Life is good in the village of Eze. This historic little town split between the mountains and the Mediterranean is definitely the best of both worlds. Located on the Moyenne Corniche between Nice and Monaco, luxury homes in Eze have some of the best views of the French Riviera. The village proper dates back to the 12th century BC, but the area is thought to have been inhabited since the 2nd century BC. Just minutes away from the border, Eze has been hotly contested by the French and the Italians over the years and has changed allegiance a handful of times. And it’s no wonder that both countries wanted to claim it for themselves as this beautiful fortified village has been enchanting visitors for centuries. Friedrich Nietzsche visited Eze regularly between 1883-1888 and write part of his philosophical novel ‘Thus Speak Zarathustra’ whilst living here. And both the hilltop village and the seaside resort have played host to some well-known faces over the years. From European royalty back in the 19th century to rock royalty today, these days U2’s Bono is probably Eze’s most famous resident. The medieval village centre contrasts nicely with the more modern beachfront part of town. And the hiking paths which connect the two are definitely worth the steep climb up or down. Popular and picturesque, Eze has a very special charm all of its own. Discover the village today and we guarantee you’ll want to make it your French Riviera home away from home.
The first thing you’ll notice about Eze is the glorious scenery on the drive to the village. Whether you’re coming from Nice or Monaco, the Moyenne Corniche with its twists and turns is breathtakingly beautiful. And once you arrive in Eze, you’ll understand why it’s known as one of the jewels of the French Riviera. From the exotic botanical gardens at the top of the village, to the fabulous private beaches down by the seafront, this is one picturesque little place. The Medieval village spirals up from the main street to the tip of the hill, with cobbled streets, shady passageways and stone archways as far as the eye can see. Museums and art galleries fill the narrow streets and overhead the village is crowned by the castle ruins and botanical gardens. Back on the Moyenne Corniche, you’ll find lots of little boutiques and restaurants, perfect for people watching over a cold drink. And down in Eze-sur-Mer, you can enjoy some of the best beaches along this part of the coast plus a whole range of water sports. This area is far more residential than the Medieval village, but it’s also home to some lovely little restaurants and bars if you fancy a long lunch in the sunshine.
Although small in size, Eze is very much a lively little place. Up in the Medieval village, there are numerous historical monuments to visit. Choose from an 18th Century church, the lush botanical gardens, or a sculpture garden created by Jean-Philippe Richard. In the village centre, take a guided tour of one of the perfumeries, learn how glass is blown at the glass factory or simply stroll along the main street and stop off for an ice cream in the square. Down on the coast, try out an exciting range of watersports at the Eze plage or take a hike along one of the many coastal paths. Eze might be close to the bright lights of Nice and Monaco, but it is surrounded by completely natural and wild backcountry. For nature lovers, the Grande Corniche National Park has miles of fabulous parkland to explore, with ancient garrison Fort Revère located on the mountain ridge just above the Col d’Eze.
With so much to discover, you can be forgiven for spending most of your time in and around Eze. But the village is in a great location to discover the rest of the French Riviera. Drive to Monaco in less than 15 minutes and spend the day shopping in the luxury boutiques. Or head over the border for dinner in one of the incredible restaurants in the Italian hills. Nice, Cannes and Antibes are all just a short drive away, and of course, Eze is also a stone’s throw from the Southern Alps. During the winter season, leave the coast behind and get up into the mountains for a few days to hit some of Europe’s best ski slopes. From watersports to shopping, road trips to days at the beach, life in this part of the French Riviera has something for everyone to enjoy.