The exotic gardens of Eze, also called the Jardin Botanique d’Eze is an extraordinary botanical garden seemingly hanging between the sky and the sea in Eze in the far south-east corner of France, on the Côte d’Azur, just above Monaco.
The garden, created after World War II in the ruins of the town’s castle by town mayor André Gianton and Jean Gastaud of the Jardin Exotique de Monaco, is located on the steep hillside of the perched medieval village of Eze. From its height at just over 400 meters, it offers breathtaking panoramic views plunging dramatically down to the shining azure sea, along the coast from Italy to St Tropez and even out to Corsica on a clear day. Owing to its dry, warm and sunny orientation the plants are comprised mainly of impressive cacti and succulents from the Mediterranean region, Africa and the Americas….
The garden is not only about plants however as it is punctuated with places to relax and places to reflect upon art. Stylish pathways weave around the cliffside and below the castle ruins lies a quiet contemplative space beautifully designed to chill out and luxuriate in the phenomenal view. Water mirrors, vaporisers and a small waterfall cool the arid atmosphere during the hot summer months and simply look pretty out of season.
You’ll find ergonomic teak beds to lounge on and when I visited with my son we lay back and indulged in a moment of pure relaxation, immersing ourselves in the silence and unbeatable views. We were lucky as we were alone, I don’t suppose we would have been in July or August.
The park is peppered with elegant sculptures of Earth Goddesses by Jean-Philippe Richard which coexist in harmony with the exotic aloes, agaves and cacti high above the Mediterranean sea. My 9 year old and I really enjoyed getting lost in the myriad of twisting paths, suddenly coming across a lovely statue or unusual bench, or just another staggering view.
“From the sun I learned this: when it goes down, it pours gold into the sea out of inexhaustible riches, so that even the poorest fisherman still rows with golden oars. For this I once saw and I did not tire of my tears as I watched it.” Moving words by Nietzsche (Thus Spoke Zarathustra) inspired by the view from what is now the exotic gardens of Eze. Fine endorsement indeed, if Nietzsche did not tire of this view then how can we?
I visited the exotic gardens of Eze on a sublimely beautiful late autumn day in November and my photos were all taken then. I’d love to go back in spring to smell the jasmine and summer to see the bougainvillea but I think you’ll agree that even late in the year it’s a stupendous place to be. The village of Eze is impressive in its own right but what makes it unique is le jardin. It is unfortunately a little on the pricey side I think at 6€ (2.50€ for students, free for under 11s) but nevertheless worth it and a gorgeous day out from Lou Messugo.
Have you been to Eze or visited any other unusual gardens recently?
Further Reading
Ste Agnès: The Highest Coastal Village in Europe
Postcards From Aix-en-Provence
Discovering the Lovely Provençal Town of Fréjus
Why not Pin this for later
I haven’t explored this part of Europe yet, but oh my goodness it looks like somewhere between the desert-like terrain of Tenerife mixed with the coastline of a Greek island! So gorgeous and I can almost feel that sunshine on my face as I sit here in a cafe in London with my winter coat on. haha. Lovely photos, of the plants and pathways and smiles. #farawayfiles
wow, these gardens look magnificent, and those views! This looks like a place our entire family would love, but definitely my husband who loves to garden! I’m saving this one! #farawayfiles
What a gorgeous find! I’ve never heard of this spot but it’s really impressive! #FarawayFiles
We visited these gardens years ago when staying in a hotel in Eze – those were the days pre children when we did such lovely child free breaks! One of the band U2 had just got married in the gardens shortly before our visit. Your post reminded me of a lovely time, beautiful views from Eze, strolling the cactus gardens and enjoying the bounty of the South of France. I’d love to return one day! #FarawayFiles
What a beautiful place, I could just imagine sitting on those sun loungers taking in the views, it certainly doesn’t look like November! #FarawayFiles
What a beautiful garden, Phoebe, and that view is to die for. I’ve not been to Eze. It’s definitely somewhere I’d love to visit especially if we were able to see it in wintry sunshine like this. What a tonic it would be! Thanks so much for sharing on #FarawayFiles. Definitely a goodie!
