If you think France is only about Eiffel tower, Wine, Cheese and branded stores then you surely haven’t seen the real essence of France. The real France is about the sparkling Mediterranean sea, blue skies, well defined soaring mountains, beautiful ruins, rich history, picturesque landscape and bright sunny sea shores all these represent the true spirit of the French Riviera, encapsulated by the stunning village of Eze, France. Last year I visited the villages of southern France which are truly blessed with ancient medieval charm and peace. After seeing the opulence and glamour of Monte Carlo [Monaco] we stopped for 3 hours in Eze, which was like a breath of fresh air on a hot summer day .
Eze village
Eze is a hill top village with stone walls [12.5 km] from Nice[ by road],France built in 12 century located on a high cliff offered a stunning view of the Mediterranean sea. This village is basically the ruins of a huge mountain top fortress which has been amazingly remodeled with cobblestone path leading to lovely art galleries, souvenir shops, shops selling soaps and olive oil, cafes, bars, restaurants and most magnificent gardens. I being a shopaholic enjoyed shopping craft and jewelry. Surprisingly some shops are like tiny caves dug out of the rocky hill side.Browsing boutiques and antique shops was even fun. The best part of the village was that the credit cards were accepted. The luxury hotel,Chateau De La Chevre D'Or offers five star accommodation there and fine dining experience as well. There are 2 beautiful hotels on the top Chateau Eza [1920]and Chateau de la chevre’dor. This chateau Eza was once a winter residence of the prince Williams of Sweden. If you are a fan of perfumes and cosmetics, Eze also features a perfume factory "Fragonard “which is an interesting visit.
On further walking up got 360 degree view of the Mediterranean sea and mountains which is a must capture in your cameras .I found the place well steeped in History with bliss. The peaceful atmosphere brimmed me with life and energy. This village in my opinion is one of the best villages of France and a must visit in your itinerary.
SAINT PAUL DE VENCE
Saint Paul De Vence is another ancient medieval hilltop village of 16 th century 19 km from Nice, France.[little away from the coast].Known as a “village of artists “it’s been heaven for the artists, writers and poets. Some of them made their home .
The first glimpse of the village gave a majestic feel to start my journey up on the cobbled path through the old walls, carrying a map in my hand from the tourist office. The ancient medieval charm of this hamlet was no less than Eze village, surrounded by the niches of incredibly built stone fortress, the narrow stone houses dressed with green creepers, bright pink and purple bougainvillea blossoming, diffusing the air with refreshing floral scent.
The entrance of the village was like an entrance to any of the north Indian forts- a huge arched door. On further walking, it was pleasing to explore art museum, galleries and studios which studded the streets. Except for the ramparts and the typical old houses, today there were many upscale galleries owned by the local artists in the heart of the village. Make sure you can afford the pieces before you are tempted because they are exorbitant. Many interesting boutiques, antique and souvenir shops, alleyways are also lined up. To carry my memories back home of this ancient charm there could have been nothing better than souvenirs.
There was an array of cafés and restaurants and we too grabbed the opportunity to relish “crepes “and “Heinekens”[local delicacy] at La Colomb ‘d Or restaurant which it also caters varied European cuisines having gastronomical delights.. Further, got a breathtaking view of the valley which was worth capturing. Old tower, Dungeons and other structures were even fascinating. We even visited the main church, very simple inside and sat down for a while listened to the taped chants music, which was very soothing.
My visit to Saint Paul De Vence was one of the main highlights that i will remember vividly from my visit to this part of France ,where I loved unfolding the hidden Historictreasures.it is well worth visiting this famous atmospheric medieval village if you ever get a chance.
The hidden fact about these fortified villages is that after the fall of the Roman Empire, the area was threatened by the Barberians invasion so the local inhabitants built “perched villages” on the higher grounds of the region and today it relives the splendor of the bygone era.
Antibes
Antibes is another beautiful medieval town between Cannes and Nice .[27 km from Nice ]and has exotic sandy beaches with spectacular view of the Mediterranean sea .It is a home to the most exquisite yachts in the world. The town has remarkable vintage architecture, antique art collection and many fresh produce markets. We visited this place while returning from Cannes allowing ourselves about Two hours to explore the quite place on foot. A tour around this place is best when done closer towards dusk.
A visit here is the Chateau Grimaldi known for its iconic sky line views. Mussee de Picasso for housing collection of Picasso‘s artifacts and delightful sculptures along the cobbled pathways. Another interesting place is the Port Vauban which has the largest marina in the Mediterranean sea with most luxurious yachts in the world .Since we had time, we explored the walk to Fort Carre, along the historic wall which gave a royal feel.
Further in the town, the streets were littered with cafes and restaurants, few serving the local French delicacy “Crepes” while others served the Mediterranean cuisines. The ice cream of ‘Gelaterian Del Porto” is a must have as all the ice creams are home made with fresh local and seasonal products which were apt to match my palate.
Antibes offered a serene atmosphere with added leisure hence soaked me in the charm of this picture “Post card town’’
CANNES
Cannes is a glitzy coastal town near Nice, where worlds oldest and prestigious film festival takes place at Palaise de festival.It is an impressive complex of buildings with huge hoardings at the front adding the grandeur to the venue. Celebrities from all over the world grace this place every May and walk the red carpet that leads up the staircases to the main auditorium. Even if you go there when the festival is not operational,you can certainly smell the glamour in the air. The red carpet is left on the staircases throughout the year and its quite hard task to resist posing for photographs there. So even though i am not a celebrity, I can proudly claim to have been photographed at the venue of “Cannes International Film Festival’’.
Another added attraction of this place is also rows of cement slabs which have hand prints of celebrities on each one of them. There are too many famous celebrities hand-prints to count including Sharan Stone and Bruce Willis.
In the vicinity the streets are tucked away with luxurious designer stores, hotels and beach clubs are lined up. Among the best luxury hotels in the world “Hotel Du cap, Eden rock is here right on the coast of Mediterranean overlooking the sea and surrounding the yachts. The special feature is that many celebrities stay in this world famous hotel. For the adventurous travelers, hiring a yacht is an amazing fun luxury activity which ensures the best way to enjoy south of France. Our visit to Cannes was for only two hours, yet very enchanting and glamorous.
My experience to these towns and villages was beyond wildest expectations. I was overwhelmed by the bliss of these towns and hamlets. If you are fed up the museums, monuments and expensive shopping malls, then is the place to visit. It is a place replete of historic past where you are embraced with tranquility. Such villages should be promoted from the point of tourism and should definitely be on every tourist map.I truly believe that these hamlets are the real “Gems of southern France.”
Nice is a glittering capital city of this region and acts as a centre point to explore these places of attraction with very efficient road and rail connectivity.
Things to remember:
Carry a drinking water bottle. Wear comfortable pair of shoes as these villages have steep inclines and many stair cases to climb.
Advisable to visit Eze and Saint paul de vence in the morning time to avoid afternoon crash.
Advisable to take guided day tours to visit these towns and villages.
Do take the maps of village from the tourist office at the bottom [Eze and Saint Paul de vence ] to avoid confusions.
“An untouched village beauty with sun- kissed shores, mosaic of landscapes, Reel world glitz, swanky Yachts moored up by the Mediterranean were the exotic high lights and a reality to be cherished forever.”
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