The Perched Villages of the French Riviera

Bonjour, eh! Toute va bien? Everything hunky dory? Good to see you. Ready for a hike? Charge your mug with some perky arabica and fill your backpack with a supply of virtual muffins for our trip up a couple of mountains.

One of the most endearing attractions of Côte d'Azur, also known as the French Riviera, in the Mediterranean coastline of the southeast corner of France, are its charming hilltop villages. 

Perched like hats on top of verdant hills, these villages combine the allure of medieval architecture with birds-eye views of the Riviera coast and mountains. 

Most villages emerged during the 12th and 13th centuries when peasants living in the coastal towns fled inland to the hilltops where they could protect themselves from pirates and marauding armies.

After a postwar period of neglect, the perched villages gained new life when the residents renovated the crumbling town houses to serve as second residences. Artists and artisans moved in and set up boutiques and galleries to show their wares. 

Now, most villages have a thriving commercial life catering to tourists, retirees, and part-time residents. Many villages still have buckled medieval walls and their crooked, cobbled streets are pleasant to stroll. 

I have had the privilege of visiting two of these - St. Paul de Vence in Provence. Absolutely enthralling.

The other was 'Eze' close to the city of Nice. Eze was named after the Goddess Isis and believed to have been established originally by the Phoenicians. There is a cactus garden open to the public halfway up, and a delightful restaurant called "Le Chevre D'Or" (and you almost have to be a Golden Goat to climb up that high!) at the peak with a magnificent view of the Mediterranean Sea far below.

Whew! I'm tired just remembering it!

See ya, eh!

Bob