For today's adventure we headed out to Eze, about 35 minutes by bus. First a few facts about the village:

• Eze is a medieval village perched on a narrow rocky peak overlooking the Mediterranean sea (almost 2,000ft above the sea)
• The area surrounding Eze was first populated around 2000 BC. The earliest occurrence of the name "Èze" can be found in the maritime books of Antonin as a bay called 'St. Laurent of Èze.' A hoard of ancient Greek silver phialai (drinking vessel), dating from 300 BC, was found, in Èze, in the late nineteenth century 
• The area was subsequently occupied not only by the Romans, but also the Moors, who held the area for approximately 80 years until they were driven out by William of Provence in 973.
• The ancient fortified village still has some of its its 12th-century fortified castle (most of it was torn down in 1706) 

Luckily I was able to rent a helicopter to bring you an aerial shot of Eze so you could get a better idea  :-)


Before I get too far, let's first talk about the bus ride. It travelled up the mountain and provided some pretty impressive views. (Note: pics taken from a fast moving bus so the image quality suffers)

Here is a view of the city of Nice in the background.

 

Eze has a large (and famous) Galimard Perfumerie shop located just before you enter the walled village. A few facts about the company: 

• Jean de Galimard lived in Grasse, France and in 1747 he created Parfumerie  Galimard.
• His company supplied the court of Louis, the well-beloved, King of France, with olive oil, pomades and perfumes from which he developed the first formulas. 
• Since perfume was used to scent the fashionable gloves, the industries literally grew together hand in hand. (There are lots of glove companies in the area)
• They make their perfume from the natural resources of area:  jasmine, rose, lavender, orange flower, and tuberose. 

Here is the shop:


Here is a shot from inside. They have 100's of different scents PLUS they can create a unique scent just for you! 


OK let's get going & visit Eze. Here are a few shots as you enter Eze (we have been to Eze several times and today was the busiest we have ever seen it.)




Just before you enter the fortification you will find a small path that will take you to the Nietzsche Trail. Friedrich Nietzsche lived in Eze for a few years and lore has it that he travelled down this path every day to go to the sea.

Here is a shot from the overlook at the trailhead. (Eze is to the right)


This was a perfect spot for lunch!

Sandwich Cam

Here is where I had lunch... how about you?


Susie found a boulder to sit on that provided some nice shade. Note the build-in can holder in the rock, how civilized :-)   (under her left hand)


This was a great spot to have lunch!


As we started to enter the fortification, I saw this...


This is the McLaren 650S. A few facts:

• It has a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine that generates 641-hp!
• 0-60 mph 2.9 seconds!!!!!
• Top speed - 204 mph!!!

This little bad boy will set you back $350,000!!!!!! 
Susie Please Please PLEASE  :-)

OK Back to reality (Susie said NO!) and on to the main part of Eze.

There are lots of narrow winding streets in the village with many boutiques (=$$$)

 
This entry way is covered with jasmine and the whole area smelt incredible. 










This guy had a bunch of cool 3D art.


I couldn't stop thinking about this classic Seinfeld episode. Historical reference:
 A few more shots:






I like this guy :-)




After a delightful day in Eze we took the bus back to Nice and had a lovely walk back to the apartment. A few shots a long the way.

A parking garage.


Practicing for Euro Cup 2030 :-) 

A Store Frozen In Time:-) 

This store only sells frozen food products... nothing else!
 
The shopping carts are insulated... how thoughtful! 

An Awesome Moon Over Nice

We had a pretty cool moon tonight. I was pushing my camera to the limit so the quality is so-so.


Have a great night.

Cheers,

-jj