French Riviera Travel Guide: A Day in the Medieval Villages of Eze and Saint-Paul-de-Vence

Apr 17, 2024
4 min read

Updated: Apr 22, 2024

Perched on hills, the picturesque villages of Saint-Paul-de-Vence and Eze are hidden treasures that will captivate you with their timeless charm, spectacular views of the Mediterranean, and medieval alleys. Saint-Paul-de-Vence is an artistic wonder that has inspired generations of artists, and Eze offers some of the most scenic restaurants in the French Riviera with sweeping views of the mountains and sea. Saint-Paul-de-Vence and Eze are my two favorite villages in the south of France, and make the perfect day trip from the city of Nice.

Where to Stay

Nice makes the perfect home base for many day trips along the French Riviera, including visiting the medieval villages of Eze and Saint-Paul-de-Vence. You will need a car to get to these villages, which you should be able to easily book for the day in downtown. An alternative is taking an Taxi, which can get pricey due to the distance you will need to drive.

Hotel Recommendations in French Riviera

Radisson Blu in Nice

Radisson Blu Hotel is the perfect accommodation in Nice. It is located directly on the coast on Promenade des Anglais, and many of the rooms have their own private balcony and a view of the Mediterranean. The resort has its own private beach with lounge chairs and a rooftop pool. It is easily accessible to the airport and downtown Nice. You can walk or ride a bike on the promenade to downtown. Make sure to take advantage of the cities free bike rental service for tourists - there are bike stations all over town!

Le Meridien in Nice

Another great option for accommodations in Nice is the Le Meridien, a Marriott resort. You can't go wrong with Le Meridien, the rooms are clean and comfortable, and the hotel is located in a very walkable location to the key attractions in Nice. The hotel has a rooftop deck with a beautiful view of the coastline, a restaurant and a swimming pool. You can enjoy drinks and dinner on the rooftop while you watch the sunset.

Saint-Paul-de-Vence

Start your morning by exploring Saint-Paul-de-Vence, an artistic haven with narrow cobblestone streets, art galleries, and stunning views. It is located about a 30-45 minute drive north-east from downtown Nice. You will need to drive up some winding and narrow roads to reach the hilltop village. Enjoy the scenic drive, and there will be multiple scenic viewpoints where you can stop to take in the scenery and views of the village above on the top of the hill. You will find plenty of street parking just outside the wall of the city, about a 5 minutes walk to the entrance of the walled city.

Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a small, pedestrian only village with two main roads of shops, restaurants, and galleries. It has been a favorite retreat for artists like Marc Chagall and Pablo Picasso. Take your time wandering the charming streets while you shop and explore unique artwork.

If you arrive at Saint-Paul-de-Vence in the morning, make sure to stop at the bakery for breakfast enjoy their phenomenal croissants, flan, and baguettes. You can enjoy your pastries in the main square on the steps near the fountain. If you arrive later in the afternoon, you will find various local restaurants to enjoy lunch.

Eze

After you are done exploring Saint-Paul-de-Vence, your next stop will be to explore the village of Eze. It is located along the coastline west of downtown Nice, and is 45 minute drive from Saint-Paul-de-Vence. You will find various parking lots around the village, with signs directing traffic during the high season. On busy days, there is an overflow parking lot located a 5-minute drive from town with a bus shuttling passengers back and forth.

Eze is perched high above the Mediterranean coast and is charming village known for its medieval architecture and spectacular views. Spend the afternoon wandering the streets of Eze, and exploring the various shops and views of the hillsides and mediterranean. I recommend checking out the Jardin Exotique de Eze, a botanical paradise with a breathtaking panorama of the coastline.

Enjoy a scenic lunch or drinks at La Chevre D'or or Chateau Eze - a must do while in Eze! I promise this experience will be one of the highlights of your trip to the French Riviera. Both 5 star chateaus offer an unforgettable dining experience with panoramic views of the Mediterranean.

We had lunch at La Chevre D'or at their patio restaurant called Le Cafe du Jardin, which offers a casual menu of pizzas and salads. They are open on a first come first served basis, and I recommend arriving at opening time if you don't want to wait for a table. While we opted for the more casual restaurant, La Chevre D'or also offers a double Michelin-starred restaurant that you can enjoy for either lunch of dinner. To eat at the fine-dining restaurant you must make a reservation in advance.

Afterwards, we had a glass of wine on the terrace at Chateau Eze while we took in the spectacular views of the mountains and coastline. Chateau Eze is best known for their Michelin starred restaurant, which offers a price fixe menu and you will need reservations for in advance. Chateau Eze also has a Lobby Bar that is a well kept secret with the same panoramic view as the Michelin restaurant. The Lobby Bar has a chic indoor seating area, and small terrace with outdoor seating. It is only open in the later afternoon, and I recommend getting there when they open to get the table with the best view.

You can enjoy hand-crafted cocktails, wine, and snacks on the terrace while you relax after your day exploring the medieval villages. I recommend a refreshing glass of their champagne.