How to Visit Èze & Villefranche in One Day from Nice

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission, at no cost to you, for qualifying purchases. I only recommend products I love and use. More information: Disclosure

Thinking about a day trip from Nice, but not sure how to see both the stunning hilltop village of Èze and the pastel-colored seaside town of Villefranche-sur-Mer? I’ve been there too, trying to figure out how to fit in as much beauty as possible without feeling rushed.
This guide will help you make your way from Nice to Èze and Villefranche-whether you want to hop on a train, catch a bus, share a ride, or even hike. Picture yourself soaking in panoramic views at Èze Village and wandering through lush exotic cactus and succulents in the Jardin Exotique d’Eze, then unwinding by the gentle waves in Villefranche-sur-Mer. This itinerary is for anyone who wants to get the best out of the Côte d’Azur in just one relaxed, unforgettable day.

Why Visit Èze and Villefranche from Nice

Thinking about the perfect day trips from Nice? You can’t go wrong with Èze and Villefranche-sur-Mer. These two towns are true gems of the French Riviera and offer completely different, yet equally captivating, experiences that beautifully complement a stay in the city. A Villefranche day trip feels like stepping into a postcard, while an Èze day trip is like traveling back in time.

Imagine wandering through the medieval village of Èze, perched on a cliff with its breathtaking views and charming artisan shops around every corner. The panorama from the Jardin Exotique alone is worth the trip, offering one of the most iconic sights on the Côte d’Azur.

Just a short ride away, Villefranche-sur-Mer welcomes you with a totally different atmosphere. Picture yourself strolling along its colorful seaside streets, admiring the stunning natural bay, and relaxing on one of the Riviera’s most beloved beaches. This contrast is what makes combining them such a fantastic idea for your French Riviera travel itinerary. Best of all, both towns are incredibly easy to reach from Nice by bus, train, or rideshare, making them ideal for a quick and unforgettable adventure.

Before heading out on your day trip, make sure to explore all that Nice has to offer The Ultimate Weekend Guide to Nice, France has everything you need to plan your stay

How to Get from Nice to Èze 

Figuring out the best way to travel between these beautiful towns is the first step to a great day trip. Here’s a simple breakdown of your options for getting from Nice to the stunning village of Èze.

Nice to Èze by Bus 

Taking the bus is one of the most direct and affordable ways of getting to Èze Village.Both Bus 82 in the direction of Plateau de la Justice and Bus 602 in the direction of Monaco Casino leave from the Vauban bus station in Nice and will drop you right in Èze Village. The bus schedules can change depending on the time of day and the season, so it’s always a good idea to double-check. I recommend using an app like Moovit to see the most up-to-date bus times before you head out.

Nice to Èze by Train + Bus 

Another popular option is to take the train, though it requires an extra step.

The TER regional train runs daily from Nice to Èze-sur-Mer, which is the station down by the coast. Keep in mind there is no train station in the hilltop Èze Village itself.

Once you arrive at the Èze-sur-Mer train station, you can catch the Bus 83 to get up to the village. The bus ride is about 15 minutes. However, be aware that this bus service is not very frequent, sometimes running only once every few hours.

Nice to Eze by Uber/ Bolt

I chose to take an Uber from the Èze-sur-Mer station to the Èze village. Since the bus schedule didn’t line up with my plans, a rideshare was far more convenient. As a result, the trip took about 10 minutes and cost between €15–€20. Overall, using Uber or Bolt is a great alternative and one of the most convenient ways to reach Èze Village, as it offers door-to-door service and helps you avoid a potentially long wait.

Hiking Nietzsche Path

Chemin de Nietzsche or Nietzsche Path is a path connecting the village from Eze-sur-mer, However, it is an arduous to walk from the coastal area to the village due to the steep path and heat in the summer. The hiking to the entrance of the village takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The entrance of the path from the village is a few steps away from Fragonard store. 

If desired, you can also take the Nietzsche Path from the Eze village to the train station, in Eze-sur-mer. The walk from the village down towards the coastal area is a lot faster and easier. It also takes only about 45 minutes of walk to the coastal area.

