Èze may be the finest lookout on the French Riviera, and the middle corniche that leads there is one of Europe's most photogenic roads. In a classic car, the medieval village suspended between sky and sea feels like a film set.
Èze makes more sense with a map in mind: the town is stacked on three levels, each matching one of the corniches. At the bottom, Èze-sur-Mer and its pebble beach on the Lower Corniche. Halfway up, the medieval village clinging to its rocky peak about 430 metres above the sea, served by the Middle Corniche (D6007). At the top, the Col d'Èze on the Grande Corniche (D2564), with the Grande Corniche park and Fort de la Revère above it.
The village itself is entirely pedestrian. The car stays at the foot of the walls and you explore on foot, up steep lanes to the Exotic Garden, laid out where the castle once stood, with views over Cap Ferrat and the whole coastline. About ten kilometres from both Nice and Monaco, Èze is a short but memorable stop, best placed in the middle of a day on the corniches rather than treated as a destination on its own.
For classic car rental in Èze, the choice depends on which corniche you're after. The Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7L (€690 per day) and the Alfa Romeo Spider 1300 Junior (€590) are made for the hairpins up to the Col d'Èze. The Jaguar E-Type (€1,190) comes into its own on the long sweeping bends of the Middle Corniche. And if you'd rather enjoy the view without changing gear, the Mercedes 450SL R107 (€590) is automatic.
All three corniches in a loop from Nice
About 40 km, 1h30 of driving, half a day including the village
Leave Nice past the harbour onto the Lower Corniche, through Villefranche-sur-Mer and Beaulieu-sur-Mer to Èze-sur-Mer. From there, a winding road climbs to the village and the Middle Corniche: stop here for your visit. Then carry on up to the Col d'Èze and the Grande Corniche, and head back to Nice along the top, past the Observatory. Three roads, three altitudes, three different views of the same sea.
Late afternoon at Fort de la Revère
15 min from the village, allow 1h to 1h30 up there
From Èze village, climb to the Col d'Èze and follow the Route de la Revère into the Grande Corniche park. Fort de la Revère, a late 19th-century military fort, overlooks the coast from almost 700 metres up, and on a very clear day you can see as far as Italy. Since rentals end at 8pm, this sunset works best from mid-September to October, when the sun sets earlier. Check the park's opening hours before you go.
- Delivery and handover
- Our cars leave from Nice (48 Route de Canta Galet), 20 to 30 minutes from Èze via the Middle Corniche. Delivery to your hotel or villa is quoted on request. At handover we walk you through the car, and it comes with a full tank.
- Best season and hours
- Rentals run from 9am to 8pm. Spring and autumn bring beautiful light and a calmer village. In summer, visitors arrive in numbers from late morning, so pick up the car at 9am, do the village first, and keep the corniches for the afternoon.
- Driving and parking
- The pay car park at the village entrance, on the Middle Corniche, fills up quickly in season. The Col d'Èze is a favourite with cyclists, so be patient on the hairpins. On the Grande Corniche, pull into wide lay-bys for photos rather than a narrow verge.
- Rental conditions
- Drivers must be 25 or over and have held a licence for at least 3 years. A deposit secures the booking, the balance is paid at handover, and the security deposit depends on the car (€5,000 for the Porsche 911, €8,000 for the Jaguar E-Type). Insurance for two drivers and 150 km per day are included, plenty for all three corniches.
Can you deliver to Èze?
Yes, we deliver your car to your hotel in Èze (Chèvre d'Or, Château Eza or a villa) on request, from Nice.
Is Èze suitable for a classic car?
Absolutely: our cars are maintained for corniche roads, and we'll suggest the most enjoyable route.
For a photo shoot in Èze?
The village and corniche are much-loved shoot locations and we offer half-day photo packages.
Can I drive up into Èze village?
No, the medieval village is pedestrian only. You park at the foot of the walls on the Middle Corniche, and the visit takes about an hour on foot.
How long does it take from Nice or Monaco?
Allow 20 to 30 minutes from Nice and 15 to 20 minutes from Monaco via the Middle Corniche, summer traffic aside.
Which corniche should I take to Èze?
The Lower Corniche for the seafront and coastal towns, the Middle Corniche to arrive right at the village, the Grande Corniche for the high panoramas. Ideally, combine all three in one day.
Can I walk the Nietzsche path during my rental?
Yes, on foot: the trail links Èze-sur-Mer to the village in an hour to an hour and a half of climbing. With two insured drivers, one can hike up while the other drives the car and waits at the top.
Can I watch the sunset from Èze with the car?
Yes, as long as it happens before the 8pm return, so mostly from mid-September to March. In high summer, enjoy the late afternoon light on the Grande Corniche instead.
Ready to take the wheel in Èze?
Tell us your dates and occasion, answer within 24 hours.
Request a booking
