A striking medieval village conveniently tucked between Nice and Monaco, Èze is a super-romantic, truly breathtaking little settlement. On our way to Monte Carlo from Nice, we decided to stop by and explore Èze, having heard gallons of praise about the enchanting place from our friends and acquaintances. Perched on a large rock – 400 meters above the sea – it promised spectacular views of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and surrounding areas.
Deciding on a day trip, we arrived at the rusty but surprisingly well-maintained village early morning. Our cameras were ready and our walking shoes were on – this was going to be interesting.
And it certainly was.
As we walked up the pathway leading to the village, narrow stony paths zigzagged on our left and right, turning the whole village into a maze – an exotic one at that. Every corner was a surprise. There were several shops, restaurants, hotels and art galleries with stunning interiors that had us clicking our cameras away. Interestingly, we never got lost.
One of the many hotels that soon caught our eye was the five star La Chèvre d’Or. Kind enough to let us check it out, the staff led the way to beautiful private gardens, 4 different restaurants with panoramic views and a bar with a castle-style (so romantic!) decor. An ideal stay for honeymooners, this was perfection.
As we walked further towards the top – and it was a very strenuous walk, mind you – we came across a garden named ‘Jardin Exotique’. Housing some of the prettiest flora, there was an exotic collection of succulent plants and an even better view of the French Riviera.
On our way back down, we spotted a perfumery and several cafes and inexpensive restaurants.
Back in its days,Èze wassurrounded by a 12thCentury fortified castle which was torn down in 1706. Many old buildings were damaged, which have now been very flawlessly restored by the locals, several of whom are now artisans.
Often termed as a ‘museum village’, this charming tourist site is must-see. A day trip is recommended for those looking for a fast-paced vacation, perhaps moving on to Monaco or Nice right after. Couples planning a romantic holiday, however, could spend two to three nights at one of the many luxury hotels in this dreamy destination. This fairytale town is anything but a disappointment!
Rendezvous with Ruba 