Èze & Corniche Roads

Èze is a medieval eagle's nest — a tiny village (2,500 inhabitants) clinging to a steep rock at 427 m altitude, offering a breathtaking view over the entire Riviera. On clear days, you can see as far as Corsica. The narrow streets are car-free, the stone houses host art galleries, perfumeries, and small hotels. Èze is touristy, but rightly so — the atmosphere is unique.

The Jardin Exotique on the ruins of the medieval castle is the highlight: cacti and succulents from around the world, arranged among the wall remnants, with perhaps the most spectacular panorama of the entire Côte d'Azur. Friedrich Nietzsche is said to have conceived the third part of "Thus Spoke Zarathustra" on the way to Èze — the hiking trail from Èze-sur-Mer up is now called Sentier Nietzsche (about 45 min., steep but rewarding).

The Parfumerie Fragonard in Èze offers free tours of the production — from flower to perfume. In the shop, fragrances from €25, soaps from €5. Founded in 1926 in Grasse, Fragonard is one of the last independent perfume houses in France.

The Three Corniches

The most famous coastal roads in Europe connect Nice with Monaco/Menton on three different levels:

Grande Corniche (D2564) — the highest route (up to 520 m), laid out by Napoleon on the route of the old Via Julia Augusta. Spectacular views, little traffic. The car chase in "To Catch a Thief" (1955, Hitchcock) was filmed here. Grace Kelly tragically died on this road in 1982.

Moyenne Corniche (D6007) — the middle route passes through Èze Village. The best balance of panorama and driving comfort.

Basse Corniche (D6098) — directly along the sea through Villefranche-sur-Mer, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, and Cap-Ferrat. Best for relaxed cruising and swimming stops.

Jardin Exotique Èze: €7 (adults), €3.50 (children). Daily 9–18:30 (summer until 19:30). Fragonard: free, daily 9–18.