Bucket list experience:
Eze, Cote d'Azur, France
Nietzsche footpath, Eze village, France.
The philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche famously walked up this beautiful, zigzagging path – and was inspired to finish Thus Spake Zarathustra in the process – but most non-philosophers prefer the views (and effort levels) when walking down.
This route stretches from the dramatic village perche of Eze to the train station in seaside Eze-Bord-du-Mer, covering 1.6km and a 400m decline, and takes the average walker just under an hour to descend. It’s more like an hour and a half to hike the trail upwards – either way, the path is well signposted. For the best views, start or finish at Eze’s succulent-filled Jardin Exotique at the top of the medieval village.
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Bus No. 83 links the two villages roughly every hour (so you can walk one way and get the bus back) – while Bus No. 100 and the TER train station connect Eze Bord-de-Mer to Nice and Monaco. Check bus schedules – they can be infrequent on Sundays.
Wear good shoes (not flip-flops), and bring water, a sunhat and sunscreen in summer, and set off early as there’s little shade. Bring a swimsuit to cool off on the beach at the bottom of the trail. It’s generally baking hot in the afternoon in the summer.
The best months for walking in this region are March to October. In July and August, set out early to avoid the heat.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Eze, Cote d'Azur, France[0.3 miles]
Charming, authentic and classy boutique hotel set in a 17th-century castle, within the 9th-century walls of a village perche. Ideal for honeymooners, with romantic rooms and heart-stopping views over the coastline.
Official star rating:
Eze, Cote d'Azur, France[1.3 miles]
This superb villa turned boutique hotel, between Monaco and Cap Ferrat, has been voted the best seaside hotel in France. Stay here for old-fashioned glamour, truly magical views, a private beach and gorgeous infinity pool.
Official star rating:
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Cote d'Azur, France[3.8 miles]
The grande dame of the Cote d’Azur, this classic, updated luxury hotel has a sublime seaside location. It comes with pool, lush gardens, and one of the very few private beaches on the exclusive Cap Ferrat.
Official star rating:
Villefranche-sur-Mer, Cote d'Azur, France[4.7 miles]
An inn for over two centuries, this iconic and historic yet charming seaside hotel in laid-back Villefranche-sur-Mer is modern, unpretentious and run by lovely people.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Cote d'Azur, France
Money, glamour and bombshell looks: this beach-trimmed stretch of French coast offers decadent hotels, lounging in beach clubs, fine restaurants and world-class art.
Cote d'Azur, France
The buzzing, art-filled, foodie capital of the French Riviera, with a charming, Italian-influenced historic centre. The ideal base for a first-time visit to the Cote d’Azur, and home to the world-renowned Nice Carnival.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Cote d'Azur, France[4.2 miles]
A remarkable fantasy villa, complete with exquisite exotic gardens, built in 1912 by the flamboyant art collector Baroness Beatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild to house her fabulous collection of 18th-century art and furniture.
Best for ages: 18+ | £13
Monaco, Cote d'Azur, France[4.9 miles]
The world’s most prestigious automobile races, with a track winding through the winding streets of this billionaires’ playground. Monaco is the height of Formula One glamour.
Best for ages: 13+ | £50 | 4 days
Monaco, Cote d'Azur, France[4.9 miles]
Founded in 1906 by Prince Albert I, Monaco’s Musee Oceanographique is one of the oldest scientific marine institutes anywhere. Spectacular aquariums and treasures from ocean voyages, located in a remarkable wedding-cake building cascading over cliffs.
Best for ages: 4+ | £12
Eze, Cote d'Azur, France[5.1 miles]
Take one of Europe’s most scenic, exhilarating drives, with eagle-eye views of the sparkling French coastline.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free | 2-4 hours
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Monaco , Cote d'Azur, France[2.3 miles]
A stunning white sand and pebble beach under pale golden cliffs just west of Monaco. Accessed by steep steps, this shallow cove is both glamorous and exclusive. Mala has two public areas and two chic beach clubs: Eden Plage and the Reserve de Mala – both romantic at sunset, serving cocktails by candlelight and playing music after dark.
Best for ages: Any | Free
Nice, Cote d'Azur, France[3.4 miles]
Built in 1908 in an ancient-Greek-style, this villa in a ravishing seaside garden setting features replica 2nd-century AD interiors typical of the island of Delos. The project of two scholars obsessed with the period.
Best for ages: 18+ | £8
La Turbie, Cote d'Azur, France[3.9 miles]
High above Monaco, Emperor Augustus erected a 147ft monument in the 1st century BC to celebrate his victories over the Ligurian tribes. In spite of damage over the centuries, it is still a remarkable sight, with breathtaking views.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Villefranche-sur-Mer , Cote d'Azur, France[4.1 miles]
Tucked between chi-chi St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and Nice, the charming Medieval village of Villefranche-sur-Mer is the relaxed, boho antidote to the moneybags Riviera. A kilometre of coarse, gently shelving golden sand and crystalline waters, it’s all free and open to the public.
Best for ages: Any | Free
