Èze, Medieval village on French Riviera, Alpes-Maritimes, France
Èze is a commune on the French Riviera in the Alpes-Maritimes department between Nice and Monaco, clinging to a rocky outcrop above the Mediterranean. The stone houses press close together and are linked by narrow stairways and tight passages that wind uphill.
Archaeological finds point to settlement as far back as the Bronze Age, and in the late 14th century the House of Savoy strengthened the fortifications. The old fortress was later abandoned and fell into ruin, while the village below developed into a residential settlement.
The name may come from a Phoenician goddess, though today the village is known mainly for its narrow alleys and artisan workshops. Visitors come across small gallery studios where local craftspeople make ceramics, jewelry, and woven textiles, often keeping the door open while they work.
Climbing through the alleys requires sturdy shoes and a degree of fitness, as the stairs are steep and uneven. Those who come early in the morning or outside the main season can explore the paths without large crowds.
At the upper edge of the village stands an exotic garden on the foundations of a medieval castle, gathering cacti, agaves, and succulents from several continents. Among the plants stand sculptures by artist Jean-Philippe Richard, depicting female forms in iron and stone.
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