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Èze Village Guide – Côte d’Azur Hidden Gem Èze is, in many ways, the quintessential hilltop village of the French Riviera—yet it is also one of its most striking. Its history stretches back to around 2000 BC, when the first settlers, believed to be Greeks, arrived. They were followed by the Romans and later the Moors, who were eventually driven out in the 10th century by William I of Provence. Over the centuries, the village was repeatedly occupied by French and Turkish forces, until in 1706 Louis XIV ordered the destruction of the fortified walls during the War of the Spanish Succession. In 1860, the inhabitants of Èze voted unanimously to become part of France. At its most defensive, Èze was a true stronghold. High stone walls and ramparts surrounded the village, designed as a last refuge for its residents. Built dramatically along the edge of steep cliffs, it could only be accessed from a few directions—each heavily fortified. A narrow footpath led up to the entrance, offering an additional layer of protection against invaders. Today, those turbulent times feel distant. Èze has transformed into a refined destination, known not for its fortifications but for its atmosphere—boutiques, art galleries, elegant cafés, and carefully curated restaurants now line its medieval streets. Located just a few kilometers from Monaco and rising more than 420 meters above sea level, it’s no surprise the village is often called the “Eagle’s Nest.” From here, the views over the Côte d’Azur are nothing short of extraordinary. Entry into the village is through a 14th-century gate, where thick sandstone walls immediately create a sense of coolness and calm. Inside, narrow cobbled lanes wind upward, leading past small shops, galleries, and façades draped in vibrant bougainvillea and climbing vines. The contrast between the rugged stone architecture and the vivid Mediterranean colors gives the village its unmistakable character. Dominating the skyline is the Église Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption, built between 1764 and 1778. Its elegant yet understated interior invites quiet reflection, with a series of small chapels dedicated to different saints and purposes. Painted depictions of locally revered figures are framed in stucco and faux marble, while subtle historical references—such as an Egyptian cross—hint at the area’s ancient past. The church’s bell tower remains both a spiritual symbol and a visual landmark for the village, and it was officially recognized as a historic monument by the French government in 1984. As you climb higher through the village, the views gradually open up. The true highlight, however, lies at the very top: the Jardin exotique d'Èze. Created in 1949 on the ruins of the former castle, this terraced garden is home to an extraordinary collection of cacti, succulents, and drought-resistant plants from around the world. Against the deep blue backdrop of the Mediterranean, the interplay of shapes, textures, and colors feels almost like an impressionist painting brought to life. The garden is more than just a visual experience. Sculptures placed throughout the landscape, quiet corners for contemplation, and the ever-present sea breeze create a sense of calm that contrasts beautifully with the village below. It’s a place to pause—not just to admire the view, but to fully absorb it. Walking through Èze, it’s easy to lose track of time. Cobblestone paths, wrought-iron lanterns, pastel shutters, and flowers spilling from every corner create the feeling of stepping into a living museum. Artists, thinkers, and visitors have long been drawn here, including Friedrich Nietzsche, who found inspiration in the dramatic landscape and its ever-changing light. Èze today is no longer about defense—it’s about experience. A place where history, architecture, and nature come together to create one of the most memorable destinations on the French Riviera.

Èze Village Guide – Côte d’Azur Hidden Gem

Èze is, in many ways, the quintessential hilltop village of the French Riviera—yet it is also one of its most striking. Its history stretches back to around 2000 BC, when

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Easter in Florence: Scoppio del Carro & Tuscany Itinerary

Easter in Florence: Scoppio del Carro & Tuscany Itinerary

Tomorrow, Emily Carter and James Walker arrive in Florence to begin a journey that will take them across Italy for more than a month. When they reached out asking me

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Glicine Season in Florence: Villa Bardini in Bloom

Glicine Season in Florence: Villa Bardini in Bloom

When the city suddenly shows a different side of itself. There are, of course, smaller hidden spots where you can come across beautiful pergolas – I share some of these

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10 Day Morocco Itinerary: From Marrakech to Fez, the Sahara and Chefchaouen

10 Day Morocco Itinerary: From Marrakech to Fez, the Sahara and Chefchaouen

A personal travel journey through the Atlas Mountains, the Sahara, and Morocco’s most fascinating cities By Olivia Bennett I left for Morocco without many expectations or elaborate plans. The journey

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Sanremo Italy Travel Guide – Sanremo Music Festival, Riviera dei Fiori & Hidden Gems

Sanremo Italy Travel Guide – Sanremo Music Festival, Riviera dei Fiori & Hidden Gems

Sanremo – Where Italy Escapes Into Songs and Flowers There is a Ligurian town that, every February, becomes Italy’s living room. A place where songs tell and retell the country’s

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Doha

Doha in 3 Days: The Perfect 72-Hour Stopover in Qatar After the Maldives

Olivia Bennett’s Travel Diary – 72 Hours in Doha, Qatar The Qatar Airways stopover flight was a brilliant idea. I didn’t have to travel for 30 hours straight or spend

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Cervia, Italy – 2 Days of Salt, Sea & Timeless Traditions

Cervia, Italy – 2 Days of Salt, Sea & Timeless Traditions

Cervia – the City of Salt and Sea Have you ever been to Cervia? I hadn’t—until just a few days ago. On our way back from Ravenna to Tuscany, we

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Two Days in Ravenna, Italy – Art, Mosaics & Culture

2 Days in Ravenna, Italy – Art, Mosaics & Culture

Ravenna Beyond Tuscany: A Mosaic City That Changed Our Italian Journey They reached out from the United States with an unexpected message.We finally have time. Tuscany was the plan —

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Maldives Travel Diary: Vaavu Atoll Through the Eyes of Olivia Bennett

Maldives Travel Diary: Vaavu Atoll Through the Eyes of Olivia Bennett

Living the Life That Fits My Dreams — Even in the Maldives “I want a life that fits my dreams — and honestly, it still works perfectly in the Maldives.”

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Joie de France Magazine

Spring has arrived in France — Joie de France Magazine – Spring 2026

French Art de Vivre, Travel & Recipes There’s a particular kind of light in France in spring. Softer mornings. Longer lunches. Markets slowly filling with colour. The Spring 2025 issue

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