Top of the most beautiful villages on the Côte d'Azur

Côte d’Azur village: ÈZE

A veritable eagle’s nest overlooking the Mediterranean, Eze is one of the most beautiful perched villages on the Côte d’Azur!

Like an eagle’s nest (or rather, a Phoenix’s nest, the town’s emblem), perched on a rocky spur, Èze will impress you from the moment you arrive. The old stones tell the story of its medieval past. The narrow streets lined with vaulted houses and numerous artists’ and craftsmen’s stalls give this perched village a special atmosphere of authenticity and tradition. On the ruins of the ancient fortress, its famous Jardin Exotique plunges into the sea, offering an exceptional view of the Cap Ferrat peninsula and the entire Côte d’Azur.

Côte d’Azur village: SAINTE-AGNÈS

Situated at an altitude of almost 800 metres, the perched village of Sainte-Agnès is nicknamed the “Balcony of the Côte d’Azur”!

One look at the nearby Menton coast is enough to understand why. The view from Sainte-Agnès is sumptuous. A breath of the French Riviera! It adds to the charms of a commune which, in addition to its title of ” Europe’s highest coastal village “, is officially listed as one of the ” Most Beautiful Villages in France “. A title that distinguishes the panorama as much as the pebble-paved alleyways, the century-old houses clustered around the glazed-tile bell tower, and the disused fort, the southernmost bastion of the famous Maginot Line. Don’t miss a visit to the medieval rock garden and castle ruins, offering breathtaking views of the Mercantour and the Mediterranean.

Côte d’Azur village: SAORGE

Clinging to the cliff, the village of Saorge is a striking example of medieval town planning!

Saorge is undoubtedly the most spectacular perched village in the Roya Valley. It was rebuilt after a major fire in the 15th century. A former stronghold, Saorge is bound to impress visitors on arrival. The ancient buildings and troglodyte streets take us back in time. From the Franciscan monastery to the Semite bath in the Roya and theBaroque church of Saint-Sauveur, it’s all a change of scenery. Please note: you’ll need to leave your car at the entrance to the village, as you can only get there on foot.

Côte d’Azur village: COARAZE

A village of sunshine, listed as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France” and on the Côte d’Azur!

Overlooking the Paillon valley at an altitude of 650 metres, the village of Coaraze is nicknamed “Village du Soleil”. Steep cobbled streets, vaulted passageways, stone houses or Italian-style plastered houses in blue, yellow and pink, and flower-filled squares have attracted numerous artists and personalities, some of whom, like Jean Cocteau or Ponce de Léon, signed the sundials scattered around the village.

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A publication shared by Absolutely Southern France (@absolutelysouthernfrance) on May 28, 2019 at 1 :27 PDT

Côte d’Azur village: PEILLON

Surprising is the word to describe this discreet perched village located 20 kilometers from Nice!

Deserving of its place among the most beautiful villages on the Côte d’Azur, the eagle’s nest of Peillon offers visitors a veritable journey back in time, with its winding lanes cut by vaulted passageways and wide staircases. Its tall stone houses, grouped together in a circular fashion, are literally one with the rock. Don’t miss the Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs or the Eglise de la Transfiguration at the top of the village (tours offered by the Syndicat d’Initiative). Don’t forget to climb up to the orientation table.

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A publication shared by Peillon (@peillonvillage) on April 22, 2017 at 9 :35 PDT