"Eze - Côte d’Azur" Éze by pure1942

The spectacular 15th century village of Eze is located about 20 minutes east of Nice. The walled village is perched high on a rocky hill overlooking the Mediterranean and offers stunning views up and down the Riviera.
With the villages amazing location and its medieval charm, the village of Eze is one of the most pituresque and beautiful places on the whole Riviera.
Eze has to be seen to be believe. I was lucky to visit on a quite Sunday morning in early December, so virtually had the whole place to myself. (Very different to the crowds which flood the village during the summer and early autumn months.) It is hard not to be taken in by the narrow lanes, pituresque stone houses, small shady squares, stone arches all coupled with spectacular views from the summit of the village hill.

Eze Village and Viaduct

As you approach Eze Village, you will come around a bend in the coastal road and towering above is the walled village on an idyllic rocky hill. The hill is reached by crossing a high beautiful viaduct. The bus to Eze crosses this viaduct and it is definitely worth walking back across the viaduct to really take in the view from that side of the village.
The village itself can be entered by climbin up the sloping road towards the main entrance through the town walls. Straight away, you can get a real sense of the hhistory and medieval heritage of the town as you wander through the maze of narrow lanes and pathways. The yellow coloured church is the main feature in the town along with the Jardin Exotique and the ruins of the Chateau at the top of the hill from where the best views can be enjoyed (entry fee of €5). The historic Chateau de la Chevre d'Or, now an expensive hotel, is another famous landmark.

View from the summit of the village

However it really is the sheer enjoyment of walking around the lanes and alleys which is the village's main attraction for me. I have always enjoyed Old Towns and Villages especially in the sunshine and although visiting in December, I was extremely lucky to enjoy clear blue skies and warm weather, without having to deal with the crowds of visitors which flock to the village on summer days. Don't think you could visit here any other time of the year and have it so much to yourself. Meant to stay an hour or two but ended up staying for a lot longer. In ten visits to France this was one of my all time highlights.