The pretty medieval village perched on a cliff edge that has French Riviera views

It’s no secret that the south of is a spectacular holiday destination full of beautiful landscapes that border the . 

Cannes, Marseille and are just some of the popular in the area, and they attract millions of visitors every year.

And just a 25-minute drive away from Nice, on the gorgeous , there’s a small medieval village which sits on the mountainside, that is definitely worth adding to your bucket list. 

Eze is a beautiful village which dates to the Middle Ages. The village is also sometimes described as an “eagle’s nest” because it sits on the mountainside 1,401 ft above sea level. Its location offers incredible views of the Mediterranean. 

In a place that holds so much history, there is so much to explore. Through the years until the present day, its ancient past has been cherished through the village’s culture and architecture. 

The Chapelle de la Sainte Croix is Eze’s oldest building, constructed in 1306. The pretty bell-tower church holds many tales. During its construction, the region was suffering from a plague, and so an association which helped the sick and poor called the White Penitents of Eze would use the church to aid those suffering from the disease. 

Today, the church is decorated with beautiful pebble mosaics a high altar, and a crucifix. It is recognised as one of the village’s many gems and a popular tourist site.

Cobblestone streets pave Eze, and it is strictly pedestrian-only, meaning you really get to take in the enchanting village. Dotting around are all kinds of shops and galleries, some even hidden in small basements. On a Sunday morning, the village has a small market of around 20 stalls offering both local fresh produce and carefully handmade crafts.

Eze’s Jardin Exotique (The Exotic Garden) is known as the village’s crown jewel. The garden’s panorama offers one of the best views of the French Riveria, extending all the way to the Esterel Mountains and the Gulf of Saint Tropez.

The garden is divided into two main sections according to the various species of plants there are to see. The southern side of the garden has plants from desert regions, whereas the northern side houses Mediterranean species. For €7 (£5.83), visitors can learn about all the different species, soak up some sunshine while admiring the views on a deck chair and admire the statues by poet, Jean-Philippe Richard around the garden.

Of course, the village is paired with some of the best beaches and coves. Eze-sur-Mer has beautiful pebbled beaches where tourists can relax after a hike or enjoy a picnic with loved ones. Along the beachfront, there is a selection of restaurants and bars, offering great spots to try out some fresh seafood and other local cuisine.