltop village 430 metres above sea level. Èze village is built on cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean between Nice and Monaco. Heading back down to the coast, you’ll discover Monaco, the 2nd smallest country in the world and the most expensive land per square metre. A playground for the rich and famous and host to the most prestigious motor-race in the world, the Monaco Grand Prix. Take the Èze & Monaco day trip from Villahostels and discover the charm of the French Riviera.

Click here for our recommended small-group day trip to Èze and Monaco with Viator from Tripadvisor.

What to Do and See in Èze Village.

Èze is a beautiful 1500 year old village built on a steep hillside, with a sister town at sea-level called Èze-sur-Mer. A popular hiking trail, called the Nietzschean Path, connects the two and has beautiful views of the Côte d’Azur. It has a labyrinth of cobble-stone streets and is known for its art galleries, workshops and Provençal shops.

Exotic botanical garden.

The botanical garden is suspended 430m over the Mediterranean sea and offers amazing views of the French Riviera. It features over 2000 different types of cacti, succulent and rare plants mixed with art and sculptures that surround the remains of an ancient chateau.

Visit Èze botanical gardens

Rest for a drink with a View.

In the heart of Èze Village, you’ll find many hotels offering breathtaking views and a charming atmosphere. One standout is the Château de la Chèvre d’Or, known for its stunning gardens and a sea-facing swimming pool. While the coffee at Chèvre d’Or may be a little pricey, it’s well worth it for the unforgettable experience of sitting atop a 400 meter cliff, enjoying one of the best coastal views on the French Riviera.

Stop for a drink and enjoy the view.

Galimard soap-factory & Fragonard perfume factory.

This perfume, soap and cosmetics factory is equipped with modern laboratories and workshops where you can discover the secrets of perfume and cosmetics manufacturing. A free guided tour ends in their beautiful shop where you can buy high quality cosmetics and perfumes. Workshops allow you to create your own scents and experiment with perfume making. Find workshop prices here!

Learn how different fragrance and perfumes are made.

The Nietzschean Path to Eze-sur-Mer.

From Èze Village in the mountains, you can reach Èze-sur-Mer (literally Èze on the Sea) by taking the path of Friedrich Nietzsche. The medium difficulty hiking trail takes about 1h30m. Good shoes are essential as the path is stony and sometimes steep. It is said that under the olive and pine trees, Nietzsche composed the last part of his work, Thus Spoke Zarathustra.

The start of the hiking trail from Èze Village is next to the entrance of the Château de la Chèvre d’Or.

Èze Beach is a long, beautiful beach. Hidden from the road and less accessible than other beaches along the coast, it tends to be much quieter. It’s a great place to end your walk with a swim. From the main road you can catch a bus or train to Monaco or back to Nice.

What to Do & See in Monaco.

Monaco is a country full of history and charm, where the Grimaldi family has ruled for hundreds of years. The bus 100 from Nice to Monaco departs from the port of Nice. Sit on the right hand side of the bus for spectacular views of the sea and the soaring cliffs that plunge into it.

The mythical rock in Monaco old town.

Discover the old town of Monaco.

The Prince’s Palace.

Monaco is a Principality: this tiny sovereign state is ruled by a Prince, whose official residence since 1297 is the Prince’s Palace in the old town. A chic expression of the grandeur of the Grimaldi family. The Changing of the Guards happens at 11h55.

Visit the Prince Palace.

The Oceanographic Museum.

Built into a cliff at the edge of the Rock, this “temple of the sea” is a magnificent building containing huge aquariums with over 6000 varieties of marine species. From sharks to turtles. It’s a unique opportunity to “know, love and protect the oceans”, in a setting that mixes art and marine science. It has a panoramic terrace overlooking the sea, a great place to stop for refreshments.

The perfect museum for those who love the sea.

The Exotic Botanical Gardens – Jardin Exotique

Nestled on the cliffs of Monaco, the Jardin Exotique is a must-visit destination on the French Riviera. These stunning botanical gardens are home to a vast collection of rare succulents and exotic plants from around the world, flourishing in the Mediterranean climate. As you wander through terraced pathways, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the sea and Monaco’s sparkling cityscape below. The garden also features a fascinating underground grotto and the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology. Whether you’re a plant enthusiast or just seeking tranquility with a view, the Jardin Exotique offers a serene escape.

Cliff-side exotic gardens of Monaco.

Monte-Carlo Casino.

The Monte Carlo Casino, the crown jewel of Monaco, is synonymous with luxury and prestige. A true masterpiece of Belle Époque architecture, this iconic venue has been the setting for countless fortunes won and lost. Stepping inside feels like entering a world of opulence, where the grandeur of the past meets the excitement of modern gaming. Dress code is strictly enforced to maintain its refined atmosphere, Smart attire is required. Patrons wearing shorts, Bermuda shorts, jeans with holes, sportswear, running shoes, flip-flops and sandals for men, beachwear and sleeveless shirts will not be admitted.

The Casino Royal.