Nice to Èze by Car

For those who want to have freedom to explore at their own pace, renting a car is an excellent way to journey from Nice to Èze and Villefranche-sur-Mer. This option allows you to enjoy some of the most spectacular coastal views in the world.

The drive from Nice to Èze Village typically takes about 25-30 minutes via the Moyenne Corniche (M6007), one of the three stunning coastal roads linking Nice and Menton. This route offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean. Once you reach Èze, finding parking can be a challenge, especially during peak season. 

There are a few paid parking lots near the village entrance, but they fill up quickly. Arriving early in the morning is your best bet for securing a spot.

The Best Things to Do in Èze

Once you arrive, you’ll find that Èze is full of charm and history. While the village is small, every corner has something new to discover. Here are the top things you won’t want to miss during your visit.

Explore Èze’s Medieval Village

Step into Èze’s medieval village and travel back in time. As one of France’s oldest medieval villages (which joined France in 1860), you will make your way along narrow, cobbled streets and ancient stone buildings set a truly magical scene. Find you way around a maze of narrow alleys that reveal charming artisan shops, and local art galleries tucked away around every corner.

Visit the Church of Notre Dame de l’Assomption—a beautiful Baroque-style church open to the public. Visit La Chapelle de la Sainte Croix (the Chapel of the Holy Cross), the oldest building in Èze, dating back to the 1300s. For a taste of luxury, head to the famous La Chèvre d’Or (The Golden Goat), a historic castle now transformed into a five-star hotel and Michelin-starred restaurant. Remember to book in advance if you want to dine here, and keep in mind that the restaurant and hotel close during the winter season.

Visit the Jardin Exotique d’Èze

Head up to the Jardin Exotique d’Èze for breathtaking panoramic views of the French Riviera. This stunning botanical garden sits atop the village, including the ruins of a medieval fortress and treats you to spectacular sights of the Mediterranean coast.

The garden stands on steep terrain and showcases an incredible collection of cacti and succulents from the Mediterranean, the Americas, and Africa. Climb to the top and discover lookout points and terraces that create perfect spots for photos. This vibrant garden will quickly become a highlight of your trip to Èze.

Opening Times & Tickets

The opening hours vary by season, so it’s wise to check before you go.

• April – June: 9:00 am – 6:30 pm
• July – September: 9:00 am – 7:30 pm
• October: 9:00 am – 6:30 pm
• November – March: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm

You can buy your entrance tickets directly at the gate, or purchase them online in advance via the official website.

Where to purchase Tickets?

You can buy your entrance tickets right at the entrance gate or purchase them online in advance through the official website.

Perfume Tour at Fragonard Èze

The perfume factory Fragonard is a must-visit for the lovers of fragrance. It is located just outside the main entrance to the medieval village and hence quite easy to visit, and at the same time fascinating.

Take a free guided tour at Fragonard’s factory to delve into the rich history of perfume making and watch as their most famous scents come to life. After the tour, sample a wide variety of products and gather up some unique souvenirs to remember your visit. The factory is a quick and fascinating stop, whether going before or after exploring the village.

Once you have soaked up all the medieval charm of Èze, it’s time to make your way down to the coast and experience the lively seaside town of Villefranche-sur-Mer. Here’s how to get there and what to do when you arrive.

Nice to Villefranche by Train 

Taking the TER regional train is the fastest and most convenient way to get from Nice to Villefranche-sur-Mer. The journey takes only about five minutes. Trains run frequently throughout the day,offering a lot of flexibility in planning your trip

One of the best parts is the location of the station. When you arrive in Villefranche, you’ll find yourself just above the beautiful Marinière Beach. From there, it’s a pleasant walk of less than 10 minutes to reach the picturesque harbor and the charming old town.

Rideshare Options (Uber/Bolt)

Rideshare services like Uber and Bolt are another great option, especially if you’re traveling from Èze Village or prefer a door-to-door service. A trip from Èze to Villefranche typically takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic.

