Kings, Pirates & Artists: A Trip to Èze & St‑Paul‑de‑Vence｜France

This is a journey through time, where we trace the footsteps of pirates, kings, and the world's most celebrated artists across two of the Côte d'Azur's most iconic perched villages.

In ÈZE:

We'll learn how the Saracens attacked Èze and the entire Mediterranean coast — and what tricks people used against them. You'll discover why medieval villages have those tiny doors and how one French king completely wiped the Èze castle off the map.

You'll see how in the 19th and 20th centuries, this village became an inspiration for the philosopher Nietzsche — and for a Swedish prince who wrote his travel stories in peaceful solitude here.

We'll find out how Èze became a favourite hideaway for celebrities in the 1950s. We'll explore the luxury hotels where American stars escape the paparazzi — and even visit the spot where a movie with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman was shot. And I'll teach you how to spot the celebrity superyachts parked just off the coast.

In SAINT-PAUL-DE-VENCE:

We'll learn about medieval tricks used in defence, why Saint-Paul-de-Vence was such an important town during the Renaissance, and the revolutionary wall fortification designed by King Francis I. You'll see the battle trophy the locals are still proud of.

We'll discover how this forgotten village transformed into a vibrant artistic centre in the early 20th century — and which legendary artists lived here. You'll hear about romantic stories that unfolded here and how a local restaurant became the place where the greatest artists and celebrities became lifelong friends.

We'll wander through galleries where contemporary artists still live and work — because Saint-Paul-de-Vence is still a village of artists. We'll visit the world's only Godet perfume boutique and learn how to see and understand art like an insider.