The village of Èze is one of the most popular and beautiful spots on the Côte d’Azur. Don’t be like all the other visitors rushing up to the garden and into the alleyways, take the time to visit the church!
Here are our practical tips for planning your visit to the Church of Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption in the village of Èze.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is a visit to the church of Èze worthwhile?
Yes, the church is well worth a visit.
Although the medieval streets, views and exotic garden are the village’s main attractions, the church is well worth a detour.
The contrast between its neoclassical façade and Baroque interior is astonishing!
It’s one of the highlights of any visit to the village of Èze.
What you can see
The neoclassical façade
Start by admiring the facade, which is very neutral.
It is in the neoclassical style, with its 4 columns (double Corinthian pilasters) barely giving any relief. The background is ochre, and the facade features a central bull’s eye.
The church was built between 1763 and 1772 by architect Antonio Spinelli, based on an earlier edifice.
The square tower
The tower and bell tower, with their blue dial, were built later in the 19th century. The shape is square and on two levels.
It has been struck several times by lightning. Its original cupola no longer exists.
The choice of blue for the clock face is a reference to the Virgin Mary.
What a shock to enter the church because of the contrast in styles.
The church has a single Baroque nave with 4 side chapels. The interior décor is truly rich, with paintings, gilding and numerous pictures and statues.
Notre Dame d’e l’Assomption d’Èze
In one of the chapels, note the lovely statue of Notre Dame d’Èze.
We think it dates from the early 19th century, but have not found a reliable source.
Painted decors
The entire church is rich in painted decorations. Restoration is a gradual process.
For the moment, the most impressive feature is the ceiling above the choir.
Moisture damages paintwork. But we like to see the work of time, rather than a flashy renovation. What do you think?
Gilding
In the Baroque style, note all the gilding at the top of the columns, and the intricate motifs.
Paintings
In the church you’ll also see a number of paintings.
Some are more traditional, dating back to the 19th century, while others are more modern.
In the photo above, you can see the painting “Les Ames du purgatoire” (Souls in Purgatory). This is an 18th-century oil painting by F. Montesanti.
Unfortunately, there are hardly any explanations inside the church, or labels to learn more about the various works.
Notre-Dame de l’Assomption church in Èze: how to get there
Where is Èze
- The village of Èze lies between Nice and Monaco
- Nice to Èze = 30 min drive
- Monaco to Èze = 20 minutes
- Cannes to Èze = 1h
- Menton to Èze = 30 minutes
- The church is located in the lower part of the village.
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
Access and parking
The easiest way to reach the village is by car.
There’s an underground parking lot at the foot of the village, and another further on with a shuttle bus.
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Car-free access
Alternatively, you can take the bus from Nice or the Èze train station.
There are also organized tours that include the village:
- From Nice, Cannes or Monaco: discover the village of Èze, Antibes, Cannes, Sain-Paul-de-Vence and Monte-Carlo – see program and availability
- From Nice, visit Èze, Monaco and Antibes – see program and availability
Visiting difficulties
To visit the church, start your visit to the village in the classic way. Enter the medieval streets through the postern.
But before going up the main street, turn right towards the church tower, to reach the square in front of the church. The alley is quite discreet.
Be careful, there are steps.
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- Best things to do in Nice
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- Where to eat in Nice: 20 best restaurants
- The 12 best museums in Nice
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- Visit the Palais Lascaris
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- Visit the Museum of Photography
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- Most beautiful villages around Nice
Practical tips for visiting the church of Èze
Schedules and prices
Open daily from 9am to 7pm.
How long
5 to 15 min to explore the church, depending on your interest in the works of art.
At least 2 hours to explore the village.
Best moment
It’s a very popular spot, so we recommend you come around 8:30 a.m. to explore it before the influx of tourists from 10 a.m. onwards.
Direction of visit
If you come early, start with the village lanes and the exotic garden before visiting the church, to take advantage of the fact that it’s not very crowded.
And on the way back down, finish at the church before leaving the village.
Eating out
In the village, you’ll find different types of restaurant: tucked away in the narrow streets surrounded by stone houses, or with a terrace and panoramic views.
The village is renowned for its gourmet cuisine:
- Restaurant La Chèvre d’Or (2 stars)
- Restaurant Château Eza (1 star)
But also more accessible restaurants: Les Remparts, le café du jardin…
And at the bottom of the village, you’ll find other nice options like the Restaurant L’Echoppe Provençale.
Hotels
The two hotels inside the medieval village are luxury establishments. But they’re worth the detour.
A night in this village offers a unique experience, like a journey back in time with unforgettable views.
Walking around the village at night is a privilege. What if walls could talk?
You have:
- Hotel Chateau Eza – see photos andavailability
- Hotel La Chèvre d’Or – see photos and availability
Otherwise, two towns are close by and offer great options for a stay:
- The great city of Nice, a 30-minute drive away – see our selection of the best hotels
- Beaulieu-sur-Mer, a peaceful town 15 minutes away (hotel selection coming soon)
WHERE TO STAY IN Nice
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
On the waterfront, with sea view:
Anantara Hotel – See prices, photos and availability
In the new town, close to the sea:
Hotel Apollinaire, elegant and bright – See prices, photos and availability
In the old town, with all the charm:
AparthotelAMMI Vieux Nice very practical and pleasant – see prices, photos and availability
