Èze on the coast of the Côte d'Azur

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Èze is one of the most beautiful villages on the Côte d'Azur in southern France and is visited by many tourists during the holidays. The village is located between Nice and Monaco, near the Saint-Jean-Cap- Ferrat peninsula. This region is known for the luxurious villas on the mountain slopes with views over the Mediterranean Sea. The village is built on a rock over 400m high and has largely retained its medieval character. This is immediately noticeable when you enter the village through the imposing city gate from the 14th century. Walk through the cobbled streets, narrow alleys and steep roads with arched passages, many steps and authentic buildings.

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High above the Mediterranean Sea

Èze is sometimes called the eagle's nest because of its special location and the beautiful views you have. You can see for miles when standing on the edge of the village. On one side you have a view over the Mediterranean Sea and if there is clear weather you can even see Corsica. From the other side of the village you have a view over the beaches and the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. The views over the Riviera and the beautiful villas are also breathtaking. If you go more inland you will see beautiful nature reserves.

Stroll through flower village

You don't have to walk long through the village of Èze to see that there are a remarkable number of flowers, plants and shrubs. The amount of Bougainville, in particular, is overwhelming. There are therefore many photogenic spots, with the Cap-Ferrat coastline in the background.

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Charming village in Provence

The old city center of Èze has nice shops, boutiques, art galleries and cozy terraces. The boutiques display summer dresses and other clothing and the shops selling regional products offer the famous liqueur from Èze which is made from local citrus fruits such as mandarin. You can also buy plenty of souvenirs and other things. Art or crafts can be viewed and purchased in the galleries. Every time you go up or down the stairs or turn a corner you see new shops, galleries and picturesque corners that need to be photographed. The cozy terraces invite you to catch your breath and have a drink.

Èze Botanical Garden

Èze is also famous for its beautiful botanical garden (Le jardin exotic). This is located right on top of the rock, on the old city walls of the 14th century castle ruins. By visiting this garden you can kill two birds with one stone: you can admire the beautiful collection of 400 different species of cacti, agaves, aloes and succulents and the sculptures of artist Jean Philippe Richard and at the same time you have a breathtaking view over the Mediterranean Sea and it’s surroundings. In the botanical garden there is a plateau from which you have a beautiful view in all directions. It is a bit of a climb to get there because the garden is located at the highest point in the village. But once you get there, this effort is rewarded. The view over the sea is truly beautiful! The view over the Bay of Monaco is breathtaking and the white sandy beaches nearby guarantee a real holiday feeling.

Hiking route: The Nietzsche Path

If you are in good shape and have sturdy walking shoes, the Nietzsche Path isa fun hike to do. This path takes you from sea level to the 429 meter high Eze Village. The Nietzsche Path starts opposite the Eze train station ( Eze-sur-Mer ) and is signposted. The path was, as the name suggests, discovered by Friedrich Nietzsche. This German philosopher loved adventure. During his stay on the south coast of France, Nietzsche regularly walked up here. The ascent of the path takes about an hour and a half and is quite difficult. Not because the path has many rocks, is too winding or otherwise impassable, but because of the constant ascent: Over just 2km there is a height difference of 400m! But it's worth it, with every meter you climb and every turn you take, you become more impressed by the new views. The feeling you have when you sit and relax on a terrace with a drink afterwards makes up for everything. Once you’re on a terrace you can sit back and enjoy the view!

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History and cultural heritage

Èze used to be a stronghold against the Ottomans due to its strategic location. The authentic character has been preserved over the centuries that followed. The oldest building is the Chapelle de la Sainte Croix from 1306. In the last century, the original houses and buildings were preserved because Prince Willen of Sweden bought a large part of the houses and the château. This château is now a luxurious hotel known as Chèvre d'Or. The neoclassical church was built in the 18th century by architect Spinelli at the request of the Duke of Savoy. The square bell tower was added to the building in the 19th century. The Baroque style is easily recognizable by the side chapels, which are separated from the choir by a triumphal arch. The real windows and the painted imitation windows, the real pulpit and imitation pulpit are also typically Baroque.

Perfume Fragonard

If you have some time left, visit the Fragonard Perfume Factory in the village. During the free tour you will receive an explanation about the history of the factory and how perfume is made. At the end of the tour you will have the opportunity to purchase perfumes.

Parking

Èze is a place where hundreds of thousands of tourists come every year. The parking spaces around the village are quickly full in the morning. There are several parking spaces a little further away and for a few euros you can take the shuttle bus to the village.

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