FROM NICE TO EZE AND SAINT PAUL DE VENCE — MAY 11, 2026

The dictionary defines “nice” as Pleasant or Enjoyable. This is the most common modern usage of the word, meant to describe a positive experience or feeling. To use “nice” to describe our day would be doing a disservice to the spectacular locations we visited, our outstanding guide Mago, and the exceptional overall experience of our day. Even the weather was more than just nice!

I had arranged a tour with Mago, who is the owner of Unique Tours Riviera and also their top guide. Unique Tours Riviera

There were six of us from the ship, so we met at 7:15 to make sure we had plenty of time to tender into the port, which is in Villafranche. As it worked out, there was no wait at all. The port uses large port tenders which makes the process move much faster than when the ship’s lifeboats are used. We ended up getting to shore so early we had time to walk over to the open-air market and get coffee before our tour.

Shortly after we walked back to the port we met up with Mago and we were off on our tour to Eze and St. Paul de Vence. The weather didn’t look too promising at the beginning of the tour. Threatening clouds covered the landscape at our first scenic viewpoint, and we got rained on a little bit during the drive. The clouds couldn’t mask the stunning views though!

The drive to Eze wasn’t long, and the weather was turning around. Skies were clearing and even though the streets were wet it promised to be a beautiful day.

We got to Eze after a short drive and waited outside a grocery store while Mago parked the van. Everything looked so fresh and delicious!

Mago told us about the history and culture of Eze while we walked up the steep hill into the old town. Eze sits high atop a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and stunning countryside. Everywhere we looked we saw beauty and hints of life in the centuries-old walled village.

This might be a good time to mention that ancient castles, fortresses, and walled villages are not by any stretch of the imagination ADA compliant. Old limestone steps and paths are worn and uneven, and recent rain can make them slippery too. Handrails? Not many! I took things at my own speed, and it was really in Eze that I started feeling more confident about my ankle and steep slopes coexisting peacefully!

Eze is the location of La Chevre D’Or, a stunning 5-Star hotel built within the walls of Eze and cascading down the stone cliffs above the Mediterranean. La Chèvre D’Or

Ordinarily day tourists wouldn’t be allowed to access the hotel’s terrace cafe, but Mago “knows people” so not only did we take a refreshment break in a beautiful setting, we actually got to see one of the rooms in the hotel! We were reluctant to leave this amazing location, but we had many more things to see and our time was limited.

We opted for a quick lunch at La Premiere Boulangerie in La Turbie. It was delicious, and our entire lunch cost less than my drink at La Chevre D’Or!

Saint Paul de Vence is a beautiful Medieval village perched on a hilltop overlooking the surrounding countryside.

I found the cobblestone streets of Saint Paul de Vence to be wider and more walkable than the steep paths and stairs of Eze. Each street is filled with art galleries and shops featuring wine, cheese, olive oil, and handmade clothing and accessories. I thought it was a beautiful town in its own right with an extensive art history and culture, beautiful flower-lined streets, and many nooks and crannies to explore. I wish we could have taken more time in Saint Paul De Vence…we’ll have to go back!

Mago took us back to port through Nice so we could see a little of the famous resort town. Nice’s reputation is well-deserved. Stunningly blue water, a wide promenade overlooking the sea, top notch art museums, and world-class restaurants and hotels make Nice a draw for travelers from around the world.

Alas, all good things must come to an end, and we said our good-byes to Mago after a fantastic day. I would love to visit the area again, and I wouldn’t hesitate to spend another day (or days!) with Mago. I can’t imagine our day could have been any better!