What beautiful gardens! My brother’s doing a bit of a road trip through France at the end of the year I think. I’ll send this to him as a stop over! #FarawayFiles
Oh that blue sky!!! They look stunning. We often visit Les Jardins suspendu de Marqueyssac in the Dordogne – another set of hanging gardens – with stunning views over the Dordogne river. I’d love to swap that view for the Cote D’Azur one day. #FarawayFiles
wow so beautiful, looks amazing, thanks for post.
It sure was a wonderful day Cathy!
It was a lovely day but not unusual for November around here.
I can just hear your enthusiasm! Thanks for your lovely comment!!
This looks absolutely amazing, so unusual – and what a glorious day. #mondayescapes
This place is sooo beautiful! I looove the pictures, so many amazing views from up there 😀
I can’t wait to visit Eze one day!!
Thank you once again for linking up with #MondayEscapes 😀
What stunning photographs – I can’t believe it was November when you went – looks so gorgeous and warm. I love those words from Nietzsche. I need to visit Eze one day! #mondayescape
Thank you Leibfred.
The photos are breathtaking. I can see myself basking on one of those teak beds in the sun and looking out over these beautiful gardens.
I know what you mean Betty! I must say I do love the climate where I live!
The teak beds were very inviting. We spent quite some time there.
Don’t we all Agata!! 😉
Thanks Michelle
🙂
Thanks Mary. The gardens aren’t so well known as the village itself, but are certainly worth visiting.
It is very exotic for the area, more known for lavender, rosemary and other Mediterranean plants.
Thank you Nayna
Thanks Catherine! he did really enjoy himself.
Eze is well known locally but more for its 5* star hotels and luxury lifestyle than these gardens.
Michele I’m glad you picked up on the crown photo too, it certainly wasn’t taken by accident!! It is an inspiring place.
I’m glad I made you feel like this! 🙂
Lovely dream Kriss…book a spring break now and make it a reality!
It’s a truly wonderful place to be. 🙂
Thanks! I love this part of the world too!
Thanks It was fun to set up and take! It is a wonderful holiday destination…and Lou Messugo is the perfect place to stay!! (Not that I’m biased or anything!!)
Dreams….if only we had private jets…!!
It must be time you came back then Iona! I’m glad I could remind you of a lovely place.
Indeed Sarah, there are so many things you can spend hours here.
Thanks for stopping by Elizabeth
Put them on your list Globalmouse!
Thanks Lucie 🙂
The location on the sea really does add an extra special touch to this place.
Absolutely Erica.
That’s so funny Liz!
Yes the sculptures work very well in this environment. I hope I’ve given you inspiration for your summer holiday…
Come on over then Angela!!
“Relaxation & repose” definitely on the agenda in this place!
The views really are spectacular.
thanks!
We did have a lovely day you’re right Marisol. If ever you come oveer this way then please look me up!
You must rectify this situation Lisa. St Agnès sounds good, thanks for the tip off. I must try and get there this spring.
I agree, I could never tire of it.
They certainly are Gemma!
Yes it’s really quite something.
You’re right about sensory overload Annie! It was fun getting my son to do the jump, we didn’t even have to try too many times!!
Good idea Richard…you’ll be fine with the vertigo, it’s not as alarming as it looks.
You need to come to Eze Rosie!!
Rosemary, we’ve had such a mild winter that had we gone back to these gardens last week we could have been in a t-shirt again, or on any other number of occasions since the visit in November! It really is a magical place.
Oh my — I wouldn’t mind being there right now. Sometimes “oh, but I love the SEAsons here” only goes so far….
How gorgeous! I’d love to lounge on one of those teak beds. Thanks for linking up this week. #TPThursday
what a stunning looking place and all this greenery… I wish I had garden like this
Your photos are amazing, what a stunning place! xxx
wow! such a beautiful garden!
Absolutely beautiful! I haven’t heard of these hanging gardens even though I’ve heard of Eze. What a great mom-son outing . Those views are just gorgeous. Beautiful photos, Phoebe.
What a wonderful place! It does seem a bit exotic and so diverse!
