Around every corner there's a delightful discovery in Eze. Perched on a rock 1400 feet above sea level, the village is home to Le Jardins Exotiques, two four-star hotels and a plethora of boutiques.
While strolling among the many circuitous cobblestone lanes and alleys, step through ancient walls and into cave-like boutiques big enough for two or three people. Shopping is one of the major draws to Eze. Depending on your budget, splurge on a wall tapestry for 2500 euros or a French silk scarf for 20 euros. Fine French linens and olive wood cutting boards are hard to resist, and for an even bigger splurge, the art gallery, Atelier de Peinture, has paintings of Provence gracing their walls. For a token gift or souvenir, t-shirts can be found hanging outside of Au Soleil d’ Eze.
Throughout the village, large ceramic urns in various shapes spilling over with flowers add understated charm to this storybook village. A charming herb stand selling locally grown fresh and fragrant herbs is yet another small purchase stop.
From dazzling Monaco, Eze is reached by driving along a winding coastal road high above the deep blue Mediterranean. Situated on the Moyenne Corniche (RN7), Eze is between Nice and Monaco-Menton. Automobiles are not allowed in the tiny village where narrow lanes were originally built for donkey carts.
On arrival, park the car in the lot at the base of Eze. Walking into the village, you will first encounter two donkeys with the names, Nani and Nina. They are housed in a cozy stall with a blanket of hay and a sign stating, bagagiste. This happens to be the Chateau Eza’s reception where guests check-in; a human, not the donkeys handle guests’ luggage. The small hotel is among the best on the French Riviera. There’s also a four-star hotel, Chateau de la Chevre d’ Or.
Ascend the ancient stone steps leading up to the village. Soon you’ll be high above the Mediterranean soaking in stupendous views of the Cote d’ Azur. For a 360 degree panoramic view of the French and Italian Riviera, a visit to Le Jardins Exotiques is an absolute must. Perched at the top of Eze, the exotic garden has a terrace offering an expansive view of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat’s jagged peninsula. This spot offers one of the best views on the Riviera. The gardens are filled with agaves, aloes and cacti from Africa and America. Among the succulents are 400 species of exotic plants thriving in the year-round mild climate. The gardens were created in 1950 on the ramparts of a 12-century fortified castle destroyed in 1706.
For a picnic lunch, hike up the Oppidum de Mont Bastide, a local Eze trail marked in yellow. In an hour and a half, you’ll be looking down on Eze with more views of the Riviera as well as the Nice Airport.
If time permits, Eze deserves an overnight stay, but several hours, although rushed, is sufficient to see the village. During summer months, arrive early. Eze becomes inundated with tour groups arriving by bus. Tourists sweep the village for souvenirs and photo opportunities and then leave for their next Riviera destination.
Upon leaving, stop in L’ Echoppe Provencale, located across the street from the parking lot. It’s hard to miss the shop’s bright yellow awning. Here you will find Provencal pottery, lavender sachets and soap as well as many other affordable gifts and souvenirs to take home.
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