Clinging to a limestone outcrop at the edge of a cliffside road halfway between Nice and Monaco, the tiny medieval village of Eze is arguably the most picturesque perched village on the Côte d’Azur.
A Bit of History
The medieval village of Eze clings to the cliffside.
Like the rest of the French Rivera coastline, the Eze territory was populated since ancient times by the usual succession of occupants of the region. However, the first mentions of the village did not appear until the 10th century, after William of Provence drove out the Moors in 973. Then in 1388, the area fell under the jurisdiction of the House of Savoy, who built up Eze as a stronghold because of its proximity to Nice.
The ancient facades have remained unchanged for centuries.
Several centuries of tumultuous history ensued, with the village oscillating between French and Italian rule, until 1860 when Eze was officially designated as part of France by unanimous decision of the local population. But through it all, and although the French King Louis XIV had its castle destroyed in 1706, Eze remained an authentic fortified village.
Beyond the Postern
The Postern is the only point of entry to Eze village.
The only point of entry (or exit) of this “eagle’s nest” perched at the edge of a rocky peak some 427 meters (1400 feet) above the Mediterranean is through its ancient postern (narrow vaulted passageway). Once inside you are immediately transported in a world evoking tales of centuries long past. It is all steep cobblestone alleys at time morphing into steps, lined with tall limestone houses tightly pressed against each other. Exquisite wrought-iron street lamps hang everywhere. And centuries-old cacti and vibrant flowering shrubs claim every bit of unpaved earth.
The White Penitents Chapel
The White Penitents Chapel is the oldest building in the village.
As you wander the side alleys, you’ll come across the Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs (a.k.a Chapel of the Holy Cross). One of the oldest buildings in Eze, the chapel served as the headquarters of the brotherhood of the White Penitents of Èze. At the time of its construction in 1306, the region was ravaged by plague epidemics. The Penitents dressed in white robes and hoods to assist the sick.
The chapelle is closed by a wrought iron gate, but when the door is open you can have a good look at the interior, and admire the high altar with its and its crucifix of Catalan origin representing the smiling Christ.
Our Lady of the Assumption
Our Lady of the Assumption was build in the 18th century.
The village church, Notre Dame de l’Assumption was built in the 18th century on the site of the ruins of the previous one. Its elegantly simple neoclassical ochre stucco exterior stands in start contract with its decidedly baroque exterior. Its square two-levels bell tower was added in the 19th century.
A Museum-Village
The narrow lanes are lined with artist studios and boutiques.
With its famed medieval charm and breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean coast, Eze is one of the villages of the Riviera most visited by tourists. As a result Èze is often dubbed a “village-musée” as only a few residents of local origin actually live there. But the place is a source of inspiration for many artists, whose studios and works can be discovered in around the village. It is also home to a host of small boutiques run by passionate designers and craftspeople: jewelry, leather goods and accessories of all kinds.
Good to Know
Getting there — From Nice, it is best to take bus number 82 at the Bus Terminal Vauban for a 25 minute scenic ride to the entrance of Eze Village. The bus runs approximately every hour throughout the week. Note – the service less frequent on Sundays and national holidays
A Few Souvenirs
