Amazing Eze Village…Perched over the Riviera
Eze Village
No trip to the Nice area would be complete without visiting Eze Village, perched on the steep hillside between Monaco and St. Jean-Cap-Ferrat. It hangs over the Mediterranean like a medieval jewel, 1400 feet above sea level. The views from about anywhere in the village won’t disappoint you.
A Must-See Hilltop Village
Eze Village is best known for its award-winning gardens topping the hill and the picturesque village itself. There, you’ll see plants you never knew existed, and a stunning view of the Mediterranean, maybe the best one you’ll see from that height.
Even the views getting there on the bus from either Nice or Villefranche-sur-Mer to the west will have you grabbing for your camera or phone as you travel along the Moyenne Corniche. (Another reason to take a bus is to avoid the winding roads and tight parking once you arrive. A taxi is also an option.) Take bus 112 or 82 from Nice in the direction of Monaco. (Bus schedules don’t always run exactly on time, but they’ll get you there!)
Le Jardin Exotique
The Jardin Exotique is a don’t-miss part of the village, a botanical garden that hosts succulents and xerophytes (plants that have adapted to live with less water) from every continent. You’ll see a fabulous variety of flowering plants, cacti, and palms, among many others. You’ll see plants you’ve never seen before in several themed gardens that wind around the terraced hilltop. At the summit lies the ruins of a castle. Even if you’re neutral about plants, you’ll love the view and the peaceful breeze from high on the mountain. Admission is only 8€ and you can get them when you arrive or online.
A Medieval Village
Wherever you wander in the village, you’ll see medieval details, like cobbled stones with brick, ancient arches flocked by jasmine, and rough-hewn rock buildings that have stepped out of history. No cars are permitted inside the village, which adds to the timeless atmosphere. It is quite popular among tourists, though, so try to go early. Start at the top of the village at the gardens (they open at 9, but you can arrive earlier), and work your way down.
Along with the fascinating Jardin Exotique, you’ll find boutiques, cafés, and a few inns. The small weekly market takes place on Sunday mornings at the Place de la Colette. It’s small enough to see in a day or part of a day, unless you’d like to linger a while at a chic bed and breakfast such as the Chateau Eza, a 5-star hotel with 14 rooms and magnificent views. It was once the residence of Prince William of Sweden from 1923 to 1953. If you want to savor the place but not stay there, consider a snack on the terrace of the Michelin-starred restaurant.
As always, I recommend a visit to the Tourism Bureau (at the village entrance) to learn about the village’s background and not miss any of the sites there. They’ll give you a numbered map you can follow, explaining things to see and why they are interesting. Also at the entrance of the village is a boutique for Fragonard Perfume. You might want to stop in there on your way to or from your visit to the village.
The map will guide you to memorable and historical sites around the village, such as the Chapelle des Penitents Blancs, which dates from 1306. It’s the oldest building in the village. Another interesting church, Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption is from the 18th century and contains baroque decorations and trompe-l’oeil paintings. There are several upper-class homes, such as the Riquier house, with its Italian-style fountain, and the Château de la Chevre d’Or, with a golden goat on the rooftop.
Aside from these photogenic and interesting sites, you’ll enjoy wandering through the narrow cobbled streets and stepping back in history.
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