Three Lesser Known Villages On The Cote d’Azur
Alongside the ultra-glamourous and word-renowned towns of Nice, St. Tropez and Cannes on the Cote d’Azur, are a number of quaint and rustic villages. If you want to combine the glitz of the French Riviera with the traditional lifestyles parts of the South of France cling on to, take a look at the following three lesser known villages of the Cote d’Azur.
Eze
Back in the 13th century coastal pirates began to use the high cliffs along the Cote d’Azur overlooking the sea, as bases from which to raid. One of these eventually became Eze, and is noted as one of the major ‘Villages Perche,’ because it sits perched on cliffs, and almost appears glued to their sides.
Due to its relative inaccessibility, Eze was almost abandoned until the 1920s, when a road system was created and access to drinking water was provided. Now Eze is a popular village for tourists who can wander around its streets and pop into cafes and craft and art galleries.
The climate here is ideal for local vegetation to thrive, including bananas, carob and date trees, particularly in the botanical garden, Jardin Exotique Panorama.
Bormes-Les-Mimosas
A village of flowers, Bormes won the Gold Medal from the Entente Florale in 2003. It was the place that until 2013, the then French President would go to take his holidays. Bormes is ridiculously pretty, and is often compared to a Provencal nativity scene.
The village has been around a long time, and its labyrinth of tunnels and winding streets lead to enchanting hidden corners. If you can find it, there is a secret path up hill to the castle (Montée Du Paradis).
The houses in the village are painted in wonderful shades of Naples yellow and pink, and are all perfectly kept. There are numerous atmospheric restaurants to while away an hour or two with excellent French cuisine.
Vence
Vence could be called a little town, rather than a village, but the locals actually call it the ‘City of Art’. If you enjoy the work of artists such as Matisse, Chagall and Dubuffet, then you will see why this place attracts so many creative people. Vence has many galleries, in particular the Chappelle Matisse, or you can peruse one of the outdoor exhibitions often Ve
Vence is also steeped in history. It is one of the five medieval ports on this stretch of the coast. Throughout the village there are panels providing information on historical sites.
The Fountaine de la Foux, gets its mineral water from the La Foux River. It has become synonymous with health, and people often come clutching containers to take a supply away with them.