The place looks amazing and the photos are so scenic and beautifully taken.
Number two son obviously enjoyed these gardens and I’m sure I would too. But no way could I jump for joy like he did. What a photo.
What an interesting place to visit! I have never heard of this place. Love the catcus’ and what super views.
Your son seems to be jumping for joy that he’s at Eze, and I really like the photo with the “crown” of foliage rising up behind his head. These gardens are so pretty but not what I expected in France. I really like that quote from Nietzsche. It must be such an inspiring place.
It looks beautiful there, oh I could just go there right now. Lovely
I just want to be – right now – relaxing in one of those seats, soaking in the sun, taking in the view and be surrounded by fragrant plants!
wow! what a really lovely place to be! .. and its so my kind of garden!
Looks gorgeous and a very restful place to visit. Brilliant pictures. I love that part of the world.
Beautiful photo’s and my goodness it looks like a wonderful holiday destination! The action shot of your son is fab too 🙂
Oh wow! This place look absolutely beautiful! If I had a private jet I would go there now!
Oh my, I’d forgotten all about this place-I visited many years ago. Lovely photo’s of a beautiful spot.
Wow what an amazing and stunning place! So many things to look at and explore. x
So beautiful. I especially like the archway over the steps – so cute. #HDYGG x
This looks absolutely gorgeous. Your photos are brilliant. I’ve never heard of these gardens but would LOVE to visit.
What a gorgeous post!! Fantastic pictures!! It looks like an amazing place to visit!!
This is so gorgeous! The desert like atmosphere reminds me a lot of the southwest here in the US…but the fact that you have that beautiful sparkling water takes the cake!
Those seats are calling me. What a fabulous place to sit and drink in the view.
Absolutely heavenly!
Stunning pictures. When I saw goat cacti in Spain I was like a big kid thinking I was in a cowboy movie!
im dreaming of summer holidays now, i love how they picked up the structure of the cactus in the statues of the ladies very smart
wow it looks absolutely stunning! A place i could visit quite happily x
what a view!
it is paradise indeed! ^0^
i think more than anything it is purely for relaxation and repose.
i would love to visit this place sometime.
Absolutely stunning and a really good price. I love the views.
Oh wow that is absolutely stunning and what gorgeous photos. It sounds like you had a lovely time.
Hi Phoebe, wow, it’s good to know that this exotic hanging garden exists. It truly is lovely and its location between the sky and the sea is of exceptional beauty. I like those ergo teak lounge chairs; makes the garden more inviting to relax. Looked like you and your son had a wonderful day here. I love that quote from Nietzsche, a great endorsement indeed. I need to put Eze on my wish list.
I’ve been to Eze many times but never to the gardens. Must put that right this year! You ask about other gardens, as rather a contrast to Eze Hanging Gardens, I did visit the castle and medieval garden at St Agnès a couple of years ago, it’s a further climb up from the village and has wonderful views along the coast. The gardens were certainly not the calibre of Eze – and a young Australian man gathering “contributions” so that he could buy more plants and tend them! I will have to go back again to see how he’s doing!
Wow! This is a place I could sit all day and never get bored of the scenery it is stunning x
Oh wow, what an amazing place and look at that sky! Those teak beds look like the perfect place to sit and enjoy the view for a while…
What an amazing garden, so much history there.
Wow it looks like bliss – what a view – and I love the seats!I did a double take at the jump shot – epic skillz!
I love the height of it all , looking down like that on to the gardens is super enough, but to see the view as well – sensory overload! WOW – well I can see where I need to visit next then!
Thanks for joining in again lovely x
Maybe we’ll visit it when we’re next at Lou Messugo – if we can manage the vertigo.
Whilst I have never been to Eze, I was thinking today that I really do want to do more of our local gardens so was reading a leaflet whilst waiting for the school bus! I feel a blogpost may follow shortly!
Beautiful photos Phoebe. I can remember seeing a TV programme once about the garden. It looks magnificent. I’m terribly jealous of that T-shirt in November. Initiallly I was afraid you’d been there recently and I would never have got over it (not with Granada in the snow …).