The Exotic Garden of Èze – World-class views and botanical beauty

The Exotic Garden of Èze – World-class views and botanical beauty

High above the Mediterranean Sea in the picturesque medieval town of Èze, you’ll find one of the most spectacular botanical gardens on the Côte d’Azur: Jardin Exotique d’Èze. This oasis of exotic plants and sculptures sits at an altitude of 429 meters and offers breathtaking views of the coast from Nice to Saint-Tropez.

The old medieval town of Èze with the jardin exotique located at the top
Èze is a gem on the French Riviera, with the Jardin Exotique located at the top along with the ruins of the old medieval castle.

The exotic garden at the top of Èze

The exotic garden was created shortly after World War II when locals cleared the remains of the old fortress, which had its heyday in the 12th century. The rubble was removed and the site was transformed into a garden by bringing topsoil to the steep and difficult cliff top – all carried out by local men.

The garden not only tells a botanical tale, but also the story of how the rock has served for centuries as a protected refuge for the people of the area during hostile attacks.

historical-planche-exotic garden-eze
Informative posters guide you through the exotic garden – ©cityxee.com

Originally the dry soil and heat were ideal conditions for cacti, aloe and agave, but in 2014 the garden was expanded to the north with an area featuring waterfalls and exotic plants that thrive in shade and high humidity.

different cactus plants in Jardin Exotique in Èze and views of the Mediterranean Sea
The garden offers a wealth of impressive plants – here a collection of cacti with a spectacular view of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat – ©cityxee.com

Impressive views

The exotic garden is among the 20 most popular experiences on the entire Côte d’Azur. Here you can enjoy spectacular views of the French Riviera, stretching all the way to the Esterel Mountains and Saint-Tropez.

Orientation table with illustrations of the view from the exotic garden in Èze
Orientation table with information about the view from the exotic garden in Èze – ©cityxee.com

The garden in Èze is not to be confused with the exotic garden in Monaco, which is also worth a visit. This garden is expected to reopen in the summer of 2025 after being closed throughout 2021 due to extensive renovation work.

Prices:
Entrance fees vary between 4 and 6 euros depending on the season. Discounts are offered for groups and children, and dogs are allowed on a leash.

However, the garden is not suitable for people with walking difficulties.

By Mikael Mortensen – updated 2025

Other experiences in Èze
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