We stopped in Eze, high above Monaco on the south coast of France for the night on the way back to Italy from Spain.
We stayed at a hotel at the bottom of the rocky hill where the town perches.
The entrance to the medieval village is through the Poterne, which actually means hidden door. In ancient times it was made up of a series of doors and a drawbridge over a moat. I guess you really had to want to get in back then.
It is different now, visitors are welcomed through the door into the Placette, small square at the beginning of the Rue Brec which goes towards the parish church. Enjoy a crepe on the way.
…and the view over the edge.
Eze clings to an arid rocky peak and has always suffered water shortages. Throughout its history the inhabitants were forced to draw water from one of the 2 village cisterns. In 1930 a fountain was installed, with the water being pumped from Bass Corniche on Eze canal. It wasn’t until 1952 that a water supply reached the houses.
When you walk to the top of the town along the gorgeous stone streets lined with stone houses it is easy to see the difficulties there must have been to bring facilities to the residents. Life must be a bit easier now, and it would be a beautiful place to spend your days…take a look.
We found a restaurant with a view over the coast and watched the sun go down and the lights appear.
The restaurant had an outdoor terrace, but it was a bit too cool to be there…next time.
The next morning we were out bright and early to make our way all the way to the top of Eze to see the gardens.
After WWII the municipal council of Eze created a botanic garden with the help of Jean Gastaud, creator of the Exotic Garden of Monaco. Because of the poor soil and arid conditions cactuses, agaves and aloes were chosen with great success. Originally called the Exotic Garden, it was renamed Garden of Eze in 2004.
Above the gardens are the ruins of a castle built during the second half of the 12th century by a noble family of Eze. The castle was destroyed in 1706.
The views from the top make the steep climb worthwhile.
We had one last look at Eze on the way back to the main road, and home to Bagni di Lucca. This was our second visit to Eze, it won’t be the last.
Exquisite Eze.
Loos like a must see place…..
By: Kirsi Säde on August 13, 2015
at 9:59 am
Eze is gorgeous, you must go.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 13, 2015
at 10:06 am
Beautiful places and beautiful photographs. Last night I heard that there was a flood and storm in the south of Italy, dear Debra, it was announced on the news… I hope nothing happened in your lovely town. Thanks and Love, nia
By: niasunset on August 13, 2015
at 10:02 am
Thank you for your concern. There has been rain in Bagni di Lucca, which was needed, but I have not heard of any problems in the village. I look forward to being back there in a few weeks.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 13, 2015
at 10:07 am
I am glad to hear this dear Debra, I saw in the news, the cars were floating… but there was not any one died or injured… Have a nice and safety travel to back home, Love, nia
By: niasunset on August 13, 2015
at 11:11 am
I remembering visiting there in the late 80s and nineties. Very special how that gorgeous village is perched on that rocky slope overlooking the sea. Chanel did series of ads there way back. Beautiful part of France.
By: Dianne Cant on August 13, 2015
at 10:17 am
We love Eze. We will definitely return.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 13, 2015
at 10:32 am
Fabulous
By: Kerry & Jim on August 13, 2015
at 12:08 pm
Eze is stunningly beautiful.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 13, 2015
at 9:01 pm
It is a beautiful place and your photos show it. Eze belonged to the Grimaldi family up until 1848.
By: Mulino Dominillo on August 13, 2015
at 12:17 pm
I’ll bet they were sorry to lose Eze.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 13, 2015
at 9:01 pm
Just another one of your lovely posts. You really capture the essence. Thank you.
By: Anonymous on August 13, 2015
at 1:09 pm
The tiny streets there are full of gorgeous things to photograph.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 13, 2015
at 9:02 pm
top of the world
By: The Daily Cure on August 13, 2015
at 1:26 pm
The views from the very top are wonderful indeed.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 13, 2015
at 9:03 pm
I was in Monaco 12 years ago and that whole is is just so beautiful. thanks for showing it to me again. George Miori
By: george Miori on August 13, 2015
at 4:14 pm
We have been to Monaco a couple of times. It is beautiful too, in a different way.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 13, 2015
at 9:04 pm
I can see why you’d want to go again
By: Mallee Stanley on August 13, 2015
at 4:16 pm
There are a couple of fabulous restaurants at the top…another reason to return.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 13, 2015
at 9:05 pm
I just loved this peek at Eze! This lovely village was featured on a travel program I saw a few years ago and I was immediately fascinated. They said it is a popular stop for tourists, but it looks like you had the place all to yourself.
By: Jackie Cangro on August 13, 2015
at 5:18 pm
We arrived in the late evening and found the village fairly empty and we were up early the next morning to explore and it was still quiet, but the crowds began to appear mid morning. I always try to get people free photos.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 13, 2015
at 9:07 pm
Yes very special
By: Lyn on August 13, 2015
at 7:36 pm
It is a beautiful place…like a postcard.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 13, 2015
at 9:07 pm
What an amazing place, Debra! The views from the top are breathtaking. 🙂
By: anotherday2paradise on August 13, 2015
at 8:27 pm
We were there very early in the season. It would be very crowded in the high season…it is easy to see why.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 13, 2015
at 9:08 pm
My goodness, it really is perched on a pinnacle. What a stunning place. I love the red, white and blue pots and the garden with the dolphin fountain and….. – pass the bucket list please.
By: Jan on August 13, 2015
at 9:30 pm
There is a lot to love in Eze.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 13, 2015
at 9:37 pm
Memories! I went there years ago, I see it hasn’t changed and is still one of the prettiest places on earth. Lucky you Deb. x
By: Liz Golding on August 13, 2015
at 9:40 pm
It is a stunning place, one to keep returning to.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 13, 2015
at 9:56 pm
Oh yes, passing my days here would be no problem at all. Exquisite photos Deb.
By: janinevasta on August 14, 2015
at 11:11 am
Eze is a beautiful place to visit. It may be a bit irritating for the people who live on the rock, but at least they get it mostly to themselves at night.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 14, 2015
at 1:04 pm
One of my favorite places on earth. The first time I was on the Cote d’Azure I was enchanted. A simply splendid place to visit. Love the pictures. I want to go back!
By: Simply Splendid Food on August 14, 2015
at 12:50 pm
It is an incredibly beautiful place. We will definitely be back.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 14, 2015
at 1:05 pm
I love that you show us places that I’ve never heard of before. Definitely off the main cities. Thanks Debra 😀
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on August 14, 2015
at 11:20 pm
Breathtaking photos! I especially adore the dolphin fountain and the small yard with the wildness of a ravine next to it. Stunning…
By: timelessitaly on August 17, 2015
at 5:29 am
Oh wow! It looks stunning. Now I can’t wait for next week. Caroline
By: From a Tuscan Villa on October 18, 2015
at 6:45 pm
I’m sure you will love Eze.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 18, 2015
at 7:26 pm
[…] stayed the night at Eze, a beautiful little town perched on top of a rock overlooking the sea near […]
By: A year of travel | Bagni di Lucca and Beyond on December 26, 2015
at 1:19 pm