Discover the village of Èze
Eze village, an exceptional site
Situated at an altitude of 429 meters, Èze overlooks the Bay of Villefranche and the Mediterranean. Its strategic location earned it the nickname “the eagle’s nest”. Today, it attracts visitors fascinated by the combination of stone and sea horizon.
Eze, a thousand years of history
The site was occupied in ancient times by the Ligurians, then by the Romans. In the Middle Ages, it became a fortified village, with a castle whose ruins still dominate the summit. Dismantled in the 18th century, the castle gave way to today’s Jardin Exotique.
Visit the village of Eze
Its narrow cobbled streets, arcades and craftsmen’s workshops offer a preserved medieval atmosphere. Èze is also linked to the perfume industry: Fragonard, Galimard and Molinard perpetuate this tradition.
Introducing the Jardin Exotique d’Eze
The exotic garden of Eze, André Gianton’s initiative
In 1949, Mayor André Gianton launched the creation of the Jardin Exotique on the ruins of the château. He called on Jean Gastaud, creator of Monaco’s Jardin Exotique, to plant succulents and succulents from all over the world.
A harmonious layout
The garden blends into the rocks and ruins, with panoramic paths and terraces. In the 2000s, artist Jean-Philippe Richard installed his feminine terracotta sculptures here, reinforcing its poetic dimension.
Botanical and aesthetic riches of the Exotic Garden
Plant diversity
The garden features cacti, agaves, aloes, euphorbias and Mediterranean plants such as olives, lavender and bougainvillea. These species thrive in the mild Côte d’Azur climate.
Shapes, colors and harmony
The layout emphasizes contrasts: slender columns, rosettes of agave and cushions of cactus. Bright red or yellow blooms stand out against the deep blue of the sea, creating a lively tableau.
Jardin Exotique d’Eze, a dialogue between art and nature
Jean-Philippe Richard’s female statues add a meditative dimension. Facing the horizon, they seem to invite visitors to contemplation and silence.
The Jardin Exotique d’Eze, a place of heritage and contemplation
One of the finest panoramas on the Côte d’Azur
From the top of the garden, the view stretches from Italy to Cap Ferrat, and sometimes as far as Corsica. This panorama is one of the finest on the Côte d’Azur.
Valuing the past
The medieval ruins were not rebuilt, but integrated into the garden. This fusion of history and plants makes the site a singular place.
Cultural tourism in Eze
The garden welcomes thousands of visitors every year. It offers guided tours and educational panels, reinforcing its scientific and educational role.
A universal symbol
Èze and its garden illustrate the human ability to transform a place of war into a place of beauty and peace. The diversity of plants symbolizes the harmony possible between cultures and nature.
The Fragonard Perfumery in Eze
Located in a picturesque hilltop village on the Côte d’Azur, it offers an immersion in the art of traditional perfumery. Discover the secrets of distillation, the creation of unique fragrances, and a living museum that blends history, craftsmanship and French elegance.
To prepare your visit to Eze
Eze Tourist Office: Place du Général de Gaulle – Tel: 33 (0) 4 93 41 26 00
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