A Day in Eze & Menton: The Most Beautiful Coastal Towns in France -

I’ve recently traveled the French Riviera and two towns that impressed me the most were Èze and Menton. The towns are similar – historic and beautiful – yet wildly different. Èze is a hilltop, medieval village with sweeping views over the Riviera. Menton is on the water, bright and colorful. They are the perfect destinations to include in your French Riviera itinerary and the best part is, you can see them both in one day. This is how to spend a day in Èze and Menton – the most beautiful coastal towns in France!

Morning: Eze Village

The medieval village of Èze sits 1,400+ feet above the sea. It’s small, with only two hotels in the village and more of a day-tripper town. That’s why I recommend arriving early in the morning (around 8:00 am) so you can have the narrow streets to yourself before most tourists arrive.

If you’re arriving to Èze by rental car, there is a parking lot – Parking Général de Gaulle – at the bottom of the hill leading up to the village. This is where I recommend parking as the village does not allow cars. I also recommend stopping at Ma Première Boulangerie Èze straight across from the parking garage for delicious baked goods!

– Pro Tip –

Eat local! “Pissaladière” is a delicious flatbread recipe originating from Nice. The flatbread is topped with caramelized onions and in some cases garnished with anchovies. While you can find this dish in boulangeries throughout the region, the one sold at Ma Première Boulangerie Èze is particularly delicious!

Jardin Exotique d’Eze

When visiting Èze, a highlight is visiting the botanical gardens purchased at the very top of the hill. This is where you’ll get sweeping views of the French Riviera (as seen above). The gardens open at 9:00 am each day – which is when I suggest arriving. Again, the town is very small and gets crowded fast and as the garden is one of the highlights of the riviera, it sees tons of visitors.

After you’ve finished the gardens, I recommend walking around the village a bit. You can grab souvenirs from Au Pays de la Mandarine D’Eze and a coffee from Petit Loup Specialty Coffee.

I do not recommend eating lunch in Èze – the food is mediocre, at best, and there are many more better options in Menton.

Afternoon: Menton

Just 30-minutes east of Èze, near the Italian border, you’ll find Menton – the pearl of the French Riviera. (You can read more about Menton here!). Menton is famous for its yearly citrus festival, brightly colored buildings, and location on the Côte d’Azur. Because of its location being so close to Italy, you can really feel an Italian influence here.

Once you arrive, there are tons of areas to park. Make sure you get as close to old town as possible as that’s where you’ll be spending your time.

Once you’ve parked and arrived, head for lunch at La PecoraNegra Menton, an incredible pizza restaurant right on the boardwalk. Menton also has some great beach clubs (with restaurants), so another option would be to reserve a lounge chair at Les Sablettes Beach Club where you can also eat lunch.

For the early evening, explore Menton on foot. Make sure to stop in the Basilique Saint-Michel Archange de Menton, and walk to the top of the hill where the Cimetière du Vieux Château is for sweeping views of the Mediterranean.

Evening: Restaurant Mirazur a 3* Michelin Experience

In my opinion, the perfect way to end your day exploring Èze and Menton is by dining at the 3* Michelin restaurant – Restaurant Mirazur. The restaurant was ranked as the number one restaurant int he world in 2019, and you can easily see why. The dishes are innovative, incredible, and the entire experience blew me away. (Donatella Versace was there while I was there!). It’s a can’t miss in the Riviera and a perfect, luxurious way to end an incredible day.

Travel Logistics: Parking & Getting Around

Getting around the French Riviera is easiest by car. However, if you rent a car, you do need to consider parking and you need to feel comfortable enough to drive on sometimes narrow roads. As for parking, the towns do have parking garages, parking lots, or street parking. All areas for parking are well marked with your typical “P” (for parking) sign. And lastly, if you park on the street – make sure to pay the meter! There are cameras and you’ll get a ticket if you don’t properly pay for parking.

Another option for getting around Èze and Menton is to hire a private driver or take a taxi/Uber from one place to the next. If you’re going to be spending an entire day out, hiring a private driver would be my recommended choice so you have more flexibility and aren’t waiting on a taxi to get you.

Don’t miss…

Where to Stay – The Best Luxury Hotels in the Area

If you want to stay in this area (which I would absolutely recommend), below are some of my top, luxury hotel choices. If you want to stay elsewhere in the Riviera, don’t miss my favorite luxury hotels in the French Riviera.

The Maybourne Riviera

5*
Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
Book here

Chateau Eza

5*
Èze Village
Book here

Hotel Chateau de la Chevre d’Or

5*
Èze Village
Book here

Hotel Cap-Estel

5*
Èze
Book here

Menton and Èze are two of my very favorite places in the French Riviera. They are quaint, beautiful, and historic and deserve to be on everyone’s “French Riviera itinerary”. If you have any questions about visiting, please let me know in a comment below!

If you’re planning a trip to the French Riviera, don’t miss…

Planning a Trip to France?

I am a licensed, Paris-based travel advisor who plans custom France itineraries for travelers who want to experience the country the way it deserves to be experienced – intentionally and free of tourist traps. From a long weekend in Paris to a multi-region road trip, I handle every detail so you don’t have to. If you’re not ready for full-planning services, I also offer 1-hour “France Audit” calls to go over your itinerary, share recommendations, and answer any questions you have!

Start planning your trip

Like this post? Share with others on Pinterest!