Page 60 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL SPRING 2025 GRAND VOYAGE

ranean ease, a city where even the sim-
plest walk feels effortlessly glamorous.
Gone were the summer crowds. Off-
season Nice felt more relaxed, allowing us
to take in the Promenade du Paillon, a
stunning urban park lined with fountains,
sculptures, and winding pathways. The fa-
mous Promenade des Anglais stretched
along the turquoise waters of the Mediter-
ranean, lined with elegant Art Deco build-
ings that seemed to belong in a vintage
postcard. And yet, for all its beauty, Nice
didn’t completely steal our hearts. The
scenery was lovely, but something was
missing—perhaps a little soul, a little un-
predictability.
Then we arrived in Èze, and everything
changed.
This medieval village, perched on a
steep cliff high above the sea, is about as
picturesque as it gets. Dating back to the
12th century, Èze was once a fortified
stronghold, built to defend against pirate
raids. Mary warned me about the steep
climb and endless staircases, but the
breathtaking views at every turn made it
worth the effort. Narrow cobblestone
streets twisted through the village, winding
between ancient stone houses, each corner
revealing another art gallery, boutique, or
hidden terrace.
At times, the setting felt almost unreal.
The entire town seemed like a living post-
card, where even the most ordinary cor-
ners were infused with history and charm.
The Jardin Exotique d’Èze, sitting at the vil-
lage’s highest point, was the crown jewel.
Founded in 1949 by Mayor André Gi-
anton, the Exotic Garden was designed to
be an oasis at the summit of the medieval
ruins. It offers some of the best views on
the entire French Riviera, with a panoramic
vista of the Mediterranean stretching end-
lessly into the horizon. Unlike a typical

60 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE SPRING 2025