THE HISTORY OF EZE
The history
of Eze claims that the inhabitation on Mount
Bastide dates from 2000 BC and the Neolithic
Era. During the Iron Age the area was
populated by the Celto-Ligurians who began
building with stone on Mount Bastide where
you can see the ruins which are preserved
there today.
As in all of history, the chronicle of Eze is one of
settlement, occupation, expellment and
resettlement. The city was once home of the
Romans who were invaded by the Moors, who
were expelled by William of Provence after
70 years of occupation.
GETTING TO EZE
If arriving by tour bus or car, there is a decent size parking lot by the Tourist Information Office located near the Avenue Jardin Exotic & Moyenne Corniche. From here there is a modest upward walk of may be 150 yards before you enter the village proper.
TRAIN: From Villefranche Train Station Gare SNCF to Eze Gare SNCF (10 minute ride 1.5 Euro/Return 3 Euro) Take the train to Eze Bord de Mer--then bus No. 83 to the village of Eze.(20 minutes)
BUS: From Villefranche Bus Station is on Ave Foch next to pharmacy and Tourist Office: Take bus No.100 to Eze Bord de Mer (10 minutes 1 Euro /Return 2 Euro). Then bus No. 83 to the village of Eze.(20 minutes)
There are two Eze's. There's the perched village and its picturesque surroundings, called Eze Village; and there's the sea-side one, called Eze Bord de Mer (or Eze sur Mer) on the Basse Corniche. Èze Village is located halfway between Nice and Monaco on the summit of an imposing and superb cliff with a population around 3,000 craftsmen, artists and culinary chefs; yet only 15 work in the village year round. The rest of the population have residences spread over the three Corniches.
The old medieval village is entirely pedestrian. The shady, narrow streets are accentuated by several small town squares. Small stone lanes, arched passages, superbly restored stone-built houses (some resembling small caves dug in the rock), and refreshing old fountains are all around you. Your eyes will bounce from surprise to incredulity. Like a stage set , the village seems almost fake because of its beauty!
La Porte des Maures Gate Cobblestone Street
Souvenir Shops The little Musee de'Eze
Shops and restaurants
Passageways are emphasized by heavy wooden doorways, flowering vines climb the stone walls, cacti, and greenery are everywhere; hand-painted wooden signs announce shops, hotels and restaurants; and wrought-iron lanterns light the way in evening for the unaccustomed visitor. This lofty village of Eze drips with charm.
Gates and Entrances The Chateau de la Chevre d'Or hotel
Chapelle de la Sainte Croix
The oldest building in the village is the Chapelle de la Sainte Croix and dates back to 1306. Members of the lay order of the White Penitents of Èze, in charge of giving assistance to plague victims, would hold their meetings there.
The shape of the bell-turret is an indication that the village once belonged to the Republic of Genoa. Referred to as "the church" or "l'eglise" it was built in the 18th century by Italian architect Antonio Spirelli. It has a classical facade and baroque interior which shows signs of age and maturity but is worth a visit as it is in a lovely setting with some lovely views from across the square.
Chapelle de la Sainte Croix
The Fragonard
Perfumerie
The small village of Eze has two
perfumeries represented: Fragonard and
Galimard.
As you climb to the top to the castle ruins,
you'll pass the lovely shop of Fragonard.
This perfumerie has a factory you can visit,
as well, located on the Moyenne Corniche
between Monaco and Nice. The hours are
8:30am-6:30pm (closed 12noon to 2pm in
November-January). A free guided tour is
available to visitors. Fragonard's main shop is in Grasse,
France. Drop in on the
Fragonard or Gallimard Perfume Outlets to
watch the production process and shop the
fragrant collections.
These are
manufacturers of ingredients for the big
world-famous perfume house names.
The Fortress Ruins
The ruins of a former Saracen fortress with some of the original town walls still intact.
Built in the second part of
the XIIth century by the family of Eze, the
fortress belonged to Provence and was
guarded by the Castellans.
In 1706, during the war of succession of Spain, Louis
the XIV ordered the destruction of the
castle on the recommendations of the
Minister of War because of the strategic
location of the castle, between Villefranche
and Monaco.
The remains of the fortress are part of the
village that winds around the steep Mt.
Bastide which is over 500 feet above sea
level.
Jardin Exotique
The very highest point of the village to the botanical garden, is entry on foot only.
The garden is set on top of the hill on the grounds of the ruined 14th century castle and has many varieties of succulents and cacti. There is a 5 Euro entrance fee, but the gardens and view are priceless.
Along narrow streets leading up to the château at the peak of the village is the Jardin botanique d'Èze, known for its collection of cactus and succulents as well as its panoramic views. Ornamental pools, water vaporizers and aromatic oil diffusers add a unique, fresh note to this garden over the Mediterranean, where the earth goddesses by sculptor Jean-Philippe Richard live harmoniously among the exotic plants. This is the spot from which you have the magnificent views up the coast.
Goddess of the Garden View from the top
Looking down on The Moyenne Corniche and bridge which takes you to the Village of Eze
Hope your "Once upon a time, in the little Provençal village of Eze..." storybook adventure leaves you with many happy memories. I think you'll agree - it doesn't get much better than this!