I personally took an Uber from Èze Village down to Villefranche because there’s no train station in the hilltop village, and it was the most direct route.

A quick tip: if you’re ordering a rideshare from Èze or Villefranche, be prepared for a slightly longer wait time. It can take a bit more time for drivers to get to your pickup point. However, if you’re requesting a ride from Nice, you should have no problem getting a car quickly.

Nice to Villefranche by Bus

Taking the bus is another great way to reach Villefranche-sur-Mer if you prefer to travel by bus and catch a glimpse of some local neighborhoods along the way. You can hop on Bus 601 from Arson Fodere or catch Bus 15 from the Port de St Jean Nice bus station. Both lines will take you to the Octroi bus stop in Villefranche. Buses run from around 8:05 am to 7:50 pm, Monday through Saturday, making this a reliable option for most daytime plans.

Nice/Eze to Villefranche-sur-Mer by Car

From Èze, the drive down to Villefranche-sur-Mer is a short and scenic 15-minute trip. You’ll drive your way down the hillside.Parking in Villefranche can also be tricky. Look for public parking lots like Parking de la Barmassa or Parking des Marinières but be prepared for a bit of a walk to the old town and harbor.

Top Things to Do in Villefranche-sur-Mer

Stroll the Harbor and Colorful Streets

As you wander along the waterfront area, admire the traditional wooden fishing boats—called “pointus”—that gently bob beside modern yachts. Kick off your visit by strolling along the picturesque harbor. As you wander in Villefranche’s pastel-colored streets, you’ll be sure to stumble upon the Citadel of Saint-Elme, which boasts some of the most breathtaking views over the bay.

As you explore, keep an eye out for the Église Saint-Michel, an eye-catching 18th-century Baroque church that’s famous for its over-the-top interior. Just a short hop away, you can also visit the Chapelle Saint-Pierre which is worth a visit for its distinctive murals that were restored in 1957.

Take a Break at Plage des Marinières

Next, head down to Plage des Marinières, conveniently located just below the town’s train station. The beach stretches along the coast and features both sand and pebbles, making it one of Villefranche’s most popular spots. Best of all, it’s completely public and free, with handy amenities like showers and toilets available. 

After enjoying some sunbathing, you can easily walk over to a seaside restaurant for a snack or settle in for a leisurely dinner by the bay.

Best Seafood Dining Experiences in Villefranche-sur-Mer

You can’t visit a seaside town like Villefranche without indulging in some fresh seafood. The restaurants along the harbor specialize in fish and seafood caught daily, offering a true taste of the Mediterranean. Find a table at one of the waterfront eateries, order a glass of crisp local rosé, and enjoy a delicious meal while taking in the stunning scenery. From casual bistros to more upscale dining, there’s an option to suit every taste and budget. It’s the perfect way to complete your visit.

Some of the recommended restaurants are:

• Les Garçons is one of the most popular local favorite seafood restaurants in Villefranche. I was among the first guests when it opened for dinner service, and within 30 minutes, the entire outdoor area was full. Their menu features a variety of local French seafood dishes—from Provençale octopus and scallop ceviche to foie gras, even classic lamb, beef, and duck dishes.

• La Mère Germaine is another well-loved spot. Try their mouthwatering seabass, fillets, scallops, gambas, and the region’s signature bouillabaisse.
• La Caravelle also offers excellent dishes, serving seafood cioppino, snails, gambas, and other local specialties. 

A day trip from Nice to Èze and Villefranche-sur-Mer offers a perfect blend of the French Riviera’s diverse beauty. You get to experience the medieval magic of Èze, with its stunning clifftop garden and ancient cobbled streets, followed by the laid-back coastal charm of Villefranche, with its colorful harbor and inviting beaches. Both destinations are easily reachable by public transport or rideshare, making it simple to combine these two incredible spots into one unforgettable day.

---

Ready to experience the views in real time?
Watch the video below to see the scenic viewpoints of Èze and Villefranche-sur-Mer, two of the most beautiful stops on a one-day trip from Nice.